NOW CLOSED Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes reviewer feedback thread.

[KatieBMumsnet]

This thread is for the 250 Mumsnetters who have been trying out the new 2in1 recipe mixes from Schwartz.

Here's what they say: "The new 2in1 range offers two easy to use recipe mix sachets in one handy pack: one sachet flavours the main dish whilst the other contains a seasoning for a complementary side dish or topping. With five different varieties to choose from, and an easy recipe on the back of each pack, this is a great way to try out new dishes or transform an existing family favourite from ordinary to special."

Mumsnetters have been trying the following recipe mixes:

• Garlic & Thyme roast chicken + crispy roast potatoes

• Chicken Tikka + mint & cucumber raita

• Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping

• Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

• Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip

Below are some questions for you to answer but please do feel free to add any other comments you may also have. We'd like you to post at least 3 sets of feedback - answering the same questions for each recipe mix you try. Please also upload any pictures you take of your creations. Please note, photos and comments may be used on Schwartz's pages on Mumsnet and possibly on other marketing material.

Questions

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Everyone who adds at least 3 sets of feedback to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £500 John Lewis voucher!

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Dish 3: Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

3

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Out of the three we have tried so far this one was the best. We liked the dip (although we felt we would probably just buy a ready made one for even more convenience) and the crunchy chicken bites were okay.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Easy

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed the recipe.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

From the point of view of not having to think about what to do - yes. As mentioned above I'd probably just buy a ready made dip if I was going to serve this dish and make my own breadcrumb mix so it didn't save a lot of time.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I'd possibly have one as a cupboard back-up.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

It was a pleasant enough bite but none of us felt strongly we must have it again.

chicken Tikka

4 out of 5.

Lots of flavour, nicely spiced. But riata was quite runny and not much taste.

Easy to prepare, not too much mess to wash up afterwards.

We'd definitely have this one again.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken tikka and mint and cucumber raita

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4/5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

DC didn't try it as we had a grown up meal tonight. Dh and I thought it was lovely, the raita wasn't as great but the actual tikka had so much more flavour and spice than expected, it was really good.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Ingredients wise I stuck to the recipe but method wise I didn't. I was in a mad rush so chucked the chicken in the marinade for about 10 mins, dry fried it and added the remaining sauce for the last 5 mins of cooking. I diced the cucumber so we had the raita chunky style.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

I preferred it to a jar but it was no easier, possibly more faff than using a jar. It was certainly easier than making a curry from scratch.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

We would buy this one again yes.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Really liked it :).

Ps that was recipe 3

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern-Style Crunchy Chicken Bites + BBQ Dip

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

2

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Well I quite liked the chicken, wasnt too impressed with the BBQ flavour, DP was again unimpressed but not quite as unimpressed as last time, DS loved the BBQ flavour but left the chicken, and ate hummous instead.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Quite easy, I didnt use all the egg and there was only just enough crumb to coat the small portion of chicken I bought.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Used baked beans instead of Tomato Sauce, we are a house of red sauce refusers, but the beans were fine.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, as I then had to find something else for DS to eat.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not this one, it just wasnt good enough.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

None of the above, as someone else up thread said, meh.

4th review:

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)?

I give it 2, and DD (age 4) wouldn't rate it very highly. DH liked it - he'd give it 4.

What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

DD took one mouthful of chicken and refused to eat any more. Neither would she eat the barbeque sauce. I wasn't that keen on the flavours of the chicken, although the sauce was ok. DH enjoyed it all.

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy. Having run out of the chicken coating on the garlic and herb crunchy bites one, I was more sparing with this one and the mix went a lot further.

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed exactly.

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes - it was easy and was nice to try something different.

Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Might buy this very occasionally for DH but not often, as DD really didn't like it, so using this one would mean having to cook something different for her. Have already bought the pasta bake one again though, and will buy the garlic and herb one again.

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated.

It was okay.

Recipie 3 here we are

Chicken tikka mint and cucumber
Rate it 4/5
The flavour was good and nicely spices
The mix was easy to use
Flowed the recipient as it was on the pack
I would buy this one again
Yes I would buy this agin If I couldn't be bothered to make a curry from scratch as I usually do

This time we tried the Garlic & Thyme roast chicken + crispy roast potatoes.

