Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes. £300 John Lewis voucher prize draw for testers’ feedback! NOW CLOSED!

[ZaneMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 250 Mumsnetters who tested Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes.

Here’s what Aunt Bessie’s say: “We've selected the finest potatoes to create our delicious Homestyle Roasts. Crispy on the outside, fluffy and light on the inside, they’re perfect for your family roast. Simply pop them in the oven for 35 minutes for perfect roasties every time”.

Testers, please complete the feedback questions below (and please feel free to add any other comments you may have).

Please also remember to complete the survey we sent you to be entered into the £300 John Lewis voucher prize draw.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

Thanks, MNHQ

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Yes, I had seen them in the supermarket

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
I really enjoyed them, they were crispy outside and soft inside, not dry at all in the middle which I often find with frozen potatoes
Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes? I thought they were tastier than ones we had tried before
Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
I didn't notice a difference in shape or aroma
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend as they definitely tasted better than ones I had tried previously.
Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
I will definitely buy again. they are more expensive than the ones we use but I think they are worth the extra cost as we frequently use frozen for midweek meals and these taste better than our current ones
Thanks, MNHQ

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

I was aware of the brand name but not specifically the roast potatoes.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

Liked the convenience of them - great if I'm in a hurry. Looked good - liked the fact that they were of a similar size so cooked at the same rate. My homemade ones tend to be all shapes and sizes!

Liked the crispness of them and thought they were fluffy inside.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

Not as tasty as my homemade ones, but they were okay. My daughter wolfed them down which is a good sign.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

Good size - didn't notice an aroma, but it might have been overpowered by the chicken I was cooking at the same time.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would recommend.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

I would - the price on the shelf was lower than the RRP and I thought it was reasonable.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

Yes, my Mam buys them and has them in the freezer as part of her 'emergency grandchildren quick dinner supplies'

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

The packaging was distinctive and 'homely' looking and easily recognisable/quick to spot (especially with two DC and a baby about to go into melt down by the time we reach the frozen goods section!) They wee very soft and fluffy inside, and as a stand alone potato product it's fine but for me personally it didn't feel like a genuine replacement product to stand in place for real roast potatoes.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

The taste was according to my kids 'ok' and 'good' but they preferred my home made roasties (they're a loyal bunch ) I found them to be on the bland side compared to my home made roasties but they weren't offensive! on taste I'd give them a 6 out of 10.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

I didn't notice much of an aroma but I was roasting meat at the same time so it may not have stood out. The shape shouldn't really matter yet I found them to be a little 'off', they were reminiscent of rounded pebbles you find at the beach!

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

They're not brilliant taste nor texture wise, they're ok to have in the freezer as an emergency potato substitute but that's it.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

If they were on offer and I had a busy week ahead then I might consider buying them if I passed them in the frozen aisle, I don't think I'd especially go looking for them.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

Yes, I was aware of them, I had seen them advertised on the tv and seen them in supermarkets but I had never tried them.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

I was impressed by the whole package, the taste, the texture and the shape. They were convenient and much quicker and easier to make than my usual homemade roast potatoes.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

These were the best tasting frozen roast potatoes I have ever eaten. Far superior to my usual supermarket own brand ones.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

These had a pretty uniform size and shape.I didn't notice a particular aroma but I was also cooking a chicken. They are much better than my usual supermarket own brand.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I was very impressed with them.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

I will definitely be buying these again, no more supermarket own brand.

Q1. Yes I was aware of them
Q2. I thought they were quite good
Q3. They tasted alright,I would have them again but still think mine are better but for quickness these would be good.
Q3. They smelt a bit more oily/greasy than I would have them. Some of them were quite large so didn't cook so well.
Q4. Yes I would recommend them if someone was in a rush
Q5. I would much prefer to have my own but would not rule out ever buying these.

