NOW CLOSED Walkers Hoops and Crosses - tester review thread

[KatieBMumsnet]

This thread is for all the MNers who have been trying new Walkers Hoops and Crosses with their DCs. Below are some questions to get you started but please feel free to add other comments too.

Everyone who adds their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £250 John Lewis voucher.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Right I'm being good, posting this before reading back previous comments...

The testing panel here was me, both dtds, and two of their friends, all aged 14.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
DTD1 Thought they were ok, but flavours a bit strong.
BF1 Thought the Salt and Vinegar tasted of pickled onions. This is a Bad Thing as far as she's concerned. Really liked Roast Beef.
BF2 Thought S+V very strong. Refused to try RB as doesn't like meat flavours.
DTD2 Didn't like S+V, did like RB, once assured they were vegetarian.
ME I thought the RB tasted more like Marmite YUK!!! Couldn't stand to eat more than one. A strong aftertaste of slightly soggy Wotsits. The S+V VERY vinegar-y, again strong undertaste of slightly off corn-oil.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
This doesn't bother me, snacks like these are special treats not a regular part of the diet so allowed to be spectacularly unhealthy.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
My children do not usually take crisps to school in lunchboxes.

All four girls would prefer to find a different crispy snack in their lunch.

DTD1 and BF2 immediately had a game of noughts and crosses, but only bothered once, when last observed all four were settled down with a pack of chocolate digestives and Life of Brian on DVD. Well, it IS Friday!

I personally disliked them.

DTD1 also noted that the outer package for the six-pack was really big and made disapproving eco-noises about that.

Nevertheless thanks MN and Walkers for giving us the opportunity to try them. Your ready salted crisps remain the most popular in this house, if it's any consolation.

PS Noticed the pack size only 18 g. We're not all that dim o food manufacturers!

1. Salt and vinegar now tasted. DS liked them but I found them a bit more salt than vinegar (I like very vinegary tastes) and very sticky. I am still sucking bits out of my teeth! I loved the roast beef though.

1. They didn't taste very whole grain! I prefer whole grain pasts, bread and rice, so would probably gravitate towards snacks that were too.

1. I really liked the roast beef and DS referred the salt and vinegar. I'm surprised there isn't a cheese and onion one too! I would definitely buy them over crisps now.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

I preferred the roast beef, but did like the salt and vinegar. I found they were tasty but they stuck to my teeth very badly though. Ds1 preferred s&v and ds2 the beef.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
I like the fact they are whole grain but I wouldn't choose them based on that fact.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

The older boys loved them and would be happy to have either flavour in their lunch box. I shared a pack between ds3 and 4 with their lunch today which caused a bit of a ruck when ds4 ate all his and then tried to eat his brothers! A definite hit in our house.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

We were sent salt & vinegar and beef flavours. Loved both of them. The S&V ones reminded me of Chipsticks and the beef ones of Monster Munch. As a personal choice I preferred the salt & vinegar ones but the rest of the family enjoyed the beef. Nice and crunchy without getting the flavouring all over your fingers a la Wotsits.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

Tbh if no one had mentioned they were wholegrain then I wouldn't have known. Couldn't tell on taste (which might be a good thing for a picky child) or by looking at them. I think there is a definite advantage over other snacks as they have a bit of healthiness thrown in.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

My children really enjoyed them as a snack although I was trying to work out why the packet was only 18g compared to a normal packet of crisps which is 25g (?) Could have done with a bit more in the bag. Only one of them is on packed lunches and yes, he'd be happy to find them in his lunch box.....but as he's a growing 13 yo I'd probably have to put 3 in there to satisfy him

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

Everyone liked both flavours, OH preferred the Beef, SS [4] prefered S&V, SD [8] liked both and couldn't choose . I could happily eat either too.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

I like it - yes I would choose them over something else, I also liked the 85 calories a bag.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

They loved them, said they would be very happy for them to be part of lunchtime. They liked the gimmicky idea of noughts & crosses but rather than playing the game SD built a tower interlocking the crosses with the hoops, OH did say it does go a little bit against teaching them not to play with their food...

The monster munch similarity was noted in this house too - but I think they are crunchier & less messy which is nicer IMO.