I'd rate the mix 3/5

We all liked the flavour it was a bit different to a normal roast, but not necessarily better, just different. The potatoes were a bit more different and quite tasty.

Quite easy to use, but not really any easier than a normal roast.

We followed the instructions, but as noted above it didn't really make the mealtime easier.

I don't think I'd buy this particular mix again, but we all liked it.

we had southern style chicken bites and garlic and herb chicken bites.
very easy to make and both absolutely gorgeous.
Only criticism was the bbq sauce for the chicken dip -it was nice but it would be easier to buy a ready made bbq sauce.
would definitely buy again x

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping
How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
5/5
What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
Me and the DCs LOVED this one. DH liked it well enough and would eat it again but wouldn?t seek it out. DS(4) had some in his packed lunch the next day and brought home an empty tub so it went down well cold too!
How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Very easy
Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
Substituted sweetcorn for the pepper because I prefer it!
Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
There was still quite a lot of assembly for this so I don?t feel like it made dinner much easier but it was very tasty so I didn?t mind.
Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
This one yes but I?ll make the tuna variation as a more ?grown up? tuna pasta bake and feed fussy finicky non-tuna-eating-DH something else
Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
Loved this one, will definitely be buying it again.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Southern Style Chicken with BBQ sauce

How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)
2 out of 5

What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
I didn't like the taste of the chicken mix, though DH and DS did. It didn't taste very natural to me. The Sauce was lovely.

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Very easy to do

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
I followed the recipe and served it with potato wedges.

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
yes - it was quick and easy to do, though I found we had to cook it for slightly longer than the packet said

Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
I wouldn't buy this one again, just didn't like the flavour of the breadcrumby mix and think I can make a better one myself.

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
I really didn't like it but because DH did I am giving it 2 out of five, otherwise it would have been a 1.

Feedback no 3...

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

The chicken tikka and mint raita.

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

3.5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

It was a nice flavour but the tikka was a bit insipid. The spices tasted very raw as well, there was a harshness to them. Despite the quantity in the ingredients list, it also felt under seasoned and required more salt, which meant it wasn't suitable for DD to eat.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Unusually for me, I followed the recipe on the packet

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

It was a bit of a faff having to marinade the meat overnight and the lack of carbohydrate with it meant that it wasn't a complete meal, so it didn't absolve you from having to think.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

This one I would consider buying again.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

We liked it.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern style crunchy chicken bites + BBQ dip

How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

3 out of 5. The meal was nice but not amazing.

What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

This recipe was child friendly and the BBQ dip went down very well in our household.

How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

This was an extremely simple product to use and we could see how children could help in the preparation of this meal to involve them.

Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

There was no need to amend the recipe.

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, they are simple recipes to follow and the packet gives you all the required ingredients taking a lot of the effort out of compiling a weekly shopping list.

Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, they make mealtimes simple

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Liked it overall.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern style crunchy bites and bbq dip

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

DS1 and 2 both loved the chicken cooked this way and the sauce was a hit too. DS1 was very dissapointed the next day when i couldnt make the same again!

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy to follow recipe and instructions

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

I followed the recipe

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes, all i had to do was add the veg at the end. A very quick and healthy meal for after school. only slight problem was i ran out of the coating but i guess thats down to the size i cut the chicken.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

loved it, very easy to prepare and the boys loved the flavours. Its a nice change for them to have what they called nuggets as i dont buy any processed meats at home.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Our first attempt was the garlic and thyme roast chicken with crispy roast potatoes.

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

I would rate it as 2/5. DH actually spat his potato out he thought it tasted so bad and promptly refused to eat the rest. He wasn't keen on the chicken either and I found that the skin on the chicken failed to crisp due to the coating. The taste was overwhelmingly of burnt garlic. I did like the potatoes, however, and may be tempted to buy the coating for them if they were sold separately and weren't too pricey. Reminded me of stuffing, i.e. sage and thyme etc. DD didn't seem particularly keen on either mix, which is unusual as she normally loves chicken dinner!

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

I wasn't keen and nor were DH and DD(3). Is quite articifial and a bit overpowering.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

I used chicken legs instead of a whole chicken, purely because we had some in the fridge. However, I'm glad this was the case because if I'd paid £12 for a whole organic chicken it would have been ruined!

