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[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

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

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 was very excited to see the package arrived. She begged for a bowl and chattered about it smelling nice and 'mmmm'. She has finished at least 2 bowls now and had a good few spoonfuls of another one, and keeps asking for more. This is pretty good going since she doesn't tend to eat much really so I'm glad to see her eating something at least reasonably filling. She certainly seems pretty keen on it. DS hasn't really tried it yet but he has been ill so off his food and is pretty committed to his beloved Shreddies for breakfast anyway.

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 was quite easy to make, although I make my own porridge most mornings away. If DD likes it then it would make a good alternative breakfast for her, especially on cold mornings or as a good occasional snack. I like the health benefits of oats so that's a bonus. She doesn't tend to eat porridge I've made so if she'll eat this then that's great.

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

I thought putting the milk in the sachet was very clever and was very impressed although DH told me that you can always do that with porridge sachets so not sure if it's a new thing or not. That said, it was quite fiddly and left the porridge quite runny, cooking it for another minute made it much thicker and nicer. I'd probably prefer to just measure the milk out myself. I thought the bear looked a little odd but that's probably just me! DD loved the bear and was chatting about him eating her porridge. She likes the idea of individual sachets I think.

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

Well, chunks of chocolate or chocolate chips would be quite cool, but I guess they would melt and probably put some parents off. Maybe making the colour a bit more chocolatey? DD seems to love it as it is though.

I admit I find the colour a bit offputting, and it smells a bit too sickly for my tastes but I haven't tried it so unfair to judge it. I don't really like sweet breakfasts so not the best judge.

1.Eldest dc 9 gave it 10 out of 10 but said it was powdery and the portion was too small. Youngest dc said it tasted and looked Yuky. Both liked the chocalatey smell.

2 The main reason for buying this product would be all the benefits you get from eating porridge - healthier option and keeps you fuller for longer.

1. We all liked the packaging.

4 Why not produce variety boxes of these sachets with one or two plain porridge sachets for the purists.

Overall a favourable response from dd. Liked the box, thought it tasted nice, the right amount of chocolatey apparently. Didn't appeal to me at all as I think porridge is revolting and it did not smell of chocolate. Like others sceptical of pushing the supposedly natural in a line of sweet cereals. Didn't measure in the sachets. Seemed too fiddly.

Don't see any real benefits in this over ordinary porridge which dd will happily eat wi honey and seeds. Don't agree with chocolate breakfasts but might give for after school snack.

Do not think I would buy it as don't tend to go for individual packages of stuff either. Wasteful packaging. Seemed to be a lot of extra room in the box presumably to maximise the picture opportunity. Liked the texture of the box though. Dd liked the pictures and showed interest in the other types of cereal on the leaflet.

More real chocolate would be an improvement

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?

No comments on texture once I'd rerduced or amended the milk. The first time I made it too milky (using the line on the sachet) so it was too sloppy.
They liked the smell as they were waiting for it to cool down.
They liked the taste.
They said it looked pink not chocolatey brown.

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?

We eat porridge anyway so we already know it's a good breakfast. The fact that it's in a sachet is handy because it's a superquick way to get brreakfast on the table. But tbh I use a measure less and less with normal porridge now out of habit so a sachet would have to be seriously cheap for me to replace boxed pporridge.

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

They were excited by the box. The bear was a hit. And I liked the drawing style too. And my almost 3 yr old saw an advert for them the next day on TV and immediately got excited and recognised them as the same as we had.

I cannot get the milk measure on the sachet to work at all and gave up after a couple of tries. I don't understand how it can be correct - if you hold it tight you get less milk and it's too stiff, but if you let the sachet expand as the milk goes in, then you get a too milky porridge. Also too much potential for mess! I'd rather pour the milk in to the bowl direct and be told for example that you should cover the oats or something.

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

Why 'interesting'? As long as it is tasty they will desire it!
It isn't necessary to putthe box of sachets on the breakfast table (duetothe nature of how it's made) so apart from getting your brand rercognition right (eg the bear was a success here) then hou don't need to go mad withfacts and games on the box either.

