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NOW CLOSED Add your chocolate porridge feedback and win a £250 Amazon voucher

571 replies

TheOtherHelenMumsnet · 14/02/2012 18:44

This thread is for all the Mumsnetters that having been trying out Quaker Oat So Simple Kids chocolate flavour porridge with their DCs. Below are some questions for you to answer but please feel free to add any other comments you may have too.

Everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win £250 of Amazon vouchers.

Questions

  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw,
MNHQ

OP posts:
lucjam · 14/02/2012 20:09

Both DD and DS tried it. DD age 9 made it for them by herself, so the instructions etc were nice and easy to follow. Both of them were excited by the packaging, I don't normally allow chocolate cereal!

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance? DS point blank didn't like it. He said that 'it doesn't taste good'. He did like the bear on the front though. DD liked it but said no matter how much you stir it before or after cooking all of the chocolate powder doesn't get mixed in therefore some parts are too chocolatey and some parts are too plain. It could be stronger flavoured.

2. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product? I would buy it because it is wholegrain and lower in sugar, I already but the oats so simple original, sweet cinnamon and honey and almond so it is a brand/product I like and know well.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? Individual packaging isn't really environmentally friendly but it is nice to take to work or wherever. Like the bear concept assume it is a nod to Goldilocks etc.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? You could do a mixed box, so say 2 chocolate, 2 original, 2 sweet cinnamon etc etc.

PurpleKittyKnitting · 14/02/2012 20:15

no package for me yet either. Have they definitely all been dispatched?

vogonmothership · 14/02/2012 20:16
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
Too runny, didn't think it tasted like chocolate. Didn't have morethan a couple of mouthfuls. I thought it smelt a bit weird.
  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
Quick, filling, nutritious. Wouldn't buy the chocolate one again though. Blurg.
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? I like the retro feel to the packaging and the fact it wasn't a in yer face neon cartoon character style. I like the sachets as you don't hav eto measure. Usually the consistency is just right but for some reason the chocolate one is way too runny.
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Cutting out/doing things printed on box. Craft ideas to do with box. No free gift please - tat that pushes up price and gets chucked round the house.
SpottySlippers · 14/02/2012 20:17

Nothing here yet either Sad

lovebeingmum · 14/02/2012 20:18
  1. DS 1 took one look at it and said "it's yucky" depsite me telling him it's chocolate, he'd love it etc but he's nearly 4 and going through a phase of "I don't like it......". I think it was the porridge appearance that put him off, he's not normally a fan and I avoided using the word porridge with him.

However DS2 loved it ( nearly 2). Scoffed half a portion and then ate his brothers half a portion also . (Just made the one portion as a trial).

  1. Benefits to me are finding a hot breakfast cereal that I hoped both would enjoy. I have never bought a chocolate cereal and was pleased at the fact it wasn't overally chocolatey and looked more like porridge with a touch of chocolate. Didn't feel guilty feeding it to the children.
  1. Loved the packaging. Loved the fact I didn't have to guess at measuring out the milk or the amount of porridge. However, in practise , I did wonder about pricing vs buying a box of other porridges. On the down side, portions seemed a bit big for my young DC's and did not fit very well in a childs melamine bowl but boiled over when made.
  1. A way to make it more interesting may be to add some chunks of something kids could mix in afterwards or maybe individually degn the sachet packing so they could choose the sachet they wanted.

Thanks!

PurpleKittyKnitting · 14/02/2012 20:18

I am wondering if there has been a mix up as some people didn't get a confirmation email but got the samples, and some are expecting the samples but not got them

canihavesome · 14/02/2012 20:22
  1. They didn't like the colour, its sort of pinky brown rather than chocolaty brown.
Ds1 (porridge lover) thought it was weird (smelling and looking) and tasted of powder.

DD (porridge hater) thought it was 'disgusting'

Ds2 (porridge lover) cried Sad

  1. Its healthy and fills them up, nice on cold mornings. I give ds1 porridge in a flask on the way home from training at night when he is freezing. I would rather buy porridge with loads of chocolate in than a pseudo healthy cereal like bran flakes or even weetabix because I think the benefits of the oats outweigh the sugar etc.

Everyone liked the box. I'm not keen on the sachets because ds2 can't manage a whole one so I always have at least one half used one in the box. DS1 likes the sachets because he would find it hard to judge how much to use and how much milk otherwise.

