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

[Moominsarehippos]

I'm not a great fan of prawn cocktain taste tbh. I prefer a spicy tomato or sweet chilli myself.

I'm not sure of the age range targeted. The packaging doesn't seem to be especially targeted at older kids (who I assume are the target market). Jokes, cartoons or character tie-ins would help with the 'pester' aspect of purchase.

[pegster]

I really liked the salt &vinegar ones, really crunchy and nice sharp flavour, probably a bit too sharp for 19m DS. He preferred the roast beef but I found then very synthetic with an unpleasant sweet aftertaste. The teenage DSC liked both!

I would definitely choose the S&V flavoured ones over other crisps for their baked Wholegrain but am generally looking for other snacks for my DC

The teenagers would happily have these for lunches instead of other crisps. Toddler DS does not have a lunch box!

[LippyDiDooDah]

SmeeHee that's because Organix crisps have already snapped up the name 'Noughts and crosses' for their crisps!! In fact DD used to eat them as a little one 6-7 years ago now so they've been around for ages!

[BlueMonday17]

Many thanks, we enjoyed this taste test!

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

We all preferred the beef ones. DH and I were instantly transported to 1980s Monster Munch, but thankfully without the 'coat the roof of your mouth' effect that Monster Munch had! We found the salt and vinegar ones a bit too 'zingy' for our taste, but we're not overly keen on salt and vinegar 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?

I usually try to choose snacks that are lower fat/lower salt etc, so the wholegrain would make me consider choosing these. Also like the fact they are less than 100 cals a pack. But they do stick to your teeth a bit.

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

DCs are 5 and 9. 5-year old described them as 'brilliant', 9-year old declared them the best crisps he'd ever had. They would be delighted to get them in their lunchbox. They liked the 'play' aspect and said the hoop ones were easier to stick on their fingers than Hula Hoops are.

[minesawine]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
We tried roast beef and salt and vinegar. We all preferred the roast beef, both me and the DC's. They taste a bit like monster munch. The salt and vinegar had a funny aftertaste which we did not 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 liked the wholegrain in them, it made me feel healthier! The DC's didnt really notice

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's preferred the roast beef. They finished all six packs very quickly. They played noughts and crosses, with the winner eating them all. Great fun crisps and they would be happy to have them in their lunchboxes

[Rosehassometoes]

Q1
I liked both flavours. Slightly preferred Beef, would prob buy more often but would buy Salt and Vinegar for a change.

DS (3) declared S and V to be 'yuck' but slowly nibbled a crisp, perhaps an aquired taste! He said that the Beef ones were much nicer and really enjoyed them.

Q2 Whole grain wouldn't really influence me as I still see crisps as a treat not a healthy snack. However, it is a good thing.

Q3 Would put in nursery lunch box occasionally.
Crisps are a good size for little hands and the flavour coating doesn't come off on hands too much.

[MonnowCyclist]

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

DD2 liked them equally, DH & DD1 preferred roast beef & I preferred Salt & Vinegar.

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?

Both DDs & I would choose these as the healthier option, DH wouldn't factor it 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?

DDs both liked the shape & snack as a whole and would be very happy to have them in their lunchbox.

DH & I don't normally like roast beef flavour but both enjoyed these.

We all enjoyed the light texture.

Great snack thank you - we will also try prawn cocktail.

[RichTeaAreCrap]

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

I loved the salt and vinegar flavour, they were just strongly flavoured enough without being too strong. DC's liked both but if they had to pick a flavour they preferred 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?

Yes I would choose them over other crisps that are not a source of wholegrain. It would sway me more towards these.

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 and would be happy to have these as a snack in their lunch box.....as would I!

Overall, very impressed, liked them and would definitely buy them in the future.

[BornToFolk]

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

They were OK. I found them both a bit weak. The roast beef flavour reminded me of Monster Munch but not as strongly flavoured (so not as nice!) The salt and vinegar ones were also not strong enough for my taste. DS enjoyed them both though. He said that the salt and vinegar was "good, not too strong". He said he liked both flavours equally.

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?

