Find out what MNers thought of Fruit Drop, the new home delivery service from Robinsons NOW CLOSED

[EmmaMumsnet]

We asked 100 Mumsnetters with DCs over the age of 5 to try the new Fruit Drop service from Robinsons. They received a crate filled with three flavours of classic Robinsons Fruit Squash, as well as three varieties of Squash’d (portable packs of super-concentrated squash), to help encourage their families to drink more water.

Here’s what Robinsons has to say: “It may surprise you to know that 72% of 5-12 year olds and 85% of UK adults do not drink the recommended 8 glasses of fluid per day. That’s why Robinsons is piloting a new service to help families across the country refresh, recharge and reset with a hit of real fruit in their water. Delivered straight to their door, ‘Fruit Drop’ will be bringing in the UK’s favourite squash to homes across the country, helping families to enjoy more water with a variety of gulp-it-back real fruit flavour!”

Testers, please answer the following questions:

• Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
• Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
• Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
• Would you trial the service again? Why?
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
• If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?

Also, please do post pictures of your Fruit Drop crates and your family enjoying the challenge of drinking more water on this feedback thread and on your social media channels using the #enjoymorewater. It would be great if you could also tag one of the Robinsons accounts below.

Facebook: @ Robinsons
Twitter: @ DrinkRobinsons
Instagram: @ Robinsons_UK

All testers who leave their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw for a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Bold fail!

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Definitely, both kids don't drink a lot despite constantly being nagged, DD now frequently helps herself to both water and squash, and DS who has always suffered with constipation is already showing signs of looser movements. I'm also drinking more squash than coffee, and actually drinking when I'm thirsty rather than thinking I can't be bothered to make a cup of tea, so don't drink anything
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Very much so! The grapefruit and lemon I was dubious about, I didn't think the kids would like it, but it's a wonderful refreshing flavour, the peach is almost finished too.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes, as we often travel with just water, so once the kids have finished their squash they have to resort to water, so squash'd removes that battle on long journeys.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes, although it would depend on the cost, the whole family has gotten into the spirit of drinking more, with DP and DD debating which squash'd he is allowed to take to work. I would never have bought the flavours provided or the squash'd (assumed it was just a gimmick) but I've been very pleasant surprised
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Yes, but again it depends on what the cost will be.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Guava, it's a flavour I miss from home, and think it'd be an awesome fruit and barley flavour.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop? Yes we did. We definitely upped our intake.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours? Yes, but given the choice I would swap the Lemon and Pink Grapefruit for Summer fruits.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? Yes! In fact it was brilliant and I would buy it again.

•Would you trial the service again? Why? Probably - Much easier than lugging bottles home from the supermarket and I loved the crate itself.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member? Yes. In fact I have already recommended it to a friend who has mobility issues and spends a lot of time on bed - the Squash'd would be really useful to her on those days.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? Strawberry and Mint

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?

DD definitely did. DH and I already drink quite a lot of water but it was nice to have more flavours in the water - it felt special and a bit of a treat. DS has already stolen one of the fruit drops bottles to put in his school bag - it gets past the juice police.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Oh yes. Our local shop is not that great (we live remote and very rural) and it was a revelation to have such a choice. I loved the Peach

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?

Yes - both children have a bottle in their school bags.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Because the crate was lovely (I won't post a photo - others have done that) and it felt like something rather special. Also, a wooden crate meant kindling for the wood burner - very good news for DH.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

Yes, my kids are teens but having these around when they were younger would have been brilliant, especially at school.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?

I really like apricots, or rhubarb so either of these flavours. Not sure how popular rhubarb would be. Perhaps rhubarb and apple?

• Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop? Yes, both the children and I were choosing to drink water/squash more often, instead of milk/tea

• Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes, the flavours are great. In particular, I like the pink grapefruit one

• Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes. Having such a small carton in my bag that will last for ages is fantastic.

• Would you trial the service again? Why?
Probably, as the children love the flavours
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Yes
• If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? Maybe a tropical fruit flavour?

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop? Absolutely yes! I made up jugs full of squash every day and gave DD the challenge of finishing it. It was great when friends came to play (they made cocktails with all the flavours!), and I kept a squash'd on my desk at work - I haven't had a cup of coffee at work since as I've been enjoying squash instead.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours? Yes. The peach was a real hit. I avoid buying new flavours in case they aren't liked at home.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? Brilliant! Very handy for when we're out and about, at work, having a car picnic between after school activities etc. It made it seem more fun for DD.
•Would you trial the service again? Why? Possibly. Depends on whether I would have to commit to a crate frequently, or whether I could order one as and when I'm running low.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member? Yes, with the above caveat.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? Raspberry and lime.

