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

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken Pasta

• 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?

It was ok, not the best pasta meal I've tried though

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

it was quite faffy, I initially thought it was a pasta bake mix that I could justmix the ingredients together and put int he oven so I found it quite clatty to cook the pasta, veg, chicken and sauce separately.

• 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?

Not as easy as a jar of ready mixed pasta bake sauce, but easier than making a sauce from scratch (although not as tasty!)

• 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 buy the others, but not this one

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

hate is a strong word, but we didnt really enjoy it! Wouldnt buy this one again, sorry!

Loved trying the others though!

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Southern Style Crunchy Chicken

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?

The flavour was very mild, and the sauce a bit unpleasant.

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

It was easy, if a bit fiddly with the dipping of the chicken. You had to be quite precise with the amount of chicken used as the coating only just covers it all.

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

I followed the instructions.

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

Not really. I can buy better coated chicken for less than purchasing this mix and fresh 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?

No, the cost and the faff would put me off.

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

I didn't really like it, although dd did.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

The Southern Style crunchy chicken bites

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?

"Lovely flavour of the coating and the dip" according to the dcs, although I didn't really enjoy either very much.

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

I quite often coat chicken fillets myself with egg and breadcrumbs, so no harder than doing that, although there wasn't quite enough for the usual amount of chicken I would cook.

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

I followed the receipe exactly.

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

Not any easier, no.

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 particular one, but loved the Chicken tikka mix and would buy that in the future if the price point was right.

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

The children really liked it, I didn't particularly.

I tested the Mediterranean pasta dish with my DH and DS1 who is 4, quite impressed with the results and empty plates all round so a big hit in this house! I followed the instructions on the pack but prepared in advance whilst baby was napping so cooked in the oven rather than grilled it and added more cheese so it wouldn't burn. Very tasty flavour and crunchy topping was lovely. Would definitely buy again as quick to prepare and liked by everyone. I would rate it a 4 out of 5.

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

The garlic and thyme roast chick and crispy roast potatoes

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?

It was alright but not any better than an ordinary roast chicken with roasties to be honest,

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

It was very easy.

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

I followed the instructions.

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

Not really, if anything it's just an extra faff I'm afraid.

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 buy the chicken tikka one, but not this one.

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

I didn't like it. Hate is a bit strong though!

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)

5

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

Fantastic flavour.

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, except I used full fat yoghurt instead of low fat.

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

Yes it was really easy to use, and it tasted like something that was quite complicated to make!

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, if the price point was right.

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

Loved it.

2nd review

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and herb chicken bites.

• 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?

We all liked it although there was not a particularly strong flavour from the coating. Could do with being a wee bit more garlicky. Wasn't mad on the dip to be honest.

• 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?

Don't think so as no simpler than making the breaded chicken I normally make myself.

• 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 if saves me a few steps such as measuring out spices etc

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

Liked it but this one wasn't as good as the Mediterranean chicken pasta

• 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) 3 out of 5 - I really liked the Tikka coating for the chicken but was not overly struck on the mint and cucumber raita
• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? - My son found the tikka a little spicy (but he is a bit of a whimp when it comes to spicy food!) Both my husband and myself enjoyed the tikka very much
• How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use? - It was incredibly easy to use
• Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients? I followed the instructions on the pack and did not add any extras
• Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes it made it easier as I did not have to make up the tikka mix myself it was already done
• 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 - they give great ideas for mealtime and make it much easier
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? - I liked it though the raita was not my favourite

4th review

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?* chicken pasta bake

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

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

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? I used onions instead of peppers as i dont like them

Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not? no easier than making a simple tomato and basil sauce for pasta

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 I didn't like it

Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? none of us liked it although I wouldn't say we hated it.

First set of feedback - got off to a bit of a slow start as sent DH to get a chicken to roast the first weekend and he came back with a joint of beef as he decided he really fancied it, and one of the packets must have had a leak in it as when I received the mixes and pulled them out to look at them, the floor was suddenly covered in orange powder...

- 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)
3

*- What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product?
DH was pleasantly surprised, DS1 managed to eat 3 pieces of chicken and ds2 refused to eat any. I thought it was OK but a bit synthetic.