Q1. I'd heard of the brand Aunt Bessie's, and thought they did frozen roast potatoes, yes.
Q2. Overall impression was very good. I found them much easier to cook than making them myself.
Q3. In terms of taste, I thought they were great. My husband said they tasted "too chippy"...
Q3. I thought they were a much more uniform shape than I have ever made. I didn't really notice the aroma so they must have smelt like normal roast potatoes.
Q4. If it came up in conversation, I would mention that I tried them as part of a trial and that I was really impressed
Q5. I probably wouldn't buy them in the future because I prefer to make food from scratch where possible, and they are not cheaper than doing it this way.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Yes I had heard of them but had never tried them.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
I was impressed. My family really love roast potatoes but sometimes it takes a long time to parboil / roast etc. These were super convenient and everyone enjoyed them.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Very nice. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The kids wanted more.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase? I didn't notice a particular aroma but they were all fairly even in size.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, definitely. Would be very handy to keep in the freezer and make making a mid week roast etc easier.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
Yes would definitely consider buying them again.

1. I had heard of Aunt Bessie and bought roast potatoes and other products previously.

1. I thought they were fine and convenient for a quick dinner but not suitable for special meals.

1. I thought the shape and aroma were good, they looked homemade.

1. I would recommend them for speed.

1. I may buy them again but would prefer to make my own for a Sunday dinner.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Nope.....despite buying other Aunt Bessie's products I hadn't seen these

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Great first impression and very impressed on the quality

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
They are not as fab as homemade....however for the ease of use on a busy day they are amazing

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
They looked and tasted very good. Dad-in-law couldn't tell the difference

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I have recommended them to women I work with as they are such a good standby in the freezer

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
I have already got a couple of packets in the freezer

Q1: yes I was aware of aunt bessies frozen roast potatoes before being picked for the trial.
Q2: really good. Decent size, lovely and crisp, really easy to cook (I hate peeling potatoes).

Q3: they tasted lovely, the whole family loved them. Crispy outside fluffy inside.
Q4: decent size for roasties. Slightly oily smell but not offensive.
Q5: yes I will definitely recommend them to family and friends as we really enjoyed them and thought they were good value.
Q6: yes I will buy them again. My new freezer essential!

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Yes, but hadn't bought or tried them before.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Looked nice, the uniform size made it easier to dish out equal portions.
One bag easily did 4 generous adult dinners. The cooking time on the packaging was too short, I left them in for about 50 mins. When my partner cooked them, it was about 35 mins and they were still hard in the middle. Not as crispy as expected.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
We found them to taste a bit artificial, more like Aunt Bessie's chips (which we do buy and like) than roast potatoes. I also found them quite sweet which was a bit strange as part of a roast dinner. Saying that though, they were definitely better than other brands/supermarket own brands of frozen roast potatoes I've previously had.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
The shape was more uniform than homemade ones. I didn't notice a difference in the aroma. The colour made it harder to tell when they were cooked compared to homemade.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'd recommend them over other brands but not over homemade.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
Unlikely, the time it took to cook them properly wasn't far off making 'real' roast potatoes.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?- No
Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?- good sized potatoes and nice flavour
Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes? Tasty
Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase? The home cooked potatoes taste better.
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, I would recommend because they are practical.
Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes? Useful when you are rushed for time.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
No
Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
A lot nicer than before, nice colour and crisp up better
Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Very nice, quite pleasantly surprised!
Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
More evenly sized so not as difficult to cook all of them. Would sometimes end up having to throw some away for this reason
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would
Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
Very much so, I used to get aunt Bessie's but changed to supermarket own brand as they were far nicer. I am highly likely now to change back!

Q1. I was not aware of aunt Bessie's roast potatoes before.

Q2. My overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes was a pleasant surprise. They were straightforward to make, tasted great and everyone enjoyed them!

Q3. In terms of taste, i would rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes as 10/10, as I found them nice and crunchy on the outside, but lovely and fluffy on the inside. No one had any issues with the taste and everyone enjoyed them.

Q3. i found Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to have uniformly shaped potatoes and a gorgeous aroma compared to typical roast potatoes I purchase.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, I would recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family.
This is because they were easy to make and tasted great, especially because my 2 year old usually fussy eater did not complain once about these roast potatoes, and age then without a fuss.

Q5. In future, i am very likely to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if I was in need of roast potatoes, as they were quick and simple to make and tasted great!

