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

Thanks for picking me for this! It was very exciting when thr box came in the post - my postman was intrigued :)
My dd loved the magnets & they went straight on the fridge!

• 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's always a struggle to get dd to eat any breakfast. She is very fussy & not that hungry in the mornings. She started school this week though so i was determined to get to eat a healthy breakfast ( cos she probably won't eat much of her school dinner...)

• 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 only cereal she'll eat is rice crispier so I'm not too worried about too much sugar. She loves fruit & will always eat mangos, strawberries & apples.

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

She loved the box! Really colourful & child friendl. Dd is a big fan of the bear fruity snacks (we call them fruity peelers) so she was very excited to try the cereal. She's also a big fan of the advert on tv! She liked the plain alphabites but said the chocolate ones were too sweet.
Which is great as I can eat all the chocolate ones ;)

She likes looking for the letters in her name & spells it out in the table!

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

Yes, definitely. We really liked them.

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

Yes. They are a healthy guilt free choice for breakfast & kids love them.

I liked the packaging, and I like the whole grain, no additives premise of the cereal. The girls liked the cocoa one better than the plain one, which eldest DD said tasted like raspberry and banana. They did like both though, and finished their bowls. Makes a change from Cheerios. At £2.69 it probably isn't one I'd buy unless it was on special offer.

My feedback:

- 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, I have to say I don't find it is a challenge - they are hungry, they eat, we have limited expectations of table manners etc as it is a quick meal so no conflicts about staying at the table etc, but I do sometimes feel that we offer a limited range of options at breakfast time and that we should be more varied...

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

My DC eat Weetabix, porridge, toast, or muesli. Very occasionally they will have croissants or pancakes.

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

My DC liked the box that they arrived in, and whisked the magnets off to their room. They like other Bear products so recognised the branding. They enjoyed both flavours equally - although their preference is to eat them mixed together! - and have asked me to buy them again. I also tried them and liked them well enough, although they are too sweet for my tastes in breakfast cereal - I have had a bowl of dry ones to snack on when I was craving chocolate though!

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

I might buy them for a special treat e.g. when we are on holiday we buy cocoa pops, so I might well substitute Alphabites for that. I don't think I will buy them regularly.

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

I would say they were tasty and the kids enjoyed them.

I like the "6 ingredients" and feeling that they are possibly a healthier option than some other breakfast cereals on the market. I was also intrigued by the high calcium count as one of my DC doesn't like dairy products and I try to get extra calcium into them.

However, truthfully I was disappointed as I was hoping that they were going to be a non-sweet breakfast cereal aimed at children. I don't really buy into the idea that a product that is 18% sugar is any better for you if it is coconut blossom nectar instead of refined sugar.

Yes, I did get a few questions from mine about the bloody fig leaf.

Thank you for selecting us too! The children were very excited to received bear cereal, we are huge breakfast eaters here, most of our five have at least 3 breakfasts each morning so we get through a lot!
They loved the packaging to start. We already buy bear yoyo, and were fortunate enough to be trading next to your stall at a festival this summer, when we were kindly given surplas yoyo's, enough to satisfy the brood for some months, so thanks for that too!
I am conscious of sugary cereals so usually stock only weetabix or cornflakes... The honey and cocoa flavours were appreciated here a lot. Overall the kids all loved them and have asked for more, they enjoyed playing with the letters, and magnets too, spelling their names.... Educational too!

I would recommend to a friend, and buy again at full price, or stock up if i saw them on offer. The simple 6 ingredients is very appealing too.
Thanks again. :)

I do have something else to report, the cocoa box was opened after tea on Thursday and the children had them as a snack dry, by Saturday evening the box was empty on the floor of the kitchen. I assume the children had been sneaking in and having them by the handful as a snack food....so they are very expensive for something that only lasts in the house for two breakfasts.

