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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?
DS1 (14) - "tasted very nice" Both he and DD(8) thought it was chocolately enough, no issues with texture or appearance. They've had the golden syrup and cinnamon flavours before. If I buy it they'll happily 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 buy it when it's on special offer because of the sachets, it's easy for the DCs to sort their own breakfasts out (I never have time to do on school mornings and the DC tend to get up before me at other times )

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? Don't dislike the packaging per se, but it's definitely rebranded itself as a kids cereal whereas before I saw it as just as much an adult cereal. I assume some marketing bod thought that was a good idea but it is mildly irritating. I liked it the way it was before - it was sensible. See point 2 about the sachets themselves

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? It's breakfast. Is it meant to be interesting? You could include sprinkles, or other toppings but I don't think the parents would thank you for that...

Oh I should say that it doesn't look any worse than Chocolate Ready Brek (thanks MIL) or ordinary porridge with chocolate spread mixed in. Beige sludge is how it should be.

My girls were all quite excited about trying something new. They love their cereals and usually eat loads so I was hoping the porridge might fill them up and be a great option for us.
Making it was a bit of a faff for 3 children but fairly straightforward. Basically none of them liked it, the eldest (7) did eat most of it but didn't want it the next day and the other 2 (4) tried a couple of spoonfuls each and then asked for something else.
They quite liked the box but as it wouldn't sit on the table like other cereals do then they wouldn't really see the packaging anyway.
I wouldn't buy this again unless the taste improved significantly.
Thank you anyway as it was good to try it out but sadly have a few packs left over that I am not sure what to do with!

hoping it would arrive today ..... sadly not

1. Much to my horror, sorry Quaker Oats but we are standard rolled oats porridge users here, both my two (6 and 7) absolutely loved it. So much so that not only have they both demanded it for breakfast everyday since it arrived, but last night after returning from swimming lessons they both begged me for the chocolate porridge.
   I wonder if part of the attraction for them is that it is so unlike my proper porridge it's like the Disney land version of the stuff and soon they will tire of it and request my homemade wholesome porridge again hahahahahah not bloody likely.
   Texture, taste, smells seems to be ticking all of their boxes. Kids are weird aren't they because to me it looks like the most unappetising gloop you could set your mind to make and the smell I'm afraid put the kibosh on me wanting to put some in my mouth. Sorry Quaker dudes but really the stuff looks and smells boaking.

2. Benefits. Mmm ... Well I suppose the natty little packets are quite handy for when you might want to consume porridge in a non home setting. I reckon I might buy some for when we go camping. They maybe even replace the dreaded Variety Pack where you always get an argument over who is left with the Rice Krispies. 3 packets do my two very well so fiddling about with measuring cups and getting the milk right will be a thing of the past sat outside in a field.

3. Packaging. Dd1 says "the picture of the bear is very good indeed". It will be pretty easy to find in the cereal aisle when I need to go back and buy some more.
   The fill the milk to the line it genius, although it is way, way too liquidy for our preferred porridge consistency. Never fear though, if you fill up to the words
   PERFECT PORRIDGE...
   You do indeed get perfect porridge imho.

4. How to make it more interesting.... mmm well how interesting can porridge be really? I think you may already have achieved a product which it right up there in terms of porridge thrills for my two.

Oh and Quaker Oats I also would dearly love to know what Natural Flavouring is. How can Natural Flavoring actually even be an ingredient? Is such a thing as Natural Flavoring naturally occurring? I bet it isn't.

Mine hasn't arrived either.

Thank you for Quaker Oats and MNHQ sending us some

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?

Group of boys tried it at the weekend, they commented, bit sweet, looked unattractive, texture ok once well mixed, looked unappetising out of the packet - powdery etc.

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?

portion size good for younger children, individual portions may be useful for taking on s/c short break but not necessarily in chocolate flavour.

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

Portion size not big enough for teenagers - would need two sachets - making expensive.

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

keep the Bear packaging but keep the porridge plain - suggest more natural additions that could be added rather than ready mixed flavours.

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 5 said "It didn't taste chocolate-y at all. And it didn't taste like porridge the way I like it". So that's a big thumbs down I'm afraid.
I tried it too, just in the interests of fairness, and found it really unpleasant texture, almost like mushy babyfood, gloopy and with a horrid fake chocolate taste. Not good!