Thanks very much for the chance to review and trythe oats. We all like them now that we've worked out the best way to make them.

Just realised - my hands smell of maltodextrin

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?

I have always liked the Oat So Simple porridge, so was excited for my DC to try this, as she is not keen on plain porridge... We made the porridge to the spec but it was far to runny - by the time my DC got the spoon to her mouth there was very little left on the spoon... the next day I added less milk but it was too thick - she was picking it up with her hands - on the plus side doing it this way she managed to eat more. She seems to quite like it, I will perservere with the milk to oat ratio to get a better texture and thickness for her.

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 easy to make, I like the measure of using the bag, albeit tinkering with the actual amount needed.

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

My DC immediately wondered off with the box when I opened the parcel - she loves bears! I think the packaging looked really good.

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? We get Yoyo bear fruit things which come with a happy family playing card - we are collecting all of these - something like this would be good. Like-wise Innocent tubes come with magnetic letters for the fridge, these are good too. Something to collect seems to be a winner.

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 liked the smell, but didn't like the taste. In fact no-one in the house liked the taste, wasn't very chocolately.

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 pre-measured quality and milk measurement line on the bag, made me have to think less in the morning! But with two DC having to make the packets up seperatly was a problem. I'm not sure I would buy the product based on the taste.

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

DS (2) loved the bear on the main box, but was a bit confused as the bear theme wasn't continued into 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)?

Better flavor. As an experiment I made my usual oatmeal with some drinking chocolate, and it tasted better.

Also I'd like to see you using fairtrade chocolate.

1. DD3 was really keen to try this, but has been a bit disappointed. She says it looks like "someone has bleughed into the bowl". It's not nearly chocolatey enough (although if it was, I probably wouldn't buy it). DD2 (who I was keen to get eating a more oat-based breakfast) took one look at DD3s bowl and refused point-blank to even taste it, so it didn't appeal to her.

1. It's a good idea, the individual sachets, and means DD3 can sort out her own breakfast without supervision. But, it's not very appetising, and the lack of actual chocolate means that it tastes artificial. DD3 says "it's like they were trying to get it to taste of chocolate but didn't realise they could use proper chocolate and used something horrid instead".

1. We liked the packaging, DD3 especially likes the bear on the box. I like being able to measure the milk in the packets, as it's less washing up!

1. This variety needs some actual chocolate or decent quality cocoa powder to make it worth buying. DD3 would like some marshmallow flavoured porridge, with pieces of marshmallow in it (I'm not buying her it though!).

All in all, it hasn't lived up to expectations, and DD3 was quite disappointed. Sorry.

Arrival of porridge was nice and smooth, Royal Mail tried to deliver last Friday and carded me but I collected the box on Saturday morning with no problems. I was impressed by how neatly it all fitted in the packaging!

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 is only 19 months, so isn't really offering much in the way of commentry yet. She seemed to like it though, she wolfed it down! I have photographic evidence, if wanted. I split a portion with her and she had a banana with hers, which seemed to be successful.

From my point of view, it wasn't quite as good as the standard Quaker Oats cooked up for longer and mixed with either chocolate spread or some other addition...but then I didn't expect it to be as it is basically a convenience food!

It was perfectly edible though and had more texture to it than the Readybrek, which I find too smooth. The chocolate taste wasn't particularly strong, but perhaps that was a good thing as it didn't feel quite as bad for me! I'm glad it wasn't too sweet, some of the chocolatey breakfast cereals can be quite sickening.

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 ease and speed of preparation to make a warm breakfast is the main appeal. The fact that it's relatively healthy is good as well! Ok, there's healthier things out there...but they don't taste particularly good. Finding a balance between tasty and healthy is hard!

DH and I were very impressed by the ability to measure the milk in the packet. It's a bit fiddly, a child or anyone with smaller hands would struggle, but we managed OK. Our milk is in traditional glass bottles though, I can see people with the bigger plastic bottles having more problems.

It meant though that there was no more washing up than the bowl and spoon, which is great!

The cooking instructions were spot on, it didn't boil over and was perfectly warm straight out the microwave. Awesome.