My 17 year old didn't like them at all so this review is based on my 6 year old dd
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 in what different cereals that are healthy can be served without it being on a loop . I don't mind cereals but I don't like them having it every single day ... .. My children like variety but I try to keep it healthy ... I have a 14 year old that would rather go without than have a healthy start .. It's mainly cereal unless I get up very early to do something healthier and the cereal is normally choc covered everything for breakfast in this house

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

Mine normally eat cereal and because they prefer the sugar coated kind, or if it doesn't contain sugar they then manually add it , of course I worry , I try to limit the amount of added sugar but to be honest I don't really take notice of the salt but I know I should

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

My 6 yo noticed the bear straight away as we have bought the products ( not the cereal ) before.
She really liked them and wanted to try them both together .. She likes the look of them together in the bowl.
She said the white one tasted of marshmallow ?
Then she noticed the texture " they are crunchy but they are not "
Not sure what that means to be honest
She didn't ask for extra sugar which was great and asked if she could she have a bowl when she gets in from school
Of course I'm delighted because they have so few ingredients and the ingredients they do have are healthy then that's better than the usual biscuit or crisps that she would eat when she comes home from school

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

Yes absolutely I would and they seem to last longer by a couple of days than the usual aimed at kids cereal
Hopefully they'll be on offer sometimes too ... Then I'll stock up

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

I would if it were brought up in conversation .. I would'nt just bring it up ..
It would definitely be recommended as a healthy cereal and was child friendly .

Our Bear Alphabites arrived on Thursday afternoon and all 3 of my boys loved opening the exciting green box to see what was inside!

So far so good… all three monkeys have enjoyed eating both cereals (although the cocoa ones are favourite!) both for breakfast and as a snack between meals.

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?

DS 1 (aged 8) eats most things and is really easy to sort out at breakfast time. Jack usually has Weetabix or porridge, some toast, juice and a yoghurt so I know he’s fully fuelled ready for school ?

DS 2 (aged 4, nearly 5) is a pretty good eater apart from at breakfast time. Charlie doesn’t like any breakfast cereals and will only nibble on a little bit of toast before announcing he’s full and won’t eat any more. He’s just started school and so I worry about him getting hungry during the morning and not being able to concentrate properly.

DS 3 (aged 22 months) is pretty easy to feed and isn’t too fussy yet. But he is at a fidgety age when playing with cars or practicing forward rolls is more interesting than sitting still and eating!

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 refuse to buy coco pops, honey hoops or any other ‘fun’ breakfast cereals that the children ask for when we go food shopping (Yep, I’m a mean mummy!!). If they’re in the cupboard then I know that some mornings I’ll give in and let them eat the unhealthy cereals in a bid to speed up getting out of the house to school/nursery and work!
I do worry about the family starting the day with sugary breakfast cereals. I don’t think they fill you up for long enough and, although I’m not against treats, I do want my children to eat healthily so I think porridge, Weetabix, etc are better for them.

The children get a choice of porridge, Weetabix or toast in the morning and then they can have a yoghurt or fruit with their juice. This works for 2 out of 3 children, but then I worry boy 2 doesn’t eat enough food to last through a busy school morning.

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

So far so good… all the boys have enjoyed eating the cereals. The cocoa flavour is definitely favourite, but everyone has eaten a bowl of Alphabites cereal in the morning, followed by toast/fruit, so I’m a happier mummy!

The boys like the taste of the cereal and have enjoyed trying to find letters in their bowl to spell their names. Boy 3 just seems to like them because the other boys do!

The boys like the packaging and have asked the cereal as a snack instead of crisps after school which is a bonus!!

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

I tend to shop at Aldi most weeks and so unless Bear Alphabites were available there, I’m not sure I would buy them every week. But, if boy 2 continues to enjoy eating the cereal I would probably be tempted to purchase a couple of boxes to keep in stock when I’m next in one of the mainstream supermarkets.

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

I already have through Facebook ? - we were very excited when our samples arrived!

I think it’s good for the children to be able to eat a ‘fun’ cereal but as a parent know that you’re not shovelling spoonfuls of sugar down your children before they go to school in the morning.

The packs arrived and my DCs were very interested starting with the outside box. They loved the packaging in particular the bear and I liked the language on it, very direct and informative.

