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AlexandraMary · 14/02/2012 20:50

An unmitigated disaster. My elder son (aged 7) will eat anything but said it was horrible, didn't taste like chocolate, and that he much preferred Original or Golder Syrup.

My 4 year old son is very fussy but loves porridge and chocolate. I thought he was going to love it, and he was really excited about trying it. But he only ate a spoonful before pushing it away.

My 15 month old spat it out.

I had a go, and I'll eat anything, but it wasn't very pleasant. Tasted of cheap coco pops. I'm a huge fan of the other flavours so will continue to buy them for myself as well as the children, but not this one I'm afraid.

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 re smell texture or appearance. Taste: as above.

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 have bought it if it tasted nice and tasted of chocolate. Convenience and a good filling low(ish) GI breakfast.

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

Love the individual sachets - quite cool to measure the milk but I don't think the measurements are quite right as if you fill to the line it's too watery. The box was fine - good balance of 'fun' and 'healthy'.

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 nicer! Make it taste of chocolate. Free gifts (see Innocent Smoothies alphabet fridge magnets)

I really wanted them to like it; sorry if this all sounds a bit churlish! Packaging was great, they're easy to prepare and the price is good.

HattiFattner · 14/02/2012 20:50

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? Im afraid neither boys liked it. They didnt hate it either, but they were not overly enthusiastic. DS2 said it smelled like playdoh and tasted of marshmallows (he doesnt like marshmallows!). DS1 said it was gloopy and not chocolaty. I think they expected a deep rich chocolate brown...what they got was dishwater grey, insipid tasting gloopy oats.

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? Id like to get them eating porridge more often - nutritious, low GI. I eat Oats so simple regularly. The main reason for DCs is that I have two swimmers in the family, and had the idea that they could grab a bowl of porridge before morning training - the wee sachets are great and easy to make - was very appealing - especially as it can be made while im in the shower.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? Loved the packaging, box is bright and fun, individual sachets are great especially for bleery eyed early birds.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? I think more robust flavours - chocolate that tastes like real chocolate, not like insipid drinking chocolate infused oats. Id say all your flavours could use a bit of a boost in flavour - one of the other mums mentioned the cinnamon flavoured one needs more cinnamon. That and more substance/texture. If we want gloop, we'll go for readybrek! My kids are a bit older (12 and 9) so if they liked the oats, they would need 2 sachets as these are a bit miserly!

GoldenGreen · 14/02/2012 20:52

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 (5) was interested in what it would look like but didn't make any comment - I think he was disappointed that it basically looked like ordinary porridge oats! He said he liked the smell. He tasted it and immediately said it was yummy. He normally loves porridge anyway (usually has it unsweetened) but often doesn't like chocolatey things (likes white chocolate but a chocolate cake for example would be "too chocolatey") so I was surprised he loved it so much. When I tasted it though I could see why - the taste is pretty subtle.

He has requested it every day since and I've allowed it since it's half term!

I quite liked it as I thought it was not too sweet but towards the end of a bowl I started to feel it was a bit sickly.

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?

Nice not to have to measure out oats and milk - makes it a bit quicker. But not really enough of a reason to buy it. I would still prefer to make my own and flavour or sweeten it as I wish. And actually I find the given measurements make it too runny so I put in less milk.

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

We both thought the packaging was very attractive. The portion size is fine.

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

DS happy with it. I won't buy it again though as I will just use ordinary oats with a little bit of cocoa powder and sugar if he requests it again.

MrJelly · 14/02/2012 20:55

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? Both my DC's (3 and 5) liked the porridge although DS2 didn't always finish it but that isn't unusual for him. DS1 is a chocolate fiend and really enjoyed it and was quite disappointed once we had used it all up (we eat porridge most days for breakfast). They didn't comment on the texture, smell or appearance but then they don't usually do about food - other than if they don't like the look of it they refuse to eat it so I guess there were no issues on this front.

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? The main benefit is the speed that the porridge is ready - I do cook it on the hob at weekends as I have more time and it seems to cook much better but during the week, the microwave option is great. The key reason to buy is for this reason but also because my DC enjoyed it and would be more than happy to eat it regularly.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? Love the packaging - the bear is cute and eye-catching and makes it very attractive to children. I love the idea of sachets as they are so convenient and don't require any measuring. The fact the sachets are brown also make them more interesting and they can easily be identified in amongst the normal Oats So Simple sachets we have in the house.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? Maybe some serving suggestions, such as adding raisins, chopped fruit etc (whatever is appropriate for each flavour), put puzzles on the box (DS1 loves reading cereal boxes!) or maybe putting a puzzle on each sachet.