Thanks for letting us be involved [and let me know when they are in the shops!]

A1: We tried the Roast Beef and the Salt and Vinegar. I liked the Salt and Vinegar as it wasn't too overpowering. My DCs preferred the Roast Beef flavour. They each said the flavour was tasty and not too salty. They liked that they weren't greasy on their fingers.

A2: It is great that they are wholegrain. I would choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain. Children didn't really notice.

A3: My DCs really enjoyed the Hoops and Crosses and described them as a more grown up Monster Munch. My eldest DC commented that he thought there would be lots of crumbs in the packet but he was pleasantly surprised that there were hardly any. The Hoops and Crosses held their shapes well, even in a school bag.

All 3 DCs would be very happy to have these in their lunch boxes.

My DC were so excited when I told them that we had been chosen to review these new snacks! I'm sure that in DD (10) 's mind that translated as all adverts running something like this 'New Hoops and Crosses from Walkers - as reviewed by '

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
My favourite was the Roast Beef as they were very strongly flavoured. DS (9) agreed with me, DD's favourite were salt and vinegar although she did say they were not as tangy as she would like.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
I would definately choose a wholegrain snack over a non-wholegrain for the children. They aren't aware of the difference taste-wise so it makes sense to.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
Ooo - the sixty million dollar question!! I allow my DC to choose a packet of crisps to put in their lunch bag on a Friday, and despite having several other crisps and snacks to choose from they both went for the Hoops and Crosses. So that's a yes from both of them!

Much excitement in the Lippy household today. DH, DD and I have all road tested the crisps (and now can't wait to try the prawn cocktail ones).

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
We were all excited the to try both flavours as S&V are DD personal favourites in Walkers crisps and i love Roast Beef. I LOVED both packets equally at first but on trying another packet of each if i had to choose then the roast beef ones would win. DD preferred the salt and vinegar ones but also liked the beef as a change. DH isn't really a crisp kind of guy but liked both but could take or leave having anymore.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
Loved the fact they were wholegrain and that would feature in my choice yes, however on looking at a packet of Prawn Cocktail Walkers the Hoops and Crosses have more sugar and salt than the PC Walkers. DH was impressed by the unsaturated fat content of the H&C crisps though.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
DD loved them and has asked that on Monday a packet of the S&V Hoops and Crosses be put in her lunchbox .

DD had a game of noughts and crosses with the crisps on the kitchen table after dinner tonight with DH but in one packet of the Roast Beef ones there were definitely more Crossses than Noughts which isn't a problem if you're eating them but was a bit for their game iyswim

All in all a BIG success, thankyou for letting us test them

Q1. I preferred the salt and vinegar, as did DCs. Would've liked to have tried prawm cocktail.
Q2. I would choose them over a non wholegrain snack, also like the size of the packet. not too big.
Q3. DC's both said they were a tasty snack, but they didn't like them as much as their regular (Walkers') crisps. I would have them in my lunchbox though as they're only 84 calories per bag!

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

I liked the S&V ones better than the beef, but not as much as i like normal S&V crisps (which is a lot).
Ds1 (nearly 3) liked the beef ones. He would happily eat both though but i think that might be because he's not allowed crisps very often!

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

I liked the fact they are wholegrain but they are a bit processed for me to think that they are a 'healthy' snack.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

Ds1 liked them a lot, but then he likes all crisps. Ds2 is only 5 months and not allowed crisps yet! I know the school they will go to is quite strict on lunchbox contents and i don't know if these would be allowed. Having said that i can foresee them being a good (if slightly messy and argumentative) way of entertaining the boys in the car in the future if they can play naughts and crosses whilst having a snack!

I think i prefer normal crisps, as they are a bit less sticky on the teeth and more satisfying. Thank you for the opportunity to try these though.

Q1 - beef is always a favourite in our household, but I actually liked the salt and vinegar. Good flavour and not overpowering.

Q2 - definitely would choose over another snack because of whole grain, lower in saturated fat, no MSG and low calories. In am ideal world, my children or I would not eat crisps at all, but I am addicted to them and so it helps to have some better options.

