Little Dish feedback thread - £300 John Lewis voucher to be won for feedback! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the Mumsnetters who have been trying Little Dish chilled toddler meals and their new range of My First Pizzas.

Here’s what Little Dish say, “When Hillary was expecting her first baby, she realised that you couldn’t buy healthy, home-cooked style meals for toddlers and young children in the shops. She set out to create a range of delicious, nutritious food made from 100% natural ingredients…and so Little Dish was born. Nearly 10 years on, we’re proud to feed around 100k little ones every week. Every Little Dish toddler meal is perfectly nutritionally balanced for a 1 to 3 year old –providing a source of protein and at least 1 portion of veg, low in salt, with no added sugar, additives or preservatives. Our new My First Pizzas are not only delicious (as approved by our Tiny Tasters) – they also provide 1 portion of veg each, contain 35% less salt than the average children’s chilled pizza and of course have no added sugar, additives or preservatives.”

Below are a few questions for you to answer about trying Little Dish meals and pizzas with your DCs – feel free to add any other thoughts you may have though, we’d love to hear them.

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?
• Which was your child’s favourite meal?
• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?
• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?
• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

If you have any photos of your DCs trying Little Dish meals or pizzas, please add them to this thread.

Everyone who adds their feedback, as well as completing the short feedback survey we will be emailing to you, will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Please note: your anonymous comments or photos may be used by Little Dish on their website and other marketing materials.

Thanks and good luck,
MNHQ

We didn't get a spoon :( but box was bashed up and packaging was soggy!
First cheese and tomato pizza was a bit bland, but ds1 ate a little.
Also, the fact that the meals have a use by of the beginning of September seems a very long time!

We are already big fans of Little Dish in our house and my older boy has tried a few of them before.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

I like that they are real food, in manageable portions for my kids and that they seem to really enjoy eating them.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

He is currently a big fan of the turkey meatballs, but also loves the chicken curry and rice.

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely recommend Little Dish meals and often do. I buy them in bulk to keep and they freeze really well too.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

At first I did think they were a little on the small side, but again liked that they are made with real food and are substantial unlike the usual 'kiddie pizzas' you get.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

Both of mine loved the chicken and pesto one the most. They usually don't eat anything more adventurous than cheese and tomato so that was a big surprise to me.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I'd recommend them to family and friends as a real pizza for children. They are unusual flavours for children though, so might take some getting used to.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

I'd like to see some desserts - maybe traditional puddings with custard which I don't make for my children as they are too sugary.

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

Really quite good. The parcel was lovely and the spoon was a pleasant addition.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

Cottage pie

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Perhaps. My 7 year old does not like them, they're too bland for her and my 3 year old was a little bit unimpressed. I think they're too bland for them. My 9 month old happily chomped on them though but their was too much for him so some got wasted.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

They are well packaged and I like that they don't spill everywhere when taking the plastic off them like some do.
We all tried a bit of the pizzas and we felt they where a little bland, although I enjoyed the meatball one with some mayonnaise a little bit too much.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

The chicken pesto pizza

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. They contain a lot less salt than other ready made pizzas.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

I would like some spicier and flavoursome meals. I realise that it is generally thought that kids like blander food, but none of mine have, and I know they would enjoy things like curry and chilli.

We are still trying these out so will be back with full feedback but the pizzas have gone well for picnics and the shepherds pie got a serious thumbs up :)

Overall I think they were great. Nice and colourful packaging to entice the kids.
His favourite meal was the cottage pie - he wolfed it down.
Yes I would recomend them, they are a great portion size.

Overall impression of the pizzas were they are a nice size and good portion sizes of toppings.
My son didn't like any of the pizzas, so doesn't have a favourite. Although my 7yo did try them and his favourite was cheese and tomato.
Yes I would recommend them as they are a great portion size and great to get hidden vegetables into their meals.
I think that stews and hotpots would be great meals to be added.

Overall the pizzas and dishes had lovely packaging and looked yummy.
My ds liked the pizzas but he enjoyed the dishes new Ryan the pizzas .
The lasagne was very well received so was the spaghetti meatballs , the portion size for the pizzas as well as for the dishes were spot on for my 16 month old DS. I would definitely be buying more of the little dish stuff in future , Thank you for choosing me to take part in this survey .

