See what the 300 Mumsnetters and their DCs thought of BEAR Paws - £300 voucher to be won for providing feedback! NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This is the thread for the 300 Mumsnetters who were testing BEAR Paws with their DCs.

Here’s what BEAR say: "Hello we’re BEAR and we make healthy snack for kids, with absolutely no nonsense whatsoever. Our Paws are made from pure fruit that is gently baked and pressed into tasty paw shapes with no added sugar or concentrates and every bag contains 1 of your 5 a day. Grrr. Available in four tasty recipes, they’re great for little and big paws alike, perfect for grumbly tummies when you’re out and about or as a tasty, healthy snack at home. We’d love to know what you and your DCs think of BEAR Paws as a handy, healthy snack."

BEAR would love to know:

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

All testers who post their feedback on this feedback thread will be entered into a prize draw where one lucky Mumsnetter will win a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 3& 6
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? My 3 yr old eats anything but my 6yr eats very little of anything he would live on fresh air and eggs if he could so fruit & veg are very difficult to get into him.
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They thought the packaging was great my 3 yr old would have eaten anything that was in there, my 6 yr old was very suspiscous but he did try them and although he didnt have a whole packet he did eat them the raspberry & blueberry were their favourite and the strawberry and apple they least liked
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? definately the right size my 3 year could easily eat a whole packet although my 6 yr would probably not eat them all in one go.
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? yes possibly occasionallyfor my 6 yr old but i don't think i would on a regular basis for my 3 yr old as he is good at eating fruit & veg anyway.
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? yes depending on price of course, i still prefer the "Real Thing" though like carrot sticks and real looking strawberries e.t.c

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   2 years / 4 years

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
   Fruit - no, 5 a day - no, Veg / a good balance of different veg - yes, that's a challenge!

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
   They liked them.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
   Was suitable for them to share (with their parents trying a couple as well)

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
   Occasionally, as a treat

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
   If it came up specifically, I would probably say my children liked them. Wouldn't recommend as a healthy treat though - they are full of sugar (just because it is natural fruit sugar doesn't mean it's fine to eat loads of it!) But they are good for a treat. Certainly not a substitute for "real" fruit / veg.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 18 months and 7 years

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? No

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They both really enjoyed them. My 7 year old liked looking for the different patterns/shapes on the Paws.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Definitely fine for my 18 month old but probably not quite enough for my 7 year old.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?

My dd 9 months, dd 21 months, dd 4 and ds 6.

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?

No all my children love fruit and vegetables.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

They loved the animals and bright packaging. All my children enjoyed picking their favorite animal, and all the packets were empty so a successful snack.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?

Yes.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

Yes they are 100% fruit “with no added nonsense” The cute packaging encouraged the kids to eat them than normal dried fruit. Brillant alternative to crisps or biscuits for packed lunches or out and about.

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

Especially if they have problems with their children eating healthy snacks, which can be alternative to sweets.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?

4 and 6

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?

yes sometimes.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

the packaging was brilliant.they opened them on their own and we noticed the packaging was paper-like.
my 4 yearold was impressed with the shape, colour and texture.
the 6 year old commented on how tasty the paws were.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?

yes- nice small compact packs, great for on the go
5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

yes

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

yes, i have suggested them to a few mum friends

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 4 year old DD
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? No she loves most fruit and veg and eating generally!
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? Very excited about the parcel and loved the packaging and the poster. Likes the bear character and the paw shapes. However, sadly she didn't like the actual product. I think it must be the sticky texture she didn't like. She tried each one and played with the shapes but after a couple said yuck and didn't want any more.
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? There does seem rather a lot in the packet which would have been fine if she had liked it...
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Maybe try her again when she is a bit older.
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes they seem like a nice idea for a snack.

Thank you for letting us test these .

1. DS is 7, DD is 4.

1. DS is quite adventurous & will try anything once. DD regards all veg as poison (she might eat a couple of pieces of sweet corn), but will eat some fruit quite happily. I worry about veg intake, but not fruit.

1. Both DCs thought they were a new type of sweet. DS read the packaging, and realised that they weren't. I shared the packets at lunch between them, as didn't want fighting . They liked the easy for them to open packet & loved the taste of all of them.