Photos to follow.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?

Yes! My little ones needed no encouragement to drink water when it had Robinsons added. They were actually asking me for more :)

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes, my three boys all had different favourites so between us we used them all!

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?

Really useful. I now make sure I have one on me at all times and they'll be so useful for holidays. Fantastic product.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

Absolutely! It encouraged my children to try different flavours, allowed them to choose their own drinks and also helped me to get them to drink more. Very happy :)

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

Yes, I have done already to my family and to other mums.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?

Cranberry

I'll add photos later. They are on DH's phone.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
My DDs did when they were at home. DD1 is old enough to make up her own which is great (as long as I remember to refill the bottle in the fridge as she can't reach the sink)

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
DH and I did. the DDs are a lot more picky. I think it would have suited us better if we'd had plainer flavours (orange, lemon and lemon barley perhaps).

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes. I didn't realise how many more flavours there were that my local supermarket doesn't stock. I fly a lot for work and at 66ml they fit in my hand luggage liquids allowance!

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Probably but I think I'd like more control over what flavours we get. Perhaps a list where you could check flavours that you don't want?
From an environmental perspective I'd be interested to know how getting a delivery like this compares to getting squash with the groceries (either delivery or going shopping myself). If it's not carbon friendly then I might be put off.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Probably.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Orange and raspberry

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?

We already drank a lot of water but the family definitely enjoyed having squash in the house and took full advantage of the choices of flavours.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes, the orange and pineapple, and the peach, were our favourites. Not so keen on the pink grapefruit one.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?

We actually didn't use it for that - we just used it in the house.

•Would you trial the service again? Why? I think it's probably quite an expensive thing to do so probably not, but I can see how it's invaluable and worth the money to other families.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member? Probably.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? Peach, pineapple and orange. Or Strawberry and mango.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
We drank a lot more water than usual however I remain sceptical about letting DC drink too much squash. I certainly have been drinking more as a result, as I usually drinking nothing but tea, and feel healthier for it.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes we enjoyed trying new ones that we hadn't tried before.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes I took it to work but my colleagues kept pinching it!
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes I would although I thought the crate was unnecessary and wasteful.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
I'm not sure what the benefits are to a delivery service when all the main supermarkets will deliver squash anyway.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Blueberry.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?

Absolutely. We drink water, but do prefer to flavour it either with lemon / lime slices or cordials / squashes etc. Anything to encourage the family to drink more! ~other than gin for me!~

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

All my favourites, the lemon and grapefruit was a pleasant surprise from my usual grapefruit and I think I'll be "upgrading" to this new flavour in future!

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?

Really useful. Can throw it in my bag and forget about it, until I get a boring plastic cup of water at work, sigh, and then realise I have something to perk it up in my bag! Loved it

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

Definitely! Robinsons delivered it all in such an efficient way, and so prettily packaged too. Made it an event rather than "just shopping being delivered"

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

Already have to my friends

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?

A passionfruit would be lovely. Maybe with mango?

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?

• Yes. The timing was perfect. We are all suffering with this awfull cold at the minute. Im trying to keep everyones fluids up. We have all managed to drink more which is fab. I think i may just make a jug of it for the fridge becuase making it up eleventy billion times a day is a pain.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

• Yes. I usualy fall into the orange and blackcurrent trap, DP is the only one who drinks them. The variety has been great, we discovered new flavours that we love that i wouldnt have bought otherwise.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?

