Soreen Lunchbox Loaves feedback thread – find out what MNers and bloggers think NOW CLOSED

[EmmaMumsnet]

We gave 100 Mumsnetters the chance to test Soreen’s Lunchbox Loaves, in both banana and malt varieties. Hear what they – and their 2-11 year-old DCs – had to say, after they’d tried the lunchbox treats.

Soreen have said: “we know how hard it is to find a snack for school lunchboxes that’s both nutritious and tasty but Soreen Lunchbox Loaves strike that perfect balance. Available in Malt and Banana flavour with a satisfyingly squidgy texture, Lunchbox Loaves are individually wrapped, low in fat, contain only 95 calories and provide a source of fibre.”

“If this doesn’t already sound too good to be true, Lunchbox Loaves are suitable for vegetarians and meet the guidelines set by the Children’s Food Trust for ‘School Foods Standards’.”

Testers, please answer the following questions:

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?
• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?
• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?
• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Everyone who leaves their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

We also asked 5 Mumsnet bloggers to test out the Soreen Lunchbox Loaves; you can read their reviews here:

• What the Redhead said
• Chelsea Mamma
• Attachment Mummy
• Life With Pink Princesses
• Mummy from the Heart

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

These are our go-to snacks for DS's lunch bag. He likes both flavours & it's never retuned uneaten. He talks about other kids in school who have them too. I'd much rather he had a portion-controlled healthy snack, than crisps, chocolates or cereal bars, which can be full of added sugars. I often talk with other parents about snack choices & mention that DS has them.

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?
The whole family really enjoyed them.The little ones really liked the banana,whilst the adults seemed to lean towards the malt.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

The were really easy to incorporate.We swapped biscuits/cakes for them, neither complained about the swap.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes-they have less sugar than the biscuits/cakes they were having previously

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

We have bought the Bannana flavored ones again.they were requested for the school lunch box by the children,I have started taking them in my bag for the 18month old as a snack on the go.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes we would recommend and the children have already told both sets of grandparents about them.

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer? I preferred the malt loaf; DD(4) liked them both equally
• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch? Yes, though my DD couldn't open them herself so if the packaging was easier to tear that would be better
• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks? Yes, I compared the nutritional info to her preferred snack bar and it was less sugar etc
• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why? I already have, they seem well priced at the moment
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member? Yes, DP and I liked them too and would recommend them.

Thanks for the opportunity to test!

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

My DD (8) really enjoyed it. She's a fan of the original flavour anyway, but she enjoyed the banana one just as much.

Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yes. The individual packs were easy to pop in each morning, but she did find them a bit fiddly to open.

Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes. I usually put a cereal/fruit bar in, but this replaced it and I felt it was healthier.

Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Yes. DD ate them without complaint and they were a handy part of her balanced packed lunch.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes, certainly.

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

Yes!! We all loved them but especially banana.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yup! Genius making them small and compact.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

The kids thought they were a treat, so yeah.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

YEP. We're all hooked.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yep!!

Thank you so much for letting us try them out :)

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

My son (4) loved the normal loaf but didn't like the banana. My niece (2) loved both and hoovered up the left over banana loaves. Her mum had to immediately buy more as she was asking for it.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Not at school yet but much better for snacks in bags. No chance of mess ending up all over everything.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes. Having been a gestational diabetic I know that soreen didn't cause blood sugar spikes like other sweet snacks.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Yes, they are fantastic for including in bags/lunches and kids (and grown ups) love them

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family?

Yes definitely

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

Yes we all enjoyed them, kids like the banana ones and I enjoyed both flavours.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

The boys had them after school to keep them going until tea-time and DH took them to work with him as part of his lunch.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

They fit in well to our healthy eating after New Year - around 100 Cals for a satisfying snack.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Yes definitely. They're really tasty!

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes I already have done!

Yes my daughter really enjoyed and especially preferred the banana flavour.

They were very easy to slip into her snack box. The packaging also made them look like an exciting treat and provoked conversation with her friends at school.

They are a healthy snack compared to snacks that other children have, is choc biscuit bars.

Yes I will buy them again as they are not only handy snacks for school, but handy for a snack anytime, pop one in my bag for emergencies.

We really enjoyed the Soreen mini loaves, thank you. My six year old daughter preferred the banana ones and I preferred the original ones. I preferred the slightly less sweet taste of original and I expect it was the opposite for my daughter. Perfect for lunchboxes - they fit in really well, don't take much time to eat and don't seem to get squashed. I would choose them again for lunchboxes due to the low sugar content compared to some other bars. I would recommend them to other parents. It's a nice change from the usual chocolate bar too.