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?

Porridge is in theory an excellent breakfast food, setting you up for the rest of the day, but not of course if your children refuse to eat it! I think oats might be some sort of slow release thing which is good for you somehow, maybe staving off hunger pangs, but I'm not a nutritionist. Anyway, that's why I'd buy it in theory.

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

Finally some good feedback - we both loved the box with the cute imagery, although as I posted on the other thread, it does make the product look as though it should taste more wholesome and nutritious somehow. I really like the individual sachets as it makes it easy to measure out the required amount and the right amount 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)?

Seriously, ditch this odd unchocolate-y flavour. Nobody wants porridge that tastes of blancmange, not even my 5 year old daughter as it turns out. Maybe including some nice proper fruit or having sachets of honey or something would be a better option.

Thanks Quaker Oats and MN, but we won't be buying this particular flavour again.

Dd age 6 wasn't impressed ate a bit then left the rest. DH also didn't like it.

I wouldn't buy it.

It looked like readybrek with a teaspoon of cocoa powder added.

I find it easier to make quick porride from a tub with a scoop - so I scoop of porride/3 or milk like the Asda own brand cereal. I found the measuring in the sachet a bit faffy and DD wouldn't be able to do it herself when older due to her disability.

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 normally loves porridge & was looking forward to trying it but he flat out hated this. He said it was 'slimy' and tasted 'chemically'. DH agreed it tasted artificial.

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 sachet size is a great idea & very handy for taking on holiday/sleepovers at grandparents' houses. The size is just right for DS's breakfast.

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

The packaging was really good - eyecatching and the bear character is very appealing. Again, the sachets are the right size and very handy.

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

Again, we had ideas about other toppings children could add such as dried fruit or choc chips. DS thought porridge/animal facts on the box or sachets would be good or a card to collect with different characters/animals on.

Thank you for letting us try this product. It won't go to waste - my dad loved 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 kids were not very impressed. The texture was fine (although I used less milk to make the texture more like our usual porridge). Both kids said it smelt funny and I have to agree it had sickly smell I would not associate with porridge or chocolate. It was much paler than we expected and really did not taste very chocolatey. I ended up stirring drinking chocolate into it to get my kids to eat 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?

If it was more chocolatey, I would like the aspect of measured portions with no need to add messy flavourings.

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

The kids liked the packaging.

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 of chocolate! Get rid of that strange smell.

Thanks for letting us test 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?

We regularly have normal Oats so simple anyway so its a brand I usually by. My DS (4) usually has one of the more fruity ones and was looking forward to trying one aimed at him. Sadly his was a bit disappointed and not that keen on it. He was expecting it to be a bit more chocolately. I was slightly concerned by the portion size-the same amount of milk as an adult(normal) version which I think is too big-normally DS and I split a sachet of that between us. He ate about half and hasn't wanted it since.

Texture was fine but he wasn't keen on the smell. It also didn't look very chocolately-the colour was a bit odd

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?

In the winter I like to give a hot breakfast when possible so that would be one of the reasons for buying it. Not as high in sugar and other rubbish as other cereal/breakfast products.

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

My DS really liked the packaging and I agree with other comments that have been made that puzzles or something similar on the packaging would be a great addition. I personally like the individual portions-just a bit smaller of children.

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

Add fruit in would be my main suggestion-raisins, apple banana or something similar.

Hope this feedback is ok!!
balletpump

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 (6) thought it was horrible. He licked the spoon and declared it disgusting and slimy. He didn't think it was chocolate flavoured at all. DSS (15) thought it was OK. Not as nice as the golden syrup flavour. Quite liked the texture and flavour. I tried it too and I couldn't manage a whole bowl full. A bit slimy, not really chocolatey enough, a bit watery. Back to home made porridge with golden syrup for me.

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?

My DH buys it for work as it is easy to make there. It is easy for my DSS to make. I always think of porridge as being really healthy and filling and warming in the colder months.

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

We liked the bear looking over the bowl. I like the sachets, but they don't hold enough for a portion and they ask you to put in too much milk. Using the sachet as a milk measure is a great idea if they put the link a bit lower. The individual serving sachets is great for kids and DH's who make it themselves, for some reason they can't manage to do it from a big box even though I've told them you just bung a bit in a bowl and add a bit 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)?

