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

I wasn't part of the trial but we got a free pack with our Ocado delivery. DS (8) thought they were far too sweet. Revolting. He ate one spoonful.

No problem getting my DC to eat breakfast, they're usually ravenous when they come downstairs!
Normal breakfasts vary, DT1 always has a huge mixture of 3 different cereals, DT2 usually has beans or egg on toast, and DD has Ready Brek or porridge.
I am concerned about the addition of salt and sugar to cereals, but as DT1 is a fussy eater I'd rather he had the cereals than nothing.
They were all very enthusiastic about the Alphabites, and they have been the snack of choice when coming home from school (by the handful, no milk!) They did say that the cocoa ones weren't very chocolatey, and all preferred the 'plain' version, but the cocoa ones have still all gone :-)
DD2 has enjoyed them as finger food soaked in a little milk (no teeth yet!)
I would mention them if relativer or friends asked about cereals we have.
I don't think I'd be able to afford to buy them regularly, but maybe as holiday treats - sadly our normal breakfasts cost much less, and I feel they are as healthy.

• 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 especially, although my 9 year old would prefer to skip breakfast altogether...

• 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 make breakfast bars with oats, seeds, nuts and dried fruit because they are easy to grab, and there are no complaints or arguments over which cereal to buy. We do always have a box of cereal in the cupboard though- usually something cornflakes-based. In winter we also have porridge, and toast at the weekends.

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

They loved the packaging and the magnets. They were already aware of the Bear brand. They both enjoyed both flavours (I tried them and didn't enjoy them at all as they were fairly tasteless, but I appreciate I am not the target audience).

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

Yes, if I was going to buy a box of children's cereal, I would consider these.

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

Yes, I would mention that my children enjoyed 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?
Some mornings, if we are tired or rushed, it is more of a chose. usually its a choice of toast, croissant or cereal (plus fruit and milk). Several cups of strong coffee for me, so I am probably not the best role model.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
Toast, croissant or cereal (plus fruit and milk). At weekends we generally have second breakfast (in between various sports and activities) so that will be poached eggs or potato scones, sausages, etc. We don't tend to but foods that are sugary (I can't process it very well)

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)?
The packaging isn't too cutesy so can appeal to older kids. Plus they can make rude words from the letters and yell 'Look, I'm eating POO!!!' (boys, eh?)

What did they like or dislike about them?
Chocolate not chocolatey enough

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Most likely (plain not choco)

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Have done already - bought some for the nieces and nephews.

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?
Both my children (age 6 and 3) eat well at breakfast time and it generally their best meal of the day! It can be a bit rushed, and often they have to eat it in the car depending on what time they have woken, and they do tend to like a variety of food instead of the same things each day.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
It varies. Some days they have cereal, other days toast or bagels or croissants, or muffins. They mostly only have butter as we are trying to keep sugars to a minimum. And cereals are plain with milk, and usually those that aren't too full of sugars (Weetabix, ready brek, cheerios, shreddies).

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
Loved the letters. Didn't mind the taste, but wouldn't say loved them. Great as a snack dry without milk, but good with milk too. DS, age 6, more excited by the chocolate ones. Packaging fun and kept entertained.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Yes, I would, if on offer.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Possibly. They do seem a slightly healthier option than a lot of other cereals. And offer a different alternative dry snack to cheerios.

I've come back to add that the cereals are very popular still with our two. Ds loves having them as snacks as well as for breakfast. We've almost run out so will be looking to get them again! I've even enjoyed them myself.

My DSs like the chocolate cereal but not the plain one.
They are hungry in the mornings so eat well.
The packaging is attractive but not important to them or me but I do like the fact they are not full of sugar.

Thanks for the monster box Bear Team.