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Put loads more chocolate in it, maybe whole pieces rather than chocolate flavoured powder, and possibly some hazelnuts. It just doesn't taste of anything much. Do something though, I saw choc brownie flavour on offer when I was getting my golden syrup porridge at sainsbo's and I didn't get any because I was put off by this one. If the chocolate flavour was the first oat so simple I tried I wouldn't bother trying the other flavours.

HelloShitty · 14/02/2012 20:23
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

DS (2.5) loved the whole idea of chocolate porridge and was mega-excited about trying it. He loves plain porridge oats with honey, so I thought we'd be on to a winner. I don't know why but I didn't expect it to be just oats with "chocolate" dust. The portion size was massive. I don't have that much porridge myself, and there was more than enough for 2 hungry children in one sachet. It didn't smell too good at any stage, but DS was happy to try it, and was going bonkers with excitement during the 15 mins I had to wait for it to cool down enough for him. His first words were "it's very very nice". He then went on to say "it's not chocolate". After 4 spoons he said "I want my Weetabix". Quaker - take whichever quote you wish! I and my DP both tried a spoonful, but decided to leave it at that. DS decided that he would have Weetabix the following day and hasn't wanted the porridge again.

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

I can't think of any benefits to be honest. Our whole family eats regular Quaker oats 2-3 times a week. I've seen Oatso Simple on the shelves, but never imagined it was just the same, but in a sachet. Why would people buy that??? Can't they see they're being ripped off??? As DS didn't want to have the chocolate porridge on the second day, there is no chance of me buying it again. Sorry.

  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

See my answer to question 2. I hate unnecessary packaging, and this product was a prime example of it. I don't like being told how much milk to put on my porridge either! On a positive note, DS loved the box and he keeps getting it out of the cupboard to talk to the bear (but not to partake of the contents unfortunately).

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Well, I guess making it taste of chocolate would be good? But then, as a parent, I don't encourage my kids to eat chocolate for breakfast. As I said, the idea of it, and the packaging really appealed to my 2 year old, so the concept is good. I give DS oats because they're healthy so I think a healthy addition such as dried fruit would be great. But I'll just stick to big box porridge and add my own bits and pieces. Sorry Quaker - but it's a duh-duh fail in the HelloShitty house.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 14/02/2012 20:24
  1. DD aged 2, ate hers up and she normally doesn't eat porridge. I did get her to make it with me so think she enjoyed the novelty factor . The portion was a bit big for her. It wasn't very chocolatey and I didn't really enjoy it.
2 it's quick to make and a warm filling breakfast. Dont know if I will buy the flavour again but I will buy oatso simple.
  1. Box was good and I love sachets of things! Useful to take when DD stays with my parents.
I had to put it in the microwave for longer than it said but maybe that's my microwave. It didn't splat though like a lot of porridge does.
MsMarple · 14/02/2012 20:25

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

My DS (3.5) wouldn't try it for ages, just sniffed it suspiciously. Finally persuaded him to taste a bit from a teaspoon but he wouldn't take any more. It has the same texture as the normal porridge oats we have, and he wouldn't be drawn on why he wouldn't like it, so can only assume it was either smell, colour, or general capriciousness of a toddler.

My DH on the other hand ate all of DS's, mine and his own in one sitting. He loved it but added more sugar. And cocoa powder. Which I suspect I probably could have done to plain oats just as easily.

On the other hand I thought it tasted miles too sweet, and therefore I wouldn't have been happy giving this to DS on a regular basis. Also it didn't taste of chocolate at all, more syrupy. I am also a bit suspicious of the term 'natural flavourings' without any specifics - after all arsenic is natural but I wouldn't want it on my porridge. Also whilst the size of the oats was great, I found the milk amount suggested made it too runny for my taste.

2. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

Sorry to say I can't see any benefits. If DS had liked it then maybe would have felt differently. As we haven't got a microwave it was no easier to make on the the hob than normal porridge - in fact normal porridge is still easy to make in the microwave. The ready measure thing wasn't useful either as it was too milky for me - usually I use twice as much milk as porridge, which is easy to measure and scale up or down depending on who is eating it. The only reason I would possibly buy it is if, say, some mad houseguest declared it was the only thing they would ever eat for breakfast - but I think that is unlikely.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

The individual sachets seem like a waste of packaging. I could see it being handy having sachets for an adult to take to work say, but as these are aimed at children am a bit stumped.