My daughter tried them straight away saying they tasted like 'Cheerios' and this made me very happy because I felt giving her something very healthy, without added sugars and salt, that tasted like something she really liked. My son had them for breakfast the day after and said that they were 'yummy'.

I believe they are a bit expensive but if I think that they are better and healthier than other cereal I definitely buy them.

Hi
We received our cereal in a lovely box which is now a home for my daughters toy rabbit! And the magnets were also very much appreciated and have pride of place on our fridge.

I don't find breakfast time a challenge with my daughter most of the time as she either eats because she is hungry or she leaves it til later. We home educate so don't need to be out of the house quickly most mornings. However at times my daughter does complain that there is nothing she wants to eat for breakfast.

My daughter usually has supermarket own brand Ready Brek or Shreddies or mini strawberry or chocolate Weetabix Minis. We also have home made granola. Sometimes she will have toast or a crumpet. Other times she will just have some fruit.

Yes, I do worry about the amount of refined sugar and salt in breakfast cereals. Considering a lot of them are aimed at kids, they are remarkably unhealthy.

My daughter loved the Alphabites. She liked the plain but particularly liked the chocolate flavour ones. She eats them dry as there are only certain cereals she will eat with milk. She liked the monster on the back of the box, but did ask why it had a fig leaf!! She loved that they are letters and spent time looking at different letters and left me the initial of my name on the table.

I like that they have a number of grains in them and that the sugar is lower GI and healthier.

I quite liked them and liked that they stay crunchy in milk, but I did think they had a slightly odd aftertaste.

I might buy them for an occasional treat at that price or if they were on offer, I would love to buy them all the time but that is expensive for a small box of cereal.

I would recommend them as they are an enjoyable but healthy cereal, but I would mention to people that they were expensive.

Thank you for giving us the chance to try them.

Our boxes arrived last week, love the packing box they came in!

• 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?

DS is generally a good eater however, he does have his moments. Breakfast time isn't overly challenging but sometimes he doesn't want to eat anything and I have to remind him that eating breakie will give him the best start to his 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?

We do try and mix things up but it can be a rush in the mornings... I have newborn twins! DS likes a range of different cereals and toast, on occasion he will have scrambled or poached eggs if we have time. Yes, I do have concerns over the amount of sugar and salt in other cereals.

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

DS loved the packaging. He also enjoyed the flavours and commented that they weren't as sweet as other cereals he has tried. He also seemed to be impressed with the letters and was fishing around for the letters to spell out his name.

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

Yes, I definitely would. I think the price is reasonable so we would definitely purchase again.

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

Absolutely.

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 never a problem getting the 3 older DC to eat breakfast. My youngest is only 4 and is soooooooo slow to wake up properly, which is a problem. It is such a rush, that sometimes she takes breakfast with her to eat on the way to school.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
Mostly cereal and yoghurt, then sometimes fruit, toast or crumpets. I do prefer them to have a high fibre cereal with no artificial additives, but they really like coco pops, choc flakes.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They thought the packaging was great. Mine like to read the cereal boxes whilst they eat their breakfast, so this was nice and different. They like the monster characters too. I explained that they didn't have the same additives and sugar as other cereals and they were keen to have a healthy choice. My eldest DC preferred the chocolate Alphabites and said although they were sweet enough, they 'could do with a bit more cocoa'.My next eldest two DC liked them and enjoyed making words out of them, but thought they could be a 'teensy bit sweeter'. I think it's just a case of getting used to the sweetness. I am encouraged because one of my DC chose the plain Alphabites over all of her usual ones this morning!

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Yes. The box is a good size and I am glad to have a more natural, additive free choice for my DC. I do think cereals generally are very overpriced though.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, as a healthier choice. I gave mentioned to a few people and what I found is that I don't think people are very aware of Bear as a brand generally.

• 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 - both DSS (11) and DS (14 months) are good eaters. Usually we sit down and eat together on weekdays as DH leaves for work early.