Perhaps make the flavour stronger. It was a bit vague and wishy washy. Chunks of chocolate that melt in it might work. Could you do sachets of plain porridge and then sachets of flavours so they could add their own choices / mixes of tastes (could end up disgusting but at least they get to choose it). You could always add sachets of jam or golden syrup or chocolate sauce or glitter or choc stars or fruit so they add it afterwards.

Thanks for letting us try it.

1. He liked having to pour the milk into the packet (although he was to small to do it but liked to help) He is usually hesitant about trying new things but happily gave it a go but I think that was because I mentioned the words chocolate flavour a million times! He happily ate it all in one go. I didn't think it smelt very nice and I didn't like the flavour.

1. I'd think the benefits are that porridge would fill him up longer than the usual cereals he eats so i'd happily feed him porridge. It says it has 50% less sugar than other breakfast cereals too which is a big plus as my DS would happily not eat breakfast so I need something chocolatey to tempt him into it.

1. We both liked the packaging, we liked the bear on the front. The packages inside were easy to use and held enough for a child sized portion. My son liked the box so much he has kept it and turned it into a post box for his pretend letters!

1. I'd say make the flavour more chocolatey but my DS didn't have any complaints at all. Maybe some fruit flavours would be good - ie bits of apple/bananas etc in.

Thanks for the samples

1. Unfortunately my boys would not eat it, hubbie loved it. Eldest didn't like the taste or the texture. But they have never liked plain porridge I was just hopeful the chocolate would swing it but it was not to be.

1. I think it might be nice to get a warm cereal for them before they go off to school etc and if it takes abit of chocolate to do that I am not adverse to the idea

1. The box was popular, the bear was a strong character. Maybe you could throw some stickers in the box?

1. I can't really comment as I didn't try it as I don't like porridge myself but was hopeful my boys would but I think some children will no doubt love it.

Thanks for the opportunity :)

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?

DD1 (nearly 3) did not like the porridge. She said it made her tummy hurt. (it didn't, but she really didn't like it). We found the texture slimy, and it tasted a bit artificial. DD2, who is 12mo and eats everything also refused 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 would not buy this product. I hoped DD1 would like it, because it would be a good quick hot breakfast, but she didn't.

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

DD1 liked the box with the bear on it, and I found the way of measuring the milk ingenious. However there was far too much porridge in one sachet for DD1 so it went to waste.

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

It's porridge. Is it meant to be interesting?

Thank you for giving us the chance to try this product. Unfortunately it was not a success and we will not be buying it in future, or recommending it.

Hiya, thanks for letting this long time lurker test out something new!

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 initially excited by the idea of chocolate porridge but the smell and texture was very off putting (this is coming from a porridge fan) and we had to do some bribery to get DS1 to try it. When he did, he really didn't like it. I think it was mostly to do with the texture but I think if the taste was nice he would have managed to get over that. Our DS2 (14 months) had a go but even he refused a second spoon full.

My husband ate the whole bowl but found it tasteless. It was particularly difficult to prepare and took alot more cooking that stated on the packet. This made it extremely hot and therefore took ages to cool down. If it had been a school day we would have had to abandon 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?

I would not be persuaded to buy this again. It is a faff to prepare, and none of us enjoyed the flavour.

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

The only appeal of this product was the packaging - My DS1 thought it was great. The milk line on the packet was useful, although it did seem alot of milk for the amount of oats.

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

Completely change the flavour. If it actually tasted of chocolate, they might consider eating 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?

I have a 6yo DS and 3yo DD. DS loved the smell when it was cooking, and both DC ate and enjoyed it although DD did comment it was quite runny. Both DC were expecting it to be more chocolatey. I personally didn't like the smell, the slimy texture or the taste.

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 wanted to test this product based on the claims of it being a healthier chocolate cereal. As it is doesn't really taste of chocolate I won't be buying it.

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 you could measure the milk in the sachets but it gets quite time consuming if you are preparing more than one breakfast. I would rather make a pan of porridge on the hob. We all liked the bear on the box, but the ingredients list was too vague for my liking.

