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

Just adding to my previous feedback.

The dc both had Alphabites for breakfast today. One had each flavour. Both gave 10/10. The creal didn't go soggy in milk and I had 2 clean bowls. Happy children happy me. :)

Hi thank you for the opertunity to try out the alphabites here is my review

1. 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 have an 8 year old daughter who is fussy and will only eat chocolate squares and a 1 year old son who refuses to eat breakfast full stop

2)what do your DCs eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain or not?

My daughter will only eat chocolate squares which I know are no good for her but I know she's got to eat something before school and my son won't eat breakfast he just wants a bottle of milk.
I'm defiantly worried about sugars and salts but as I stated she needs to eat something

3. what did your DCs think of bear alphabites(taste, packaging, concept) what did they like or dislike about them?

My daughter loves mixing the 2 cereals together and has a rather large bowl full which is very unlike her so I'm very happy with that especially knowing they are healthy... The packaging was quite bland she said but the crocodile box they come in was awesome (her words not mine) my son loves the cereal thankyou lol make my life easier :) he also spends many hours at the fridge with the magnets.
Yes today I took a snack pot out with a mixture of both Cretans round my friends and all 3 baby's loved them they kept coming back for more .

4. would you buy bear alphabites for your DCs in the future?

Yes defiantly I've finally found a cereal healthy and that both my kids will eat

5. would you recommend bear alphabites to friends or relatives?

Yes defiantly as I said my friends kids loved them as a snack she has already gone out and brought some

Thankyou for this chance

Thank you BEAR and mumsnet for the cereal boxes and great magnets.

Here is my feedback:

1. My DB is under 2. Breakfast is not a challenge as long as I mix it up a bit and vary it. If I give my DS the same thing every day, he does get board. I do worry about sugar and salt. I think because my DB is young, I try and keep sugary breakfasts as a treat rather than every day.

The packaging is great. Really fun and attractive. I love the idea of letter shapes, it is really clever. Maybe I am a little precious, but I thought the sugar content was too high to give to my young DS for breakfast, but I did give him a handful of the plain variety as part of his afternoon snack. He really enjoyed it and I got "more please" from him. He only has a few words, but I suspect he liked the crunchy taste.

1. When DS is older, I may buy BEAR Alphabites. I think it is a really clever concept. I tend to buy branded cereals on special offer so would not spend RRP.

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 son has just turned 1 and has become quite fussy with his meal times, some days he enjoys his food and other he would rather go without.

• 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 son eats lots of cereals for breakfast including
wheatabix
loopy bees
cheerios
rice crispies
coco pops
and now bear!

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

so far so good. he has enjoyed 4 days of bear cereal and has not turned his nose up at them yet.

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

yes he has loved them !!

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

im a childminder and have also shared the cereal out to 11 other children too, just to let you know they have all loved it ! especially the coco one :P

Adding to my previous feedback...

We have now tried the plain variety. My 8 year old enjoyed them but said they were not as nice as the chocolate variety. My 4 year old said they were the same and has added both varieties to his cereal mix-up. The 18 month old tried a few dry as asack but was not too bobothered. I think she preferred the cocoa.

Thank you for selecting us for the Bear Alphabites test. For answers to the questions:

1. Breakfast is the only meal that isn't a problem for our family. Everyone is happy to sit down and enjoy 2)Our DCs normally eat cereal, porridge or eggs for breakfast, but normally cereal. The sugar content is a real concern for me as DD is only 16mths and has a sweet tooth. I'm constantly looking for things that have a lower sugar content but aren't full of artificial sweeteners 3)Both my DCs seem to love Alphabites (me too - especially the chocolate ones). DS (8) loves the packaging and the magnets. He likes to read the backs of the boxes. He's already a fan of the Bear YoYos and collects the cards. The boxes aren't lasting long in our house 4)I would buy them in the future. At the moment they've only been available in Waitrose in our area, where I try not to shop as it's too expensive. As soon as I see them in Tesco or Sainsbury's I will 5)I already have recommended them to others - and not just those with children!

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to try this cereal, we were all very excited when the lovely monster box arrived and the kids (DD 9 and DS 6) loved the alphabet 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 do find it to be a challenge on week days as we have a very short time for breakfast (we are all terrible early risers and leave getting up until the last possible minute then have to dash for the school bus!) So I'm concerned about getting enough nutritious food into them to keep them going until lunchtime.