The outer box looked well designed, suggested a natural wholesome product, and the bear was popular with DS.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Some actual chocolate in the mix, or chocolate flakes to sprinkle on top of the porridge maybe. Really though, the only surefire way would be to hide a fully poseable superhero action figurine at the bottom of the bowl. But as you'd have to include 1 per sachet I think it could get pricey...

Anyway, sorry this review is so full of negatives. I did want to like it, but just couldn't. Thanks for the opportunity to try it.

aristocat · 14/02/2012 20:27

we are still waiting for the porridge too Sad

mamij · 14/02/2012 20:29

DD1 is 2 years and 3 months.

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

I was expecting something more substantial in the packet. It felt like I was pour out some powder with cocoa mixed in. It didn't smell very nice when it first came out of the packet, but smelt a bit better when milk was added. DD1 seemed to like the texture and taste, but commented "no chocolate". I don't like giving DD1 sugary breakfast cereals, but the product has to do what it says on the tin, which is for it to be chocolaty.

It was easy to pour out of the packet, but difficult to add milk to the 180ml line. I found 180ml to be slightly too much milk, making it too gloopy. I found adding about 150ml to be about right for DD1.

Microwaving it for 1 min 30 secs was too long. It bubbled over DD1's bowl and was way too hot for her to eat. The next time I tried 1 min, which I found was better.

There was also slightly too much in the packet for DD1 to finish. I would prefer a box, rather than individual packets, of porridge, which comes with a measuring scoop to measure out the porridge and milk to make things easier for busy mums! Having the scoop will allow mums to vary the porridge according to the appetites.

2. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

DD1 doesn't usually like breakfast cereals (preferring toast or eggs), so I was happy to test this product to try to get her to have something warm and nutritious to start the day. The fact that it is low in salt and sugar, is definitely a plus.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

DD1 found the box appealing, and would ask for the "bear's porridge" for breakfast.

The concept of pouring milk into the packet is good, but the packet is too flimsy. It wasn't easy filling it up without spilling anything, especially with DD1 jumping up and down, pulling my legs asking for breakfast!

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

DD1 seemed to enjoy the porridge initially. However, after about 3/4 days, she stopped asking for it and wasn't interested in it any more. If it comes in individual packets, perhaps there could be a mixed variety box to keep children interested in eating it, as every day could be different.

A colouring in section/games ideas on the inside of the box would be good, so children could play with it. Maybe a short cartoon strip printed on the packet or outside of the box to entertain children at the table.

bellatrixrocks · 14/02/2012 20:31

Questions

  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
*DD (2) was very unimpressed! She liked the packaging - the scary bear on the box! We made it together with much excitement, DD tried it happily (she'll always eat chocolate even though she is mega fussy! Unfortunatly, she spat it out and wouldn't eat any at all.... I quite liked it. It's not too sweet and I usually eat porrdge for breakfast anyway. It's quite nice with chopped bananas too.*
  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
It's really quick and easy to make. I like that it is all measured out & I don't have to guess how much milk to add.
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
We loved the bear! Nice packaging and neat little packets.
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
*dd would like it to be sweeter. She loves berries so a strawberry & raspberry flavour would be great. & blueberries too!
rexie · 14/02/2012 20:33
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
DD1 (3) didn't like the smell but loved the texture which was slightly smoother than ordinary porridge and must have liked the taste as she asked for it for breakfast this morning. DD2 wasn't so keen and she is not usually fussy. DS (age 14) wouldn't touch it as it smelt "weird".
  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
If I was making it for one child it would be very quick and easy, however, making it for three takes ages, especially if you take into account the cooling period. It is nuclear when it comes out of the microwave. I love the thought of giving my children a healthy breakfast but this somehow felt a bit wrong. Sweet chocolate for breakfast? I would buy the plain porridge as I really liked the concept.
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
Liked the way the box stayed closed and the packets weren't dropping out all over the place. Loved the measuring system, genius idea which saves on washing up. Would be a good idea to have larger sachets that would serve more than one child. Also portion size is only suitable for younger children.
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Think the elementary schoolboy error that Quaker have made is to assume that children do not like healthy food. Fruit pieces rather than synthetic chocolate would have more appeal to a lot of children or maybe separate chocolate powder/dried fruit that the kids could sprinkle and mix themselves.
UmmOfUmbridge · 14/02/2012 20:34
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

It really wasn't very chocolatey! It was a little slimy and nobody especially loved it. They thought the sweetness was about right but the texture put them off. Also there wasn't enough in the packet for them. My ds wanted 2 to make a decent size breakfast but he is a teen.