All in all, very positive feedback here and we will definitely be buying it again and the DC (and Dh) are keen to try the fudge flavour

mrsbossyboots · 14/02/2012 20:58

Hi

Please see my feedback per point:

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? DC1 (6yo) liked the porridge, she has had it for 4 mornings on the trot; she likes the chocolate flavour and smell. DC2 (3yo) refuses to eat it even though he usually loves anything chocolate! He didn't like the texture or taste. The flavour seems to be quite a generic sweet one as opposed to tasting truely of chocolate.

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? The sugar content seems to be lower than cherrios and chocolate weetabix (other favourite brakfast cereals) and I like the idea of DCs having the benefit of oats at breakfast (slow release carbs).

What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? DCs loved the packaging and were very excited when the box arrived. I like the simple way of measuring milk using the pack.

Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? Packaging is excellent and engages my DCs; would suggest you relook at the texture and try to ensure the flavour is a true representation on the variety rather than just "sweet".

PurpleKittyKnitting · 14/02/2012 20:59

Thanks for the update on the missing sachets!

MumofAurelia · 14/02/2012 21:01

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?

'more'! Was the first comment from our two year old daughter. She likes porridge and usually shares my oat so simple almond and honey. She asked for 'chocolate' again this morning as well. It didn't look that chocolatey when raw and probably wasn't as good in depth of flavour as the other grown up varieties. But my daughter loved it!

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 want a breakfast that will keep us full for longer and I was brought up in a house where we always had porridge for breakfast in the winter to keep us warm on the way to school. So sentimentality as well as wanting a good breakfast really

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

I like the portion control that the packets give and the milk in the bag method really appeals to my daughter who really wants to help with everything at the moment. The packaging isn't as bright as I thought it would be, compared to the light bright design of the grown up ranges. Mind you it was recognised by DD who knew it was 'my porridge'

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

More chocolate and natural sugar... The flavour didn't do much for me I'm afraid, there wasn't much depth to the chocolate and it wasn't very appealing visually, but then my two year old loved it and has eaten two sachets so far! Rather than use fructose perhaps agave which would add to the smooth 'mouth feel'? Maybe chocolate pieces to again improve texture and flavour, the chocolatey bits would be chased round the bowl perhaps?

BoobyBrown · 14/02/2012 21:10

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?

11 year old DS loved it. Polished off the whole bowl. He already enjoys the normal Quaker Golden Syrup variety and thought this was just as tasty. He said it got a bit too thick as it cooled down and had to add a little extra milk to make it the right texture again.

8 year old DTD1 gave it a good shot, ate just under half of it and said it was 'nice'. However, when offered it again another morning she said 'I didn't really like it mummy', no reason, she just didn't like it and would not try it again.

8 year old DTD2 refused to even try it. Just did not like the look/smell of it at all.

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?

Will buy again because DS really enjoyed it. It's nice for him to have another variety of hot breakfast to choose from that he will definitely eat.

The main benefit of this cereal would be the fact it has far less sugar than others of its type.

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

Find the sachets great. No risk of using too much/too little product, really easy for DS to use without mess or faffing about. Like the sachet as a milk measure idea.

Normally throw the outer box away as find takes up too much space in cupboard, the little sachets are so easy to store on their own.

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

As long as the DC find a product tasty then they will be interested in eating it.

If they don't think it's tasty, I can't think of much that will make it 'interesting' to them.

choccyp1g · 14/02/2012 21:12

1 DS aged 11 tried it.

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?

He thought it was too runny. Said it tasted OK but didn't finish it.

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 he would not normally eat plain porridge I'd consider it, but he actually preferred the regular stuff.

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

Personally I thought it totally over-packaged, I find ordinary porridge much simpler; He thought it was fun using the sachet to measure the milk. I found it messy.

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

Just use normal porridge.