• 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 a bowl of cereal and a smoothie, or sometimes toast with jam or honey, and sometimes a piece of fruit as well - or to eat on the way to school. Porridge on colder mornings if there is time.

Yes I do worry about the refined sugar and salt and usually go for lower sugar cereals such as weetabix, shreddies etc. Usually chocolate flavoured cereals are reserved strictly for holidays.

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

We all loved the packaging and the kids enjoyed reading the packs especially the science experiment. I really liked the design.

They both liked the taste of the chocolate cereal very much - they said it was their favourite but they have wolfed down both boxes so it has obviously been a hit! They also liked the taste of them dry.

We liked that the cereal doesn't turn into a soggy mess too.

They have had fun making words with the letters although this is less of an attraction to me - see my point above about having to eat breakfast quickly!

I love that the product uses natural flavours and sweeteners.

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

Definitely although perhaps not on a regular basis as it is quite expensive.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes I would - because it seems like a healthy alternative to sugary cereals that the kids enjoy just as much.

• Breakfast in our house is a chore with 1 year old ds but 5 year old dd is very easy to please. With ds I'm hoping it's an age thing as he eats happily one morning then the next day will refuse to eat.

• They usually eat porridge with fruit, cereals or toast. I do worry about how much sugar is in the cereal but since they eat a pretty good diet anyway I think it evens itself out..

• Dd was very excited when the postie knocked on with the box. She loved the magnates and refused to share with ds ( he got them the next day when she was in school)
  She had a bit of both that evening for dinner in two separate bowls as she wasn't very well and they cheered her up.
  She surprised me by saying she preferred the plain one better.
  Ds has tried them both too and seems to prefer the chocolate one. He has his without milk though. They are big enough for him to pick up and eat without making too much of a mess.

• I think I would definitely buy the chocolate one as it has less additives in than other chocolate cereals and ds seems to be eating it. Will probably buy the plain one once in a while if dd asks for it but not very regularly as she eats a variety and can get different breakfasts cheaper.

• I would recommend this cereal to friends and family as its tasty and healthier than most cereals and my kids recognized the bear from the advert and I think that added to the fun of eating it.

Thanks for letting us try them out.

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

yes.

If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?
My children want different things each day and they have preferences that are fairly expensive. Their favourite breakfast is half a bagel with salmon and cream cheese. Pricey! They will not eat porridge or muesli, which is what I always want. They are also fussy about eggs. So every day I have to think afresh about what is there and what will they eat.

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast?

bagel, salmon cream cheese shredded wheat yoghurt and fruit eggy bread toast and marmite or jam mini pizzas - which is bread with puree and cheese pankcakes waffles, honey, cream granola tomato avocado

Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
I am very worried and eshew it for that reason. Shredded wheat is purest, I think, but the DC wont eat it very often.

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

What did they like or dislike about them? The DC loved the packaging - spent ages reading it all, talking about it. They certainly found it attractive and imaginative. They loved the coa alphabites - though DD said - they do look like dog treats. They eat them up eagerly and were keen to have them again. They also enjoyed multigrain - though DD thought they were a bit too sweet. It may be because she is not used to sweet cereals. She does not finish her bowl. DS does though and is happy to have them again and again. They liked the fact that they did not get soggy and the milk tasted good afterwards. They are certainly positively disposed towards them and like the concept and wanted to know all about the ingredients - which are nicely depicted on the packet.

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

yes, I would. The DC eat them and they seem not too noxious.

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

yes - they are better than a lot of other stuff out there and seem to be fairly filling. Multigrain is a good thing 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?
DD is an awfully slow eater, this means morning have to start extra early to allow for her pace, we’ve tried rewards, time limits and nothing works, so typically we’ll sit her down with the rest of us and we’ll all start together, DP and I once finished will then wash left over dishes, unpack dish washer, make lunch, feed cats and dog all while being with her in the kitchen, on a good day by the time we have finished she’ll be finishing her cereal. This is primarily because she’s not over keen on breakfast foods, when we tried her on a continental or fried breakfast it disappears quickly, but it’s not practical on a day to day basis

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 prefers Crunchy nut Cornflakes, although we’ll occasionally mix it half and half with regular cornflakes. I hate all that sugar going in to her first thing

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
She loved the monster box they came in and loves that she can write words with the cereal, she quickly made the connection between the cereal and yoyo’s.
She happily ate the cereal, but did say afterwards it wasn’t her favourite, our 5 month old (just weaning) DS seems to love them and as they’re more pure than most cereals I don’t mind him having a few to chomp on. DD isn’t a fan of chocolate so the chocolate one took a bit more persuading, but she did say it was much nicer than coco pops (which one of her friends eats)
We had a sleep over and the visiting kids all loved their bowls

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
I would buy them again, but I must admit this is primarily because I really like them myself, so I’m happy to dip into DD’s cereal

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
I’d definitely recommend them and have already done so, a good cereal is hard to come by especially one that is appealing to kids

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, my children eat bucket loads for breakfast, it bemuses me as I can only weakly sip coffee.