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?
We find mornings a challenge - both kids not exactly the speediest at getting going - so sometimes breakfast comes into that eg they run out of time to eat enough/what they would like because they've been reading/playing/singing/doing gymnastics down the stairs, but the food itself isn't an issue.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast?
DD1 - cereal occasionally with soya milk, toast/muffin/crumpet type thing most days. She needs a two course breakfast. DD2 - 1 bowl of cereal with soya milk or half crumpet/muffin/toast type thing if she sees her sister/dad eating it. Not that hungry in the mornings. Also occasionally a banana or whatever fruit I'm trying to use up before it ends up in the compost. Both have water, DD2 will also have cows milk sometimes.

Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not? Yep. Spend flippin' ages reading the sides of packets. Own brands often lower in both. We steer clear of the worst ones, and don't buy anything actually covered in sugar and we always have weetabix and porridge in, but do have some of the mid-range offenders in the sugar department, on the basis that cereal makes them take some liquid and fibre in most mornings and choice makes that more likely. Oh, and I can't be arsed making porridge every morning.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
DD1 really likes the cocoa one (I don't usually buy choco-type cereal) and actually mentioned that it 'wasn't too sweet' as a good thing. DD2 has stuck to the regular ones and really likes them. Neither had any real opinion about packaging or shapes, surprising considering DD1 does spelling tests for fun so thought she might want to spell out her cereal. But no. Also, both generally pretty opinionated. They do like the bear in general though, and the chatty nature of the packaging. DD1 has read both boxes top to bottom and round and round several times.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Yes, but I'd alternate with other pricier stuff. It wouldn't be in the cupboard all the time. And I'd still probably keep the cocoa ones for when they get to choose the shopping, eg Christmas holidays and birthdays.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, the kids like them, though the price does need a health warning.

• 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 DC are pretty hungry so generally it's not too hard but I do get resistance when we try to introduce "healthier" options.

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

The dreaded Cheerios, bananas, and bread (from bread maker - so I reduce the salt in it). I do worry about salt consumption in particular as so many products have salt in.

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

DD is nearly eighteen months and liked them initial but I think found them a bit too tough to chew as she has cereal dry, without milk.

DS, just turned six, loved them, loved the box and thought they were delicious.

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

I don't know, possibly if they were on offer. I am slightly of the view that sugar is sugar and I presume the "nectar" is just nicely branded sugar.

The lack of salt is a big draw.

But it's still a pricey sum for them.

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

Possibly. The kids loved them and I like the lack of salt. Personally I didn't like them, maybe it's the nectar but there's a tang to them that I didn't like and with the chocolate ones a background "bitterness" almost that didn't appeal to me.

Neither of my children had this issue though and they are the end consumer!

Do I find breakfast a challenge?
No, the children love it, it's their favourite meal and the only one we have together as a family during the week.

What do we eat? Porridge with cinnamon (DS2), porridge with Nesquick (DS1), porridge with maple syrup (DH), bread and jam (me).

So aI worry about the sugar in breakfast cereal?
I would if the kids wanted to eat them saturated fats and salt also a concern, but fortunately not an issue at the moment.
Would I buy Alphabites?
I do. DS2 loves them and has them on a Saturday, but during the week they are too messy (he is 2.4).

Forgot: would I recommend them?

Yes, have done. I like the fact that they aren't too sweet and taste of something resembling chocolate. I agree with others that nectaris essentially sugar, but not too bothered as we do not eat them often

Thanks, Bear. We've just finished both boxes (I helped...)

Context: My DCs are 1 and 4. The 1yoDS got to eat these as snacks without milk; DD has eaten them every single morning since they arrived...

Some general comments:

• great packaging, lots of fun
• thanks for stickers
• none of us know what to call these, especially the non-cocoa ones. We ended up calling them 'chocolate Alphabites' and 'the other one.' Was sort of hard to know how to refer to them. 'Alphabites' a bit of a mouthful - DD calls them 'letters'

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?
Nope. Easiest meal - they are hungry in mornings and there are no arguments about eating vegetables!

