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

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

We all liked the beef flavour the best. The salt & vinegar tasted sweet- a hint of breakfast cereal about 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?

This probably wouldn't influence my choice in snack.

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

Yes my dc have really enjoyed them, but I am not convinced that they are really any healthier than other crisps so they won't get them every day. However, in future we will buy them as we all liked them.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Thanks for product test (and a yummy one at that) and here's my tuppence, hope it's helpful...

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

Loved the beef, very tasty. DD loved the beef also. Neither of us was that struck on the salt & vinegar (hence there's still almost a full bag of them left while beef are long gone!). Thought s&v was a strange flavour choice for little ones, it wouldn't normally be on my dc's list. Cheese and onion would be much nicer. S&v tasted strangely sweet to me - not quite right.

On an aside I'm currently doing Slimming World and I'd def have the roast beef as 4.5 Syns when I'm feeling peckish for crisps...wouldn't thank you for the salt and vinegar though, I'd rather save my Syns!

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?

If it was a straight choice of wholegrain versus not then absolutely but thes a lot of sugar in them so that offsets it a bit. TBH DCs are good porridge/weetabix eaters so I don't often worry about 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?

DD would be very happy but they aren't allowed crisps in school. I'd be happy to have them as a once in a while treat but I'd probably put them in the same bracket as other crisps. Although in saying that they'd be higher up my crisp list than some other brands.

Thanks these were yummy!

Q1) me and dh preferred the beef. They were easily on a par to monster munch (our favourites). The kids preferred salt n vinegar but i thought they tasted too vinegary and stuck to your teeth a bit.

Q2) being wholegrain is definately a plus for me as was the calories. I try not to pack crisps too often for the dcs so this would persuade me to buy them.

Q3) my older 2 dcs loved them. My ds 8yrs took them for lunch and suggested the bag could have a noughts n crosses grid on as he played it with a friend but needed to imagine the grid. I like the fact the crisps are smaller. Dd thought she got lots more in a bag. It also meant 2 young dds could share a bag and still get plenty each. 1 bag is often too much for dd2 but doesn't look a lot when shared.

Maybe you could consider mini/half bags for little ones.

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
Roast beef was our favourite but both my children also enjoyed salt & vinegar which they normally wouldn't eat!

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 am very happy to give my children 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?
My daughter would be more than happy to take a packet of these to school with her everyday, i normally don't give her crisps for school but i would let her take these

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
My children and husband both loved the beef flavour, I loved the salt and vinegar. They were just right on the size/flavour scale.

My 6 year old commented that they were the best crisps he had ever tasted and could quite happily have eaten the whole multipack in one sitting.

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 love the idea of a normally bad snack being wholegrain and having the children none the wiser, I would choose them over a non wholegrain snack.

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

Everyone loved them and they had been in lunchboxes and apparently they he played hoops and crosses at lunch time and was the envy of his friends for such a cool treat.

Overall they really enjoyed them and we will probably buy again in future.

Ohhh, we very excited to come back to the carbboard box and crisps inside!!!! Especially as I had forgotten I had applied .

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

Everybody loved, loved, loved the salt and vinegar. Nobody likes the beef though - and I do 't think the prawn would appeal in the slightest either. But then, nobody eats those flavours in any other brand either. But the salt and vinegar were a huge hit with both me and the children.

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 guess it's better than not! It's not a deal breaker for me though as I think the children eat very healthily anyway and so snacks can be just snacks!

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

Neither have lunch boxes at school, but they would adore it if I brought them as an after school snack .

Other comments: could you have a grid on the packet? So it's easier to play noughts and crosses with the crisps? (Or is this a daft idea that just my children do??)

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

We liked both flavours; I preferred the roast beef but happily ate both. DD1 preferred S&V, DD2 preferred RB and DD3 preferred S&V.

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 the wholegrain element is a bonus but I'm under no illusion that it makes a generally unhealthy snack radically healthy!

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 children really liked the crisps, they enjoyed them as a snack when getting home from school, or in their lunchbox. They aren't terribly filling (but TBH no crisps are) but there were plenty in a bag.