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, it's just as easy to add your own herbs/coating.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

No. I'm really not keen and much prefer to cook a whole chicken by putting half a lemon inside and some butter mixed with herbs from my garden just under the skin, with salt and pepper on top. Tastes way better than the mixes and much more authentic.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Hated would be too strong, but I did dislike it.

Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4/5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

they loved the chicken bites but ds1 would not try the dip and ended up with ketchup instead for his. the rest of us liked the dip. ds1 doesnt really eat anything with cheese in.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

very easy

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

followed the recipe

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes, simple instructions and everything ready in under 30 mins with very little clean up

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

loved it

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Our second attempt was the southern style bites with BBQ dip.

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

2/5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

I thought the flavour of the chicken bites was quite bland on it's own. They definitely need the dip to go with them. The dip was quite pleasant but I think a shop bought BBQ sauce would probably be nicer.

DH and DD seemed to like them, but they aren't a new favourite and haven't been requested again.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy. DD enjoyed doing the dipping with me.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed the recipe.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Not really. Was nice for DD to help with the preparation and makes a change, but would be just as easy to make chicken & veg noodles and they would probably be quicker and healthier.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, from having tried two already, I'm not that impressed. That's no offence to Schwartz though, I'm just not a massive fan of packet mixes it seems. The only ones I regularly buy are fajjita seasoning.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Thought these were ok. Would eat them if they were in, but wouldn't set out to buy them if you know what I mean.

Review 4 of 5! No photos this time though :)

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

roast chicken

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

I would rate it a 3, DH rated it a 5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

I thought it was a bit bitter in taste, but DH loved it, and thought it was the best one yet. Not so excited by the potatoes though.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

as easy as a normal roast

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

followed the recipe, and served it with boiled carrots and cauliflower

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

no easier than a normal roast

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I might - maybe to get DH cooking more!!

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

I liked it, DH loved it.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Garlic & Thyme roast chicken + crispy roast potatoes

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? They devoured it!! Chicken was flavousome without being overpowering & potatoes very crispy - put mine to shame!!

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? SOOOO easy!

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? Followed it, but next time might go crazy

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Easier - I knew exactly what i needed & what to do - plus how long everything would take. When you're throwing things together yourself it can be time consuming

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? Already have - they're great.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? LOVED it

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Mediterranean chicken pasta + crispy crumb topping

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

3

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Mixed, I wasn't a fan however the rest of the family really liked it.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very easy

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed the recipe

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Easier - simple to follow instructions

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definately other packs, but won't rush to get this one again

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

50/50!

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Chicken bites & BBQ dip

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Very tasty - especially the dip

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Simples!

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed the recipe

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Easier - very quick & served with a simple salad. Everyone was happy!

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definately this one

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Loved it

My oven just broke :(
So no more updates from me I'm afraid.

Review 3: Garlic & herb crunchy chicken bites + cheese & chive dip

we gave this dish 4 out of 5, the chicken bits were lovely and tasty we really enjoyed them the dip was ok, I served it with salad but think it could easily be served with potatoes, and vegetables or chips

This was very easy to make and I followed the recipe on the packet, next time I would leave out the mayo as I think it made the dip a bit to overpowering

The mix made meal time easier, its very easy to do and it makes chicken more interesting, with the bonus that the kids enjoyed it and finished the lot! I would buy this and have in fact ordered some to keep in the cupboard

we loved this one

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken Tikka + mint & cucumber raita

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

I would rate this 4/5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Very nice, tasted authentic.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

So so so easy to use, even my Husband would be able to manage it!

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

I followed the recipe but I forgot to buy a red onion, so I used a normal white onion.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

It made things easier, you don't have to think recipes up. It's all already done for you and all you have to do is buy a few ingredients.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely buy this one in future, it was really nice. it made a change from a curry with a sauce.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

I REALLY liked this one!!!

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern Style Crunchy Chicken Bits + BBQ Dip.

• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest)

4.5

• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?

Everyone really liked it. Our young DD found the coating a little too much after a while so took it off. The BBQ dip was very nice too.

• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?

Very Easy.

• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?

Followed the recipe.

• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?

Was easier as it was quick and simple and gave us something different to eat. Just served it with layered potatoes'.

• Do you think you will buy, or look to buy, Schwartz 2in1 recipe mixes in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, definitely.

• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?

Loved it.