Overall I like these meals, the packaging is lovely and from reading the ingredients they really don't seem to contain any rubbish!
DD has enjoyed most of the meals but the shepherd's pie was her favourite - she virtually inhaled it! I think the fish pie was a close second.
Yes I would recommend the meals to others. They are a bit expensive to use regularly plus I enjoy cooking but very handy to keep in the freezer for an emergency or quick tea or for when grandparents are baby sitting as it can be really hard to make a meal with a toddler under your feet!

I liked the look of the pizzas and I thought the toppings were well thought-out. DD has never really shown much interest in pizza so I was interested to see what she thought of them. She ate the bases but left a lot of the topping which didn't surprise me, she loves bready things. Again, I would recommend them as a handy standby meal.

At 16 months the portion sizes were slightly too big for DD but DH enjoyed helping her to finish them! I am sure they would be about right for an older toddler.

I think it would be good if Little Dish did more veggie meals and possibly something like mini quiches that contain less salt etc than normal shop bought ones. Things to take for picnics would also be useful.

Thank you for choosing us to take part in this, it's been fun!

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

I think that they look ok, but I've always avoided as my perception is that they aren't good for you! I need more "home style cues" on the packaging to entice me. I served with a side of vegetables anyway so don't really care about veg quantity. Give me some hints about quality and provenance.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

The spaghetti and meatballs, but then his favourite home made meal is similar to this!

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

I thought that they looked a great size for lunches and the packaging mock ups were great for the child who wants to be just like mummy and daddy! They cooked nicely and smelt good while in the oven.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

The meatball pizza, but even that was disappointed as he normally wolfs down an adult sized pizza and we had to coax him to eat it.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, the flavours were a little bland, my 3yr old said they had "no tasty". I think it needed some stronger toppings to delight a little adventurous palette! I make pitta pizzas at home which are tastier and I want to buy something which is better than I can make myself!

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

It would be great to have some foods like this free from the four main allergens egg, gluten, dairy and soya! It's impossible to find anything suitable that really hits the mark for children.

I'd like to see some great meals made with sweet potato and some snack pots which can increase the amount of protein that my children get, I find it easy to give them fruit and vegetables, but struggle with protein which I know would help them sleep! So yes, protein based snack pots.

My little boy loved absolutely everything! He enjoyed playing with the pizzas as well as eating them (the pesto chicken one was his favourite) and the cheese and tomato ravioli was a particularly big hit - not sure I have ever seen him open his mouth so wide for the next mouthful! Wish these were available in my local supermarket...

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

The packaging is great and appealing whilst being informative. You do have to be careful the meals are kept flat when moving around/transporting as they can get "mushed up" easily and look less appealing due to that.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

The cheese ravioli, easy to eat and looked good!

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes but as an occasional meal rather than normal occurrence. They are great for keeping in the freezer for days when we are rushed and dinner needs to be quick and simple!

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

Love them! One between my two small children was perfect with no waste! Very appealing!

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

Cheese and tomato. I'm afraid they were not very adventurous with the other flavours.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. Again great to keep in the freezer and perfect for when friends pop over!

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

Shaped dry pasta would be great!

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

Really tasty and my little boy loved them. There wasn't a single one that he didn't like.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

The cheese and tomato ravioli - every mouthful was followed by "more!"

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Definitely. They are quick to prepare and a healthy alternative to some of the other foods available for toddlers.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

They looked appealing and my little boy was delighted to be presented with his first ever pizza. I cut it into strips and he waved them around and munched them happily.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

The pesto chicken one.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, definitely. I had never given my little boy pizza before as it just seemed to unhealthy, so this was a great way to give him a treat and know that he was still getting lots of nutrients.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

Pasta sauces.

Overall impression - liked the packaging, it was colourful and appealing. I would look at these products and consider them for a quick emergency tea or for at grandparents house.

Favourite - unfortunately, he wasn't keen on the meals. He did like the pizza - cheese and tomato was his favourite. He did not eat it all however, he prefers cheaper thinner pizzas, so I probably would not buy them again. If served with carrot and cucumber sticks he would get same amount of 5 a day.

Even though my fussy toddler wasn't keen, I would still recommend to friends if they were good value.

Other products - free from products maybe. Dairy or gluten free options for children with allergies.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

They looked like my child would enjoy them and that they would be quick to prepare.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

He liked the chicken curry.

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would recommend them as handy to have in your freezer to feed your child a proper meal when you are too busy to cook.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

That they were definitely a toddler sized pizza.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

He only like the cheese and tomato one.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes as they are healthier than serving a normal pizza, and are the right portion size for a toddler.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

Macaronic cheese would be good.