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
I liked the fact you could make it up without measuring jugs and just use the packet. This is a big advantage when rushing around on a morning.
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
As above although I felt there wasn't enough in the packets.
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Proper chocolate?
aftereight · 14/02/2012 20:34

I will answer without reading any other responses...

  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

They said it was "mmmm, chocolately", but one said it didn't smell much like chocolate (I agree, v strange smell)

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

Healthy, convenient product (porridge) with a notional chocolate taste to tempt children. Relatively low sugar, and liked that they didn't ask for their regular sprinkle of sugar, as on normal porridge

  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

They liked the bear, and the bear paw prints on the internal sachets. I really liked the bear artwork, contemporary and cool rather than the usual cartoony cereal packaging

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Box of mixed flavours, in multiples of 2 to avoid arguing in the average 2 child household. Bear paw stickers/fridge magnets alon the same lines as Innocent smoothies.

I will buy the chocolate porridge again, but the Fudge flavour sounds VILE!

Firawla · 14/02/2012 20:35
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

ds1 (3 years) was not keen and didnt even want to try it, even though he normally loves everything chocolate related but he said he wanted normal poridge instead. ds2 (2 years) chose this chocolate one rather than normal poridge but then he did not finish the whole portion, so don't think he was that keen. unfortunately he doesn't talk so couldnt get any comments from him. ds1 didnt give specific reason for not having it, only saying "i dont like it, its yucky" i dont think it would have been due to the texture as its quite similar to normal poridge (our normal is the quaker syrup flavour sachet ones) so maybe the colour or smell.
i found the taste okay although i do prefer the normal one that we have. dh also tried it and wasn't too keen. i think first time he tried it, found it okay then 2nd time he said no its not nice

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

if they liked it and ate it i would buy it, as i think its quite a good warm breakfast for them but as they dont seem to be eating it properly then i unfortunately will probably not be getting it again

  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

i like the packaging, thought the overall box looked quite good with the bear design. the individual sachets are good as it keeps each portion fresh and it doesnt spill in the cupboard or anything. the milk measuring method is good as it saves using another thing to measure so less washing up. i found the portion sizes fine

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

the only thing that makes my dc get really interested in some products is if it is character themed.. i think its just the taste they werent so keen on really, i didnt find it that "chocolatey" myself when i tried it, so probably if it was more chocolately that would help (not with any choc chips or anything as that could be way too ott for breakfast and my ds1 moans about choc chips anyway even though he loves chocolate) but just more of a stronger chocolate flavour.

ScorpionQueen · 14/02/2012 20:35
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
DD1 wasn't keen, she said it wasn't chocolately enough but ate it once she had added a very large spoonful of Nutella. DD2 liked it as it was but doesn't have such a sweet tooth. Their sleepover guest didn't like it and had marmite on toast instead. DH joined DD1 and added more chocolate.
  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
I love the fact that my children can make it themselves now they are old enough to know not to put spoons in the microwave.
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
I never know how much milk to use and even mess up Ready-Brek so was very impressed with the idea of using the sachet to measure the milk. Fool-proof. Unless you wanted your porridge less runny, which DH did.
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
I'm going to try some of the other flavours as I think I would prefer the fruity ones. I think Quaker should bring back the toy/gift in the box that we looked forward to as kids.

Thanks for letting us product test the porridge- feel free to send us lots of different flavours to compare.
:)

missorinoco · 14/02/2012 20:36

I feel bad as this sounds ungrateful, thankyou for the opportunity to try it.

  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
No comments made, but DC2 aged 2 1/2 took one look at in and asked for Shreddies. DC1 ate it for two days, then wasn't bothered, which, given it is chocolate for breakfast was surprising. He didn't like the bit at the obttom of the bowl and left it. Usually Ready Brek is eaten by the gallon, so it wasn't the oats part of it.