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
Fruit, toast with cheese or peanut butter, eggs and very limited cereal - only weetabix or oats. So Alphabites massive treat. I am worried about all aspects of cereal - refined carbs, so sugary, all that salt - I think essentially things like cornflakes are nutritionally void.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)?
Loved them, big treat, loved playing with letters, too young to be that concerned with packaging (though DD bit worried about vampire bat.)

What did they like or dislike about them?
DD liked the letters and that idea that I might be letting her eat chocolate for breakfast!

BUT - and this is unique in my experience - she said that they were 'too sweet', especially the regular ones. You could definitely dial down the sugariness - they are very sweet tasting.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Only as a treat, as a healthier alternative to Cheerios.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Again, as a healthier alternative to Cheerios and other 'sweet-tasting' if not actually sugary cereals. Thing is, by giving them something so sweet, you're just making them want other sweet stuff...

Firstly, thank you so much for our great cereal - LOVE the packaging - and found the inner bag super easy to open without splitting and cereal going everywhere. My son (6 years) really likes the concept behind the brand and currently has nearly 20 of the yo -yo cards (NB to self - must get the map!).
He enjoys swapping them with friends. I've never really understood 'fruit' which is not in its original form so only really caved in to buying Bear yo yo's because his friends eat them and collect cards too.

The magnets are fun but I think he feels they are a bit babyish for him and my daughter is probably a bit young. I think they're fun though!
For me as a parent, the brand feels 'safe' and I like that these cereals are free from refined sugar and salt.

My son said "they do taste quite nice"
"look, they're sticking to the spoon"
"they're the same make as yo yo bears" - interesting that he is Brand aware at such a young age.
"chocolatey"
"a bit too sugary" - that was after he had finished the bowl so take from that what you will!!
My son seemed to be pleased with the cholcolate milk that was left at the end.
Daughter who is 19m is only just branching out from weetabix and mashed banana so great for her to try. She ate some with milk in a bowl but it took a while compared to the regular weetabix - they're quite big to fit many in her mouth at once so a fairly slow process. I think she preferred to eat them dry whilst going for a walk in the buggy! I think in another 6 months she will be a better age for them with hand eye coordination too as she has only just started to feed herself.

As a consumer I wouldn't generally buy cereals that turn milk 'chocolatey' as I think it's a negative message to my children that it's ok to eat chocolate for breakfast.

Breakfast time is no challenge in this house although my son isn't great at trying new cereal but he has a great appetite for Shreddies, rice pops, fruit, yogs, toast, muffins etc so no battles with quantity (he eats like a horse but has a lovely long lean frame) just a little fussy on cereal. But because he enjoys what I feel are healthy cereals, I'm not that bothered - in equal measures it's always good to be adventurous!

I have always had a concern about packaged and pre prepared food and the quantity of refined sugar and salt that these contain - breakfast cereals included. I try to cook from scratch where possible.

I would buy Bear Alphabites for my DCs in the future - but probably not the Cocoa ones.
I would recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives beacause I think there is a lot to like about them - also really like the fact that they are in letter shapes.

In the evening if I'm looking for a biscuit with my cuppa, I've even had a few handfuls of the cereal instead too!!

Thank you for choosing us to trial this cereal!

Thanks for the cereal :-)

I have an 11 year old and an 8 year old. Breakfast isn't usually too much of a challenge, although both DC go through phases of boredom with their usual cereals - something can be in favour most days for a couple of weeks, and then not eaten at all for a month or so.

They eat porridge, cereal (which can be anything from Weetos to Bran Flakes) or toast on a normal day. I do prefer them to eat cereal that I perceive as being less gratuitously sugary! I think of the Weetabix range as being slightly healthier than other big-name brands. When I have time then I do compare packs for sugar and salt content.