What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
DC have peanut butter on toast and a banana or apple. Occasionally they have wheatabix in apple juice instead of toast. Weekends we make pancakes.

Sadly for my DC I am utterly joyless about cereal and I only buy wheatabix or All Bran.

What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
DS likes the chocolate one as 'it's chocolatey and I love chocolate'. He did not like the non-chocolate one as 'it did not have chocolate in it.' DS did not like to eat this for breakfast but he has really enjoyed it as an after school snack, without milk. He has liked playing with the letters in his cereal whilst he eats. He hasn't really acknowledged the packaging, I don't think it interests him.

Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
Not sure. Maybe if it's on offer, maybe if DC were with me and asked for it. I certainly wouldn't hunt it down as an essential buy.

Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not
No, I don't tend to have conversations about cereal with people!

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 never found breakfast a challenging time. I have always insisted they eat something at the start of the day and they have always complied; usually cereal or sometimes toast and boiled egg. I also use cereals as a snack after 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?

They normally have Weetabix, milk, sultanas and chopped banana. The youngest one is 9 and perfectly capable of sorting this out. Yes, I did feel that refined sugar and salt was a worry so stopped buying chocolatey cereals a while ago and encouraged them to add chopped fruit to Weetabix for sweetness instead.

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

Preferred the coco ones as they considered them tastier. The multigrain ones tasted like honey but still as enjoyable. The packaging is colourful but basic and so promoting the pureness of the product.

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

Yes, for a change from the usual.

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

Yes, especially for those with younger children. I think the alphabet shapes are cute.

Thank you for letting us take part

Our cereal arrived at the weekend and my girls were very excited when they saw the box it was delivered in and they spent ages putting the magnets that came with the cereal on the fridge and trying to spell different words. Please see our feedback below

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 depends on their mood. Some mornings they will eat really well and other mornings, I struggle to get them to pick something and eat it. I think they get bored of the same things over and over. I try to keep it different but its not easy.

• 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 depends they have lots of different things. They like toast with different toppings, weetabix, ready brek, rice crispies, coco pops, crunchy nut cornflakes, pancakes, croissants, fruit and yougurt

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

They liked the chocolate ones but weren't so keen on the plain variety. They both tried them without milk first and spent ages making their names out of the different letters. They liked the packaging as well with the bear. They did have them with milk as well and enjoyed them. In fact its probably the first time in ages I have seen them really enjoy cereal.

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

Yes if my girls carry on enjoying them i would buy them

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

Yes definetly! They appeal to children and at the same time are one of the more healthier cereals they can eat. win win really!

Thank you so much for selecting us to be part of this trial. We have enjoyed trying these out and playing with the magnets

1- we love breakfast here! Cereal is our thing!
2-Cheerios, shreddies. Oatabix. I worry about the sugar content!

3- the older two loved the cocoa ones so much so they were rationed!

The younger one preferred the plain ones.
They all loved looking at the letters though why aren't they lower case letters? Too hard to make?
The packaging they liked and eldest recognised the advert!
Taste was good, all bowls empty!

4- yes reasonable price and I love the fact it's all natural. They love them and I can wear my healthy breakfast halo!

5- yes I would. They are quite sweet but that's preference I guess.

Thank you for this opportunity

- 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 only challenge we have is getting it on the table quick enough! Breakfast is DS's favourite meal

- What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not?
DS usually has Shreddies, we don't allow sweet cereals.

- What did your DCs think of Bear Alphabites (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
DS says they're good because they taste sweet. He liked the box and the advert.

- Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)?
I might buy them if they were on offer, for a treat, they are quite expensive and too sweet.

- Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
Probably, if they were interested in a 'natural' cereal that is sweet.