1. I think they are suitable as an occasional snack.

1. Yes, they're on the shopping list permanently now.

1. I would recommend them as an alternative dried fruit-type snack.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? DS is 5
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Definitely, he doesn't eat much fruit or veg if he can get away with it!
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? He loved it and immediately asked to try some. He didn't dislike anything
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Perfect size, he happily munched through a pack.
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes I think I would, DS loved them and as long as they offer good value I'd certainly buy again.
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes :)

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?

3 and 5

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?

Sometimes

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

They liked the pictures on the packages. They didn't like any of the flavours tested

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

1) How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 2 and 7

2) Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Yes, they are not the biggest fans of veg

3) What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They like the packaging and idea of the product but did not like the taste. The 2 year old just said they were 'Gusting' and the 7 year old said they too strong tasting, some were bitter and did not like the texture

4) Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? It was a good size

5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again? No

6) Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? No

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

The texture of the paws was very odd. Not as chewy as expected, a bit dry. DS had one of the blue pack and then refused to eat any more which is really odd.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?

It was a large portion for a snack, but DS is usually a big eater anyway.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

Probably not (sorry!)

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

Probably not (again, sorry!)

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   3 year old boy.

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
   It's becoming a challenge as he looks to his older brothers for their opinions on everything.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
   He loved them. He liked choosing a different colour each time, and all the flavours have been popular. The design of the packaging appeals to him and he can spot Bear products from a mile off!

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
   Yes, just right for him.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
   Yes, ds3 actively seeks them out when we're shopping.

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
   Yes, definitely.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?

2 and 6 years old

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?

Not with the 6 year old, but yes with DD aged 2 who is frustratingly picky.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

They just perceived them as sweeties/treats so were excited. Anything more sophisticated than that passed them by I'm afraid! I personally found the orange ones really bitter but the DC didn't seem to mind at all. That's a good thing rather than the standard overly sweet taste of most childrens sweeties. You can actually taste the different flavours which is nice.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?

They shared a pack between them which was more than enough because they are still quite sweet, albeit sugars from fruit. I even managed to sneak one or two myself.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

I probably would in preference to sweets with more additives in but I'd keep them mentally in the "sweets" category in my head and therefore limit their consumption of them. I'd be interested to know if they contained any higher levels of vitamins than more processed sweets. They are certainly seen as more of a treat than a tub of raisins would be seen as - by me as well as the DC!

I think that they are excellent for journeys as they are much less likely for a two year old to choke on than something like Haribos and I think they will become my journey treat of choice for the DC's and the DC have sent me out to the shops to buy more for holidays! (DD2 - "sweets paws! More sweets paws mummy!")

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

Yes, but with the caveat that they are a treat or dried fruit option rather than fruit replacement but definitely good for journeys and not too sticky to jam up children's car seat buckles/locks unlike raisins (bitter voice of experience)

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   DD is 5 and DS is 7

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
   They're very good at trying new things and eating what they're told, even if it's not their favourite....so no not really

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
   They both found the packaging appealing and could open it easily. They really enjoyed them, wolfed them down in fact
   DS noticed that there wasn't a fact card in the packaging (like in fruit yoyos) and was slightly disappointed.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
   Exactly the right amount according to the DCs...I agree

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
   Yes, DCs have already asked me to buy more.

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
   Yes, especially because they don't have any added ingredients

TESTER

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? DD - age 4. DS - age 7
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? DD - No, DS - Yes
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? Both of them really enjoyed them. My daughter loves Yo Yo's, so this was no surprise to me. However, my son dislikes Yo Yo's so I was very surprised when he told me he thought the Paws were yummy and he wanted to try them all. They both liked the flavor, particularly the berry one. They really enjoyed the packaging and the poster... encouraging them to eat five a day. It has really got them thinking about their fruit and veg portions, so thanks BEAR!!
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? I think it was a little large for my four year old, she had had enough once half the pack had gone. However, I wanted feedback from both kids so I split each pack in half and that was the right size for the little one. I think my seven year could have eaten a full portion though.
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes, definitely. I hope the are not too expensive though. I find a lot of these 'healthy' fruit alternatives, can be particularly pricey lunchbox items.
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes... my kids already have recommended them to their cousins! :)

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   1 child - Nearly 3.