The only thing I could think to improve them would be a gluten free option/similar bar. My other daughter is coeliac and loved your malt loaf up until she was diagnosed and there is nothing similar on the market to replace it with.

Thank you for letting us try them though. Yummy!

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

Yes, both DDs loved them. Youngest (3) liked both while oldest (7) preferred the original malt loaf, but she was happy to eat either.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yes, definitely.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes I do, although not sure if this is actually true! But they certainly felt like a relatively wholesome way to add a treat into the lunchbox. I will confess to not scrutinising the ingredients on the packet, but if I did I would be interested to see what their sugar content is.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Yes, they seem to be a good size (not too big) and the girls both enjoyed them so it was a fuss free way to give them a treat.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes, definitely.

Thanks for giving us a chance to try them!

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer? Yes! The loaves were lovely. All 4 children liked them. The banana ones were the favourite
• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch? Yes, they became the sweet part of there lunch box
• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes, instead of cake, or flapjack and tasty!

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why? Yes. Already have! Easy to take with us and my children enjoyed them lots
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member? Yes!! Because they were so convient and yummy!

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

DS is 6 and really liked the banana flavour, he wasn't too keen on the malt flavour. I liked both.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yes, and good for carrying out for a snack.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes healthier than other cake type things available for lunch boxes.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Yes I will definitely buy the banana ones again.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes I would recommend them.

Many thanks for giving us the chance to sample the Soreen mini loaves. We were all very excited to try them! Here's our response:

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?
Both types were enjoyed, though I think the banana one was enjoyed the most because it was so moist and delicious and cake like. The malt loaves was also enjoyed, even by DD2 who dislikes raisins (she picked the odd one out, but ate most up). I liked the convenience of the loaves but, for me, I like malt loaf best when buttered (I know, it's not a health thing...) so the mini loaves were less appealing. But all three of my DDs enjoyed both types.

Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?
Yes very. They replaced the usual treat of a dried fruity sweet type snack. The novelty was very exciting.

Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?
I don't think they are healthier but they are equivalent. I'm under no illusions that the dried fruit snack I usually include (like fruit wheels or yo yo bears) are full of sugar and I think the loaves also have a fair bit of sugar in them. But I'm cool with that: the overall balance of their packed lunches is good, and who doesn't want something sweet to eat now and again?

Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?
Yes, we have. The banana ones. Because they are genuinely deliciously moist. Having them individually wrapped is ideal for packed lunches and also helps me just eat the one when left alone with them. That's rubbish actually. I stopped after two, but only because there were no more left in the packet.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?
Yes, definitely. But here's a comment for which there isn't a question. My children decided that the colour of the packaging was a bit confusing. The banana loaf is not in the yellow packaging but orange, whilst the malt loaf is in yellow. My children are clearly quite purist on this, and think banana flavoured food needs yellow packaging...

thanks again! We enjoyed very much the loaves and the chance to discuss them and give feedback.

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

My both sons liked Soreen in both flavours.My favourite was banana one:)

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

My older son liked to find Soreen bar in his lunchbox and his younger brother enjoyed it at home.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes,taste good, not so much sugar than in other alternatives.Banana one is 5.8 g sugar per loaf and 19.2 g per 100 that's why for us it is not everyday treat.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

yes. we already bought as both sons.One is 2 and one is 7

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes. as they are tasty, and lovely size for lunchbox or taking when you are out and about.

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

All 3 children (DS 6, DD 3 & DS 2) loved both flavours, banana was possibly their favourite though. I'm not keen on the malted one but the banana one was lovely.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yes. DD (3) brought one in her lunchbox to preschool.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes- much healthier than crisps or other shop bought cakes. They're definitely cake-y enough to feel like a treat!

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Definitely. The kids loved them & it was good to give them a change. I was pleased with the minimal packaging as well.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes, definitely!

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

Yes, we all enjoyed them - particularly the malt loaf loaves. I think the banana loaves would be improved with raisins.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yes, loved the individual wrappers for ease of packing, very convenient.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes, feels healthier than crisps/chocolate/cake/other convenient snacks.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again?

Yes.

Why?
Because they were yummy, filling, convenient for pack lunch or snack on the go, and healthier than alternative options.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Definitely!

