BEAR Alphabites Feedback Thread - £150 John Lewis voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This thread is for the Mumsnetters who have been trying BEAR Alphabites.

Here’s what BEAR say: “Grrreetings, we’re BEAR and we like things as nature intended. We started out 5 years ago making pure fruit ‘yoyos’ for kids, with no added sugar, concentrates or any other nonsense. The more time we spent talking to parents over the years, the more we realised that breakfast was also a real challenge for families- the sugary, salty cereals on offer made us growl, so we set off foraging to find a much better alternative.

Made from just 6 ingredients- five multigrains and our super new ingredient coconut blossom nectar - our crunchy cereal letters contain no refined sugar, salt or any other nonsense. From the flowers of the coconut tree, coconut blossom nectar is a naturally sweet sap that makes our cereal letters delicious and crunchy, and also provides over half of your daily calcium needs (one bowl of Alphabites with 125ml of semi skimmed milk provides over half of an adult’s daily calcium needs, with half of this coming from the nectar alone). It also has a much lower GI than sugar (35 vs 70 for refined sugar), preventing the usual crazy sugar highs and grizzly crashes that come from too much refined sugar. ”

Below are a few questions for you to answer about eating BEAR Alphabites at breakfast time – feel free to add any other thoughts you may have though, we’d love to hear them.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?
• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

If you have any photos of your DCs trying BEAR Alphabites, please add them to this thread. Thanks for taking part:

All testers who leave their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £150 John Lewis voucher and a hamper of delicious BEAR goodies.

Thanks and good luck,
MNHQ

Mine only arrived this morning looking very battered! So as not to be left behind, have come straight home and got dd1 to do a taste test, she is very excited as has seen the adverts on tele and been pestering me to get them for her!!

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

It is a bit of a challenge, mainly because dd1 takes so long to eat anything. She will eat most things but can take an hour to eat half a slice of toast! Dry Alphabites may work a treat for her to eat in the car when we just can't wait any longer!

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

DD1 normally eats porridge, cereal or toast for breakfast, generally with sliced banana on top (of all three!). I am concerned about refined sugar and salt and try to avoid where possible - easier said than done!

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

DD1 loved the taste of both varieties - cocoa ones were her favourite. I also found them very tasty. Not too sweet but sweet enough that DH didn't want to put sugar on them (which is a first!). DD1 loved the concept and loves the tele adverts. she however wasn't very keen on the monsters and thought they were a bit scary and for boys (she is very girly though).

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Yes, definitely worth the extra cost.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, have already recommended to friends due to taste and nutrional factors.

Thank you for choosing us to review them.

Thank you for choosing me! We were very excited to receive the monster box with TWO boxes of cereal to try. DD1 loved the magnets too. We had seen the advert previously on tv so DD1 was very excited to be chosen as a tester.

Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?
What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Not at all. Both my DDs (aged 4 and 1) are quite limited in what they'll try but breakfast is not one of those areas. They love cereal - both the plainer types like Weetabix and porridge, and the sweeter ones like Cheerios and Cocopops (I've said brand names but we get the Aldi versions). We don't get the really sugary cereals very often (Sugar Puffs, Frosties). They like toast and pastries (croissants, brioche, pain au chocolate). Fruit and yogurt is all liked and DD1 randomly fussy mare that she is likes bacon and eggs! Boiled egg and 'shoulders' is also a winner. It is quite disappointing that there is so much sugar in cereals, especially the supposedly healthier ones like Cheerios. The DDs don't know that people even add sugar to cereal and we are hoping to keep it that way. They are quite happy to eat plain rice crispies so I don't know why cereals have to be made so sweet.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

We have only tried the normal ones so far but they both loved them. They tasted really nice and biscuity. The sweetness was a surprise. DD1 was excited about the letters as she had seen the advert (can you make them in lower case?!!) They are not in a rush to try the chocolate ones which I think is because they are enjoying the regular flavour so much. I'll come back tomorrow to say how the other pack was received.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Actually, yes I would. We are on a budget and usually buy the value cereal but I have been chatting to DH about how we should value the ingredients of the DD's food over the budget. £2.69 isn't actually that expensive when you think about how many child sized bowls you will fill.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not

Yes I would. I would tell them that it tastes really nice and has decent ingredients.

- Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

My DS is 17 months and has eaten a lot at breakfast since weaning. No problem getting him to eat and drink up his milk, unless he's a bit poorly with a cold or similar.

- What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

His standard breakfast is two weetabix with milk and then a banana. Recently though he has broadened his horizons (and ability with a spoon!) to incorporate cornflakes and rice crispies. I don't buy sugary cereals as I didn't have them growing up and now find it odd to eat sweet things early in the morning. I certainly don't want DS growing up wanting sugary things for breakfast. DH on the other hand, will stealthily buy coco pops as a treat for himself!

- What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

He's too young to have an opinion on the packaging and concept really. The first time he tried the cocoa ones he wasn't impressed, but the second time he gobbled them down. The multigrain ones were loved from the first time he had them. DH also liked them, but I found them too sweet.

- Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

To be honest, only if they were on offer. We buy basic supermarket own brand cereal so are not used to paying that much for a box.

- Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, because it is great to have a healthier option for kids who like a sweeter cereal in the mornings.

Thank you very much for choosing us for this product trial. We loved the box the cereal came in, and the alphabet magnets.

Updated to add that Alphabites gets a big thumbs up from my two and I've been asked to buy them again. Chocolate version particularly popular as we don't normally buy any chocolate coated cereals. I'd recommend it to others.

Hello! Love the packaging & my boys are loving being 'testers'

Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

The challenge for me has always been finding the balance between a cereal the children like and one that's not full of sugar and additives.
I also find the endless loop of cereal/toast/crumpets so dull!

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Yes, I am worried (see answer above). We usually have cereal or toast on school mornings when I'm at work or eggs or pancakes when I have a little more time.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

Loved them! Love te letter shapes, the taste - everything!

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Yes.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definitely. No added nasties and they don't go soggy! Brilliant.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

No, breakfast is always an easy meal for us with the least fuss. My LO is always really hungry!

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

We normally stick to porridge or weetabix so it would be good to have a more interesting alternative.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

The packaging was really fun.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Yes, but I do think that they are rather expensive.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, because they taste good. I rather liked them too!

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

No. Issues at all, the first words out of his mouth are usually 'breakfast' as he is always hungry

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Weekdays it is cereals, I tend to go for the plain ones, like shreddies, he does not add sugar, on weekends it is pancakes or a cooked breakfast occasionally.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

DS aged 8 liked the packaging, it was simple for him to read the box and get the healthy messages too. He had two bowls immediately and said they were 'lovely' His favourite is most definitely the cocoa, but he is a chocolate fiend!

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Yes, but probably if they were on offer

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, have already recommended to friends, I like the simple theme, and messages, although is it really that low in sugar?

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

DS1 (7) loves breakfast, he eats loads. DS2 (4) does not like eating in the mornings, it can be difficult persuading him to eat.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Cereal - generic weetabix, shreddies, cheerios, cornflakes, rice crispies. Toast, bagels, porridge, fruit, yoghurt. I don't spend a lot of time worrying about the sugar/salt content, but obviously the lower the better.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? They recognised the brand, DS2 is a big fan of the fruit snacks, and they love the adverts. They liked the box, DS1 liked the little card with details of the ingredients. They liked the shape of the cereal, they played with the letters and loved eating their names.

The cereal is nice and crunchy. DS1 would only try the multigrain. He said that the taste was okay, but he didn't like the aftertaste ('I don't really like how they taste when I've eaten them') He also said that they were a bit like cheerios but that he liked cheerios better. He hasn't had them again. DS2 tried both flavours. He liked both but has chosen to eat the multigrain more than the chocolate ones since. He also likes to eat them without milk so I've put some in his lunchbox occasionally.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Probably not for that price, but maybe if they were on special offer. With 3 dcs we buy large boxes of own brand cereals.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

If someone happened to ask if we'd try them then I would recommend them.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

I find it a challenge as we don't have a lot of time to eat breakfast and want my son to eat a good breakfast before his day at school.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast?