TheDogTheDogHesAtItAgain · 14/02/2012 21:13

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'm afraid they didn't like it at all. "Doesn't look like chocolate"... "Doesn't taste chocolatey". One described it as "too runny" (at first - it set a bit as it cooled), and the other thought it was "slimy". We all thought the colour was too light.

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 had liked the taste, I'd have been buying it because we know that oats are healthy for breakfast, and they aren't keen on standard porridge.

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

We all liked the "homespun" appearance of the packaging, the box colour and the bear. For the individual sachets, we found the portions quite small, and making the packs individually was fiddly, especially the measuring of milk in the sachets. I would prefer the ingredients list to have told me what the "natural flavouring" actually was, as it made me wonder whether there was any cocoa/chocolate in it at all (especially after we tasted it!)

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

Make it look and taste more like chocolate!

Gethsemane · 14/02/2012 21:14

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 (2 yrs) loved the idea of chocolate porridge, but was not so keen on the actual item. Being only two he didn't comment on the smell or texture - but he did push his chair away from the table and say "all done" after just two spoonfuls.

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?

The appeal to my son of it being chocolate (anything chocolate is great) but of it sneakily being a bit healthy - filling and not stuffed full of sugar and artificial stuff.

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

Strangely my son knew it was porridge just from looking at the packaging (he is only 2 years old so clearly can't yet read). I guess the bear with the bowl gave the game away. He liked the individual sachet - the pomp and circumstance of making a bowl just for him.

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 more chocolatey.

ThisisaSignofthetimes · 14/02/2012 21:16

Answers as follows;

DD said the texture was slimy and that it didn't taste enough of chocolate.

I like plain and fruit based porridge and I would really like DD to start eating it. I thought a chocolate based one would be a good start as she has turned her nose at porridge in the past. To be honest I wouldn't buy this product as I thought it tasted too sweet but would be interested in the blueberry version so might try that.

The packaging was fine, DD liked the bear. The individual sachets were an adequate size. The portion I ate kept me filled up.

DD wanted it to taste more like chocolate. To be honest I'm not sure how you can resolve this without putting parents off. Porridge is seen as a healthy cereal so if you start adding more chocolate parents will just think it's as bad as all the other chocolate based cereals out there. I only buy those very occasionally and won't let my DD eat them every day.

mychildrenarebarmy · 14/02/2012 21:18

Questions

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, 9, hasn't tried it so far. She doesn't seem impressed and she will normally try anything. DS, 5, has tried it, ate half a bowl and declared that it was "ok, but I didn't really like it. I prefer normal porridge".

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 say there were any benefits to it. I wouldn't buy the porridge again.

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

DS liked the idea of it but not the reality. He said it had a "not very nice taste".

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

For my DC's I think it would need to be just basic porridge. There was nothing about this that they liked I'm afraid.

Sorry we can't be more helpful. They aren't taken in by marketing with cartoons on the pack and if they don't like the tast then no amount of chocolate labelling/cartoon pictures on the pack is going to make them beg me to buy it again.

LadyInPink · 14/02/2012 21:18

Thankyou for letting us try out the Quaker Oats porridge oats.

In answer to point 1: DD thought it smelt of nuts and tasted a bit nutty and on tasting it myself i had to agree. To my mind it didn't taste chocolatey enough but DD declared she preferred the normal porridge oats that she can add jam/sugar/honey to etc.

Point 2: It was so much easier than the normal way we make porridge - we do it on the hob but i don't think it's worth the extra cost involved having it in sachets tbh.

Point 3: Packaging was fine in fact DD was very excited about getting a parcel to try out and loved opening it and following the instructions but it wasn't anything particularly special.

Point 4: It could have been more chocolatey I guess however we liked the sound of the other flavours and wished it had been a selection box instead.

Thankyou again for the trial and so sorry we couldn't have been more positive about it. I have passed on some sachets to my sister for her 3 kids to try so they won't get wasted

mychildrenarebarmy · 14/02/2012 21:19

Oh, I forgot. 2 minutes to cook on the hob after boiling the milk - absolute nonsense it took a lot longer than that.

starlingsintheslipstream · 14/02/2012 21:21

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 couldn't get the boys (aged 3 and 6) to try it at all. The youngest treats every new food like a bushtucker trial so I wasn't too surprised by his reaction but the eldest will often have regular Oat-so-Simple porridge but couldn't be persuaded. He just didn't like the idea. I'm a mean mum who will only buy plain cereals so I think it's rubbed off on them somewhere along the line!