- How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Making the BBQ sauce was easy - dh really liked it but I thought you could still taste the powdery-ness within it.

Making the chicken was a real faff - not least because I always worry about processes that involve moving raw chicken around between plates and the potential for inadvertently spreading food poisoning around. Difficult to get the crumbs to stick properly to the chicken and then despite having put the chicken onto an oiled baking sheet it was really difficult to get the chicken and crumbs off - most of it stuck to the baking sheet.

- Did you follow the recipe on the back of the packet or did you add/take away any other ingredients?
Pretty much followed the recipe on the back of the packet - only difference was the meat came in a 400g pack rather than a 350g pack

- Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
The BBQ sauce was easy enough to add to ketchup but I'd prefer to have a jar and just make it up as and when I need it. The chicken needing dipping in egg and crumbs took much longer than normal - I'd usually just flash it in the pan with a drizzle of rapeseed oil and either garlic or herbs.

- 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 look at them but I would want them to reduce workload not increase it! I'd prefer to see a tub of powder for the BBQ sauce on its own rather than with the crumb coating. The cost would also be offputting - I buy the massive catering size tubs of Schwartz herbs and spices from Costco - most cost about the same as the tiddly size jars or boxes in the supermarket, despite having more than ten times the content. I'm a fairly confident cook and happy to throw in a pinch of this and a dash of that (having said that, I wouldn't normally buy a jar of cook in sauce either), and wouldn't bother with the coating in crumbs again so probably wouldn't buy a packet for a single meal. Seems a very expensive way of doing things!

- Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
It was OK but not really bothered by it.

Second recipe...

- Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?
Garlic and Herb crunchy chicken bites with Cheese and 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?
DH, DS1 and I enjoyed the chicken whilst ds2 refused to touch it. DH and I enjoyed the dip but not enough to go out of our way to make it again.

- How easy, or difficult, did you find the 2in1 mix to use?
Preparing the chicken was a faff - don't like messing around with moving raw chicken around from egg to crumbs to baking tray. Much more of a hassle than I'd normally bother with.

Preparing the sauce was easy, although given that I was providing the yogurt, mayo and cheese, there didn't seem to be that much that was being provided in the mix - a couple of spoonfuls of garlic powder and a few chives. Was expecting to be able to just stir the packet into some mayo or yogurt and it would be done.

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

- Would you say the 2in1 recipe mix made your mealtimes easier at all? If so, why? If not, why not?
Faffing around with an egg wash and crumbs added considerably to my mealtimes. Also added considerably to the expense.

- 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'll look to see what other ideas they have but so far not convinced - they've made life more difficult than cooking fresh chicken bits and if you were going to make this dip, it would be easy to do with what I already have in the storecupboard anyway (am I on the only one that has rows of schwartz herbs in her cupboard already?)

- Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it?
It was pleasant enough to eat but I wouldn't rush back out to make it again - and if I did, I'm not sure what the packet gives me that I haven't already got in my store cupboard...

Review 3

Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

chicken tikka with raita

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?

Was ok - neither good or bad, 4 yr old liked the chicken

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 followed the instructions

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

Not very easy as takes time to make and marinade

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

Maybe but I don't tend to go down this supermarket aisle and use aldi a lot where they are not sold

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

Liked it

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Mediterranean pasta bake

• 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?

Loved the pasta bit but wasn't too keen on the crumb topping

• 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?

Added more veg

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

Yes, took the thinking out of what to make

• 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, handy to have in the cupboard

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

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic and thyme roast chicken

• 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?

Very tasty indeed

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

Easy to use

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

Followed recipe

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

No difference

• 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, would buy this one again

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

Liked this one

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken Tikka

• 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?

Liked the chicken coating, preferred my own home made dip

• 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 recipe

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

Yes, nice change for meal

• 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 will buy again

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

Liked it

Tried chicken tikka. Very salty no-one finished it & no-one wanted to eat it again.
Rating 1 out of 5 im afraid.
Unsure about trying others now.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Garlic 7 Herb Crunchy chicken bites + Cheese & Chive Dip

• 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?

DS hated it, he's 2.6 and usually eats anything I put in front of him, he had a bite of the fish (we used fish instead of chicken) dipped in the cheese & chive dip & spat it strait out, I've never seen him do that to anything before. He actually refused to eat the rest until I'd taken the dip off the plate & he still wasn't keen on the fish, even though he'd eat it with no problem if I'd made it in plain breadcrumbs.