Cereal followed by toast or fruit. Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not? Yes definitely this really worries me as I want my children to eat healthily. They never have chocolate cereals.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? They liked the packaging and both enjoyed eating the cereal. They have both eaten big bowls of it everyday so they obviously like it!

What did they like or dislike about them? They liked the design of packaging and the shape of the cereal pieces, my eldest trying to pick out the letters. There didn't seem to be anything they disliked.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)? Yes
• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes. The children are them happily and they are a healthy cereal.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

Occasionally a challenge but mainly because he would rather play than have breakfast some mornings.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Usually as choice of hoops, fruit and fibre, weetabix. Nor nromally too worried about refined sugar and salt.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)?

Was very excited when he saw the big box and that he had been chosen to test them. Enjoyed the taste of both. Tried them both with and without milk. He liked that the milk did not go chocolatey as doesn't like it when cereals do this. Liked the packet as had previously seen the bear on other products bought.

What did they like or dislike about them?
Nothing

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Slightly too expensive as regular buy but would certainly by if on offer.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes

Dc's 10, 8 and 2 all like them and have asked for me to buy more, the cocoa ones were most popular. I feel that they are a better option than other sugary cereals so feel happy giving them to all of the dcs.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

No most of the time they enjoy breakfast

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Weetabix or cheerio's and yogurt and toast are all normal for my children. I don't let them have most of the sugary cereals that are aimed at children as I understand the benefits of a big healthy breakfast.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

Andrew(4) loved the packaging. Most mornings he has opted for the original. He has enjoyed it and always finished it. He is learning the alphabet at school so it was fun picking out different letters and making small words. He commented "I like this. It's good it stays crunchy for longer" Helen(3) was not a fan of the packaging as she didn't like the scary monsters. She has taken both flavours and likes them equally. She is keen to keep up with her brother and also enjoyed playing with the letters. Helen has also had bowls outwith breakfast time as a healthy snack. When I asked her what she likes best, her reply was "Its yummy for my mouth"

We have also been taking a small container with some dry Alphabites and raisins for snack for Jennifer (1) she is loving the cocoa one more than original. Its a handy snack and good to know it's healthy.

As a mum I am very pleased with the quality of the Alphabites. It has taken less than 1 week for both boxes to be finished by my children so I know they have enjoyed it.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Yes. I know it is heathy. I know my children are happy to eat it and enjoy it. The price is competitive too.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. I have already recommended it to some of the mums I speak to at the school gate as the primary 1 class are all learning the alphabet and some of the mums struggle to get their children to eat in the morning.

3 kiddies (and 2 parents) have all tried these now and no grumbles so far! We generally have little problems at breakfast time, but 'choco' cereals are usually a favourite, so the cocoa Alpha Bites went down well!

In comparison to other branded cereals the RRP is probably about right, but the'own brands' will definitely continue to get interest from parents due to the vast price difference.

One feedback comment I have is that the packaging mentions one of the benefits/selling points as Coconut Nectar having a low GI; I couldn't find anywhere on the packaging explaining what GI is, and if I were in a supermarket looking for a healthy cereal I might end up choosing another brand which better explains the health benefits of its ingredients.

Very happy to have been a part of the trial, and look forward to trying new Bear ideas in the future :-) (as do the kiddies!).

Thanks for all your comments so far

BEAR have been reading your comments, and just wanted to answer a couple of questions which have been raised on this thread.

@Apronlady

I have gone right off cereals for breakfast as they as so full of sugar and salt. The only ones I buy now are Weetabix, Rice Krispies and Cornflakes, and I always encourage them to choose something instead, like toast and marmite, or eggs. However cereals are quicker so Alphabears might be the answer. Pricey though...