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 chocolate, not some weird chemical cocoa flavour.

We won't be buying this product, but thank you very much for the opportunity.

DS had a friend to stay so they both had a bowl full:

1. THe product. A 'lukewarm' reception to the taste - "It tastes a bit like a cross between Wheetos and warm milk". Surprisingly it wasn't too sweet, but it wasn't too chocolatey either. Not much of a smell and what there was "was weird, unnatural & most definitely not chocolatey". Our favourite golden syrup has a great aroma that is eagerly anticipated as it wafts from the microwave. Texture got nods of approval, they like it a little "lumpy", ditto appearance. Personally I found it rather bland with a nasty aftertaste.

1. The benefits - healthy, slow release of energy, cholesterol friendly, portion control, easy to use & measure, convenient sachets.

1. Packaging - again a lukewarm response. The bear wasn't cute (no personality), although they thought it was 'child friendly'. And interestingly - "Why is the porridge in the bowl white?" Sachets are great & convenient, we already use them so are wise to adding cold milk before eating.

1. To sum up - no converts here, we will stick to plain or golden syrup. The major problem was lack of smell - this is a key factor as it entices and excites the palate and increase pleasure when eating. There is no delicious chocolate aroma - if it is going to be a chocolate flavour then go for it! The taste could definitely be more chocolatey - though it doesn't need to be any sweeter, and this could be done through a better smell. The product appeals to porridge eaters & to kids who like chocolate cereals. At the moment it doesn't do it for either category - was a consideration for 'healthy eating' overtaken for a 'deliciously chocolate porridge?"

Sadly DD (4) did not like this at all, declaring it "disgusting". DH also tried it and said it wasn't sweet enough. Made according to the instructions DD also thought it was too sloppy, though she liked the fact it was smooth.

The packaging was OK as we often buy this kind of product, though I prefer one big box rather than fiddling about with sachets.

To appeal to my DD it would have to be sweeter, though I don't give her specific "children's cereals" or generally chocolate for breakfast either.

Bit disappointing on the whole.

So two out of three kids liked this porridge. DD (11) didn't. but she is not a porridge fan and this one was no exception, sorry. ('smells funny'. 'slimy')

DSs (16 and 14) really liked it. I asked them how easy it was to make and if they could manage and DS1 said 'mum, it's porridge. You put the milk in and microwave it. It's not hard.' So that told me, then.

Our microwave is super-high so I thought the 2 mins suggested was too long - the bowl was really hot when it came out and the porridge nuked and lumpy so I added more milk and it was fine.

I didn't think it tasted very chocolatey - DSes agreed but still liked it (they are now keen to try the fudge flavour - which I think sounds revolting!). But because it is slightly chocolatey it meant they didn't add extra sugar, which they would to regular porridge.

We all liked the texture - it was oaty, not smooth, which was a plus as it 'felt' healthy! And looked like porridge.

I would say the main benefits to this cereal are that it's ideal teen food - easy and quick for them to prepare, hot and filling, no fuss. I probably wouldn't think of it in terms of a staple breakfast food as it's too expensive to buy porridge this way, but def worth having some in the cupboard as a standby.

Thank you!

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?

The porridge looked better than it tasted.

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? Sorry no benefits as both DCs disliked it. They don't usually get chocolately cereals other than holidays so were looking forward to it. Wouldn't buy it or reccommend it.

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? Pouring the milk into the sachet was a pain and I ended up spilling some on the worktop although that could be because I was half asleep!

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

1. First day they all (three of them) had it and ate it all. They were very excited to have chocolate for breakfast, no comments about how they liked it though. Over the next few days only DS (age 5) wanted it for breakfast, he had it, and ate it, for about three more days before this morning, although he asked for it he didn't eat it and said it was yucky and not to give it to him again. the other two hadn't wanted it again.

1. I want them to eat porridge because it is good for them. I loved the fact that you can use the packet to measure the milk, great idea. On the first day I didn't believe that we would need so little milk and added a bit more, after that I thought the measured amount was actually to much and added a little less than recommended. Mine are 3, 5 and 6 and I thought the portion size looked more like an adult serving.

1. DCs loved the individual packets although they all wanted to open them. They weren't very interested in the box, no jokes to read, colouring etc.

1. No, sorry.