• 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 not usually too challenging in terms of the kids eating. They tend to sit down well and have big appetites. The challenge is finding something quick and healthy to feed them.

• 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 they eat cereals. We have a policy of healthy cereals in the week and whatever they want on Friday (tends to be chocolate and sugar heavy!). ON Suday they both love a cooked breakfast. I do worry about the sugar and salt in most cereals, even the ones that look the healthiest are often full of sugar.

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

They were thrilled with the fancy box and magnets! My son (4) had seen the TV advert and recognised them instantly so was very excited to try them. They have gone down really really well with us. My daughter (6) enjoys spelling out words and my son just loves everything about them! They have tried both the plain and chocolate ones and like them both about the same.

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

Definitely. I love the low sugar content and that my kids really enjoy eating them.

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

Yes, absolutely. Full marks from us.

1. DS2 loves breakfast and it's easy with him, DS1 not so much, he never really wants to eat first thing.

2.DS2 normally has porridge or Weetabix, DS1 tends to have toast with marmite or dry cereal (which I don't like because the sugar is more likely to damage the teeth if you eat cereal dry)

1. We all loved the packaging and the concept DS1 liked the cocoa flavoured ones and DS2 liked both flavours.

1. Yes I would buy them again, although would probably look out for when they are on special offer because it is more than we normally spend on cereal

1. Yes I would and have recommended them!

Thanks for choosing us for this trial.

1. 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 have no problems at breakfast - DD (4.5) likes most things and so I just give her what she fancies that day.

2)what do your DCs eat at breakfast? Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain or not?

DD tends to have cereal, toast or bread/jam or pancakes or sometimes fruit.

I do worry about sugar and salt. I buy and try to encourage healthier options but I find it harder the older DD gets and is now aware of things like chocolate breakfast cereal.

3. what did your DCs think of bear alphabites(taste, packaging, concept) what did they like or dislike about them?

DD loved the box, the magnets and the cereal. She wanted to try the chocolate ones first as she was drawn to the chocolate, but in fact preferred the other ones once she'd tried them both.

She described them as yummy and liked that they stayed crunchy and didn't go soggy - we've had issues with cereal like weetabix once it gets soggy.

She wasn't as keen on the chocolate ones as apparently they didn't taste as nice with the milk but she liked that the milk turned chocolatey.

She also liked them 'raw' without milk and both she and a friends toddler had a couple of handfuls as a snack

DP enjoyed a bowl of both too and said he agreed with her assessment.

4. would you buy bear alphabites for your DCs in the future?

Yes definitely - its expensive compared to our usual cereal but I don't mind if it will get eaten and is a healthier option.

5. would you recommend bear alphabites to friends or relatives?

Yes I would

Our Bears have arrived and my DD was so excited with the packaging and loved the magnets. Enjoyed sticking on the fridge and singing the ABC song!
Really seems to be enjoying them and recognising the letters...loving the choco flavour.

Here's the answers to your 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?

DD is generally very good with breakfast, quite willing to try different cereals, however does have her favourites.

• 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 Weetabix/Rice Krispies/Cornflakes/coco pops/Cheerios/bran flakes.
I am quite concerned with the high amounts of sugar found in some cereals, however feel by varying her choices it helps.

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

DD loves them...especially recognising letters and loves the choco flavour. She liked the monsters on the back of the box. Taste seems to be fine and hasn't noticed any difference in terms of sugar/sweetness.

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

Yes definitely as long as DD is enjoying them.

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

Yes, as many friends/family enjoy bear products. I actually have friends who eat the Bear snacks...to help reduce the amount of Sugar they are consuming.

• 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 used to! I wanted them to eat something filling that wasn't too full of rubbish, they wanted the 'treAt' cereal every day. Finally reached a compromise where they are allowed jam on toast if they have first eaten their weetabix/ oatabix with fruit.

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

Most definitely am worried about what is in the cereal. I also want something that will fill them til lunchtime if they are at school.

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

They were very interested in the packaging. Spotted the connection with yo yos. Wanted to try them immediately. Were very keen to try it as their weekend treat cereal even though they didn't have to! And they loved it! Dd2 who doesn't usually like chocolate cereals wanted seconds.

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

Yes. Not sure if it is filling enough for a school day cereal but v happy for them to have it with others or on ther weekend/school hols.

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

Yes good value for money and a fun cereal the kids are happy with but which I am happy with too!

