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

[wigglebumsmum]

The hoops and crosses have had a mixed reception in our house. My DD loves the roast beef ones , as do I , but the salt and vinegar seem to be a little strong and she had two or three before handing the packet over to me.

My son did not like either flavour and he was not too sure about the texture- it said it made his mouth feel odd. When offered the choice of an apple or some more hoops and crosses he asked for an apple.

I was keen for them to be a hit as I liked the fact that they were wholegrain and were healthier than a "normal" packet of crisps. I would certainly consider putting them in my children's lunchbox and I would definitely have them in the house as treats.

I personally found them very moreish as did my husband and I could see us buying them for the children and tucking in ourselves!

[sfancy]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC? I tried the salt and vinegar and roast beef. I much preferred the roast beef. My kids did as well.

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 find it to be a pleasant surprise. I would chose this 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? I would not put it in my childrens lunch box simply because our school has restrictions on what snacks children can take, however, if that was not the case, I would.

[mazgoli]

Q1.I seem to be in the minority as I prefer the Salt and Vinegar flavour. My son liked the Roast Beef best. I have bought a bag of the Prawn Cocktail flavour this morning in Asda, looking forward to trying those.

Q2.I like the fact that they are wholegrain but don't really think that 'crisps' matter one way or the other. They are a snack and a treat. Wholegrain is something that we look for in bread and cereal.

Q3. The children liked these very much as a snack. Flavours are quite strong which was a plus for them. They would be very happy to get them in their lunchboxes.

[frozenpeamum]

We all enjoyed Hoops and crosses! My children really liked the beef ones. My 8 year-old boy said to let the Walkers people know that he approves of the new crisps and to go ahead (and hurry up) and make them available in the shops so we can go and buy some more! They like crisps as a treat in their lunch boxes, but they were really keen to have these for a change...they have no idea they contain healthy wholegrain /emo/te/2.gif

[Loretta61]

DD (10) says "I liked them both. The roast beef ones are really smoky and beefy and are my favourite. The salt and vinegar ones are nice but I think are a bit too bland. Roast beef is my favourite."
DS (16) was also pretty keen, but mostly just grunted his enthusiasm in the way sixteen-year-olds do, spraying bits of hoops and crosses across the room. Though, now I think about it, he was also strangely excited about the idea of playing noughts and crosses with them.

[BoysWillGrow]

1. i liked both, preferred the salt and vinegar most though. DP and my 2 DS's loved the beef. They are a lot like monster munch.
   
   
2. Yes i think it would make me more likely to choose them over non wholegrain.
   
   
3. yes ds would like them in his lunchbox, though i wouldn't put them in everyday. I also liked how they were low calorie too so maybe i'd have them everyday instead!
   
   thumbs up from us. thanks for letting us try them.

[ceebeegeebies]

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

We had Roast Beef and Salt and Vinegar. DS2 loved them both and quite happily ate either flavour. Unfortunately, DS1 licked one salt and vinegar one and then decided he hated it and then would not even try the beef flavour - however, it is extremely fussy so I am not surprised.

DH liked them both too. I found the flavours quite strong and it wouldn't be my choice of 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 think it is an added bonus but I am quite conscious of salt in my DC's diet so I don't give them crisps on a regular basis and the fact they are wholegrain would not encourage me to buy them regularly.

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 are perfect for a snack and I would be happy to do this (but as above, not regularly) - however DS1 wouldn't eat them anyway I don't put crisps in their lunch boxes so, whilst DS2 might be happy to get them in his lunch box, that isn't going to happen.

Sorry - I realise this sounds quite negative. DS2 and DH would devour them happily and, as I have said above, the fact they are wholegrain is an added bonus

[SarcasticMrKnowItAll]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
DC1 (4) Tried both and declared them 'Yucky' DC2 loved both flavours, I liked the Salt & Vineger and DH liked the Beef. I thought the flavours were nice, not too strong like I find with a lot of 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?

No, probably not but is an added 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?

DC1 wouldn't and I wouldn't buy them specifically for DC2 as he's still quite young. I would buy them for us though!