I have one question.... how sustainable and eco friendly is coconut blossom oil. Is it like palm oil where large swathes of jungle are cut down to farm it? Sorry if this has already been covered. (And I'm off to Google that)

BEAR have said "Coconut palms are twice as productive per hectare than sugarcane. They also use 1/5th of the soil nutrients required to make sugar, need very little water to live and can grow in really tough places (like the beach. Great for us, bad if you're a tree). If that wasn't enough, coconut palms are called the 'tree of life' because one tree can provide food, water, shade, roofing and housing materials. The Food & Agricultural Organisation declared it the most sustainable source of sweetener. There’s more information if you click on the ‘find out more here’ text on this link www.bearnibbles.co.uk/alphabites."

Some of you asked about sugar/ content of BEAR Alphabites and this is what word is from BEAR:

"In BEAR’s opinion, food shouldn’t just taste good, but do you good too. We spent years foraging for a better alternative to the refined sugars that really made us growl in kids’ cereal- coconut blossom nectar is not only naturally high in calcium (a 30g bowl of Alphabites with 125 ml of semi skimmed milk gives an adult 50% of their daily calcium needs, with over 50% of this coming from the nectar alone), but also contains 3 times the potassium per gram of a banana, and is low GI, to prevent grizzly sugar highs and lows. These are benefits that you just don’t get from refined sugars, which serve no nutritional purpose and only provide sweetness and empty calories.

It’s also worth noting that of the 11g of sugar per bowl of Alphabites with milk, over 50% of this comes from the milk. Milk contains natural sugars but is rich in other benefits- coconut blossom nectar is the same.

We made Alphabites to help families have a grrreat start to the day. We spoke to 1000 families last year through yougov to ask them about breakfast, what their children ate, and the challenges that they faced. 60% of parents said that their kids either wouldn’t eat plain cereals such as Shredded Wheat or oats, or sweetened them with sugar, honey or other alternatives. Alphabites were made to help give parents a cereal they’d be proud to feed their children, and to give kids a healthy breakfast that they’d love.

Many plainer cereals add salt to increase their taste- we won’t do that at BEAR. Aside from the fact that it’s totally unnecessary, an excess of salt in a child’s diet results in a leeching of calcium that is critical at an age where they’re building up their ‘bone bank’. The daily allowance of a 4-6 year old is 3 grams of salt- many cereals will provide over 0.5g before the day’s even started, in a meal where it’s really possible to avoid it."

My little boy has just finished his first box - thank you!

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

Breakfast is never an issue, he wakes up has a bath and is always hungry! He will often ask for cereal before bed too!

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

I try not to buy cereal that's got too much sugar or salt, he does like coco pops but only has them on a Sunday from a multipack, he will eat most anything.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

He really enjoyed the alphabites, and loved making his name in his breakfast every morning. The packaging was tasteful.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Yes

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes

Hi, sorry late to the party, but just getting the chance to post now!

Firstly thanks for being chosen. Went to post-office and picked up the very very groove box - kids loved the box, and DS LOVED the magnets! We have 2 children, DS who is 5 and DD who is 3. Both love cereal and breakfast in general so never have any issues with them eating in the morning.

So, to answer the questions:

Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why? Sorry, answered this above too. Both children love breakfast, and are normally happy to sit and eat in the morning.
What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not? Normally the children eat cereal or porridge (depending on my time - ie if i've got enough time will make porridge). I do worry about sugar and salt in their cereal as if they could they would eat the crppier ones (ie Sugerpuffs etc), and even the ones that purport to be 'healthier' (or maybe its just their slick advertising campaigns?) like Shreddies and Cheerios aren't actually healthy. Even though I put honey in the porridge, I don't mind that as I control how much and I know there is no other sht in there.
What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? Loved the packaging, although to be honest they are a bit wee for it, as you need to read it (I read it to them). Think older children (7+) would love reading about all the monsters etc. Really liked both types, DS preferred the plain ones, and DD preferred the chocolate one. DS who is now in P2 really enjoys writing his name with the letters, and DD is just starting to recognise letters likes finding the letters in hers. In the words of DD, it is 'scrumptious'! (he is a bit obsessed with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the moment )
Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)? Yes I would as I think they are a very good breakfast cereal for children which tick lots of boxes. They are though to be honest a bit out of my normal price range, so would probably look to see where they are on special offer. On saying that though, it is important that they eat a healthy cereal, so might have to budget the shop a bit differently so could buy them. Have only seen them though in waitrose and not in Morissons (other place I shop).
Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes I would without a shadow of a doubt as they are fun, healthy, educational (without being annoying) and above all tasty! I know though that my nieces / nephews will be hard to convince as they eat all the sugary cr*p cereals, and so think they might find them a bit plain and not sweet enough? But the packaging might convince them to try though. Will try and persuade them next time they are on a sleep over!