I thought it looked unappealing, a strange consistency and anaemic looking colour. I don't eat porridge, but thought it didn't look done after the required time in the microwave, DH did it on the hob the next day but was still underwhelmed by the look of it and he loves porridge,

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
I wouldn't buy it again. The main advantage would be that it was fast and theoretically easy, but after two days DC1 who usually eats 3 bowls of cereal for breakfast has declined to have it again.
  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
The box was great - easy to open and store the sachets in. The sachets were rubbish, too flimsy to measure the milk. It was easier to measure it separately/
  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Make it nicer and they will eat the lot.
Filmbuffmum · 14/02/2012 20:36
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

I was quite hopeful about this, as both DSs are chocoholics, but DS1 hasn't eaten porridge since giving up Ready Brek at about 2, and DS2, who has been eating it for a year or so, has also recently shown signs of going off plain porridge. Neither of them were keen to try it, due to the colour, and (in DS1s case) the lumps. DS1 refused to try any, DS2 had a mouthful and refused any more. I ate the rest of the bowl, and found it very sweet and not at all chocolatey.

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

I liked the idea (see above) as porridge seems like a good nutritious option for a cold winter morning- easy to prepare, and a way to get some dairy into them (neither will drink any milk, and we struggle with yogurts etc). I wouldn't have minded the chocolate factor, but it seemed to make the product less attractive.

  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

The packaging (especially the bear) is very attractive, and the inclusion of a milk measuring line on the sachet is quite a good one (eg when camping), but when I actually filled the paper with milk, it quickly went very soggy so I would probably use a jug.

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

I think the flavour does not work- tasted like normal porridge with cheap chocolate powder added. I tried adding a teaspoon of strong cocoa, which improved things a bit, but on balance I am inclined to think that ordinary porridge with fruit puree is a better idea.

roguepixie · 14/02/2012 20:41
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

Ok, so DS was quite happy to test this porridge and was interested in how you made it up, he liked the fact that you put the milk in the sachet. He was ambivalent about the texture and smell. Initially he said that the taste was "ok" but after about three mouthfuls became uninterested in eating any more, saying the taste was "fake" and "synthetic". I made a sachet up for myself (I love porridge) and was not impressed - I had to agree with DS, very fake and synthetic, with an insipid taste and the texture felt over-processed - much too fine.

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

For us there is no benefit. We don't like the taste and, to be honest, porridge is quickly done anyway so I would make it myself from whole oats and add honey or chocolate sprinkles.

  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

We liked the box - the colours used are nice and do tie in with the contents (chocolate and oats) and the designs are appealing. DS liked the individual sachets - because it is not something we usually have.

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Make it taste like porridge with chocolate - real chocolate. DS thought that I could probably do better with plain porridge with chocolate chunks or indeed, sprinkles added. I do feel that the product does not live up to the claim on the packet - it does not taste like chocolate porridge.

At this point I would not buy it again and could not recommend it to others as being a tasty alternative to other cereals/breakfast products.

Thank you very much for letting us try it though. I really really wanted to like this but just wasn't impressed.

coffeewhitenosugar · 14/02/2012 20:42

I'm really sorry, I really wanted my kids to love this porridge but both dd's (3 & 5) hated it. It doesn't smell or taste like proper chocolate and was a bit too runny for our liking made with the suggested amounts of milk. We loved the packaging and dd's both wanted it to play with however, it would be better to buy a box full of proper chocolate coated porridge oats rather than whatever the powder was at the bottom of the sachet. Thanks for letting us try it though, we enjoyed the experience.

Procrastinating · 14/02/2012 20:43
  1. Middle son (aged 5) loved it. He said it tasted like dark chocolate, he has eaten it every day. No comment on the texture as he usually eats porridge.
Oldest son (aged 6) refused to try it based on the colour, ?it doesn?t look like chocolate? he said.
  1. I would buy it for my 5 year old because it is easy to make and I know he will eat it all. In terms of health it can?t be any worse than the porridge and jam he usually has.
  1. Didn?t dislike anything about the packaging. The sachets are about the right amount for a 5 yr old, but if you fill the sachet up to the line with milk it is too runny. Lower the line, because for a quick breakfast it will need some cold milk at the end anyway.
  1. Sadly, if it looked more chocolate coloured my oldest son might eat it.
Grockle · 14/02/2012 20:48
  1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

DS (6) says 'it's great' but has yet to eat a whole bowl of it (he usually wolfs his porridge down)

  1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

Slightly less faffy than having to measure out 3 spoons of oats every morning

  1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

I like how easy it was to open. The bear is ok too.

  1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Make it more chocolatey and less sugary.

TBE · 14/02/2012 20:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.