[Kittykatzen]

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 beef, my son spat it out and wouldn't try it again. I liked that it tasted like Monster Munch! We both liked the salt and vinegar, not too sharp.

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 a healthier wholegrain snack for my son. I wouldn't necessarily choose them on that basis but would pick them as they are relatively low in calories compared to other snacks (particularly for myself!)

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 son loves crisps and would eat the S+V with enthusiasm but doubt he would try the beef ones again.

[fuzzpig]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
They were both ok, but not nice enough to buy again. I normally love s&v but I found these rather sickly and they made my mouth feel a bit... clammy?! The beef ones were quite nice considering I don't usually go for meat flavour crisps. The DCs really liked the s&v. I'll keep an eye out for prawn cocktail. I did want to say though that the texture was really nice and crunchy. :)

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, makes a change from crisps and the wholegrain is definitely an incentive to switch to them sometimes. I would be even more likely to if there were more flavours though.

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 they really liked them and would be happy to find them in their lunch box :)

[NettleTea]

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 salt and vinegar as did both my kids. we did like the beef ones too though! salt and vinegar wasnt too strong really lovely and no artificial aftertaste on either variety

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 idea and yes quite possibly

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. The way that the cupboard has been raided I think they would be happy to eat them (and have) anytime. Either that or I am starving them...

[jennieflower]

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 beef ones, both DC (10 Yr old DD & 4 yr old DS) preferred the salt and vinegar. I agree with earlier comments tht the beef ones were a lot like monster munch, but I had a nasty allergic reaction to monster munch a while ago and haven't eaten them or given them to the DC since.

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 it's a good idea and I probably 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?

My DC would eat them at any given opportunity and would be more than happy to have them in their lunch box

[3girlsunder3]

Flavour wise both were a hit with our family of 5.The salt & vinegar were strong with no aftertaste & very reminiscent of chipsticks which I used to love. The beef tasted different to other beef crisps which we've tried previously - much nicer and I would say more like marmite.

I preferred the salt & vinegar as did my 7 yr old & one of my 4 yr old dcs.
DP & my other 4 yr old preferred the beef, but we would all happily eat either flavour.

I wouldn't choose crisps as a source of wholegrain specifically, as in our house they are an occasional treat. However within context the wholegrain aspect is a plus and I probably would choose them over a non wholegrain alternative.

My children all really like hoops & crosses as a snack & would be thrilled to find them in their lunchbox.

I like the fact they contain no msg & would definitely choose them for that reason. The bags are just the right size & texture great too with no sliminess.
Personally I've never been a fan of beef crisps so was really pleasantly surprised by how much I liked these!

Its a definite thumbs up from us - I've even bought some more in Asda!

Thanks Walkers & Mumsnet for letting us try them.

[ScarlettInSpace]

Quick update, SK's both asked for hoops and crosses again this weekend, SS was most put out when I told him they'd all gone

The crisp fairy came in the middle of the night and ate them all. Honest

[Mandz07]

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 flavours were great, very tasty and not to strong a taste but plenty of flavour. DC'S loved them and we have already bought more.

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 would definitely choose 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?

DC'S already have them in lunch box now and I am very happy to buy them

[fairsize]

Well these didn't last long in our house!!! ;-)
Neither of my kids liked the salt & vinegar ones, however the roast beef ones were a firm favourite and Ive bought them since! DH and I liked both flavours but again we preferred the beef ones as the salt & vinegar were very strong!
I liked the fact that they were whole grain, but this wouldn't mean I'd be more inclined to buy them, TBH I usually buy whatever is on offer when Im shopping!
The children did like them, they were quite inventive with the shapes and they'd be more than happy to have them in their lunch box (beef only though). I shall have to try the prawn cocktail though as that's by far the most popular flavour usually in our house!

[neddle]

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

Very nice, the roast beef taste like Monster Munch. Kids 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?

Like that fact and it would probably make me choose them over something else.

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 all loved them and had them in their lunchboxes one day. Most disappointed when they didn't get them again as they'd eaten all the packets.