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

A wide variety: toast (with butter , PB , jam, or chocolate spread on weekends!), cereal (porridge, weetabix, cocoa pops, multigrain hoops (non Nestlé Cheerios!), potato cakes, bagels, yoghurt, fruit. On the weekends occasionally bacon sandwiches or eggy bread and bacon.

I don't like the high salt and sugar content of many cereals.

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

Not too fussed about packaging - DSS is a bit old for cartoony style things to lure him in and DS is too young. I think they look appealing though!
Both like the taste - DSS had them with milk, DS had them plain (as he does most cereal as it's easier for him to pick up himself).

DSS likes that they don't go soggy quickly in the milk .

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

Yes. I like to buy natural, organic products where possible. DS is easy, he'll eat whatever I put in front of him, but given the choice in the cereal aisle DSS will go for the most chocolately, sugary, least appropriate for breakfast choice! I usually compromise by letting him have one chocolate cereal (not the really sugary ones like cookie crisp except as an occasional treat) on the go at a time, and he's then pretty good about mixing it up and having a variety. I like the fact that both plain and chocolate don't have added sugar or salt - the coconut blossom nectar, although sweet has a lower gi, and I like that they have minimal, natural ingredients. For me, it means I can offer DSS the chocolate cereal and it still be a reasonable healthy choice!

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

Yes, for the reasons outlined above. They taste great and are a relatively 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?
My DS (4) usually eats breakfast well but does like to have a change so we have a cupboard full of half eaten cereals. The most challenging thing is the amount of time that he takes to eat - he could be there all day and doesn't understand the concept of needing to get out the house on time for school.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
MY DS usually has a bowl of cereal (ASDA golden balls, Shreddies, Branflakes, Kelloggs Multigrain Shapes, Cheerios) followed by a little Fromage Frais pot and fruit - usually strawberries, but now I need to find another favourite as the season will soon end

I feel that my DS has a balanced diet so I am not overly worried about too much sugar or salt in the cereals as over the course of the day he will have a lot of fresh foods to even things out

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
My DS was very impressed with the large Monster box that the cereal arrived in and couldn't wait to try it out. He had a bowl of the cocoa ones first and then tried the plain ones. I asked him what he thought and he said they would make him strong. He said that they were yummy and could he have more. He did say that they were very sweet though. He is now waiting for the Bear to arrive to join him for breakfast...

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Unfortunately I am on a very tight budget and these would fall outside of the price range that I could afford to spend on cereal. I would look out for them though and would buy them if they were on a promotional offer.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend them as they were tasty and the lack of junk in them is appealing.

Hello!

Thank you very much for selecting us!

The packaging is lovely and I was sorry that we ripped open the box as it might have been good enough to store some Playmobil in. Thanks also for the stickers. They are sweet and it's nice that you didn't over-do the branding.

The cereal boxes are lovely too. Very appealing packaging and easily recognisable as coming from the same family as the Bear snacks that we also like.

We've only tried the cocoa version for now and will let you have feedback on the plain version when we try it.

Meanwhile:

• 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 (age 4) is a fussy eater but eats very heartily at breakfast so breakfast is quite easy with him. My DD (age 2) is less fussy at other meals and enjoys breakfast but doesn't eat lots like her brother.

• 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 in the summer and porridge in the winter. Washed down with a glass of milk and followed by toast and butter. I worry about salt and sugar in most cereals but am happy with nutritional contents of Weetabix and porridge and my kids don't protest about the lack of variety!

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

My DS seemed to really like the Alphabites (cocoa) but I guess they are much sweeter than his usual Weetabix. I am a bit sceptical about coconut blossom nectar as that sounds like marketing speak for fructose and I feel like the marketing people are trying to pull the wool over my eyes a little! My DD is too young to feed back but didn't finish her bowl and ate even more slowly than usual so I think she prefers her Weetabix. Both really seemed to like the packaging - who wouldn't?!

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

Probably not as we are currently all happy with our Weetabix. If my kids get fed up with Weetabix and start looking for other cereals, this will be my next choice.

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

Yes. I would certainly recommend as it seems a healthier option than other cereals. I love that there is only a trace of salt but am very sceptical about coconut blossom nectar!