Q3 - my daughter wouldn't believe her luck if she got it in her lunchbox. I would not give them to her to be honest as she is too young ( 2 years) and eats healthy food quite well. However, inevitably, she will want crisps at some point and, if so, I would prefer she chose these. Will definitely buy for myself.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

I preferred S&V as did DD2, I thought the RB were very strong and DD1 said they were like Monster Munch. DS (17) tried S&V but said they were too bland and not salty enough. DD3 preferred RB.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
DD1 said the fact they were wholegrain was a positive fact. DD2 & 3 said they were greasy and stuck in their teeth.
I probably would choose them over a non wholegrain snack if the price was right.
Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box? All 4 DC would eat them as a snack but DD1 said she 'wouldn't choose them out of a vending machine'

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

I'm usually a S&V girl, but the V was an after taste. I preferred the beef because it was a good strong flavour. Opposite way round for the DCs, they overall preferred the S&V because the beef was too strong.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain? The whole grain wouldn't sway it for me, per 100g these contain more sugars and salt than Walkers C&O, and I'd rather have something less processed for the kids.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box? They thought they were OK and asked for them in their lunch box the day after we friend them. I don't know if they would ask for them off the supermarket shelf.

Kids aside, I'd eat them because of the strong flavour and that when I'm following Weight Watchers they are 1 point. In that respect they are a bit of a find! :)

So a gaggle of eight and nine year boys have just scoffed the remaining packs (grrrrr). The favourite was salt and vinegar rather than the roast beef. Most of the kids were French, if that's significant!

I didn't mention that they were 'healthy' as I don't think it would have made a jot of differemce! They chose them over cake and biscuits for a snack, so maybe the novelty value won them over. There wasn't a single + or o left!

I've been looking out for them in the shops but haven't seen any. Are they there yet?

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC? We were sent Salt & Vinegar and Roast Beef. My pref was Roast Beef. Dh chose Salt and Vinegar. I would have liked the Roast Beef ones to be a wee bit beefier if thats possible. DS refused to eat them as they were too "messy" i.e the crisps were not all the same shape. He has autism though so wasn't shocked at this reaction. Bet he's not the only kid on the spectrum though that freaked at the shape of the crisps!!

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain? So now we have established that there is no way on this earth that I can persuade my DS to eat these crisps unless I painstakingly sort through them all and divide the noughts from the crosses then put them back in 2 separate packs (ain't happening Walkers-sorry!), I would def def buy these crisps for myself. 84 calories and wholegrain?? Hell yeah!

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
I would not even attempt to sneak these into the lunchbox for the reasons given above. I would however sneak them into my own lunchbox.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

Everyone liked both flavours, salt and vinegar was the favourite (just). I also noticed the sticking to teeth thing going on but neither my DH or the children seemed to notice it.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

I'm not really convinced of the benefits of "whole grain corn meal" over the "maize" you find in other corn-based snacks (ie Monster Munch). My understanding is that when you grind the grain up to produce meal or flour you lose a lot of the benefits of whole grain over refined grains. I'm willing to be educated on this but my current feeling is that it's a bit of a marketing con to try to convince us that they'll be healthier.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

Both boys love them and have chosen them over other snacks since initially trying them on Thursday. The remaining packets will definitely be going in lunch boxes next week.

I prefer the shape of them over Monster Munch - they're less messy to eat (although my boys still managed to make a bit of a mess eating them!) The smell of them lingers a bit after they've been eaten but probably no more than other flavoured crisps/snacks.

I'm also wondering why they're "Hoops and Crosses" and not "Noughts and Crosses"!

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
I liked the Beef but found the crisps made me feel dry really quickly.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
I would for the dc but not for myself.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
The dc loved them, they wanted to eat all the packs in one go.
They would like them as a packed lunch but take so long to eat crisps it wont be happening.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC? Tried the Roast Beef and the Salt and Vinegar. Liked the salt and vinegar most. DS found the flavours too strong.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain? Good that they are a source but wouldn't choose them over another snack that wasn't wholegrain.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box? Didn't like the flavours. Wouldn't eat them for lunch but DH liked them.

Very happy children here receiving free crisps. They took the request for feedback very seriously and savoured them on our picnic today like tasters on Masterchef! Overall the crisps went down a storm in our family, although just to let Walkers know one of the packets was unsealed so obviously a packaging issue somewhere. Luckily the crisps hadn't spilt or gone soft.