Firstly we didn't come across any of the packaging issues that some of the other posters did, I found the meals to be well and securely packed. Toddler loved the spoon (perhaps loved is an understatement, she wouldn't use any other cutlery for days!)

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

I love the little dish meals, they're a nice portion size for my daughter and having had a sneaky taste they taste so much better than grown-up ready meals that I've tried (forget my daughter, I'll buy them for me!)

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

she absolutely wolfed down the turkey meatballs, I didn't even get a look in!

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, they're fab for the days we're eating something my toddler can't eat so they'd be really good for relatives to get in if they're worried about the ingredients in their food. They're also great because sometimes my toddler wants something cooked at lunch.

I do already buy Little Dish meals and am very happy with them myself so they're the first thing I think of if friends say they're struggling for toddler friendly ideas.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas? they're smaller than the telco's children's pizzas (perhaps the telco's one's are meant to feed two, I've never thought to check!) and they have plenty of topping. They look and smell appetising.

As a side note I think the colouring on the beef and plain pizza boxes is too similar.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

I have to say that she wasn't all that taken with the pizzas, but we both preferred the beef meatballs pizza, the margarita could have done with perhaps having some veg on (yes, I know it wouldn't be a margarita then, but it's your only veggie friendly pizza so it could have done with being a bit more interesting)

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely recommend them to friends to try, as they're a good size, would make a good freezer stock and are quite tasty in my opinion. Perhaps not family, but I guess it remains to be seen, my newborn might love them by the time she's on proper food, even if my toddler has no taste!

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

I really struggle for low sugar low salt snacks for my toddler and a lot of the snacks in the baby aisle are too bland for her, so snacks and spreads would definitely be something I'd give a go if you brought them out.

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

I thought they were a good size, nice packaging and easy to read nutrition info and cooking instructions.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

So far none of them! He has been a bit under the weather though, so I've kept some back for when he's feeling better.

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think I probably would for the convenience, and knowing that they are healthier than other ready made meals.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

I thought they were a bit small, and didn't seem to have that much topping.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

He liked the cheese and tomato, but asked for more cheese on top.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, as they seemed a bit bland and need more toppings.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

I think stuff like mini quiches would be good, perhaps a picnic food range?

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

I liked the size, but was a bit concerned that they had such a long shelf life. The packaging was good too.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

He's a bit fussy so at the minute, none really! but we'll keep persevering.

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, i think the size is good and they are a quick easy dinner.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

They looked a bit lacking in topping, and ours were all a bit squished.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

Cheese and tomato.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

No, they were a bit bland although i guess that is because they are for the small people.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

I'd like to see some healthier desserts!

thank you for letting us take part.

First impression of the pizzas- good size, not enough cheese though! The mock up packaging was bright and appealing- would catch the eye. My toddler liked the meatball pizza best, but said there weren't enough meatballs! She normally loves pizza but wasn't at all keen on these- I think the base was too thick. She basically ate the toppings off- enjoyed the sauce! I probably wouldn't recommend them as I tried it too and found them a bit chewy- agree with the toddler the base was too thick.

The toddler meals were bright and looked good (if somewhat battered...). She liked the spaghetti and meatballs best, but ate them all happily. This is unusual!! I thought the shepherds pie and cottage pie were great, but the chicken and fish pies a bit watery, but this didn't bother the toddler. I would recommend these as a quick healthy meal when time is short and a hungry meltdown is looming- I may even keep a couple in the fridge for just this eventuality.

Little dish meals: overall impression.
Very disappointing, great packaging, informative, healthy, great ethos etc but when it came to the most important factor, taste, the meals were sadly lacking. I think they're fine for parents who don't cook, who's children aren't used to meals cooked from scratch or a wide range of tastes and flavours. But my children are, over and over again the recurring theme was 'if doesn't taste of anything' and having tried them myself I agree. I'm not talking more salt but a good crack of black pepper, basil etc in the bolognese, some sun dried tomato or oregano etc etc, they were just sloppy and tasteless, not a patch on the m&s kids meals.

Childs favourite meal:
None to be honest, ate about half the alphabet bolognese but it lacked any texture as the pasta was overcooked. Hated the fish pie yet loves the one I make? It did have far too much sauce. Shepherds pie was a no no but the lamb had an odd greasy/oily texture that put him off.

Would I recommend?
No, not based on this test batch anyway. A great idea in theory, guilt free ready meals for children but the idea didn't translate into reality for me/my children.