Many thanks again,

Back with an update now we've tried both kinds. DS2 (4) thinks they're lovely, likes the letters and the sweet taste. DS1 (6) got sidetracked hunting for particular letters to spell messages, which slowed breakfast down a bit. Both prefer the plain to the cocoa flavour, and both find the monster alphabet packaging appealing.

I would probably buy and recommend them as an occasional treat. I do see the benefit of unrefined sugar from a glycaemic index point of view. However, I think it's still not great (a) for teeth, and (b) because it encourages a taste for sweet things, so I'd keep alphabites to alternate with other, less sweet breakfast foods.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

DD is a late riser so breakfast on weekdays is a challenge. Weekends are more leisurely and relaxed.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

DD usually has toast or sandwich with a sweet spread (usually Nutella thinly spread). We take seeded or whole meal bread.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

DD loved the alphabet shapes. Would try to pick out her name. Didn't like the taste of the plain cereal but didn't mind the chocolate one. She preferred to eat them as a snack rather than for breakfast.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

If I can convince DD to have cereal for breakfast more regularly, I would.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

As an alternative to the high sugar/salt Cheerios, yes. Alphabet shapes are fun and also good for teaching kids letters (though it makes breakfast longer!)

Back to review now both DC have tried them.

We don't usually have a problem and eat a range of stuff - porridge, ready break, weetabix, toast, pancakes, eggs and sausages plus other cereals cornflakes and rice krispies for one child and sugar loaded badness for the other.

Both boys loved the idea and packaging. DS1 loved both lots of cereal and didn't notice the lack of sugar. DS 2 wasn't and said it was too sweet.

I'd buy this again as DS1s treat cereal instead of coco pops etc but it is quite expensive compared to my usual purchases.

I would recommend this to parents looking to provide a lower sugar breakfast.

thanks for choosing us to test

Thanks for the box - loved parcel.

1. breakfast is a challenge for my 4 yo. She isn't hungry in the mornings but needs to eat before school. My older children eat well. Often we end up with toast, dry cereal or a biscuit in the car. It doesn't matter how early we get up - she would usually ask for food about 9.30 - we need to leave at 8.15am.
2. usually weetabix, rice crispies or Cheerios. Sometimes a bacon roll or croissant at the weekend. I am not overly worried about sugar - but do try and limit portion size as oldest dd would eat a trough.
3. all dds and Dh loved packaging. All sat around ready box. All excited to try and find letters to make words and names. Youngest dd excited to play but only ate 2 spoons.
4. I would buy them again, as all ate them - youngest dd ate them as after school snack.
5. yes I would recommend them / offer them to children / relatives staying etc.

Thanks for the alphabites. The crocodile box and the magnets were a huge extra hit here!

Breakfast is usually not too much of a challenge here. Both my girls are generally pretty good eaters at that time.

They usually eat either weetabix, porridge, rice krispies or cornflakes, sometimes in a lovely mushy blend of them all. I do worry about the health side of the cereals but don't feel there are many other options.

DD1 takes a while to warm up to anything new. While she loved the packaging she has so far still refused to try! DD2 is much easier to get to try things especially where bears were involved. She liked both but preferred the plain ones (which suits me as I'm not keen on chocolate things at breakfast). Both girls loved pulling out letters to make their name - thankfully this novelty has worn off and breakfast is less messy again!

I'd definitely buy the original ones again and if someone asked my opinion I'd recommend them as a good option.

