NOW CLOSED: MU 100% Cheddar Sticks product test - feedback thread

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the 100 MNers who are trying the new MU 100% Cheddar Sticks from MU cheese with their DC.

If you are a tester please add your feedback to this thread by answering these questions once you've bought and tried the cheese.

MU says "Our new MU Sticks are the perfect little treat to pop into your kids' lunchboxes, or even stash in the fridge as a delicious and healthy snack. Each stick is made from 100% Cheddar and contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk. What's more, they are completely natural - each yummy chunk of smooth and creamy medium cheddar is just MU Cheddar, with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives added."

Everyone who is a tester and who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one family will win £100 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

Feedback questions:

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?
When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture
• Strength of the cheese
• Packaging

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why? As stated above MU sticks: ~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why? ~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?
My 3 dc's (aged 8, 7 and 5) all tried them. Ds1 wasnt very keen on them as he thought they tasted too strong but the other two really liked them.

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
They were eaten both in the house and as part of the elder two's packed lunches.

*What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture
• Strength of the cheese
• Packaging*

As stated previously ds1 found the taste too strong for him, but there were no compliants regarding the texture from any of them. I think dd and ds2 found the packaging a bit difficult to open but that isnt unusual for them!

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why?
~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why?
Getting both calcium and protein into my children can be very difficult at times-all love various types of chees, but they detest milk as a drink.

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)
I think i would buy them again as they are handy for lunch boxes (just need to get dd to master opening them herself!) and I always try to get some kind of dairy product into their lunch bags where possible-this is ideal.

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?
Me, My DH and DD ate the MU sticks we all thought they were nice, quite a strong taste but nice all the same

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
Some were eaten as a snack, or in a lunchbox

What did your family testers think of the:
- Texture
- Strength of the cheese
- Packaging
We thought the texture was good not rubbery like some others on the market, The strength of cheese was ok like I said earlier it was slightly stronger than expected but ok. The Packaging was ok not sure how this could be improved like the cow like packaging.

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why?
Maybe more sticks per pack as 4 didn't last too long

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why?
~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to
you? Why?
The 100% cheddar appeals to me bacause it sounds nicer than some of the others on the market which to me taste fake. I like that they contain 1 glass of milk as DD can't drink a lot of milk but can eat cheese so a good way of ensuring she is getting enough.

Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right?
I think it is very important to get their calcium intake right to help stong bones etc

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)
I would like to but these again and feel they are ok value for money although would prefer a larger pack.

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?
My 11 year old daughter and my husband ate them. They both thought they were very tasty, in fact my daughter said they were better than other cheese snacks she has had.

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
Mainly they were eaten as inbetween snacks, when getting in from school or during the afternoon at the weekend.

What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture
• Strength of the cheese
• Packaging

They loved the texture, said it was nice and soft but not at all rubbery, the strength of the cheese was perfect, not mild and bland but not too tangy for a child. The packaging was fine, easy to grab one on your way out of the door.

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why?
My husband would like an option with a thin streak of marmite up the middle!
Obviously a cheaper price is always good.
Maybe packs containing more individual sticks?
Making them available through more retailers.

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why?
This is appealing as we eat mainly healthy natural food in our house, I try not to serve processed food but if I have to I would prefer it to be a healthy snack like this rather than a packet of cripss or a biscuit.

~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why?
It helps my child get important calcium.

Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right?
Very important, that way hopefully she will avoid brittle bone disease when she's older.

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)
Yes, I do, if I can find them locally, as up to now I have struggled.

Thanks for letting us try the product.

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?
My two children, DS aged 3 and DD aged 1 and myself. I didn't like the taste and texture, DS and DD liked them.
When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
Snacks
What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture
• Strength of the cheese
• Packaging

The DC liked the texture and taste, I didn't. The packaging was very good. If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why? As stated above MU sticks: ~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why? Yes, its good to know it's not 'junk' ~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? Yes, it's good to know they're getting some of their calcium in a snack that they enjoy Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? very important Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? I would consider buying them again if I was planning a trip out or picnic, but wouldn't buy them just as snacks for in the house.

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks?
DS aged 14 months and myself, the dog ate a bit DS dropped and then kept jumping up for more!

What was their verdict?
DS was a bit suspicious of it at first but seemed to enjoy it. I liked the taste.
When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
As part of a meal at home and a snack at home as well as a snack when we went out.
What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture - DS seemed to find it a bit chewy but I liked it.
• Strength of the cheese - about right
• Packaging - easy to open, I liked that they came in individual packets.

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why? Yes, as I don't like unnecessary ingredients added.
~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? Yes to ensure my child is getting calcium in a variety of ways. I breastfeed and as I don't feed during the day as I am at work I like to know that he is getting calcium in food and snacks.
Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? Extremely.