Little dish first pizzas:
Overall impression:
Too small, had to do a few Side dishes to go with the pizzas as they weren't big enough which kind of negates the idea of a quick and easy meal. Not much cheese, not a bad thing but hardly any on there at all.
The packaging was too much, too busy, too many facts, figures etc etc. ok, it's a healthy pizza, we get it.

Favourite pizza;
The cheese and tomato was the tastiest, I liked the texture of the base, soft, didn't go crunchy when baked, no crust so no leftovers but had a strange 'carroty' taste that my children didn't like, again they lacked any real flavour or depth, just bland bland bland.

No I wouldn't recommend the little dish pizzas, great texture, no taste.

We received our replacement coupons yesterday for the couple of meals that came bashed up beyond use, thank you. I'll be getting a couple if replacement meals with tomorrow's shop.

Our overall impression was that the packaging was very appealing and there was lots of variety.

DD loved the cheese and tomato pizza, but, after one bite, I had to remove the toppings from the meatball and chicken pizzas to get her to eat the rest of them, which seemed such a waste.

The meals were fantastic - I'm in my first trimester with DC2 and currently experiencing terrible nausea and fatigue so these quick, easy meals couldn't have arrived at a better time DD especially loved the pasta dishes - they were great to heat up before going out for the day, popping into a food flask, and eating on the go. So much easier than preparing a packed lunch and the fact that they stayed warm was very welcome with the awful, cold summer we've been having

My niece is 6 months old and I will definitely be recommending Little Dish meals to my sister when her DD is old enough to enjoy them

Thank you for choosing us to take part x

Little Dish meals

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

I thought they were great, really handy for days me and husband both working and just need something quick but nutritious to give little one for dinner. The packaging was very child friendly and the activity on the back kept my daughter happy while her dinner was heating up.

• Which was your child’s favourite meal?

The chicken and veg risotto was devoured in no time so it's fair to say that was definitely a favourite.

• Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would, they are good quality meals that are very handy to have in an emergency. Helpful that they can be frozen too.

Little Dish My First Pizzas

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

I sound the pizzas quite bland and my daughter didn't eat it as enthusiastically as she would normally. However she did eventually eat it and might be handy to have in freezer for an emergency lunch.

• Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

Chicken and pesto was the favourite and also the one with the most flavour.

• Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

I wouldn't recommend them as much as the meals but they would be ok once in a while. Normally if we're having pizza my daughter will share ours.

• What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

Soups would be good as a healthy quick lunch, perhaps some healthy snack options too.

Thanks for including us in this trial! My 27 month old usually eats home made meals, but I thought it would be good to try some ready meals so that we could have a 'back up' supply in the freezer. She wolfed them down! I think the food is relatively 'unchallenging' - easy flavours and textures. The pizza was a hit and also the ravioli. I would definitely be interested in toddler friendly soups, because salt is a big issue with other shop bought fresh soups.

Little Dish meals - What was your overall impression of Little Dish meals?

They come in good sizes, and my two kids can be guaranteed to eat them. This is a big deal, as they are fussy eaters. They are not vegetable fans so it is a big bonus that they do get plenty through the Little Dish meals. A slightly higher balance of ravioli to sauce would be great though.

- Which was your child’s favourite meal?

Ravioli.

- Would you recommend Little Dish meals to friends or relatives?

Yes - low-salt, easy evening food if rushed and also if not in a cajoling mood. The kids will eat them with little or no urging.

Little Dish My First Pizzas - What was your overall impression of Little Dish My First Pizzas?

Tiny, but nicely packaged.

- Which was your child’s favourite pizza?

Cheese and tomato.

- Would you recommend Little Dish pizzas to friends or relatives?
I found them very thick-based, and they did not feel superior to the MandS ones which are broadly the same size and market. Too much base.

- What other healthy, natural food would you like Little Dish to make?

PLEASE bring back the Lamb Tagine! We can't get it at Waitrose anymore and it was the kids' absolute favourite.

Package arrived last Wednesday (5 Aug) in perfect condition.

Little Dish meals - I would recommend these everyday of the week. My DS (20 months) is incredibly fussy and turns his nose up at most foods. I always have these in the fridge as back up. Favourites include Cheese Ravioli and Alphabet Pasta Bolognese.

Little Dish Pizza - DS regularly has the mini pizzas from the Waitrose essential range and so I compared your pizzas to those.

DS was not a fan.... Issues for him were:

1. too much base - too bready
2. meatball and vegetable pizza - spinach was quite a strong flavour DS did not like it but did like the meatballs. Not enough cheese.
3. chicken & pesto - not enough cheese

Packaging looked good.