Thanks for the cereal! And the fab magnets!

Breakfast is somewhat challenging in that DD can be pretty fussy and changes her mind several times each morning. We also get into a bit of a breakfast rut and she can have the same thing a few mornings in a row so it was great to try something new!

Breakfast normally consists of the plainer cereals like Weetabix, rice crispies or cheerios. Sometimes DD will have a croissant or pain au chocolat. The least I insist upon is a piece of fruit with a glass of milk when she's insisting upon nothing!

The packaging was very engaging. DD said 'it's imaginative and creative'. I liked the little touches like the padlock on the top of the box and the activities on the back. I can imagine rummaging in the supermarket to get a different monster on the back each time!

DD and DS (the teenager!) loved the taste of the cereal. They ate them with milk and also dry, without milk. DS said, 'they're a good snack for anytime.' DD said, 'they're delicious!' DD prefers the choccie ones, probably because she's not used to having the more exciting cereals!! I like the fact that there's no refined sugar or salt in the cereal and that they are wholegrains.

DS said simply that the concept 'works' ( a boy of few words!)
I think it's a really good idea to have a great tasting breakfast cereal aimed at children with an obviously healthier stance. DD said, 'the inventor should win the Nobel Cereal Prize!!'

Would definitely recommend them. DD said, 'because they're really tasty and healthy' and DS said, 'they're pretty flawless'.
I'll definitely buy them again.

DD said she's already seen ads on TV for the Alphabites ( I don't recall this but maybe she has. Must do better in policing tv watching

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

I do find it a challenge because I have 4 who like very different breakfasts. I have a 9 year old who likes porridge, an 8 year old who generally likes more 'adult type' breakfasts such as weetabix or shreddies with fruit on top and 2 younger ones (5 & 3) who want coco pops or toast.

Plus when it comes to winter I get a complex about them having something warm in the mornings!

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

As above, TBH I'm not. I do like my kids to eat lots of fruit and veg, they drink mostly water but when it comes to cereal I'm pretty chilled out. As long as they eat something before school I'm happy (though I wont be giving them mars bars any time soon ;) )

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

DS2 who is 8 absolutely LOVES BEAR. He is crazy about it. I'm not sure why, possibly the adverts but he goes mad for yoyos and if he ever gets an opportunity to buy something himself it will be a BEAR product.

I really liked the packaging it looked playful yet not the normal headache inducing crazy coloured sugar rush that cereal boxes usually are.

DS1 (9) liked them, I don't think he would swap them for his porridge.

DS2 (8) loved them, he 'wants them every day and I love them both the same' (the choc vs plain)

DD (5) would only try the chocolate ones but she ate them all and asked for seconds.

DS who is 3 wouldn't eat them. He didn't like them. Couldn't get a real answer out of him, he just 'didn't want them'

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?

Possibly for DS2 if they were on offer somewhere, I usually get whatever cereal is on offer from tesco so if they were reduced then yeah, probably not at full price.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I'm not sure, if you are a real health conscious parent then I think these would be a big hit for you but as I'm happy for them to have cocopops they are kinda wasted on us, though I do like the product overall.

Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not? If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?
Not usually, as they are not yet at school and they get up early, so time is rarely an issue. We have plenty of choices; DD(3) chooses and DS(1) usually has the same.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Usually porridge or pancakes, but also sometimes cereal, toast, crumpets, muffins, sandwiches, eggs, beans on toast, spaghetti hoops on toast. Yes, I do worry about cereals, especially as DH likes the sugary ones and will buy them if the kids hassle him for them. I don't buy the sugar coated ones but I'm aware others have sugar in anyway.

• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They both liked them. DD liked the letters and looked carefully at them. She had them 2 or 3 mornings then not since, but this is typical for her with cereals.
• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)? Probably not very often, as they're not into cereals so much as other things. I would get them now and again. I also think that although they are healthy, they might give them a taste for sweet cereals, then they might get into non-healthy ones.
• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, as a healthy alternative to sugar coated cereals.