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MNHQ

Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches Feedback Thread - £250 Mothercare voucher to be won for feedback NOW CLOSED

161 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 27/01/2015 10:50

This is the feedback thread for the 250 MNers who have been trying out the new Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches with their babies aged 6 months+.

Below are the questions we'd like testers to answer but please feel free to add your own comments too.

  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?
  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

All testers who give their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £250 Mothercare voucher.

Thanks,
MNHQ

OP posts:
beeckz · 28/01/2015 08:50
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

I was impressed, the packaging was bright and colourful and the flavours were those I wouldn't have necessarily puréed myself.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

He enjoyed them all and wolfed them down! I think his favourite was the cauliflower, potato and cheese judging by the yum noises he made whilst eating it.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I might to add as a sauce to pasta or as an addition to finger foods as the mix of flavours are interesting. He's nearly 8 months so it having food that isn't as smooth now and he's eating more than the contents of the pouch.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Most definitely, they're handy, the flavours are different to others I've seen and the texture is good for starting to wean.

Emmie412 · 28/01/2015 09:31

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

The packaging was colourful, the ingredients seemed to be basic home meals and missing any fruit for additional sweetness.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

I've been blessed with a baby that eats pretty much anything so she wolfed down all varieties.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I wouldn't - simply because the baby is nearly 10 months and therefore not in a completely smooth puree stage anymore. Also, the quantity is too small for this age. If she was younger, I may have considered them.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think the pouches are very handy out and about, alongside home made foods and finger foods.

Riblet · 28/01/2015 09:33
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

The packaging and characters were attractive and having read the leaflet the concept seems like a good idea.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

My son enjoyed the cauliflower cheese and sweet corn pouches. He wasn't keen on the broccoli one and neither was I, it didn't smell very nice. I thought he'd enjoy the carrot most but the texture was too watery and caused him to gag and vomit. I mixed the remainder of the pouch with baby rice to thicken it and he enjoyed it then.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I don't tend to use pouches or jars but they were useful when out and about and there was a good amount in the pouch so possibly.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

If they were looking specifically for ready made foods then yes.

BoudiccaW · 28/01/2015 09:57
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

Quite similar to other products but very handy.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
She liked the cauliflower but not the others really (although she's a little bit too old for pouches).
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?
As above, my little one is too old really. Although one or two pouches can be handy to have around for bad teething days!
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, anything that makes taking a baby out and about is good!
Cli0 · 28/01/2015 10:36

I think these pouches are excellent for the early stages of weaning and introducing new flavours into your child's diet. The £0.99 RRP is good value for money and competitively priced.

My 9 month old D.D. loved them as they tasted quite close to homemade meals. I usually make my own foods leaving a few lumps in for her to chew, but these pouches were too smooth and watery in texture so she ate them extremely quickly!

Overall, they are a great starting product for younger babies and very convenient to use when travelling, but I would prefer more texture in them.

tackytiger · 28/01/2015 11:28
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

I was impressed by the size - I thought they seemed generous. The packaging was bright and inviting, and made the pouches seem good quality

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
My 16mo is extremely picky, a very bad eater - she absolutely loved these. She particularly enjoyed the meaty ones, but wasn't a big fan of the cauliflower one. As she is older, I mixed the pouches with rice and pasta, and spread them on bread - they were very popular!
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely purchase these to send to the childminder and for general use - I was so pleased to find something my child will eat!

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definitely. I thought the flavours were good, the pouches tasted as they were supposed to, and the pouch is a good size
AhoyMcCoy · 28/01/2015 11:56
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?
Good. Liked the packaging, size and general look of them - used for DD who is just six months and had just started weaning.
  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
Ate every single bit of all of them - they were definitely a hit! Tried them myself too and thought the flavours were clear & that I could have guessed what was in them from taste alone, which is good.
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes - if retailed at £1 or less, I would buy again.
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Despite the fact we liked them lots - no, I wouldn't. In my social circle/area there is real snobbery about baby foods, with Ella's Kitchen seen as the only "acceptable" one as it is organic, no additives etc. I personally was really impressed with the ingredients in the cow and gate pouches and how natural everything was, but I think the snobbery I have found regarding only feeding PFB organic natural food means I probably wouldn't recommend.
mrsferris · 28/01/2015 12:34

These pouches were great all round.
They were convenient when out and about and for a quick meal at home. My son isn't usually keen on the jars but he was more than happy to eat these, I will by in future as he loved them and they are priced fairly. I would recommend them to any one either about to start the weaning process or already started.