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

DD didn't really notice/care...

I was relatively impressed with the packagaing. Not too bright that it would look awful sat out on the side near the microwave, an easily accessible cardboard box that can be recycled afterwards.

The information about preparation was relatively clear, the only thing I would like to see more of is a 'reminder' set of instructions in an obvious place. So continue to have the full instructions down the side, but somewhere obvious (maybe on the packets themselves?) just have the short version of Add X Milk, Microwave X Minutes.

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

Are variety packs available with different flavours? I'd quite like a maple syrup flavour, and blueberry sounds interesting too. DH is likely to be more partial to an apple and/or cinnammon flavour. DD seems happy with anything, right now.

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 had to tell DS (3) that it was chocolate rice pudding to get him to try it, he had a couple of spoonfuls but then said he didn't like it. I had a try, and it tasted fairly bland, not very chocolatey. He tried a again a few days later and had a bit more but did not eat a whole bowl.

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 thought the main benefit would be the speed to make porridge, and fair dos, it takes two minutes to make but it took at least 10minutes for it to cool down enough for DS to try it! I tried him again with some made with half hot and then cold milk on top and that worked a lot better. I would suggest this for an improvement to the instructions as 15 mins in total is not a quick breakfast. The little sachets are a good idea but I wouldn't pay a premium for this over a box of normal porridge.

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

The bear is good. The main comment I have is that it does not say "porridge" on the front of of the box. I think it says it somewhere quite small on the side. Looking at the box for the first time - I would not have known that's what it was - "oats so simple - chocolate" does not say "porridge" to me. Sounds more like a cereal bar. I have not used the oats so simple brand before - I would normally buy a bag of porridge oats to make porridge so maybe quaker are relying on people already knowing what this is? I really think it should say "Oats so simple - chocolate porridge" on the front!

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 it needs to be more chocolately if that is what it's advertised as but then I suspect there would have to be more sugar added. I wouldn't mind this at all, I'm not precious about sugar intake but I know that a lot of people are and this may put quite a few people off.

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 is 2.4 and loves porridge, so I made this for him one breakfast. First impressions - it is very beige, not as chocolate brown as I'd expected. It also took 2 mins 30 s in the microwave to be cooked (800W microwave). DS then refused to touch it for 30 minutes as it was 'too hot' for him, then he agreed to eat some. He said 'not chockit' a few times when we told him it was chocolate porridge, so think he is unconvinced by its chocolateyness too.

My comments on this would be: the colour is very bland, and the flavour is quite nasty. I would love to know what the natural flavourings in this product are, rather than just generic 'natural flavourings'. It tasted very bland to me too. Not a pleasing aftertaste either. DH (34) was massively unimpressed with it, and has forbidden me from making it again :o The 30 minute wait for it to cool down nearly broke him, as he was fending off the hungry toddler from his breakfast. DH also found the taste and colour unappealing.

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 don't think I would buy this - I either buy or make my own instant porridge (quick oats, sugar, and powdered milk) which can be made with boiling water, left to stand for 2 minutes, then a wee bit of milk in it to cool it down for fussy child to eat it. If Quaker made an 'instant' porridge, I would be more inclined to buy it, as the faff of measuring out the milk, then watching the stuff to make sure it doesn't boil over, then waiting for it to cool down is too much in the morning (especially when you've been up all night with non-sleeping child, and need to do everything with your eyes closed).

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

packaging is good - very bold design, and not obviously only aimed at kids. I liked it. also liked the individual sachets, as there is enough in each for a child's breakfast.

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

as I said, truly instant porridge appeals to me far more. to make this product better though - add some real cocoa powder to it, make it taste of chocolate! Also, a box with different flavours in it to enable you to try each flavour would be good - like those wee cereal pick and mix boxes.

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?

as a few others have said, using the line to measure the milk made it far too runny, it took a few attempts to get the amount right! DD liked the smell, but wanted sugar after tasting it (!), ds rally like everything about it!

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?

We would buy it as we do eat porridge anyway, and for the convenience.

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

they liked the box as it was brown which obviously = chocolate!