We all enjoyed the Alphabites; my 8yo liked both flavours equally and my 11yo preferred the cocoa, although he also liked the multigrain. He described the multigrain as 'like Cheerios but with more pizzazz!' The crispness of the Alphabites was a big plus for us as none of us like soggy cereal. DP remarked on the lack of chemical aftertaste that you sometimes get with more processed chocolate cereals. The packaging wasn't of great importance to the DC - I liked it though! I thought the padlock on the top of the box closure was a nice little touch.

I am planning to use all the money-off coupons that I've got from the Bear fruit yo-yos to stock up on Alphabites. It is more expensive than our usual cereals (I tend to buy on special offer) but the lack of refined sugar and salt is very appealing to me, and the DCs really enjoyed them.

I would recommend Bear Alphabites to anyone looking for a healthier alternative to their usual 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?
Oh yes-I have 1 DS (8) who is autistic. He thrives on routine which usually consists of toast then a bowl of dry cornflakes. He wont entertain any other breakfast cereals so I am trying to casually introduce new things into his diet.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
Ok so given half the chance, we would be stuck in a toast and cornflakes rut for ever. The toast is mainly gluten free as he prefers it and the cornflakes have to be Kelloggs (tres expensive tastes!). I worry about every aspect of my child's diet as it seems so restrictive. Eating dry cornflakes seems like a form of torture! As for nutritional value-well I don't reckon there's much.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)?
DS was so excited when the box arrived and I told them it was for him. He was a bit reluctant to try them though so I gave him a small ramekin full of the plain ones mid afternoon as a snack. He looked at them and refused to touch them so I bribed him with his favourite tv programme and he ate the lot! We've not tried the chocolate ones yet. One day at a time!
We have however introduced them at breakfast as an alternative to cornflakes every other day and so far so good. I feel like there is more goodness in these although they taste incredibly sweet.

What did they like or dislike about them?
My son is non verbal so I guess he struggled with them all being different letters. He seems to enjoy the sweetness.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
If he continues to eat them, I will def be buying these!

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
I will def be recommending these to friends-in fact I already have. Thank you for giving us the chance to try these

• 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, infact I find any meal time a challenge with my youngest as he is such a fussy eater.

• 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 really.

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

They thought they were great, my little one loved the box and he gave them a try without any fuss at all. He liked the taste too which is a first for him as it usually takes a few attempts to get him to try anything.

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

Possibly, yes.

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

I would, they are a great healthy option and if my little one liked them I guess many others would too.

Thanks for allowing us to try these out, and thanks for the brilliant magnets, my son loved these :)

Breakfast can be a challenge - getting what everyone wants and making sure we all eat and get ready and out of the door on time can be tricky.

My children normally have cereal such as shreddies, or porridge, or toast, or crumpets or muffins. And fruit. I'd like them to eat more protein in the morning but it's hard as they won't have eggs.

My 4 year old loved both flavours of alphabites. He liked that they didn't go soggy and he had fun reading all the letters and looking for the letters of his name.

I might buy it again but I'm not keen on buying overly sweetened cereals for every day. As other posters have said, sugar is sugar to a certain extent.

I would recommend them as a good alternative to the big name sweetened cereals.

My children aged 7 & 9, love breakfast cereals. When they tried the Bear Alphabites they asked for seconds. They finished the last of the second box today but ate them without milk so they could pick out the letters and spell words out as they ate. A brilliant way (if not a little time consuming however) to kick start their little brains before school. My 9yr old has been learning about sugars and fats at school so was happy when he read the ingredients and saw they were a healthier option than some of the other cereals he try's to bribe me into buying. They both loved the taste of both types. We all found the boxes quite funky and fun however the packaging was very damaged on delivery and reading some of the other feedback for this product I noticed that there was talk of magnets? Nice gesture but not one we could enjoy sadly, as there was none present. Not that it really mattered as the children didn't know any different, and they thoroughly enjoyed the cereals which is what matters here. Will I buy Bear Alphabites in the future? Yes! I have already recommended them to a neighbour and can see them being a choice during our mad morning routine for the foreseeable future.
Many thanks for sending such a winning product :)

Dcs are loving them, cocoa ones are most popular but they like both, and dd11 who is usually a reluctant breakfast eater seems to be enjoying them. I'm not sure if I would buy them in the future, I would like too but quite pricey!

