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 were the DCs taking part: DD is 3 but she was assisted by her 1 year old brother and me.

2/ Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit / veg? They both love fruit and the baby likes veg. DD won't eat veg as 'just veg'. It needs to be cooked in a sauce so she will eat it in shepherd's pie, casseroles etc.

3/ What did your DCs think of Bear Paws? They loved them. They were very excited by the parcel arriving and loved looking at the different animals on the packets. We found the orange a but 'tangy' despite being citrus lovers.

4/ Was the pack a suitable size? Yes. Perfect.

5/ Would you buy them again? Yes, I've added some to the shopping order. I prefer 'real' fruit but these are ace for leaving in the bag.

6/ Would you recommend them? Yes, definitely.

1. DS is three and was occasionally helped by his friend L 2.5

2. he will happily eat vegetables so long as they are named creatively after his favourite cartoons but refuses to eat any other fruit other than bananas.

3. DS was very excited, he jumped up and down and took great pleasure in choosing the dinosaur packet. So far both boys are covered in the stickers, a great addition, and snaffled a packet each in under five minutes, asking for more.

4. A great size, both as individual pieces and portion size. Though DS wanted more constantly.

5. Yes, especially the dinosaur ones!

6. L's mum bought some specifically after L and DS enjoyed them so much. Both GP's have now bought some for DS as an alternative to jelly babies other snacks.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 3 and shared with brother aged 14 months!
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Not really, they love their fruit, veg not so much.
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? Dd (3) loves them, she sees them as a treat and said they were so yummy.
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Perfect size.
5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes I would but I do worry about dried fruit snacks and tooth decay so they would be an occasional treat snack.
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes

1) How old are the DCs who took part in this test? one three year old

2) Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? my DD will eat all fruit, but usually would choose a more exciting (unhealthy!) snack over a piece of fruit. Vegetables are more of a challenge - she will eat most vegetables, but a lot of persuasion is usually needed.

3) What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? She was so excited to see the box and was a particular fan of the straw inside! She also loved the animals on the packets (especially the dinosaur) and is enjoying sticking stickers on the 5 a day poster and "high-fiving" the bear. Over the last four days she has eaten one packet for a snack with great enthusiasm. I don't think she really differentiated between the flavours, and I don't think she really noticed the paw shapes as she was too busy eating them.

4) Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? I think they were a perfect size as they were eaten quickly, but no requests for more food afterwards.

5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again? yes, as they are so handy to carry around and a lot more healthy than most other easily portable snacks. Unless on special offer, I would probably not give them on a regular basis.

6) Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Definitely!

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? My 3 year old and my 6 year old.

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? My 3yr old, yes. She's quite limited to grapes and pear (skin only!). My 6yr old not so much.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? My 3yr old loved them! She thought they were sweets and therefore ate the entire pack. My 6yr old didn't really care for them. I asked why and she said she didn't like the taste. I think they both found the packaging attractive. Both commented on the bear. Neither noticed the fruit shapes were bear paws.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Yes. There are tons of those things in a pack. One would fill me so would definitely full a child.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes, very likely. All natural, no added sugar and easy way to get fruit into a picky eater.

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? For those who have picky about eaters and in general for people looking for a healthy snack for they children, most definitely.

1. 3. Helped by a couple of 3 yr old friends!!

2. fruit - no. Dd will eat fruit all day long and salad, but veg she is fussier about.

3. Dd loved the packaging. Bright colours, appealing pictures. She has only had 2 packs so far and has based her choice on the colour more then the flavour. Refusing the blue packet as 'it's a winter one'.
   She enjoyed the flavours.
   She adored picking them out of the packet and seeing what shape she had next! There were many questions over the paw prints of what animal they were.

4. I personally thought the packet was on the big size but realise that each one probably holds an equivalent amount compared to an oaty bar (for example).
   Dd ate them all happily anyway!

5. If the price is good then yes.

6. yes, definitely. My friend (who's child helped eat them) has already asked about them and added them to her shopping!

1. Children are 3 years & 12 months
2. DD 3 is good at eating fruit & veg but ds 12 months is much more fussy. I can struggle with 5 portions on busy days.
3. Both children liked the packs the bright colours in particular appealed to Ds when we opened the box he carried around the (unopened) pack for ages. DD like the blue & pink packs best (pink is her favourite colour). Not sure they got the "paws" concept but both are quite little. DD liked having two colours & on a walk through the park would ask for one then the other.
4. Yes good size. Plenty for a child but any less would not feel value for money.
5. Yes would buy esp if sold in E.G. Park cafe / soft play as healthy but appealing snack. Wouldn't buy for home cupboard very often as would be pestered for them & they are relatively pricey.
6. Yes would recommend seem a good blend of fun / appealing and healthy.