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

Sadly, it does need to be sweeter, which I cannot believe I'm saying!! Also more flavours.

my dc's found it very sweet(we usually buy cornflakes/weetabix/rice krispies or plain porridge)
ds (6) wouldve preffered a more readybrek texture although the girls(8 and 4)liked it as it was.found color a bit odd-pinkish which ds found bit worrying.
when i made it in a pan the chocolate powder caught the bottom(maybe thats my incompetance?) but i found that irritating.i like the idea of using packet to measure the milk but the reality of a big family and large cartons milk it was a disaster waiting to happen and we had get a jug!
portion size both 4 and 6yo found too much.8yo was fine though

the benefits are getting something warm into them first thing and,particularly on school days,a filling breakfast that provides lasting energy

we all liked the packaging.it was distinctive enough for them all to notice when we went to the shops despite the vast array cereals in front of them,which in itself is quite impressive!

i had hoped to lure ds into porridge with this product and give the girls some variation on seeds and berry combo we normally resort to.sadly ds hated it more than normal porridge and whilst the girls ate it they are more intersted in trying the blueberry variety.
overall for us very disappointing and chocolate porriddge will not be brought again here.i would like to see variety packs or individual options for the other flavours so we could give them a try without commiting to something that may not all get eaten.ds would like to see a banana flavoured one(no one except baby cereals offer this) and if one became available we would give it a try to "lure" him over to what in essence is the perfect breakfast
thank you for giving us the opppurtunity to try quaker chocolate porridge and join the survey

Thanks for the sample, it is always good to try new things.

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 were keen to try it and DS2 ( 10 ) was very excited about the chocolatey-ness! Both commented on how pale it was, I think we were all expecting it to look more chocolately. DCs ate all the porridge but both asked for more sugar on it, the following morning they asked for plain porridge with golden syrup ( as we would usually eat it ).

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 can't see any benefits for the chocolate version, but I do like the Oat So Simple as it fills the DCs up for the whole morning. We tried ours on Saturday morning when DS1 then goes swimming. He would usually come out of the pool asking for a snack and starving hungry, but after the porridge he lasted until gone 11 o'clock before asking what was for lunch!

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

Nice, clear art work on the box, it would stand out well on a shop floor. I do like the individual sachets as it is easier in the morning - also it provides me with a bit of portion control when I am eating it myself! Not so sure about the measuring of the milk in the sachet - I felt it was a bit tricky and don't think that DS1 ( age 13 ) would be able to do it without making a lot of mess everwhere.

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

To be honest I don't know if it needs to be interesting as I feel it is nicer to do that yourself at home. We would usually buy an un-flavoured variety and add raisins, golden syrup etc ourselves. Maybe a small pack of dried fruit to stir in after Oats So Simple is cooked? Although that would mean more packaging which is not a good thing.

I would just like to add that although the DCs were not that keen, I quite liked it as it was not too sweet and very warming and filling on a cold morning. I would probably buy it again, and would definitely try other flavours. The experience has reminded us all how much we like porridge which is a very good thing.

Thanks for letting us have a try.

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 (6) quite liked it, thought it was a little watery (our fault for putting in extra cold milk to cool it down), but didn't like it enough to want it again so far. dd2 (4) thought it looked like poo but seemed to like it, ate it all (unusual) and said she will have it again. In fact, has just told me she will have it for tomorrow breakfast.

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 not too unhealthy and dd2 will eat it.

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

• it's quite a contemporary design and for me does have a "quality" look about it which would indicate (rightly or wrongly) that it wasn't a load of crap. I don't think the dd's care what the packaging looks like.

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

• by extra ingredients eg marshmallows, crunchy biscuity things etc, or perhaps with a separate topping that could be sprinkled on top or swirled through - not that I am saying I would advocate this but I know they would like it!

1. This is proving a great success with ds (4). He liked the smell, (I found it had a smell of tablet about it), was not phased about the colour and the portion size was about right.

Dh made the first batch up in a pot and never read the instructions but it turned out fine and set quickly. Microwaved, it takes a full ten minutes to cool down to a non burn the mouth temperature.