• 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've never had any problems, I've always offered a (limited) choice of food (different cereals, eggs, toast, fruit, sometimes sausages and beans if cooking them). My son was always happy to choose something from that.

• 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 do worry about these issues. My son has always been healthy, has good teeth and is not overweight, so I just try to offer a variety of foods and buy healthier options where possible.

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

I've had these before (I got given some at a running event). They are definitely more healthy than a lot of other cereals and taste fine. The letter shapes and packaging are great and the whole concept excellent for younger children.

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

Probably not, my son is too old but would be excellent for small children.

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

Yes I woul recommend them. They are a more healthy option and their children might enjoy them and would benefit from the more healthy 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?
No not really, my children eat pretty much anything for breakfast and are not fussy at all.

- What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
They usually have porridge, weetabix, krave, eggs on toast or bacon sandwiches. I do worry about the sugar and salt that is added into cereals that are aimed specifically at children.

- What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
My daughter ate the Bear Alphabites everyday since we received them, when asked what she wanted for breakfast that is what she chose each day. She thought they tasted "awesome" and loved the packaging, she thought is was fun. I don't think there was anything we disliked about this product.

- Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
yes definitely as they really enjoyed them and they don't have loads of added rubbish!

- Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would recommend them to family and friends without hestation, thank you for giving us the opportunity to try these out :)

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 really - I give them a choice of a couple of cereals or toasted Bagel. DD will east sugary crap at any opportunity so I try not to buy it - a box now and again and when it's gone it's back to Shreddies and porridge etc. DS will eat most things.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast?

Mostly porridge with a half teaspoon of jam, honey or nutella. Sometimes Wheetos, Cheerios, Special K, or Shreddies. Or sometimes toasted bagels.

Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
Yup - was very concious of the salt levels when they were very young and now still concerned at the added sugar levels.

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

On first taste both my children said they didn't like the cereal. Didn't like either flavour and wouldn't eat them. I left it a week or so (hence later review) and tried again. This time DD did like them but DS still not impressed.

DD (7) "I love the box - so creative on the back" "I love the chocolate flavour" She also really likes the fridge magnets. Loves eating them out of the box. Also says she likes the way the bear is speaking the words.

DS (5) Doesn't like the taste - he thinks they are too sweet. Likes the cartoons on the back.
I was surprised I thought he'd really like them - but no.

Neither of them seem to have cottoned on to the letter shapes. I tried to encourage them to make some words but they just ate or didn't eat.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Yes I would if they will eat them.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes - I like the alphabet shapes and the no additives and mixed grains.

I think they are a bit sweet and the "no refined sugar" label appears at first thought to look like there is no added sugar. The coconut nectar is still sugar though. However it is a lot lower sugar content than many other cereals marketed at children.

1. Breakfast not usually a challenge, DS keen for food at any opportunity! The worst bit is him throwing milk on the floor once he's finished the cereal.

1. Usually fruit (1/2 banana), own brand shreddies, own brand cheerios, home made porridge or Rice Krispies multigrain shapes. Sometimes 1/2 slice wholemeal toast and butter.

3 yes I am concerned about sugar and salt In breakfast cereal which is why I was keen for DS to try bear alphabites. Own brand has less than eg Kellogs or Nestle but still not keen, and pleased he eats porridge.

1. Liked the pictures, box was very appealing (& he has adopted the magnets for his own). Sadly not at all keen on the actual cereal. Had a couple of mouthfuls then handed me the bowl back (he's normally very enthusiastic at breakfast and asks for more). Have tried on a couple of occasions over the last week but same response. A bit too crunchy for him, even after a good soak in milk he wasn't eating them.