1. Tested by DD2, 6, and DS, 4. They were assisted by various other siblings snd cousins too!

1. It's a challenge to get Dd to eat fruit, she is a veg girl! And DS has lots of issues with food due to several hospital stints and it is difficult to get him to try anything. Meeting 5 a day is always a challenge!

1. They lived the packaging! The poster and stickers went diwn a storm and gave me a great way to talk about healthy eating. They liked the packs too, especially looking at all the paw prints. They were keen to try them all and now want to try fresh blueberries too.

1. I thought they were a bit big for a single snack so split them between the two DC's. Makes them good value though!

1. Yes! They got my picky pair eating a healthier snack and talking about food they want to try. I'm delighted!

1. Yes, they are fun, appealed to the DC and are healthy too.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 2 and 5 years old

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Sometimes with my eldest yes but not with my son who's 2

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They both loved the packaging with the different animals on and enjoyed each flavour too :)

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Yes perfect for taking out with you, just the right amount in each bag.

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes definatley

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

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   DD is 2, she will be 3 in November

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
   She will eat all fruits, veg can be a bit more of a challenge

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
   She loved receiving a parcel and was very enthusiastic about the packaging and stickers. She eagerly chose her first packet and at first seemed to like them saying 'mmmm tasty'. However it soon became obvious that the texture was an issue for her, she said they were 'too chewy for little girls' and spat them out :( she then made me open every packet so she could try each one but didn't like any of them. Her 18 year old brother tried to encourage her by eating some himself and he actually really liked them but she wouldn't eat any more.

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

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
   No, I'm afraid not

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
   I think they are a great idea for a healthy sweet treat and would probably recommend them for other children as long as they liked the texture

Oops, I meant to say that both DCs were impressed that the paw shapes in the pack are real animal shapes. DS noticed the bit on the back of the packet showing the different prints.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 5 &8
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? My 8 year old, no. My 5 year old, yes
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They like the packets, they like to read the info on the back. My 5 year old liked sorting them into their different shapes before eating them. They both believe they are a bit like sweets and that they are a treat.
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
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?yes

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 4 &6
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?

Both will eat fruit no problem however veg can be an issue sometimes

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

Both were very excited when the package arrived and both thought it was great checking which shapes where in each pack however they didn't like the texture of them. Both did however like the flavour and nibbled each different shape & coloured one but unfortunately not one full paw was finished

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

I think that the size and packaging was a great snack size

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

No but only because kids wouldn't eat them

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

1. My two boys are 6 & 7
2. they both love fruit but I struggle to get them to eat vegetables
3. They loved the bright colourful packaging (so did I!) and range of flavours. They enjoyed reading the different paw prints and finding them in the packet before eating them. It made it a lot of fun. The bear paws were very tasty and handy for popping in my bag for trips out and packed lunches.
4. Yes, I think they were a good size for my children.
5. yes, I would buy bear paws again. I already have bought some for a day out we have planned!
6. Yes, I will be recommending them to friends and family

1. Dc1 is 2 and dc2 is 7.
2. Dc1 gets a good variety of beg but isn't keen on fruit. Where as dc2 gets a good variety of fruit but doesn't like vegetables.
3. Dc1 liked the packaging and loved that they were animal prints. He didn't like the texture of them though so wouldn't even try them properly and kept spitting them out. Dc2 liked the packaging and liked that they are healthy. He has said he isn't keen on the texture aswel but they taste nice so he ate them.
4. Yes I think they are a great size. Both the size of them individually and as a pack are good.
5. Yes for dc2 and keep trying dc1 with them.
6. Yes I would they are a great way to getting children to eat more healthy.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
   6 and 8

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
   They eat a reasonable amount but it can be lacking in variety so anything that is a bit of a change is good!

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
   They loved them and demolished the whole lot within minutes of them arriving! They liked the packaging and enjoyed bickering over the five-a-day stickers and poster. As avid Bear Card collectors they were a bit disappointed that there weren't any cards included.

4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
   Maybe a bit small, they lasted literally seconds and were just as hungry after!

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
   It would depend on price, we get YoYos when they're on special offer because it's an expensive way to get fruit in them. I don't really regard them as that healthy a snack because of the effect on teeth but as a treat now and then, sure.

6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
   Yes but depending on price, see above!

1) How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 3.5 years old

2) Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Yes, sometimes, veg is harder than fruit, but as with all 3 year olds it depends on the way the wind is blowing - some days apples are poison, others they're the best thing ever.

3) What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? DS liked the taste of all the flavours, and also really liked the packaging - he got a bit excitable over the dinosaur ones! He didn't really seem to dislike anything about them.

4) Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Yes, there seemed to be a generous quantity in each pack.

5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes definitely instead of sweets or chocolate. I would also buy them for party bags for very little ones - I always feel uncomfortable giving under 3's haribo type sweets but I think these would go down well.

6) Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes, I'll be telling my Mum about them as a 'healthier' treat she could buy for DS.

1. My 3 year old son, with help from his 13 & 11 year old brothers!

2. Yes I do find it hard to get my kids to eat their five a day with todays busy on-the-go lifestyles and picky eaters!!.

3. My little boy found the packaging the most appealing thing!! the older two got quite excited too when they saw them as they had recognised them from the TV adverts. My 3 year old ate two or three out of every pack but found the taste a bit sour, he also was a bit unsure about the texture. Everyone else including me found them delicious! .

4. I think as these fruit flakes are quite light, id be tempted to give them as a treat rather than a snack as they aren't very substantial.

5. Yes I would buy bear paws again as long as the price wasn't ridiculous! id much rather buy my kiddies these than sweets.

6. Yes I would recommend bear paws to friends and family.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to take part

Apologies for the numbering being wrong above. I did the review from my phone.

How old are the DC's who took part in this test?

3

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

Sometimes, because they go through phases as to what they like / dislike that day

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

Very excited about the colours. Also loved the characters - we could make the lion noises grrrrrrrowl or the monkey noises oooooh oooooh!

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

Yes as a mid afternoon snack. But not enough for mummy to share too!

Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

Definitely, as a treat for days out : long car journeys / times I needed to bribe them quiet!

Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?

Absolutely

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?

My 2 year old generally loves fruit and veg, she's more picky about dinner food (meat, pasta, etc.). My 7 year old doesn't like fruit or veg so it's harder to get it in him!

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

DD(2) loved the box, the packaging, and the stickers that came. She opened the pink package first but didn't like them at all and spat them out. DS(7) wasn't really fussed with the packaging but he opened the blue package and ate them all and really liked them!

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

Yes, the package was just the right size, especially for lunch boxes.

5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again?

Yes, I plan on buying them again for DS' lunch boxes. He gobbled up the rest of the packages and because he's pickier with fruit, it's a good alternative for him.

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

I'd recommend a trial bag to see if their DCs like it first, as they're a bit like marmite in this house...you love them or hate them!

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 4 and 5

2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Fruit - no. Vegetables - yes.

3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? Thought they looked like sweets. We're very excited when they saw them.

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

5. Would you buy BEAR Paws again? Yes!

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

1. 3.10

2. he'd eat his own body weight in fruit but vegetables are limited to peas, raw carrots and whatever I can hide in a sauce!

3. liked the different colours and shapes, especially the dinosaur ones. Liked that he could open them himself.
   Wasn't bothered about the stickers but then he's not really that in to stickers anyway.
   I honk he liked the flavour of the apple and blackcurrant the best.

4. yes they were a good size for him

5. yes I would

6. yes

1) How old are the DCs who took part in this test?
7 and 5

2) Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day?
Mostly not although I stick to the limited range of fruits and veg that they will eat, getting them to eat different fruit and veg is a headache

3) What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them?
As predicted, the 7 year old was keen to try (he liked the packaging) but he didn't like them. He's not keen on dry fruit and doesn't like overly sweet, juicy, fruit flavoured stuff (he will only drink water, never squash/juice). He tried one, declared it too sweet and that was the end of the product test for him! The 5 year old was entranced from the time the package was delivered. I've only ever bought her the YoYos once before and that was at least 2 years ago, but the branding had obviously infiltrated her mind and she knew what she was getting. She's tried all the packs now and loves them all, although the orange one was probably her least favourite but still vanished in seconds She made her choices on which packet she wanted based on the animals on the packaging, not on the flavour. She liked how sweet and juicy they were.

4) Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not?
As a treat it was fine, but I wouldn't give them to her regularly. Too much of a sugar hit. I'd choose these over actual sweets though.

5) Would you buy BEAR Paws again?
Probably for snacks if we were out for the day or travelling etc but not for home consumption, I'd rather she had some actual fruit.

6) Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family?
If it came up in conversation I'd say that we'd tried them and she liked them.

1. How old are the DCs who took part in this test? 7 and 5
2. Do you find it a challenge to get your DCs to eat fruit and veg/get their five a day? Fruit no but they're not keen on veg so I do struggle to get the. To 5 a day sometimes. They would eat 5 fruits but I think most of it is supposed to be veg, right? (So if you had veg bear paws that would be great!)
3. What did your DCs think of BEAR Paws (taste, packaging, concept)? What did they like or dislike about them? They really liked them - all the flavours and the packaging. They liked the fact that each pack was two different flavours and they liked the different animals. They said the flavour was yummy. Nothing they disliked.
4. Do you think this snack was a suitable size for your child/ren? If so why, if not, why not? Yes the size was perfect. Enough for a small snack.
5. Would you buy BEAR P aws again? Yes as a good snack to take out and about. Might be a bit sugary for every day though
6. Would you recommend BEAR Paws to friends and family? Yes - depending on the price!