1. The main benefits are to set the family up for the day with a decent plate of porridge. This product had a good oaty taste without being too chocolatey.A bit sweet for a diehard salt porridge fan though. Dd preferred her sachets in the form of flapjacks with extra chocolate.

We hope they are some of our own oats.

3.We all liked the box, it has a retro feel to it, ds loved the bear. The sachets are a decent size and I liked the milk measure although sachet went a bit floppy when pouring the milk in.

4.Agree with the others about a magnet, badge or collecting card but ds seemed happy enough the way it was.

Thank you for the sample. We will be buying this product again.

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 11 said it looks like sick and smells disgusting and tasted horrible but strangely managed to eat the whole bowl full
DDs 4 and 7 both enjoyed it and had nothing bad to say
DD 13 said it was too lumpy and not chocolatey enough

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?

The benefits would be to get something warm for breakfast on a cold winters morning and porridge is healthy is it not

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

They thought the bear was scary looking and not cute enough and wasn't eating chocolate porridge in the picture. The individual sachets were easy to use apart from when using a large full bottle of milk.

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

It would be more interesting if it tasted like chocolate and maybe you could join up with Cadbury and add some chocolate buttons? Although that wouldn't be healthy at least they would eat it. Brighter packaging and a little more funky would make it more appealing.

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?

Oh what a shame, I was so excited about this but it turned out to be a let down. The first one ended up like milky mush with lumps in it; I used less milk the 2nd time and it ended up like a thick gluey globuley thing . Went back to the original milk quantity as per the instructions and it ended up the same as the 1st time.....sigh.
It's not inedible as such, it's just not very pleasant. It doesn't taste of chocolate, more like an artificial sweetener.

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 won't be buying it, sorry.

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

Liked the individual sachets, if I was working this would be a good idea as I always used to eat breakfast at my desk. Funky box.

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

He's quite young but I imgaine as he gets older I will be badgered into buying whichever cereal has the best toy/sticker/magnet inside like I used to do to my mum

Thanks for selecting us to take part.

Thanks for letting us try this, we have all had some and our thoughts are below:

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 (16 and fussy) only ate a spoonful and refused to eat more saying it was too artificial tasting. Ds (17) ate all his but said some of the other flavours were nicer (he always takes porridge sachets on D of E expeditions)

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 would buy this if dd would eat it - getting her to eat breakfast is always a battle. The convenience of the sachets isn't much of an issue for me, but ds thinks he may be able to cook these over a kettle which could be useful as a student (without kitchen facilities) next year. If this works then speed of cooking and pre-measured portions would be useful as they are for expeditions/camping.

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

We all liked the box.

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

Add more chocolate to improve the taste. Ds wondered about adding milk powder to the sachets so that it became an 'add water' product rather than an 'add milk' one and so even more simple. This would make it better for expeditions or when fresh milk isn't available.

Hope I'm allowed to post here as I wasn't one of the "official" testers, but bought a packet to try as I thought it might be something my children (aged 6 & 11) would enjoy.

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 thought it was... okay. Wasn't as chocolatel-y as they would have liked. A bit runny the first time I made it, but used a tiny bit less milk thereafter and the consistency was 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?

Hot, filling, low-GI breakfast that is quick to prepare. Not too much sugar compared with other cereals.

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

Box was fine. Measuring sachets meant it was very quick and simple to prepare. (A bit quicker than measuring out oats, milk and water as I usually do).

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

The chocolate porridge needs to be more chocolate-y. Generally, my children enjoy plain porridge as they enjoy stirring honey into 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?

My DC loved the porridge and kept asking for more. I was also pleased as it wasn't nearly as sweet and sugary as I thought it would be.

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?

The main benefits of the porridge are that it's a warming breakfast to have in cold weather, it fills the DCs up until lunchtime and is healthy. For the chocolate flavour - obviously the sweetness appeals to them, and it isn't too sugary.

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

I liked the fact that the packaging explained that the sachet of porridge was 6% of the child's daily sugar allowance. Overall, the packaging was quite appealing.

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

Deepen the chocolate colour if possible. Otherwise, nothing else.