Thanks for the opportunity to try these out, the whole family has enjoyed them

When the box arrived there was great excitement in the incog house! Loved the design and the thought that went into the packaging for delivery.

• 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 to get the DC to eat breakfast as they always seem to wake up ravenous! It can be rather a rushed affair though, so we tend to stick to cereals.

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

DC usually have Weetabix/rice pops/shreddies or the generic forms of these cereals, we quite often buy Aldi's own brand versions. The DC eat a lot at breakfast time - up to four Weetabix at times, so it's important to me to find a cereal that fills them up until lunch.

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

The DC (and DH and I) loved the packaging, especially the facts and puzzles on the back of the box. I liked the simplicity of the ingredients list, and also was very impressed with the quality feel of the cardboard used for the boxes. DH said the fig leaf on the bear was amusing! DD1 recognised the Bear trade mark from fruit yoyo's which I hadn't heard of but she said they were delicious too.

Everyone liked the taste of both cereals and the fact that they stayed crispy even after adding the milk. Although DS did say that the chocolate ones didn't turn the milk 'chocolately enough'.

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

I would buy the cereals again in the future fir a treat, but would probably wait until they are on offer as we have quite a strict budget here.

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

Yes I would, I liked the concept, the quality and the fact that they do not contain too much processed sugar/nasty stuff.

Thank you for picking us, the parcel caused great excitment in our house. The box has gone to nursery to be used for sticking and glue practise! The magnets have unfortunately already been destroyed, I left them and the dc's in the care of my DM for 5 mins. The V has been lost down the back of the radiator, the X has been torn and the P has been ripped

Anyway!

• 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?

Yes, dd doesn't like cereal with milk, she would eat variety packs with her fingers, very slowly and throwing a lot on the floor. DS likes bran flakes, which make for evil nappies and not really what a 22 month old should be eating mentioning no names but DH feeds him these We now have the added fun of needing to get out on time for nursery so there is less time for persuasion so it's vital I have breakfast available that they will eat and enjoy.

• 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 have made progress recently, breakfast had started to become a sloppy affair in front of the tv to make life easier, and dd was only eating toast with fruit spread so not nutrious. DS was eating a banana and as many bran flakes as he can steal Now we eat in the dining room again, and they both are eating some cereal from a bowl. Banana's and bran flakes still feature but the days of white toast have gone to be replaced by cereal.

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

They love the packaging. They also recognise the Bear from the fruit rolls which they like so it's familiar to them. DD likes the letters although she is under the impression most are the letter Z. She eats the cocoa ones dry quite happily. DS is taking some convincing to put down his bran flakes but will eat them if spoon fed.

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

Yes, I've got them from Sainsbury's when they were on offer and it's definitely something I am happy to pay a bit extra for.

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

Yes, we would recommend them. I avoid Nestle cereals as a point of principle and would prefer to have an option that is more natural.

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

No, she is very keen on eating.... Anything If you do, could you tell us a bit more about why?

• What do your DCs usually eat at breakfast?

Eggs, either poached or scrambled. Fruit. Toast. Tend to avoid cereals because of the sugar and salt Are you worried about the refined sugar and salt that most breakfast cereals contain, or not? Yes

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

She loves them, as they come and with milk What did they like or dislike about them? Hard to say as she is only 10 months and can't talk yet. But- I tried them - in the interests of science of course - and they are lovely. They taste natural and not too sweet. I'm hooked.

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

Yes and for me

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

I would and I think the concept of the cereal and it's lack of sugar is great. Just what I have been looking for. It takes a lot to impress me but you have!

Am I the only person who got stickers, not magnets by the way?

I asked my 6 year old ds what he thought of the box ...... Oh no do we have to eat that aswell ? Was his response.

• 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 don't find it a challenge, they enjoy breakfast and always eat it.

• 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 eat weetabix, shreddies, cornflakes, cocoa pops as a treat. Toast, bagels, chocolate brioche. I worry that they eat too much sugar and only have the sugary cereals occasionally.

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

6 yr old ds liked the letters, the taste and that they made him growl!! He liked the plain flavour better.
My 8 yr old ds preferred the cocoa ones because they tasted really good. He thought the box was more fun to read than most cereal boxes.

• Would you buy Bear Alphabites for your DCs in the future? (available in 375g box, RRP £2.69)? Yes if there is a lot less sugar and they are healthier than other cereals then it's worth the extra money.

• Would you recommend Bear Alphabites to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes because they are healthier.