Funkytown · 28/01/2015 13:36
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

Loved the packaging when my son saw then he tried to grab them off me I think they look fun and child friendly and I love the fact they were pouches and not jars

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
Unfortunately my son did not enjoy them as he is 11months I was sent a smooth texture aimed at a weaning stage were as he is on lumpy /mashed down foods.
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would buy them for the appropriate age group for my son
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend them to friends/family they were lovely packaged the information was clear and at the right price I'm sure they would buy them
mumof6needssanity · 28/01/2015 13:47

The pouches were nice and bright and colourful, I love the fact they were easily recyclable.
My son ate all of them. However the broccoli, chicken and potato one was very very runny.
I would buy them again for when I am out of the house.
Yes I would recomend these to friends and family.

Wilberforce2 · 28/01/2015 13:51

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

I really liked them. They were bright, colourful and very eye catching. Easily recognisable as C&G.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

My little girl loved all of them but especially the Cauliflower Cheese one.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes definitely, they were quick and easy to use with natural ingredients. Great to just throw in a bag if you are off out for the day. As my little girl is fully weaned now these wouldn't be enough soI would mix them with pasta which would make a better meal.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would but more to friends who were coming up to weaning time rather than friends with 8month + children.

prudy123 · 28/01/2015 14:48

lovely products. My daughter enjoyed them.

kod88 · 28/01/2015 15:01

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

Didn't really stand out from other products on the shelf design wise. Packaging fairly standard. But bright inviting colours. Pouches easier than jars.

Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

My child did not personally like them. He's new to weaning and didn't like the consistency. We're used to baby led weaning. I think the flavour combinations are great. Unfortunately just not to my son's taste.

Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would try again. As the saying goes you have to keep trying a flavour several times.

Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes they are an easy an convenient way to feed when out an about. Easier than jars. Less hassle and baby can even hold the pouch too. Good for introducing vegetables rather than fruit first.

Yvettepie · 28/01/2015 15:43

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?
Very appealing, good colours, imaginative, fun images. My daughter loved them especially trying to eat them straight from the pouch! Useful when out and about without a spoon!
Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
Yes she loved them all but especially the beef,potato and carrot one.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would definitely buy them again to use as reserve when I don't want to cook or if I'm out and about they are very useful.
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would recommend them as it seems the babies enjoy them and they are healthy and that's the main thing, not sure how much they are though so I guess they need to be value for money
linzi54 · 28/01/2015 16:25

The packaging looked bright and appealing, however I found the weaning plan confusing at first glance and would probably skip them in the shops because of this.

My son refused every pouch! However as he is going through a phase of not accepting spoon feeding from me it makes it hard to know whether he disliked the taste or was just being difficult.

No I wouldn't buy them again, but more because of the spoon feeding issue.

I would recommend them to friends who are weaning as they may not have the same problems as me.

Bubbles85 · 28/01/2015 18:46
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you? I liked these more than the jars that are available. The flavours were more interesting and I found it useful to be able to squeeze a small amount out and add them to a meal that I was ready making.
  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most? Yes - the carrot, potato and beef was the biggest hit.
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, occasionally but not every day as I like my LO to eat the same as us most of the time.
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, easy to use and my LO seemed to really like them. I also think they are useful as a base for a sauce to go with pasta and maybe some pieces if veg or meat.
Thislittlekitten · 28/01/2015 18:59

I liked the pouches. The packaging was very bright and clean looking. They look different to other products of this kind. I think they'd be quite eye catching on a shelf.
The product itself was a little more puréed than I would behave liked for my child but I think good for early stage weaning.