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

my son tried both, he really likes the banana flavour but disliked the malt flavour.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

very easy to add to a packed lunch. I also put one in his sports bag for after school sports club as a snack. perfect size for this

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

yes I do. much healthier than putting a bar of chocolate in their bag

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

yes I would. very handy, easy, convenient

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

yes I would

Both myself and husband already eat plenty of normal malt loaf although we had not tried these before. We both found them really handy to put in a bag. I had also not had banana malt loaf before and really enjoyed it - would buy that again. I liked that it was very moist even without butter which I would usually have on malt loaf. Unfortunately it wasn't such a success with my children. My five year old turned up her nose. And my 9 year old who I think would have loved the banana one was unable to try it as it contained fructose syrup which she is intolerant too. However it's a thumbs up from the adults and I would definitely buy these again and would recommend to others as a tasty snack.

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer? Neither my 6 year old or my 17 year old liked either of them. I did like them both and probably preferred the malt.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch? They would have been easy if they were liked.
• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks? There are healthier snacks available but there are also less healthy snacks too!
• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why? If I started having a packed lunch I might as they are a tasty convenient snack.
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member? Yes, they are conveniently packaged and can be eaten without mess.

Thank you for selecting us to take part in the trial!

• Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?

None of my dcs (Ds 11, Dd1 9, Dd2 6) were especially keen on the banana loaves, which is odd because all 3 love bananas, love cake and love banana bread. I, on the other hand, utterly loathe bananas, so I was hoping this would be a brilliant excuse for me to stop baking banana bread and muffins for school snacks!!

Sadly, all 3 were quite keen on the original malt loaves, which is a shame as I'm rather partial to them too.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Very easy: perfect size instead of a cereal bar or dried fruit bar, and I'll be using them again (but not the banana ones...!)

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Yes, it contained less sugar than the usual cereal bars I buy for lunch boxes. My son said it was more filling too.

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Definitely - the malt loaves make a great alternative to some of the other things we use.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Yes - in fact, I've already taken several packets along to a work event and now everyone in my team is buying them....!!

Thank you for the trial

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?
Yes, both DDs and I enjoyed them. DD1 loved the banana ones best, but DD2 preferred the malt ones. I liked both.

Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?
Yes, just the right size and handy individual packets.

Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?
I'll admit I haven't compared the sugar content to other snacks. I would guess they contain less sugar than other cakes/flapjacks (but still sugar). As part of a balanced lunch I think they're fine. Also handy as an after school snack.

Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?
Yes I would, both DDs enjoyed them.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?
Yes I would.

Oops!

I copied & pasted a previous pp so I could remember the questions but missed one so included her response by mistake!

Take two:

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

Probably not healthier, as I'm pretty careful about what we use for snacks, and try to use fruit, veg and cheese alongside home-baked stuff where I can, but definitely not much worse than many options, and waaaaay more filling. From personal experience, malt loaf is a good way to deal with the mid-afternoon energy-dip without going overboard on a chocolate/sugar binge. In fact, I'm going to keep a pack in my desk from now on, for tea-break emergencies...!

Did your DCs (and you if you tried them) enjoy the taste of Soreen Lunchbox Loaves? Which flavour did they prefer?
Yes - they preferred the banana.

• Were they easy to incorporate into a school packed lunch?

Yes - a nice addition to a school lunch.

• Do you think that Lunchbox Loaves are a healthier alternative to other snacks?

I'm not sure - are they?! Healthier than a bar of chocolate I guess, not as healthy as a banana!

• Would you buy Soreen Lunchbox Loaves again? Why?

Yes, I think so - handy to have in the cupboard and throw in the lunch bag, picnic bag at the weekend, etc.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Soreen Lunchbox Loaves to a friend or family member?

Why not!

Thanks very much for the samples. Mixed success here. I love them because of their neat size and packaging. Think they are a healthy cute addition to a lunchbox. My DD age 8 isn't a fan or either the original or banana. I knew she didn't like maltloaf but hoped the banana one would change her mind. It didn't. DS age 4 adores original malt loaf. He loves the little lunchbox ones and has asked me to carry on buying them, which I will. However he also didn't like the banana ones. But they both love bananas. I don't get it!

My children loved theses. DD11 loved the banana ones and the two older, 13 and 14 loved the malt ones. DS13 thought they could have been bigger for him, but he has hollow legs!

They were easy to chuck in the kids bags for school lunch as they were pre-wrapped, and also to keep in their bags for afterschool sports.
Definitely healthier than a chocolate bar, and I've already shopped for more. I would recommend them to other parents if it came up in conversation.