• Yes. DP has claimed one for his work bag and has been it. He drinks a fair bit of water when at work but says it gets boring, so this has been fab gor him especially.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

• i think i would probably just throw a few bottles in with my weekly shop, as and when we needed it. I hate have multiple bottles of things open even if ut is different flavours.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

• Probably.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? -DP says cherry, kids say mango, i say stawberry

We definitely have enjoyed the variety of flavours. The DC liked the peach best and I loved the grapefruit and lemon. The miniature versions are great for taking out at weekends or to work.
I know my water intake has increased as a result, DC have seen me choosing squash instead of tea/coffee or a fizzy drink and so have also chosen squash some of the time.
I'm not sure we'd use the delivery service to the door as it seems a bit over the top, but it's been a great way to increase my awareness of the variety of flavours.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes, my daughter particularly liked choosing a different flavour each time she got a new glass of water! My son loved the crate it came it, very nicely packaged!
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes, my husband particularly enjoyed the Peach which I don't generally tend to buy as no one else drinks it!
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Very useful, being able to carry two or more different flavours on a day out was very helpful. It was lovely being able to top up our own bottles or buy new bottles of water and be able to have juice, instead of lugging bottles of juice around with us!
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Possibly yes, these squash bottles will probably last us a little while, so might be persuaded to try the service again to stock up once more.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Not sure I would recommend the whole fruit drop service to them, unless they tended to do their grocery shopping online anyway. I would definitely persuade them to try the squash'd out though!
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Cranberry would be a nice addition.

• did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of fruit drop?

We did, I was very keen to try as I knew I needed to do this. I liked seeing the bottles go down which meant I was drinking more.

• did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes, flavours we hadn't (and probably wouldn't) have tried. Really liked all of them - apart from the plain orange, but then I've never been a fan!

• was Squash'd useful for when you were on the go?

I thought these were great and so easy to take everywhere! Dh and I both took them to work, as easy to get there and store in a locker etc.

• would you trial the service again? Why?

I would if there were special flavours/limited editions etc and depending on cost.

• if it came up in conversation would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

I would and have.

• if you could create your own Robinson's flavour what would it be?

Something zingy, mojito maybe or a peach tea flavour.

Did you & your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
My boys absolutely loved the fruit drop & have tried all the flavours and drank more water than usual.
I too have drunk more water as a result.
Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
The flavours were great! I would normally only buy orange or possibly apple and blackcurrant so it was fantastic to have more of a variety!
Was squash'd useful for when you were on the go?
I found it very useful. In fact I now keep one in my locker at work for a little squirt to my usual water bottle.
In summer or on holidays it would be perfect for my boys.
Would you trial the service again? Why?
I would totally use the service again again. What's not to like?
Robinsons always taste the best.
If it came up in conversation would you recommend fruit drop to a friend or family member?
I would totally recommend the product & service. We were seriously impressed with everything. From the delivery to the product quality.
If you could create your own Robinsons flavour what would it be?
I personally would like cocktail flavour like Woo Woo or Blue Lagoon.
DS would like strawberry or milkshake flavour (!)
DH would like lager & Lime!

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
I have been drinking more since Fruit Drop although DS has been requesting squash more when he'd ordinarily be happy with water especially at meal times.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
We really enjoyed the flavours, DS prefers citrus flavours whereas I prefer berries so having the selection was nice as it forced us to try new flavours we liked, peach barley is loved here.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? Squash'd is great for on the go. DS keeps one in his backpack so he can squash wherever he is.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes, I like getting random selection of flavours.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Yes I would recommend it.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Peach and Mango Barley water.

Thank you for choosing us to take part. We absolutely loved the crate! We have taken the squash out now and it is housing our fruit and vegetables (so it has had the added benefit of encouraging the children to eat more of those too - DD ate a carrot from it the other day).

As to the questions...

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes, I think we have drunk more water most definitely. DC often drink fruit juice with their dinner but they have been having squash instead.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes the flavours are interesting. We haven't opened the lemon and pink grapefruit yet, but the children love the orange and pineapple, and I was pleasantly surprised by the peach and barley. I thought it would be too sweet but I actually really enjoyed it. I was a bit concerned that the squashes would all be over-sweet with too much artificial sweetener, but I have found them quite pleasant tasting.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
We have only used it once, and that was more just to try it out; - I think it would come into its own in the summer on picnics and things like that. I didn't like the flavour that much of the one we tried out (summer fruits) but everyone else in the family did.

•Would you trial the service again? Why? I might trial it again. It was great as a novelty. I might do it on holiday - for example if we were staying self catering. It would be a fun thing to do. I think grandparents might like to do it too, when we came to visit them. I wouldn't do it as a regular thing, I think it is better as an exciting novelty

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member? Yes, possibly. It is good fun.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? I like citrussy flavours. Probably something with lime in. Maybe Mango and Lime, for something a bit different.