My child enjoyed most of the products. The peas, sweatcorn and potato pouch was wolfed down! The others were enjoyed too but not as much as that one!

I would not buy this range as it was to puréed for my child but I did think it was a good product.

I would recommend it. I though the simple tastes were good and my child enjoyed eating them.

PervyMuskrat · 28/01/2015 20:30
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

Bright, attractive packaging. Found it hard to open a couple of the pouches.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

Yes, loved them! Tried to grab the packet and spoon so that they could get more of it. Particularly liked the pea, sweetcorn and potato.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. Wouldn't use every day (partly due to cost and partly due to easier to feed child the same as us) but very handy for out and about and my child enjoyed the taste.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, easy to use and tasty according to my child!

vickipickernicker · 28/01/2015 21:08

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?
I thought the selection was good.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most? Enjoyed them all but the beef, potato and carrot seemed munched fairly quickly.
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not? My child has now really passed the puree stage and has more textured food, but otherwise yes I would still buy.
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes would definately recommend.
BigWLittleJ · 28/01/2015 21:12
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

The packaging was great, very bright and eye catching, however I found the contents less appealing. The food seemed very watery and bland.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

He wasn't enthused by them at all. I think that the flavour just wasn't strong enough for him. He got bored and fussy pretty quickly, but ate well once I gave him something else. The only one that he ate all of was broccoli and chicken.

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, I wouldn't buy them, my son just didn't like them enough.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I probably would as they are good value, but mainly as a backup.

Emmabro710 · 28/01/2015 21:20
  • What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?
I was impressed with the packaging, it was bright and eye catching. Also the flavours seemed lovely.
  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?
My son loved them all! I wouldn't have said he had a favourite. He's not a picky eat so loved them all!
  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would by them again as they were brilliant to put in my changing bag instead of the heavy jars. Also found half a pouch was enough for lunch which means it lasted longer.
  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend them.
SellMySoulForSomeSleep · 28/01/2015 21:54

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

Very striking, i would have picked them up from the supermarket shelves.

Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

Enjoyed them all. Her favorite was the cauliflower, potato and cheese pouch.

Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes would buy again as my DD preferred the pouches to the cow and gate jars.

Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, they went down well and even smelt nice which is rare in baby food.

I thought they where better than the other pouches on the market and hope they will on sale soon.

Lindsaym1983 · 28/01/2015 22:08

What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?

really good they looked good, they were the right size and very convenient.We have just started weaning and these are perfect for when we are out and about to just put in the changing bag.

  • Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

yes he loved them he ate all of them so i think he liked them all equally

  • Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes i will be buying these again as they are ideal for having in the house for days when you want something quick and easy for meal times and they are also perfect for having in your changing bag for use when out and about as you don't need to worry about them smashing or going off.

  • Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes i would, as they are a well know and trusted brand. They are affordable, easy to use and most of all they passed the baby taste test

BackToTheFuschia · 28/01/2015 22:33

a. Nice bright packaging, draws the eye! Will stand out on a supermarket shelf.
b. ds1 liked the flavours however the pouches were a bit runny and a little flavourless.
c. probably wouldn't buy them as a meal, but like the idea if using them as pasta sauce or spreading on toast.
d. yes probably, but to someone who was in the very early stages of weaning.

sazzababs · 28/01/2015 22:51

*What was your overall impression of the savoury pouches which Cow & Gate sent to you?
Nice bright and fun looking packaging, writing on the back too small though!

*Did your child enjoy the Cow & Gate Friends savoury pouches? If so, which one did they enjoy the most?

She used them as a sauce base with more lumpy items and appeared to enjoy them all, but think favourite was the potato, cheese and sweetcorn :) (Think that was the right one! )

*Would you buy the Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches again? If so, why? If not, why not?

Might do but only as a sauce complement, too smooth for my wee one to use as an actual meal. Also not enough in the pouch!

*Would you recommend Cow & Gate Friends Savoury Pouches to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would for smaller babies or just starting to wean, but I wouldn't advise them for 6 months as I think it's too smooth and not enough in one pouch for a 'meal'.

Thanks for letting mini pudding and I take part! :)