I really liked the Hoops and Crosses, I thought they were tasty and had a nice texture. They didn't leave your mouth all mucky like Monster Munch do and didn't taste synthetic like Monster Munch or Wotsits.

Really pleased to be selected to be a hoops & crosses taster!

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. my husband and 5 year old DS preferred roast beef, while I liked the salt and vinegar. my husband and I thought they were similar to Monster Munch. My DS thought the salt and vinegar tasted 'sour'. Both flavours weren't too strong. think cheese and onion would be good.
DS loved that we could play noughts and crosses with them. Any chance of having a large noughts and crosses grid printed on the outside or, better still, inside the packet so you can play before eating them?

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 was impressed they were wholegrain although do they need to have so much sugar in them. if sugar content was lower, I would definitely choose them over a non-wholegrain snack.

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 DS liked them but he is keener on fruit as a snack than crisps. I would pack them in his lunchbox and he said that he would like to have them as part of his lunch.

Loved getting crisps through the post..!!

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
DS and his friends must be weird looking at the host of people on here prefering the beef, but they liked the salt and vinegar best. I preferred the beef, as did the cat..

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?
Anything which is more healthy is a winner, and as they're tasty what's not to like.

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
Crisps aren't allowed in school, so can't squirrel them into lunch boxes, but they're a nice after school treat or useful for days out.

Thanks for letting us try them out. We'll definitely buy them in future.

Q1 What did you think of the flavours?

I ate only the salt and vinegar as I don't eat meat-flavoured foods. DS ate both and preferred the roast beef.

Q2 What did you think of the fact that Hoops and Crosses are a source of wholegrain?

Good that they are whole grain, but they are still crisps, and definitely not a healthy snack. I would choose them over other crisps if my son asked for them.

Q3 What do your DC think of H&C as a snack?

He liked them as much as any crisps. He doesn't have packed lunches for school, but would like them as a snack.

We all liked the salt & vinegar flavour. I liked the beef but my FB didn't, they don't like any meat flavoured crisps though.
Yes it's good & I would pick them over non whole grain snacks.
My DC loved the salt & vinegar flavour & have asked for them in their lunch box. They are full of flavour & very tasty, a hit here

I loved the Roast Beef flavour and so did DD1. DD1 also really liked the S & v flavour but the rest of us didn't. DP and I felt that they were too sweet with a tangy aftertaste. The roast beef were very meaty with a lovely deep flavour.

We have been trying to up our whole grain following the recent challenge so I like that these crisps are whole grain.

My DD1 would sell her sister for crisps so really liked them. DD2 was fairly infused tbh. She is very fussy though! Thanks for letting us try them, more flavours would be lovely.

I bought the Prawn coctail flavour hoops and crosses in my food shop today and can't wait to let DD try those too. I've just had a packet and they are so yummy.

She has a packet of S&V h&C in her lunchbox today.

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

I really liked the roast beef best. My son liked both but the salt and vinegar were his favourite.

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 of them being wholegrain. Think I would choose 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?

My children enjoyed these crisps and were more than happy to have them for their packed lunch snack.

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 salt and vinegar but liked the other one 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?

• find that a bit of a gimmick so wouldn't swing it for me

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 would be happy to get them but prefer normal crisps

Thanks for the chance to try them.

We liked both flavours but probably the salt and vinegar the most.
I think it is more of a gimmick them being whole grain than the reason for buying them. I'd buy them because my kids liked them.
I think the whole grain element would mean DD's could bring them to school. The healthy eating policy at her school says no crisps but whole grain snacks are allowed.

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

Really nice favours the salt and vinegar was quite mild which was nice, i preferred beef but the children loved 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?

Its an added bonus but i ensure the dc get it elsewhere so its not a huge concern. I would choose these over other snacks for the children as they really liked them and the wholegrain is a bonus.

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 loved them and they're fussy about crisps they've already been requested for up coming school trips.

Q1 Beef are a stronger flavour than the salt & vinegar. My children preferred the S&V flavour. Likening them to Monster Munch.