1. Sadly not as DS won't eat them and he's the main cereal eater in tbf house. I will try again in future because I hoped he would like them (lower sugar & salt).

1. Yes I would recommend because I think they are healthier than s lot of cereals geared towards children, & I like the concept, disappointed that DS didn't like them in reality! They are quite expensive for a small box though.

My little ones were really made up to receive their Bear Alphabites in a great fun box and also their free magnetic Bear alphabet. We had fun playing pass the parcel with it too ;o) What a great idea to make the postal packaging fun too, build to all their excitement. We all tried the plain alphabites first and they enjoyed them, the have tired them with and without milk as they sometimes prefer dry cereal and a glass of milk or hot chocolate. My daughter (6) said they tasted like rice crispies. they both tried the chocolate alphabites and they really enjoyed these too, again with and without milk. My daughter (6) said they tasted like coco pops. They are in a good size box for my family as they only have a small amount of ceareal for breakfast which is enough for them at this age. otherwise the cereal may not be as fresh if we had then for a while. They enjoyed they letters and my son age 3 tries to recognise each letter and we all try to come up with a word for some letters. it makes breakfast time longer but fun too. I will be buying them again when we have finished this trial. i am glad we had the both flavours to try as my little ones can choose which ones they want of a morning and don't get bored with the same ones every day. Some days they will have cereal and 1/4 piece of toast, or 1/2 bagels, dry cereal or with warm milk. Depending on how early they get up they may also have a child size yogurt or piece of fruit to take to nursery and school. I have recommended these to friends and family for their children as they are a great cereal. I am not too concerned about the natural sugars as they only have small amounts and not everyday, not like other cereals in the supermarket. This has been a great trial/project all enjoyed Bear Alphabites cereals. Have tried the Bear fruit bars from local coffee shops but they are far too sweet for my children they did not like them at all. hope you like the photos i have sent to, shows how much fun we had. I have one more photo 'enjoying the Bear Alphabites' to follow too.

We all loved testing these Bear cereals, thanks Mumsnet :-)

• 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, we don't really find it a challenge. Both my little ones eat loads for breakfast, so sometimes it takes a while, but when we are short of time (eg before school) they're usually fine.

• 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, definitely worried about refined sugar and salt, and in fact worried about sugar full-stop. My two thankfully love porridge, so we have that most of the time (even in summer!), but also Rice Pops, Cornflakes and Weetabix. Toast with marmalade/jam occasionally. They used to have Shreddies a lot until I realised how much sugar was in them.

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

Both DCs (1 and 4) LOVED them! They are far sweeter than the breakfast cereals they are used to so I'm sure that helped! DS (1) managed them very well despite their crunchyness. DD (4) loved them both too. Kept changing her mind as to which were her favorites, but I think the non-chocolaty ones won it in the end for her. (I, on the other hand preferred the chocolate ones, and could happily eat them every day for breakfast!!). She also loved the fact that they were letter shaped and kept picking out letters that her and her friends names began with, along with the other letters in her names. We played games around that too - say a name that begins with this letter...
Neither of them took much notice of the packaging, but they never do (we don't tend to have the boxes out on the table or anything). DD very quickly bagsey'd the magnets for her bedroom!
From my point of view, the packaging was nice, but initially it took me ages to find the ingredients list because it was written in a very different way to other food packaging. I found that a bit annoying at first, but it was fine once I found it. It might put me off buying it if I hadn't tested it here first though as I would want to be able to check that quickly in the supermarket.

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

To be honest, probably not as although they contain natural sugars, they were very sweet (especially the non-chocolatey ones). And since my two are mostly more than happy to have porridge, which is significantly cheaper, I wouldn't want to get them too interested in this type of cereal. I'd also worry that even though this seems relatively healthy compared to other sweet cereals, I don't want to get the DCs into the habit of having sweet cereal for breakfast.

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

Yes potentially, if they usually had sweet cereal I would recommend them.