[whimsy]

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

We tried the beef and the salt & vinegar ones. The beef ones definitely taste like Monster Munch but we all liked the salt and vinegar the 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 think the fact that they are wholegrain is great an yes we would choose them over normal 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?

They would all like them in their lunchboxes. They loved the whole hoops and crosses theme.

[Chippychop]

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

We tried the beef and the salt and vinegar. We all liked both but much preferred the beef. DS (7) thought S&V was too strong. MY DD (3) didnt like it at all.

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 see them as crisps eg naughty snack as opposed to a healthy snack eg fruit. Yes it appeases my conscience a bit that they are wholegrain but essentially they are still processed. But I would chose them again based on taste and would be keento try the prawn cocktail.

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

The DC definitelty see them as a treat-snack and I have already included them in DS (7) lunch box but not DD (3)

[muffinheaven]

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

I was a bit unsure about both flavours when they first arrived as some brands tend to be quite strong in these flavours - however, both were a big hit in our family. The beef was a more subtle 'beef' flavour, not like other brands we've tasted. We all liked the salt and vinegar ones, very tasty !

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 were wholegrain and would definitely favour these over other crisps as a 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 children loved them and they are quite hard to please when it comes to crisps !! They have had them in their lunchboxes a couple of times and I will definitely be buying more !

[EsmeWeatherwax]

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 the beef flavoured ones, they were excellent, and were all finished in about ten minutes! Not so keen on the Salt and vinegar, the sweetish taste of the wholegrain didn't really work so well with the sharpness of vinegar. My aged father made off with them however, and reports that he enjoyed them very much!

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, the fact that they are wholegrain would make more likely to buy them, I don't think crisps are ever going to be the healthiest choice, but would say they're better than some others.

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. We are already getting them for the occasional snack, they insisted I got the x and o crisps with the shopping!

[KnickKnack]

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 the salt and vinegar, they reminded me of chipsticks ! The roast beef were very bland, kids say they lack "pow!", they tasked li,e non-spicy non-flavour monster munch.

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 this is a red herring designed to make people buy them thinking its a healthy snack, I would happily buy them as a treat but not on a daily basis. I don't feel they are any more or less healthy than other crisps. Possibly in fact less healthy as they really stick to the teeth!

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
DC loved them, would eat them daily if allowed I'm sure! Likewise they would love them for lunch but as we have a healthy eating policy at school I would not send in crisps, I'm perpetually shocked at the nu Ber of people on here who give their kids crisps 5 times a week!
I'd buy them as a treat, or even once or twice a week.

I noticed that they only referred to them as noughts and crosses though despite the name on the pack!

[meep]

1. I liked both, but beef the best....a bit like monster munch. Dc1 initially liked beef then decided the s&v was best. Dc2 just loved them both and wanted more.
   

1. I like the whole grain element and would buy these over normal crisps
   

1. DC both adored them as a snack. They love crisps but have been known to reject some other healthy brands. I wouldn't put in lunch boxes as don't want to make crisp eating normal lunch fare. Okay for weekends and treats.

[cjbk1]

Q1 What do you think of the flavours you tried? Which one did you like the most? And how about your DC?
dc's liked roast beef both '1400%' they said, very spicy very good was another comment, they shoved both in mouth at once and said "very good together"
I liked the roast beef more

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?
great that they are whole grain I wouldn't choose them over sunbites tho

Q3 What do your DC think of Hoops and Crosses as a snack? Would they be happy to get them in their lunch box?
DC'S had them with their tea but wld like them for a snack
ds only wld like them in lunchbox but I think they wld be rather strong smelling for the remains to stay in there all day

thanks for the opportunity

[goingdownhill]

Q1. We had a mixed response to the flavours. I enjoyed both, the children would only eat the beef ones. They all found the salt and vinegar to be a bit sharp.

Q2. I liked the fact that the crisps were wholegrain. This would be a factor in encouraging me to repurchase them against another similar priced none whole grain option.

Q3. The children enjoyed the beef crisps as a snack, they would ask to have them again. I would put them into lunch boxes as a friday treat. School discourages crisps in packed lunches, but I rebel a little on fridays!

Thank you for letting us participate