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Not really, DC is a hungry one.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
   We've had the dinosaurs, wwhich DC said were dinosaur and teddy seeeties, so she liked them very much. She snarffed them all in one setting, and cried when her sister tried to sample one, so I think thats a hit!

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?

Yep - perfect for a nearly 3 year old. I think older kids would find it a bit stingy - but then I have big eaters.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes. I liked them. kids liked them. Pefect for a picnic treat.

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes!

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? son 8
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? yes sometimes but he likes quite a lot of fruit
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? he likes the bright packaging and loved trying the different flavours. they were small but ideal for lunch boxes
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? yes small but he liked them
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? yes for snacks for days out and lunch boxes. i am always looking for healthy options to put in these are good
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? yes . my older son 13 was not keen but i think it would appeal to younger children. thank you for letting us take part in this trial

MNHQ mine have not arrived yet either

1. 5

2. No

3. My daughter loves them. She'd seen an advert for them on tv recently and asked me to buy them so these came at the right time! She loves the flavours and I think that they're almost like sweets. I don't buy my children sweets so she sees these as a real treat. She loves the packaging as it stands out and is memorable for her. She asks for "the bear things"!

4. Yes, its suitable as its a small packet but with a good amount of product inside.

5. Yes

6. Yes I would. Its a product that makes children think they're getting a real sweet treat but its actually a healthy treat and one thats good for them. I'm more than happy to buy these for my children to snack on as they aren't full of rubbish, they taste really lovely and leave them satisfied.

I have a missed delivery card today which I assume is the parcel since I'm not expecting anything else right now. I've arranged redelivery on saturday.

1)How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 4 & 6. My 14 month old was too young for the testing which is just as well because she didn't get on with her sample paw!
2) Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Sometimes with veg but they love fruit.
3) What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They thought the packaging was bright, which was good. They were yummy. They got stuck in their teeth! DC(6) enjoyed the word play on the chart!
4) Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Yes, more in there than I would have thought from the outside.
5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes probably. Getting them stuck in their teeth concerns me though.
6) Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes. My DH quite enjoyed them too.

Left my feedback up thread but wanted to comment on the sugar having read some of the feedback.

Yes they do have a relatively high sugar content, as does most fruit, especially after it has been processed.

However, I do think this product is better than most of the competing snack products I've looked at. A bag which is a 20g serving has 9.8g of sugar (looking at the strawberry and apple one). Comparing it to a similar snack I had in the cupboard (which somebody gave me a box of, my DD won't actually eat these ones) a 18g serving contains 10.6g of sugar. BEAR Paws definitely come out on top. According to Google, a medium banana contains 14g of sugar just for another comparison.

I certainly don't think they are as healthy as a bowl of strawberries and blueberries but I don't think people will make that assumption. As a treat snack though, I'd rather give my daughter a bag of these than most of the competing products / chocolate / crisps / biscuits.

I'd love to say I make vegetable muffins and such for her but working almost full time I often do need something convenient and non-messy. You should see the mess that ensues when the girl eats a nectarine!

Still waiting for mine, but placemarking the thread.

3

No she eats everything and loves fruit/veg.

She was excited to open the package and wanted to know the flavours straight away. She opened a packet and shared with me. She liked the the paw print shapes. Said they tasted nice.

I think there are too many in pack as she only ate around half at a time and part of a pack got wasted.

Yes would buy again and would recommend to people as they are a great thing to have in your bag when you need to find a quick snack for your child. I liked them too!

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   2 and 4

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
   They like fruit and veg, but don't always get the full 5.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?

They really liked the taste - of all the different ones. Asked to describe or say why they liked it, they just said they were "good"! The 4yo said they are "better than cola bottles", which is very high praise!

They both recognized the bear branding and liked the bright packaging, and the 4yo enjoyed matching the sweets to the pictures on the packet. That aspect went over the head of the 2yo, but he definitely enjoyed eating them.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
   Fine for the 4yo as an occasional treat, but a bit too big for the 2yo, given that they are quite sugary.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
   Yes

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
   Yes - not as a.substitute for fresh fruit, but definitely a much better option than e.g. cola bottle sweets!