• My family has definitely enjoyed drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop - my DC would not drink her bottle of water that she took to school everyday, but thanks to Fruit Drop, the bottle now comes back half empty, if not fully empty every single day!! It's managed to convert my husband and me too!
•Loved the variety of flavours - found the Orange a little too tangy, but if you go slow on the concentrate quantity, it tastes good - loved all the flavours....each one really tasty and fresh.
•The little Squash’d were super usefulon-the-go, especially when we go shopping and I want the little ones to be quiet (so I can concentrate on the shopping!!), I just give them their sippy cups with a few drops of Squash'd and they loved it....the most peaceful set of shopping trips I've done in a long while..!
•I would definitely trial the service again as it was absolute fun spreading the word and trying out all the lovely flavours with my family. What's more fantastic is that my family is drinking a lot more water than we used to!
•I would recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member, as the flavours are good, it gets us all drinking more water (which is definitely a great thing!) and it's so much more fun!
•If I could create my own Robinsons flavour, it would it be Mango and Bananas.....for my DC it would be Strawberries and Raspberries!

Firstly, thank you Mumsnet and Robinsons for giving us the opportunity to trial the fruit drop service.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
We have been drinking more fluid although I think a lot of this has been the novelty factor of my kids having squash to drink and exciting flavours to try. I've found the squash really really sweet and artificial tasting, so not for me at all! The children have made ice lollies, granita and lots of squash....
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours? Kids liked the squash'd best because they could squirt it in themselves. I thought all the flavours were very artificially sweet and not really refreshing. I'd also prefer good old fashioned squash with the sugar in, diluted to homeopathic quantites! I think I'd be a bit concerned by all the artificial sweetners in it aswell.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? Kids loved adding it to water and seeing the whoosh of colour. Out and about activities they bring water botles so squash wouldve been added at home although i think at a picnic or day at the beach this would be handy.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Honestly no, I view squash or cordial as something that I pick up with the grocery shopping and not a niche product that needs a special delivery like a veg box or local farmshop delivery. The crate was lovely and the packaging pretty but thinking about all that waste and extra food miles to get it to my door its not exactly environmentally friendly is it? Cost would be an issue as well, if we loved robinsons and i had no concerns about consuming sweeteners regurally the cost would be a big consideration, squash is on offer quite regurally at my local supermarkets..
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Not really, mainly for the reasons above, most of my friends would probably share my sentiments..
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
I'd go old school full of sugar and have dandelion and burdock!

First issue I came across,
After 10 mile drive

They arrived lovely packaging. Will post again after taste test

Will answer fully in the morning but just wanted today I'm in love with the lemon and pink grapefruit squash!

Many thanks for the opportunity to test the 'Fruit drop' crate...we were so excited to receive and unpack it! It was beautifully packaged and felt like a real treat!

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?

Yes we did. We are all pretty good water drinkers as a rule but we certainly enjoyed trying out the different flavours of juice provided in the crate. My ds really entered into the spirit of things and made a big jug of the pink grapefruit and lemon for us to have with dinner last night. He was quite excited to be allowed this juice as he currently is wearing fixed braces so hasn't been allowed sugary drinks. As this was sugar free we thought it would be ok!

Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes. Loved the pink grapefruit and lemonade. I'd never have picked this up off the shelf as I don't like grapefruit. Wasn't overly keen on the smell but it tasted lovely, really refreshing. The dc loved the summer fruits squash'd.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?

Soooo useful! I've seen these in shops before but never really taken much notice. We went away last weekend and took the 3 flavours of squash'd with us. They were great in our hotel for livening up the tap water! My friend who follows Slimming world religiously always carries one with her to add to her drinks as they are calorie free!

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

It's not something I'd use regularly unless it was cost effective. The gorgeous packaging made it feel like a real treat but I can imagine the packaging and delivery will add hugely to the cost of buying juice which I could pick up easily during my weekly shop.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

I took my crate into work to show everyone! Lots of people were interested but everyone wanted to know what it would cost. Yes, I'd recommend Fruit drop as a treat.

If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?

Ooh, good question! We love citrusy flavours so lemon based flavours would always go down well. Perhaps something like lemon and summer berries?

I've attached some pics and will put some more in a later post.

A few more photos...

Finally got my photos from DH.

I'd like to add that, while the packaging is lovely, if I was going to get this box regularly I'd either want to be able to send it back or have something more easily disposable. Having one or two of them around might be useful. I'm not sure what I'd do with a dozen.