So, answers to the questions:
Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

In our family of 4, we were evenly split with 2 of us preferring Roast Beef, and 2 Salt and Vinegar. We all liked both flavours though, and I don't normally like S&V but as it was quite a mild flavour I enjoyed them. My daughter who loves vinegar, said she would have liked a stronger/sharper taste.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
I do like the fact that they are wholegrain, but that wouldn't be a deciding factor for me as we eat plenty of fruit, veg and cereals and I wouldn't necessarily be looking to top up our fibre intake with the crisps we choose. However, I do like the fact that they are baked - both because all the family liked the crisps not being greasy, and I like to keep an eye on fat content of foods.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
The children both loved the crisps, and would be delighted to get them in their lunch box (but as many others have said, I give crisps as an occasional treat outside school, and rarely include them in packed lunches). They liked the texture and the shapes too.

In summary, we would buy these crisps, probably to alternate with other family favourites like Hula hoops and Snack a Jacks.

Thanks Walkers! We have enjoyed being testers.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
Both DSs and I preferred the Roast Beef to the Salt and Vinegar. DH wouldn't try the Salt and Vinegar but did like the Roast Beef flavourl. I thought the Salt and Vinegar was a nice strong flavour but a bit too sweet. The Roast Beef ones were nice but DS1 and I were both disappointed because Salt and Vinegar is our favourite flavour.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?
As a family we already eat wholemeal bread and pasta and wholegrain cereals, so I don't think there's much advantage to adding wholegrain crisps to our diets.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
DS1 will only have normal Walkers Salt & Vinegar crisps in his lunch box. DS2 took the Roast Beef Hoops & Crosses twice last week and ate them all both times. He usually has Hula Hoops but quite often the pack comes back uneaten.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

Those beef ones are very much like monster munch. But as someone said earlier: they aren't so messy to eat.
I think I prefer the beef, but might have to have another pack of salt & vinegar to be sure.
DD says she like both the favours

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

Oh yes whole grain = good
I can feel slightly better about DD eating crisps.
I do buy those wholegrain Sunbites when they're on offer and sometimes when they're not (tried the ASDA version of them - flavour not so good)
Baked = good too

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

They were a bit hit with my DD and she was thrilled to get them in her lunchbox.
She'd definitely be happy to have them again and I'll look out for them in the shop.

She did say she prefers the crosses

hi, we've had fun this week testing - me and DS age 7

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC? Loved the salt and vinegar, and surprisingly so did DS. Found it plenty vinegary and I love vinegar! We both likes the strong shapes and the crunch!

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain? Is there really much benefit?

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box? Really fun. DS loved being able to take a pack to school for crisp day and that no one else would have one so thank you for his new street cred!

the Hoops and Crosses arrive today...
we (me and my girls) tryed the Salt and Vinegar, and the Rost Beef flavour.
i liked them both, my older daughter liked the Rost Beef flavour best,and she said that they taste like Monster Munch, my little girl didnt like any of them
i think it is a good idea that they are a source of wholegrain (which i prefer it).
I defnately buy them to put in my daughter lunch box and to eat them my self
we are givin the thumbs up to the Hoops and Crosses

Can I start by saying that I was a bit 'meh' about the packaging of the product. I doubt I would notice it on the supermarket shelf.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?

I think we all would have preferred to try the prawn cocktail flavour! The roast beef flavour were very much like Monster Munch. They were ok but the children seemed to prefer Salt and Vinegar (a flavour that I wouldn't normally offer them), which to me didn't seem very salty or vinegary.

Q2 What do you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain? Would you choose them over another snack that isn't wholegrain?

The wholegrain aspect would lead me to choose them over regular potato crisps, but they aren't really a 'healthy' snack so would only choose to buy them as an alternative to crisps (e.g. For a picnic or party). My children eat plenty of wholegrain in their diets already, so it's not a big thing for me really.

Q3 What did your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?

The boys really enjoyed them. I don't give crisps in lunch boxes, I'm not sure the school allow it. I would offer these as an alternative to traditional potato crisps, but honestly, on the rare occasion I buy crisp type snacks I would probably still choose Pom Bears.

Thank you for letting us take part in the product test.