DD(9) had some but wasn't impressed by the taste or the smell. She didn't finish her bowl and won't entertain the idea of trying another sachet. She also normally eats plain porridge.

The texture seemed fine but as we normally buy Oat-so-Simple I'm wise to not using the sachet to measure as this isn't precise enough and usually makes for too sloppy a porridge. I use a measuring cup and tend to skimp, knowing I'll add cold milk to the kids portions anyway.

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 like porridge as it's such a healthy food, though the kids do like a dollop of jam with it so maybe not so healthy , and it's nice for them to have a warm breakfast in the winter. The Oat-so-simple format is really convenient as it just gets bunged in the microwave while I go off and do other things - to my shame I've never quite mastered doing "proper" porridge. I don't know that the kids are that fussed about it - it's just one of a few things they sometimes choose for breakfast.

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

I really liked the packaging. The bear was cute and the colour was nice and rustic, so it looked quite healthy. The DCs liked it too. The sachets are practical and easy to open but as mentioned above I don't like the idea of measuring the milk with them as it's just too random.

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

DD(9) said she would have liked a jam version. I wouldn't buy a jam version, though. I'd rather have plain and add jam, as that way I have a product I'm prepared to eat too.

Thanks for the chance to test.... now does anyone want 9 sachets of chocolate porridge?

FannyPriceless · 14/02/2012 21:21

I haven't received mine yet! Anxiously watching the post, but nothing.

inzidoodle · 14/02/2012 21:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

newlark · 14/02/2012 21:25

My feedback from the other thread:
Ours arrived on Saturday (after breakfast) so we took it away with us for the weekend. I made a sachet for the children to share on Sunday momrning (with skimmed milk which is all we had available).

Dd (5) who normally has porridge with honey every morning declared that it tasted like custard (which she doesn't like) and asked for toast instead. Ds (3) said "that's delicious" and ate the whole lot (he does have a sweet tooth and is a custard fan though).

I had a bowl too - the portion size was too small and and it was too runny for me. I would want two sachets to keep me going until lunchtime and I also prefer my porridge made with less milk and cooked for a shorter time so that it is thicker with the oats still being a bit chewy. I found the taste perfectly pleasant though - a bit on the sweet side for me as I normally have unsweetened porridge with a few raisins in - but I was quite happy to eat it. I made it to my normal consistency with about 100 ml of milk cooked for 1 min on the second morning and preferred that. Ds ate a whole portion again (this time with semi-skimmed milk) and was clearly happy doing so.

I found the sachets a bit fiddly for measuring milk - I make porridge using the microwave every morning so am used to measuring by eye and prefer to do that. I think I would only buy it as a treat or if going away for a few days - I will probably try the other flavours for dd for a change. Thank you for letting us try it!

Answers to the questions

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(5) commented that it tasted like custard (not liked). Ds(3) said it was delicious. I thought it was not very chocolatey but not unpleasant - I was happy to eat it. I found it too runny and too soft in texture when made as per instructions.

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?

Convenient packaging if going away for a few days - I think this is the only time I would buy it over a big box of oats. I might try the other flavours as a treat - it would be an easy way to introduce variety and still have them eating porridge which I prefer them to eat over other cereals.

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

I disliked the fixed portion size - just right for a 3 yr old but I needed two. I found it a bit fiddly measuring the milk using the sachet - it was hard to know how to hold it to get the right amount and easy to spill.

Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? A topping to sprinkle/pour on e.g chopped nuts/seeds or fruit puree? Dd loves to drizzle a spoonful of honey on her normal plain porridge.

lockets · 14/02/2012 21:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Honeydragon · 14/02/2012 21:44

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 (8) tried it two mornings successively and ate one spoonful. H disliked the taste and texture and thought it looked horrid. DD (2) ate it but ate less than she does with normal porridge and syrup.

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 had hope it would be smooth and convert ds to porridge for breakfast but it was a big fail. The convenience appealed as well as the flavour but it didn't work for us.