Q2. Seems fine, not an issue for or against them.

Q3. They like them as a snack and did actually play noughts and crosses with them. They would happily take in their lunch bags.

1. Both DD's 2 & 4 liked them especially the beef flavour. The salt and vinegar was also popular but mostly because they discovered they were good dipped in strawberry yoghurt . I liked both best but they were very monster munch like. DH wasn't impressed and hates salt and vinegar anyway.

1. The fact that they are whole grain wouldn't matter to me. They are crisps and should be viewed as any crisp thanks to the salt and flavours.

1. Both DD's would kill for crisps in their lunch box and would have these again though they weren't able to eat a whole bag where quavers for example would have disappeared and that's a bigger bag.

Q1. I preferred the beef, they were just like monster munch, the salt and vinegar were a bit too strong for me. DD liked both, DS1 thought the beef were a bit plain tasting and liked the salt and vinegar but he was disappointed when he saw they also come in prawn cocktail flavour so they are on the shopping list this week. DS2 said yummy for both. DP had a try of the beef and thought they were ok but he doesn't like salt and vinegar so didn't try them.
Q2. Its good that they are wholegrain and I probably would choose these over other crisps as an occasional treat.
Q3. DD would like them in her lunch box, DS1 doesn't like crisps in his lunch box because they take too long to eat. They went down well as a snack with all 3 children.

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

We all loved both the flavours. DD liked the salt and vinegar ones because they weren't too strong and didnt make her lips go white and wrinkly!

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.

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 went on a school trip on Friday, and had to take a packed lunch and tea, so had a bag of each flavour in her bag. They both came back empty.

Massive thumbs up from my family. Just wish i could find them to buy....

1. Flavours - I preferred the roast beef as did both kids
2. Whole grain - not concerned as kids don't eat crisps/ snacks often
3. Lunch/Snacks - definitely buy beef for picnics. DS is only 2 & DD (7) has school dinners.

Very impressed

Ours have finally arrived today after sitting at the sorting office for a couple of days as we were not in when they were delivered!

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 flavours but prefered the salt and vinegar. DS2 loved them both and couldn't decide which were his favourite. He was worried that once we'd tested a packet each we would need to send the rest back to Mumsnet and was very relieved when I reassured him we got to keep all the packets we have been sent.

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 the were healthier than normal crisps based on the fat/salt content etc and would buy them again over fried potato crisps. I would not however be 'marketed' into thinking they were a healthy snack 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?
DS2 aged 9 thought they were brilliant and immediately tried both. He also thought they were similar to but better than Monster Munch and easier to eat than MM. They have school dinners so lunch box does not apply but DS2 would be happy to take them on a trip, picnic etc.

In DS2's words "Mummy some crisps look good but taste rubbish and some crisps taste delicious but don't look great but these taste delicious and look good too!"

DS1 who will only eat red pringles because he thinks all other crisps are greasy. He took one look at these and would not touch them let alone eat one.

DH has just come home and spied them so I will add feedback from him later! I am off on a work trip first thing tomorrow and am not convinced there will be any packets left when I come home on Friday!

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
I enjoyed both of the flavours. I personally prefered the roast beef ones, as did my eldest dd (6), my youngest (3) didnt like the beef ones though, but enjoyed the 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?
I like the fact they are wholegrain and yes would probably chose them over a crisp snack that wasn't

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's enjoyed the hoops & crosses, they both lined them up on their plate like a game of noughts and crosses! they would definitely like them in their lunch box, however i prefer to keep all crisp based snacks as occasional treats rather than an everyday part of lunch. Much prefer these though due to them being lower fat and wholegrain.

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

We all liked both flavours - beef was marginally more popular but we don't often have salt & vinegar flavoured 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 like the fact that they are wholegrain and for DS they felt like a healthier option. They did remind me a bit of the corn snacks we used to buy when he was a toddler though. DH definitely prefers a potato-based snack although it didn't stop him pilfering the cupboard for these

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

We would buy them again, DS really liked them and although he doesn't take a packed lunch he would enjoy them as a snack.