Thanks again for giving us the opportunity to taste Alphabites.

Thank you for the box of cereals (loved the outer box which we will use to store my DS's craft bits in!). He also loves the magnets!

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 slightly struggle to find low-sugar/salt alternatives to porridge, Weetabix and toast so it's great to test out the Bear Alphabites. I feel I am quite mean with what I give my DS in terms of food as I really don't want him eating too much sugar or salt.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
My DS LOVES them so far and I had to prise the box away from him yesterday as he was starting to tuck in himself! He has mainly been having them as a snack rather than breakfast so far and he seems very happy to have them dry rather than with milk which is great as I will probably take a handful in a bag out and about as a healthy and easy snack.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Yes. The fact that it means we will have another breakfast alternative is great as I want to make sure I offer my DS a variety of options that, most importantly, are healthy.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, definitely. My sister has already asked me about them having seen them in our kitchen. Her only comment was that she thought they were quite expensive but then agreed that they are worth paying that little extra for to avoid the salt/sugar in other cereals.

Question from DD

Why is 'monster-metre' spelled metre when it' shows a meter?"

Thank you for picking me for this; we really enjoyed the product and the magnets.

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 am lucky that so far my kids are quite good about breakfast so as long as there is variety day to day we don't have a real battle. DD(age8) is the trickiest.

• 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 swop between toast, weetabix, readybrek and more treat things like pancakes or pain au chocolate. Crunchy nut cornflakes is a treat breakfast because of the sugar content. I try to buy the lowest salt versions if the above; I think you can only do your best and I can't make all these things from scratch to avoid.

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

The kids both (3&8) loved them; they both preferred the plain ones and they both liked having a cup of them as a snack. They weren't so keen on the chocolate ones and asked for the plain ones after trying the chocolate ones; they haven't asked for the chocolate ones since. They both said how sweet they are. They liked the packaging and were attracted to them because if this and in the case of the 8year old because of the brand; she loves the fruit yoyos.

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

I would buy them as a treat cereal; I still feel the sugar content whatever it is called is high. The other thing I noticed was that they were hungry pretty quickly afterwards even though they had big bowls full. The price seems reasonable.

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

I would recommend them subject to the above. I think they make a better treat snack than breakfast really.

Thank you so much for my box of Alphabites goodies. Our DS (6) and DD (4) loved the packaging and had fun with the magnets. They both enjoyed both flavours, I think the sweetness was just right - much better than regular cereals. I like the fact there are only 5 ingredients.
Answers:

• 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 it isn't a challenge.
• 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 eat porridge (made from scratch), cornflakes, branflakes, rice crispies or own brand granola. As a treat at weekends we may have waffles.
• What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They loved the packaging - DS loved reading all the facts, they had fun spelling their names and picking out letters. However, as a parent this did make breakfast take longer, not good on a school day!
• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)? I wouldn't buy it, unless on special offer, because it costs a lot more than the regular cereal I buy. I'm also a bit put off by the length of time it took them to eat it - they kept playing with the letters.

However, it is a great product and thanks for the trial!

Thanks for choosing us to be testers! We tried the plain ones this morning

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 usually.

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

During the week, DS (6) has porridge, Shreddies or muesli and then a piece of toast. At the weekend, he's allowed a "treat" cereal like Cheerios. He loves his porridge, which he has unsweetened other than some fruit. I am mindful about the amount of sugar and salt in lots of cereal which I why I limit the sugary ones to weekend only. I also think that something like porridge or muesli is more filling and will keep DS going through a school day.

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

DS liked the taste, he said they tasted like honey. He enjoyed the fact that they were letter shape. He only looked at the packaging because I made him! He said he liked the monsters but they were not for babies. He also said he would have liked for there to be something to do on the box (I sometimes buy a Kellogs variety pack for weekends and there are puzzles on the back of the boxes that DS really enjoys doing)

Personally, I did not enjoy the taste. I found there was a weird after-taste. I was also hungry earlier in the morning than I would be if I'd had my usual porridge for breakfast. I think I'll leave the rest of the box for DS!