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks) I would buy them if they were on special offer.

Who in your family ate the sticks were tested by me, do, dd7,ds4,dd2
They were eaten in a lunchbox and as part of lunch at home
What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture - fine
• Strength of the cheese- not strong enough
• Packaging- fine

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why? They would make the cheese stronger As stated above MU sticks: ~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why? ~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? not really as they get their calcium from other sources as well! Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? Very important Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)if they were on sale to about a £1 we try and keep our lunch boxes around a £1 so that's quite a chunk Just on cheese

Who in your family ate them: me: DS1 (5) DS3 (3).
What occasion did we have them: lunch boxes for school/preschool & I tried one.
Texture: good
Strength: stronger than normal cheese we get but DS3 thought they were Yum!
Package: liked DS1 liked the cow print and then laughed when he realised it was called MU.
100% cheddar: yes definitely appealing
Calcium: very important but mine drink loads of milk and eat cheese/yoghurts.
Buy again: Yes but I hate things in packs of 4. I would use for lunch boxes and would prefer pack of 5. I would have to buy 3 packs for 2 DS as 10 lunch boxes a week. Would prob buy as an odd treat in lunchbox.

My packs of cheese have just arrived in the post in a little cool bag. Thank you!

We will try them today.

Just received my packs in a coolbag delivered by a courier.

Going to use some for an afterschool snack.

Like the packaging.

ours arrived this afternoon too :) (thank you!)
dd is 6 and has already tried one, ds2 got a bit as she was in a generous mood, both having them in lunchboxes tomorrow and so am i. looking great!

I received the cheese yesterday through the post as I couldn't find it in my local Tesco. Thanks for the little cooler bag and cold pack, sure it will come in useful!

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? I tried them, as did DD (11)

What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why? I quite liked them although I found them a little strong, DD liked them too.

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal? I had mine with an apple, DD ate hers on its own then wanted another!

What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture- we both found the texture a bit too soft, DD said it stuck to the inside of her mouth.

• Strength of the cheese- I found it quite strong, DD thought they didn't taste cheesy enough (I think she is coming down with a cold though)

• Packaging- LOVE the packaging, especially the cow facts, brilliant! Better than the jokes yyou get on other brands!

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why?- Texture needs to be firmer, other than that, they are a great product.

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why?- NNice to have proper cheese in convenient packaging (not plastic stuff )

~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why?- That wouldn't make me buy them TBH.

Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right?- DD has quite a bit of dairy in her diet, not something I generally worry about.

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)- Yes, pretty good value, plus I still have my vouchers!

Hi everyone, thanks for your feedback so far. Just a heads up that we will be closing this thread and doing the prize draw on Monday.

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks?

Ds1 (age 13) DS2 (age 11) and me (age 37) and the cat had a bit as he loves cheese DS3 didn't want to try them

What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?

We had a chorus of "ooh yummy" from the kids and I was very pleasantly surprised. I thought thy were going to be like cheestrings (i.e.gluey and bland) but it's full on cheddar.

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?

Lunch - with a sandwich. Yum.

What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture - very nice, not too hard, not at all rubbery.
• Strength of the cheese - great for kids, I'd like em stronger.
• Packaging - fun, eye-catching. Very good. Better than cheestrings.

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why? I would like them Mature. As stated above MU sticks: ~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why? No rubberiness! No fillers! ~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? Great idea - calcium is a benefit, obviously. Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? Very! Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks) Not at that price. I have 3 kids and I would need 4 packs for a Mon-Fri lunch...£5.40 on bit of cheese a week is too much for me. Shame.

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?

Me, DD2 (21 months), DH. DD1 refused, not sure why as she likes cheese.

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?

snack

What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture

bit of a strange shiny texture to it, doesn't really feel like cheese until you bite in

• Strength of the cheese

I quite liked the strength but DD2 didn't finish it and DH didn't like it. DH is definitely a mild cheddar man.

• Packaging

DD2 was mooing all round the shop after we picked them up - she was very excited by the packaging. I thought it looked nice too, and was nice and easy to open, which is big plus for children.

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why?

Probably the shininess - make it more cheesey looking

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why?

Yes, i don't want processed cheese

~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why?

I'm not sure this really excites me

Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right?

very - you don't need dairy for calcium though of course.

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)

Maybe if they were on offer, but it would probably only be me eating them

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? What was their verdict? If they didn't go down well, why?

My 2.5 yr old DD, my DH and I both tried them at home (6 month old DS looked very interested but a bit young for sticks of cheese!), then I took them to a friends house where their 3 yr old DD and 6 yr old DS tried them.
DH and I both thought they were surprisingly nice. We were expecting very mild and tasteless cheese and were pleasantly surprised to find they were quite mature.
My 2.5yr old DD said they were ?very yummy in my tummy? and was keen to have another.