DP didn't like the dip at all, which wasn't surprising as he isn't keen on cheese. He said it tasted like blue-cheese dip. Neither of us were overly impressed with the fish, it was pretty bland to be honest. I loved the dip though, but then I love cheese. I was happy to finish off their share.

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

The kit was easy to make, but then we usually make breadcrumbs from the ends of the loaf & keep them in the freezer to use like this so it didn't really save me any time. The dip was really easy to make & we had everything it used already in the fridge.

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

I used fish rather than chicken as it was suggested as an alternative.

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

No it didn't make it easier. It's something we regularly do ourselves anyway so it didn't save any time & it actually made it harder to get DS to eat any of his dinner.

• 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 definitely won't be buying this one again. DS still keeps telling me how "'gusting" it was, so I think we'll avoid it.

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

We didn't like it at all.

My second packet to test was southern style crunchy chicken and bbq dip. I rate this one 5 out of 5. Very easy to prepare and tasty chicken, that all the family loved. Followed the instructions exactly and did find they stuck to the base sheet, as it wasn't suggested to grease baking sheet first. I'm not normally a big fan of bbq dip but it was suprisingly good, although a little strong so added slightly more ketchup. Overall a good quick midweek tea for everyone, perfect with homemade potato wedges, so definitely buy it.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try?

Chicken Tikka

• 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?

Loved the chicken, my 22 month old wolfed it down. Only reason got a 4 and not a 5 was the dip. Can't put my finger on it but just didn't like 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 recipe

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

Yes, nice and quick perfect for after a busy work day

• 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 will definitely buy again

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

loved it

Last week I did the roast chicken.
I rate it 3 put of 10. The chicken stuff was great, but the potato mix was bland. I would have done better with salt and pepper. The dc's liked it, the foodie I invited round liked the chicken. Mind you he was very hungry.
Yes the recipie was eay and I followed it, except I didn't have a whole chicken, I had 6 chicken thighs because I thought it would do quicker.
Yes, it helped me plan my meal. Other than that, It was not less work than garlic and lemon chicken I do.
Probably won't buy again
Liked it

Today we had the tikka and raita.

I rate it 3 out of 10
The tikka stuff was too spicy for the kids so I ate a lot of the chicken. I also served up some leftover tandoori takeaway, and rice. I think the takeaway was less spicy but had more flavour.
Yes the recipe was easy to follow, but it turned out I didn't have any cucumber so I put some radishes in instead.
It encouraged us all to try a new recipe. I will do tikka again but not using the Schwartz mix. I am sure I can get a better flavour which will be milder for the children.
Liked it.

Sorry I have only put one photo up. Unfortunately I can't upload from iPad, so I can only do it by emailing the picture to work and doing it there. I will not have a chance to do that for these recipes this week.

Well, this is my final post on this, as we had the garlic and herb bites last night (late post as t'internet was down). Again, we enjoyed them and had them with salad and the dip. I think DH liked more than I did, as found the dip a bit synthetic, but it was all still good.

Many thanks for sending them all, as we've enjoyed trying some new things that I may not otherwise have picked up in the shop.

• Which 2in1 recipe mix did you try? Garlic and herb bites
• How would you rate this recipe mix out of 5 (1 being lowest and 5 highest) 3 out of 5
• What did you/your DCs think of the overall flavour of the product? We liked it, but I found the dip a bit fake tasting.
• 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? It was easy and quick to do.
• 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, will buy again
• Overall, would you say you loved the 2in1 recipe mix, you liked it or you hated it? We liked it!

Garlic and herb bites.

1 out of 5.

None of us (2 adults, 8y old and a 5y old) liked this one very much. No one liked the dip at all.

It was very easy to use.

I followed the recipe exactly.

It was no easier than making my own coated chicken pieces. There wasn't enough coating for enough chicken for 4 of us so in this respect it was worse than doing the whole thing from scratch. At least doing it myself if I run out it would just take a minute to whizz up some more coating on the ood processor.

No, was less tasty and no easier than making my own.

Hated it. (sorry!)