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

Not at full price, no. I might be tempted if they were on special offer. DS didn't enjoy them all that much to warrant spending more

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

Probably not. I didn't find them all that tasty, DS was under-whelmed and I'm unconvinced by the health benefits of coconut blossom nectar.

We have now received our Free trial of Bear Alphabites. What a fantastic way in which it was packaged. My little ones were very excited to receive this in the post. We had a little bit of fun playing musical statues and bumps to prolong the excitement too ;o). Not only did we receive two boxes of Bear alphabites but also 28 free alphabet fridge and bear magnets too. Thank you very much, i will update you asap when we have tried the both flavour/options of Bear Alphabites.

Away over the weekend, so just opened our (very exciting) crocodile box today. DSs are 6 and 4.

• Do you find breakfast with your DCs to be a challenge, or not?

Not really - they are early risers so there's never a rush. Challenges usually relate to wanting to eat it in the garden when it's too chilly, or bowl-related disagreements, rather than the food itself.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast?

Both have 2-3 bowls of various cereal with full fat milk. Occasionally toast as well. Once in a blue moon, DS2 will go for scrambled eggs or smoked fish or bacon too.

• Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?

Yes, I limit their consumption of e.g. Cheerios and tend to say "fine, if you want a second bowl it's going to be e.g. Weetabix". Persist in trying to get them to eat porridge with me too, but no joy on that one yet...

... will be back tomorrow to answer the rest of the questions, after a thorough test :)

Thanks for these - I just adored the packaging they came in. WOW!

I don't find breakfast a challenge as my son will eat almost anything - but the problem is, he will want 3 breakfasts at 6.15am, 7.30am and 8.30am! Now he's started school I'm trying to get those into one breakfast event at 8am. It's hard.

My son will have a bowl of cereal - usually Shreddies, Cheerios, Cornflakes. I try to avoid chocolate-based cereals unless it's the weekend! I won't touch anything with extra sugar on - argh!

My son loved the packaging and taste - he loved playing noughts and crosses on the box so I've had to separate out those letters in a little tub so we can play again.... I thought the cocoa ones tasted pretty good actually.

I would buy them again if on offer or with a coupon (I notice there's one in the YoYo pack), definitely prefer to the mainstream cereal brands. Would recommend to friends but not those I know are on a tight budget or with a lot of kids!

We've had a couple of days of eating these now, so ready to add my feedback.

I don't normally have any problems getting my two boys (6 and 9) to eat breakfast, and they are pretty happy with most things I offer but like many kids their preferred cereals are the sweeter ones (I might buy a selection pack at half term)! Usually I buy weetabix, weetabix minis, Malt Wheats (Tesco's version of Shreddies), or Rice Krispie Shapes (I would say the latter are probably their favourite and I think have the most sugar). I do feel that most cereals have far too much sugar and salt, yes, but they are quick and convenient in the mornings and also get advertised heavily...

They were very pleased with the magnets and immediately made all our names crossword style to go on the fridge. They liked the facts etc on the back of the box and were excited to try the cereal. Both enjoyed trying to make words on their spoon. Taste-wise they said the original version was nice but they preferred Rice Krispie Stars (this doesn't surprise me, as Alphabites are less sweet, but I think they would soon get used to it). My eldest liked the cocoa ones a lot, and was fooled into thinking they are as chocolate-y as Cocoa Pops etc by the brown milk. I was delighted to realise they have no more sugar or calories than the regular version, so this is a 'chocolate' cereal I would be quite happy to buy. They think they're getting a treat, and I know it's far less sugary than other cereals. I would definitely purchase and recommend them to other parents for that reason!

Many thanks for picking my family as part of the test.

So mine have finally come home to roost.

My older son (8) normally has porridge for breakfast with fruit and golden syrup. The younger one has " squares and circles" (mixture of own- brand shreddies and Cheerios) They have 11-12g sugar per serving which is the same as the alpha bites.
The packaging is fab - can we assume the featured letter would change frequently? The magnets are great too.

I will report back when they've had chance to try it tomorrow.