Thank you for letting us participate in the test - sadly it wasnt a hit in our house but we appreciate being chosen to be involved. So feedback:

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 eldest child (5 and a half) didnt like it at all - he had one spoon, said it was yucky and smelt yucky and asked for plain porridge. I think the texture (more runny that he would usually have) and colour put him off. My youngest (3) had half a bowl and said it was yummy - but he'd eat anything really - but did stop eating it and asked for toast and egg after half a bowl.

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?

Convenient sized sachets would make it useful to take away for long weekends/holidays (as my kids love porridge). If they liked the taste it would also be a nice treat breakfast for them.

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

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1. I tried both my sons aged 8 and 6 with this porridge the 6 year old took one bite and declared it was yuck and refused to even contemplate
   a second bite, My 8 year old finished the bowl and said that it was so so he didnt hate it but preffered normal porridge made with milk and sugar
   as he said it didnt taste anything like chocolate.

2. My main reason for trying my children with porridge is that on a cold winters morning i find that eating something warm myself can wake me up so to speak so
   wanted to try it with my children as well.

3. The box was quite plain looking and quite babyish the satchets are quite small .

4. I think maybe the packing needs to be a bit more colourful and aimed at older children as well as little ones.

Had my porridge. It has gone down down well so far.

1. My five year old loved it. He often has porridge and was glad to have something chococlatey.

For him, it was just the right level of sweetness. I also tested it and for someone who doesn't usually have sweet cereals it is perfect for a weekend treat. My 2 yr old prefers the plain variety. The less sugar the better for us.

I think you could suggest that if people want to eat more sugar, that they could add thier own cocoa powder or nutella to sweeten. It's easier to make it sweeter, but not easier to cut sugar out of a product.

1. Porridge is filling and warm. So, perfect for winter and colder days. A good energy food.

1. They said the packaging was fine. More interested in eating what was inside. It's not too gimmicky, so good.

I liked the sachet you could fill with milk. I usually guess and am pretty good at guessing how much milk I need with porridge. But for people who like to do things properly it's convenient!

1. My children like to read the boxes when they are left on the table. So, some interesting random facts, activities or a little quiz or something may hold their interest while they eat.

Thanks!

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?

DDs were very keen to try this so we had to make some as soon as it arrived - via a neighbour so was actually tea time.
DD1, aged 5, who is VERY fussy regarding textures and won't try anything 'sauce-like' was eager to taste it. She liked the smell and wasn't put off by the lumpy looking appearance. She enjoyed the first few mouthfuls, telling me is was "yummy," but then decided she didn't actually like it! On questioning, it was the taste she didn't like as "it doesn't taste chocolatey.|" She has been unwilling to try it again.
DD2, aged 3, refused to have anything to do with it saying it "looks too lumpy" and has refused to have any more!
I tried it - as I do like Quaker Oats and have tried Oats So Simple myself before - but I found the taste rather sweet and the chocolate taste, if anything, was rather 'children's chocolate' - or American chocolate IYKWIM! We have 7 more sachets in the box - which I have offered to give to my DSis to see if her DCs like it.

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 like the fact that you can mix up one portion very quickly and I was really hoping that the DDs would come over to the side of porridge! The girls like helping me make my porridge - we have our milk delivered in 1 pint bottles so DD1 can do that bit herself if I hold the sachet. The porridge is very hot when it comes out of the microwave so perhaps we will try the fudge flavour and make it half and half with hot/cod milk. I do like being able to buy individual sachets so that everyone can have a choice - perhaps I should try them again on the mixed flavours as it was the taste and not the texture that DD1 disliked; I thought it would be the other way round!

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

As above - the individual sachets are good; we are often up at different times in this house due to DP's commute and one DD often getting up early with him. DDs liked the box, liked the bear and spotted the brand in the supermarket this weekend. Liked being able to help with the making.

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

I like the idea of chocolate chunks that melt - might try that myself with normal oats for DDs. They would probably enjoy collecting things etc but that sort of thing just gets on my nerves and we never tend to stick to the same thing long enough to develop a real collection.

It was interesting to try - thank you MN and Quaker.