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

Ds thought the bear babyish. Sachets fine, personally I think the box is dull and boring. DS said it looked " healthy" .... this is not a postitive from an 8yo boy. DD liked the "raaargh bear"

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

The other flavours looked more interesting, but for the price I'd stick to normal porridge for dd and despairing of ds. I do think the packaging could be improved, and possibly it could be sold as a large box unit meaning quantities can be made up according to age/appetite of child as 6 standard portions does not work out great value, but understand that would make no sense for Quaker to do, but that is why cereal and bog standard bi old boxes of porridge work best for young families.

ChunkyPickle · 14/02/2012 21:50

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?

He didn't like it (although Quaker Oat So Simple Golden syrup is a normal breakfast for him). The texture seemed more gloopy than the golden syrup one, it smelled a bit funny (like a protein shake), and it did look pretty pale for something chocolate flavoured. He didn't hate it as he did eat two spoonfuls rather than spit it out and scrape it off his tongue, but he didn't want to eat any more, and wouldn't try it the next day.

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?

The main benefit (speaking of Oat So Simple in general as he didn't like the chocolate one) is that it's a good, healthy breakfast, which he can feed himself with minimal mess. The key reason I buy it is I think it's better for him than normal cereal like cheerios, the texture is better than competitors (which have no recognisable oats at all), and unlike standard cereal he doesn't have milk to pour on the table/spill down himself.

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

The packaging is fine - he didn't show any like/dislike of the design at all. I do think that you need to practise the technique of filling the packet with milk, and that the line you're supposed to fill too is very near the top once you've torn it open (I find that only ripping it half way gives me the best chance of filling it with milk without dropping/spilling it everywhere)

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

More chocolaty, and less fake chocolaty. It seemed to be less textured than the adult one, and runnier. I suppose it might be improved with a spoonful of sugar, but I think that the lack of chocolate flavouring was more of a problem than the sweetness (which was fine). I would half suggest putting some kind of interesting bits in it (not sure what - but along the lines of lucky charms) but a part of me knows that my 1 year old would only want to eat those and would get in a state fishing them out.

CuppaTeaJanice · 14/02/2012 21:57

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 looked at it, smelled it, poked it with a spoon and flatly refused to try it. So I have tried it on his behalf! I wanted to like this porridge, I really did. I like oats in biscuits and flapjack, and they are delicious on an apple crumble. However, there is something about them in this porridge (maybe all porridge, I don't know, I never eat the stuff) that I find unappealing. I don't know if it's the lumps, like vomit as it heaves up from your gullet, or the sickly sliminess like those revolting squeezy tubes of ultra condensed milk you used to get in the 1980s. I gave up after 3 mouthfuls.

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 love for this to be a product we could all enjoy on a cold winter morning - so easy and convenient. It could so easily be something nutritious and delicious. But it's too sickly and not chocolatey enough.

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

Being able to measure the milk in the sachet was useful, so you didn't have to use a measuring jug. The box was eye catching and well designed.

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

You need to somehow harness the deliciousness of hot oaty crumble, maybe mixing chocolate, apple and cinnamon so you're not just trying to recreate chocolate and failing miserably.

Hangingbellyofbabylon · 14/02/2012 22:04

the children tasted it and said it wasn't chocolatey enough and all wanted to add golden syrup as they do to regular porridge. They would not eat it again. I quite liked it in a funny sort of way as long as I put out of my mind that it was made of chocolate.

The bit I was impressed with was the sachets - I followed the advice exactly and was amazed that I ended up with a bowl of perfect thickness, lump-free porridge.

The bit I was dubious about was the ingredients list - what are natural flavourings? - if it's a bit of cocoa then say so, if it's not; then what the hell is it? We're not convinced about the low sugar claim as plain porridge oats with a teaspoon of golden syrup would probably end with less sugar than the ready made up 'chocolate' oats.

packaging fine, fairly attractive for children. No need to make it more interesting for children, it's porridge, it's not meant to be interesting. Wouldn't want to be adding sachets of bits and pieces as some posters have suggested. I think in future we will stick to plain porridge and then we can all add our own fav toppings. thanks for the trial, it's always good to try something new.

Hangingbellyofbabylon · 14/02/2012 22:08

juast had another look at the website for the ingredients list. It is a bit grim than all the flavours just contain: oats, sugar and 'natural flavouring'. It needs clarification - does the blueberry variety actually contain any blueberries? Just because it's for children you can't con us into leaving out vital information.