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Yes - I had seem them in shops

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Before buying them - I thought they were for rushed busy people but would not be as good as homemade ones

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
I ate them with my husband and kids last night. I didn't tell them they were frozen. My daughters said that they were not as good as the weekend potatoes I do (homemade). I think I agree. But, we all ate and enjoyed them.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
The shape was perfect and they looked good. I thought they smelled slightly greasier than my home made ones.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would recommend them. Saves time during the week and a useful standby to have in the freezer.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
I would buy them if they were on special offer and keep a bag in the freezer.

Q1.Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

• I'd seen them but never bought any.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

• decent amount in bag, were great for a quick meal through the week

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

• They tasted ok, not great but ok. My little boy said they tasted just like wedges and my little girl ate them but didn't ask for more like she would normally do if they're homemade.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

• They smelt nice whilst cooking. I liked that they were all a similar shape and size as I thought it would reduce the 'he got a bigger one than me' arguments but apparently they enjoy that battle!
  I prefer our homemade ones as they have a better texture and are crispier, these potatoes didn't crisp enough but coloured nicely.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

• For a quick meal, yes.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast

• I would buy again for use during the week when things are a bit rushed, I'll stick to making my own at weekends!

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?
Yes
Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
Bit small, too soft a texture - like mashed potatoes, not as crispy as I'd like.
Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?
OK, but bland compared to Aldi's goose fat ones.
Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?
Too bland, too small
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would recommend frozen roaches as much easier than messing about with par boiling and hot fat, but would prefer Aldi's goose fat to this brand
Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?
If goose fat roasties were not available or if I couldn't afford them that day.

1. I dont recap seeing these previously, but my mother in law had recommended them to me.

2.These exceeded my expectations. Light and fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. We really enjoyed them!

1. I liked the shape. They were bigger than the ones I normally use which is great! I didn't think that they smelled of anything.

1. I would absolutely recommend these! They were delicious!!

1. I would use these for my roast dinners and for use mid week.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test? Yes. I'd seen them but not brought them.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes? Very tasty.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes? Very tasty.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase? Much better than the supermarket brand I buy.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes? Yes I would.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

No, I haven't seen them before

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

Easy, fairly quick in the oven and tasty too

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

Nice, a bit too fluffy for me but fine with gravy

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

Different shapes and sizes - like the biggest ones! They smell pretty good during cooking

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes for convenience reasons

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

Very likely to have in the freezer but I won't stop making my own.

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

Yes have see in the shops but alway made my own roast potatoes.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

Well we were all very impressed.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

10/10 very nice

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

just looked like a normal roast potatoe.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would very taste, crispy on the outside and light and fuffy on the inside.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

I will be keeping a bag in at all times

Q1. Were you aware of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes before taking part in this product test?

No, I was aware of Aunt Bessie's frozen roast potatoes but not specifically the home style ones.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

My overall impression of the potatoes is very good. They were very crisp and golden brown on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside. The potatoes were a good shape and size and very much looked like homemade roast potatoes. Both myself and my partner regularly eat frozen roast potatoes and we both remarked that these potatoes were crispier and looked nicer than any other type we have tried. The one small drawback is that we both felt that the taste of the potato was slightly different to 'home made' roast potatoes in that they tasted slightly like chips, this could be related to the kind of oil they are cooked in.

Q3. In terms of taste, how would you rate Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes?

Overall we felt the potatoes tasted good and we would be happy to continue using them but that compared to homemade roast potatoes the taste reminded us of chips...this could be related to the kind of oil they are cooked in.

Q3. How did you find Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes in terms of shape and aroma, compared to typical roast potatoes you make/purchase?

We found that Aunt Bessie's Homestyle roast potatoes had a lovely appetising aroma. The potatoes are a good size and shape and very uniform. Personally, I felt they were a little too uniform as if you were having company and didn't want to confess to using frozen potatoes I believe the uniformity would be a bit of a giveaway!

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would recommend them to friends and family as being very crispy and fluffy but I would also mention that they tasted slightly like chips to us but were still perfectly pleasant to eat and then let them decide on this basis.

Q5. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing Aunt Bessie’s Homestyle frozen roast potatoes if you were in need of roast potatoes?

We are quite likely to buy these potatoes again however as we are on a budget we will be comparing the cost and quality to Lidl's equivalent before we decide.

Thank you all for your feedback. The winner of the £300 John Lewis voucher is ldt87 :)