Meh. I'd prefer to get my (and DS's) wholegrain from a healthier source. I would choose these for DS again as I liked the fact it was a smallish bag, less fat than standard crisps and not too many odd ingredients...

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

DS (5) really liked them. He was immediately engaged by them. He actually thought it was a game when he saw the packet. He likes that they are different shapes. He really enjoyed them and I'm happy for him to have them on occasion. I also noticed them in Tesco and thought they were reasonably priced so I'd definitely buy again. DS does't get crisps every day in his lunchbox but when he does, this is a brand I'd consider.

[Lakota]

Received and nearly all eaten - thanks!
Q1. We all liked both flavours - eldest DS (8) and DH definitely preferred the roast beef, and whilst I'm a S&V fan generally, I must admit the beef might have just had the edge for me too. Littlest DS (5) liked both the same. Experimented and discovered that one of each flavour eaten together was very nice.

Q2. Definitely pleased they're a source of wholegrain. Would buy for this reason and that I'm a big crisp fan but watching my weight and they're a low calorie treat. Reminded me of Monster Munch but lower calorie. Also pleased that there are plenty in a bag - we had been buying Walkers Baked Stars which are tasty but too few in a bag!

Q3. DSs both very keen that I buy them once they're all used up and would be very pleased to have them in their lunchbox.

Thanks again!

[charlie7]

Thank you for the crisps!

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

I liked both the flavours we tried, but I preferred the Salt and vinegar. My DCs loved them both, but preferred the roast 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 liked the fact that they were wholegrain, and really couldn't tell that they were any different to other crisps. I would choose them for this reason.

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 put these in the DCs lunchboxes as a surprise and they loved them!
They now keep asking for them!
I would definitely buy these in the future.

[Rowlers]

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

We have all tried both flavours. Roast beef definitely the favourite, but then S+V is always the flavour left at the end of a selection pack. Would like to have tried the prawn cocktail as we all like that flavour. I liked that they weren't greasy, like some posh crisps can be.

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 that and part of me would be tempted by the so-called "healthier" snack, although I must be honest, I buy what we all like and will get eaten, especially if it's on offer. Crisps is crisps, 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 children liked them (beef) a lot, although not necessarily over and above other crisps. We all thought they were like Monster Munch, if we are allowed to make that comparison? They are allowed them in lunch box although I'd hesitate to give on a regular basis, only because DS (5) would probably eat them at them at the expense of everything else in there! It would be once a week kind of thing in lunch box.

Thanks Mumsnet and Walkers for the O / X - nice to try something new!

[justtired]

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

We all preferred the roast beef flavoured ones. None of us were very keen on the salt and vinegar ones, mainly because the vinegar was so overpowering and I could tell it was malt vinegar which i'm not keen on. It would of been great to try the prawn cocktail as they are my sons 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?

I think its great! If you can get a snack that isn't usually considered healthy and make it better then its a big tick in my book. I would chose them over a non wholegrain snack for that reason, as there was no downside as the taste was lovely.

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 big hit, especially with my oldest as he loves crisps. He liked the flavour and the look of the crisps. I m sure he would them in his lunchbox but it is frowned upon at school to take crisps.

[firefly11]

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

I thought the Roast Beef was best. And so did 2 of my DCs (aged 4 and 6). We thought the Salt & Vinegar was a bit too strong. But my eldest (age 10) liked both flavours equally.

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 think its good, because we always try to eat wholegrains as wholegrains contain more fibre and vitamins in them. I would actually choose Hoops and Crosses over the usual Walkers' Crisps or Doritos that we usually eat.

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 it. It has a nice crisp and light texture. It's actually somewhat similar in texture to Wotsits but less salty and a bit more of a grainy texture than Wotsits. They would love to have Hoops and Crosses in their lunchboxes, that's for sure. And I would like eating this too.

[AutumnLady]

Thank you for letting us try these!

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 Roast Beef ones best as they were very similar to Monster Munch. DS liked the salt and vinegar ones as they weren't too 'fizzy' like other S&V crisps. I thought they tasted slightly like pickled onion monster munch and prefer a sharper S&V 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?