My friends children, the 3 year old girl ate half then changed her mind and decided she didn?t like it, and the 7 yr old boy ?really really loved it?.

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?

They were eaten at home with a lunch, also as a snack at home and then taken along to a shared lunch at a friends house. I had trouble finding the MU sticks and so they were posted to me this week. Had I found them earlier I would have taken them to a picnic, they seem ideal for that purpose. DH wanted to take one with his packed dinner for his night shift this evening but they?ve all gone now!

What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture ? about right
• Strength of the cheese ? perfect for our family and for friends son but friends 3yr old prefers mild cheese. There are already lots similar products available for milkd cheese lovers so nice to see one with a more mature cheddar.
• Packaging ? the packaging seems very child friendly. Its inviting to children. Friend?s son liked the interesting fact about cows. quicker to get in than a Babybel! My 2.5yr old DD can open it herself if i start it off.

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why?
I would make it clearer on the packaging that it is strong and tasty cheese. From looking at the packaging I was expecting mild and tasteless. You may find that people who want a more mature cheese don?t pick this product off a supermarket shelf as they expect this sort of thing to be boring cheese.

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why?- no need to add other junk to it. I want my children to eat healthy food.
~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? ? yes its appealing, it is always good to ensure my children get their calcium in a variety of ways.
Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? Very important.
Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks)
Yes I would probably buy them for picnics and occasional use for snacks.

Thank you for the opportunity to try this new cheese, and thank you for the handy little cool bag they were delivered in, I will put it to good use.

Hello - thanks for all the feedback. Am pleased to say Poppig has been selected as the winner of £100 Love2Shop vouchers

Who in your family ate the MU Sticks? DD (6) DS2 (9) DH and me

What was their verdict?
all enjoyed them. DH and ds2 "it's proper cheese, not that rubbery stuff"
If they didn't go down well, why? they certainly did go down well!

When did they get eaten - on what type of occasion - eg did they go out on a picnic, in a lunchbox or eaten at home? As a snack or part of a meal?
as a snack at home and as part of a school packed lunch for dd on her request. Three times....

What did your family testers think of the:

• Texture - good, better than other cheese products
• Strength of the cheese - just right. Not too salty or too strong but erm, cheesy enough.

• Packaging dcs loved it, I was amused by the cow, dh didn't notice (men....)

If you or your DC could make one improvement to MU sticks what would it be and why? more of them in the pack (Quote dd, seconded by me)

As stated above MU sticks:
~ are 100% cheddar - is this appealing to you? Why? yes - not artificial additives and flavourings

~ contain the equivalent of one 210ml glass of milk - is this appealing to you? Why? yes, calcium intake and generally a balanced diet (dcs were initially dairy free as ds1 has milk allergy, so calcium intake is a priority here!)

Overall, how important it is to you to ensure your children get their calcium intake right? extremely, see above

Lastly do you think you would buy MU sticks again? Why? (RRP £1.35 for a pack of 4 sticks) yes but as a treat rather than part of the weekly shop, definitely for holiday family picnics etc as they're not "kids food" and are a healthier option than other cheese snack products.

After a loss of vouchers and not being able to find the things in the local Tescos we finally have them! (albeit they only had one packet in the entire store!)

So adding comments in case anyone will read them.

DD (5) didn't like it - said it was too strong. But she eats grated mature cheddar so is just being fussy. Maybe doesn't liike the big chunk of cheese texture. I gave her a little piece and she said Oh nice but wouldn't eat any more.

DS (3) loves them - scoffed his and ate his sisters. He loves cheese anyway.

I liked it - tasted like proper cheese not the shite that is in the plastic cheese strings and such. (My children will not touch cheese strings, baby belle or any of that crappy plastic cheese.) I like the texture, and taste. I might buy it for me actually as it is packaged into a good size portion (am on a diet) so would eat a bit but not be tempted to eat a whole block.

DH said "oooh that's quite nice - a nice medium cheddar. Nice and creamy - I quite like it." Says he would buy it or eat it for a snack cheese.

We ate it as a snack at home - would take on a picnic or day out as a snack.

Texture - just right
Packaging - Love the cow print - very distinctive.
Strength - great - etter than insipid grot usually marketed at children.

Love that it is 100% cheddar and not loads of junk stuck together to make substitute cheese.

I have no worried getting my children to drink milk but is a good calcium boost for days on the run. Calcium pretty important for growing children.

Can't think of a change I would make.

Would buy them again - possibly on offer £1 would be very tempting - £1:35 a little less so.