It definitely makes a difference that they are wholegrain and would choose them over other crisps, but there needs to be a larger range of flavours. We liked the light texture

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

DS too young for lunch boxes but would be happy with them as a snaclk. The size of the bag is a plus point but I think the packaging needs a bit of a design rethink as they are not particularly eye catching. DS liked the texture and shape of the crisps and started playing a game with them as he ate!

Thanks again, really enjoyed these so please add a sweet chilli flavour or something similar!

[ENSMUM]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
I liked them both. Salt and vinegar best (but that is always my favourite flavour!). DD (2y5m) also enjoyed both.

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?
Not really. Would only have as an occasional treat, so I wouldn't be worried about how healthy they are for this.

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
DD doesnt have a lunch box but would love these for snacks (although wouldn't get to have them often!)

[BerryLellow]

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

I really like both flavours, would probably eat S&V myself more, but DS2 and DP would prefer the beef. DP said they were like a cross between Monster Munch and Space Raiders. DS1 was horrified by them (he isn't a crisp person) DS2 was initially reluctant but now a huge fan. He said 'They aren't like Monster Munch, they taste like paint.' He is a rather contrary child though.

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?

It's nice that they are a source of wholegrain, but I probably wouldn't choose them over a different snack. Maybe over other crisps?

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

DS1 (7) A resounding 'no thanks', DS2 (3) 'More'. So yes and no here.

Thanks for sending us the trial - generous to have a multipack too, not just a voucher for a bag :)

[UniqueAndAmazing]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC? i'm not a fan of salt and vinegar, but i liked the roast beef.
they tasted just like monster munch. DH liked both flavours. so did DD.

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 idea, and they didn't taste cardboardy which was a bonus. I might be tempted to buy them over non-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? good snack - not too junky. yes, would happily give to DD for a lunchbox treat. and i like that you can play noughts and crosses!

[Stangirl]

Q1 We all preferred the S&V but liked both (me, DP, DD 3yo and DS 21mo).

Q2 Liked the wholegrain idea but someway off convincing me they are actually healthy. Would prob choose them over other crisp things. Lked that the flavour wasn't overwhelming.

Q3 Nice snack. Must be balanced with something like fruit though1

[treaclesoda]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
Whole family liked the beef flavour best

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 very cynical of claims like this on the packaging of snacks. For starters, its a very vague claim. Secondly, it doesn't matter how you dress it up, these are a salty, strongly flavoured crisp type snack. I love crisps/corn snacks as much as anyone, but in no way do I consider them to be a healthy choice, no matter how much wholegrain there is in them. Interestingly, I probably would have avoided buying them if I had seen them in a shop, because the wholegrain claim would have put me off - I wouldn't have expected them to taste as nice as they actually did.

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
My DD liked them and would be happy to get them in her lunchbox. Unfortunately for her, I'm one of those really horrible mums who very rarely lets her have this sort of thing in her lunchbox.

[SmeeHee]

LippyDiDooDah - doh! I should have known that - both my DSs had those when weaning.

[TheSitChewAceChien]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
We tried salt&vinegar and roast beef. I liked the beef a lot, but wasn't fond on the vinegar ones. DCs liked both.

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 idea. Tend to buy crisps based on what's on special offer, so would buy them if the price was right!

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
They liked them a lot, they're both complete crisp monsters, so very much enjoyed testing new ones. They don't have packed lunches, but for the odd school trip packed lunch, I'm sure they'd be pleased to find them in there.

[UniS]

I'm not bothering to put these in DS's lunch box again. 3 days running he has chosen NOT to eat them. I think he has changed his mind about liking them.

[josparkle]

We all tried both flavours and like some other posters have said, the beef ones were just like beef monster munch but without the greasy aftertaste. Loved the flavour as did dp and dc. However, the salt and vinegar ones were horrid, tasted like cheap 10p crisps and dp thought they were too sweet. DC said they preferred beef but would be happy to eat both.

The fact that they are wholegrain would make me choose them over other crisps but I still don't see them as a healthy option, just less unhealthy than others.

Id be happy ti give them to dc occasionally but no more so than any other crisps.

[LippyDiDooDah]

SmeeHee