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

Just to add, I haven't had the need to take the Squash'd out with us at all, but have used it at home. Very easy to use......

Whether I would use the service again, or recommend it, would be very dependent on cost. We have, however, enjoyed the flavours and I would definitely purchase them again.

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

Overall it is a huge yes! Admittedly we are not a water drinking family and never usually buy dilute squash.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

I must say I enjoyed the flavours of the squashed mini concentrates much more than the normal squash bottles. Dh however very much liked the barley one and the dds liked them all!

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
I've got to admit , the squashed minis didn't make it out of the door however, you know what they were brilliant for? My dds aged 8 and 4 making themselves a drink. I did explain to them that you need a tiny squirt in one glass of water and they were so chuffed at having mini bottles of squash that they could handle themselves rather than a huge bottle that they usually spill, that they used them very carefully and sparingly

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes absolutely ! What's not to love ?! It got us all drinking lots of water and it's tasty.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
I actually already have done and most of my family have seen it on my social media (snapchat, instagram), and have asked what it is etc. Some family members have tried the flavours and really enjoyed using the squashed minis.

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

Strawberry and mint ! Then on a hot summers day, I would make a huge jug, throw in loads of ice cubes, freshly cut strawberries and a leaf or two of fresh mint, and voila, easy peasy mocktails!

Here are my girls enjoying a drink after school 😄

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
We drink a lot but this definitely increased the amount the kids drank. My little ones cant manage big bottles without spilling but could use squashd which was fab as they loved yo independence of being able to help themselves and I liked that they were drinking more.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes. The lemon and grapefruit was lush!
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Very much so. I have a newborn and am breastfeeding so chug through water. A squashd lived in the buggy bag with a sportsbottle so i could make up more squash when out and about. We've used them in the past to take on holiday too.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
I would. It was fun and the kids adored unpacking the crate. As with all packaging and small kids, the crate was v popular and was spirited off to become a teddy's bed!
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Definitely
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Something with ginger or another citrus combo.

I was so excited to be included in the test - it has been a constant argument with my son to drink more so I was hoping that this would help! And everything my son does, his little sister does too. So the fact he is now drinking more, she is too! Thank goodness!

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop? We have – the choice of flavours helped as we wanted to try every one and then once we had decided on our favourites, the drinking more had become a little more normal. Both my children are now drinking more, as am I. I have always had far too much tea and coffee but now I will reach for the squash.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours? We certainly did – initially when we unpack as there were some unfamiliar flavours we weren’t sure how they would go down. However, the Lemon and Pink Grapefruit is delicious and will certainly become a family favourite. Not so much with the peach!

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? I keep one of the squash’d in my handbag which has made drinking whilst out and about a lot less traumatic! My husband has one on his desk at work and has started drinking a lot more since.

•Would you trial the service again? Why? I would depending on the subscription costs and versatility – can you alternate months or take a delivery break? The flavours that were included meant that we tested some that we wouldn’t usually have bought and we have been pleased with the extra choice. If this were implemented as a full service, I think giving the option to opt out of certain flavours – we don’t like the peach!

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member? I would, although squash is a staple in our weekly shop, the variety is great

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

Thank you! may the happy squash drinking continue!

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
The girls are pretty good drinkers already so I can't really say it was fantastic but it was improved in there drinking habits!
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Oh yes very much so!
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
I used them for the girls water bottles for school
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes I would love to, I've shared them with the girls friends and next door neighbours when doing play dates
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
I would very gladly!
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Lime and coconut!

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes. My children loved having a variety of flavours to choose from and squeezing the juice into their cups themselves. I found myself drinking more as the flavours were really nice and refreshing and having a ood stash to choose from made me drink more.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes, I normally stick with orange or apple and blackcurrant as I never thought I'd like any other flavours but they were all really nice.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes. I'd always honetly thought this product was pointless and a waste of money but it was handy to have and did get me drinking more when out.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
I would but it depends on the cost. I found all of the flavours really refreshing. I really don't drink enough when I'm at home during the day and I definitely drank more having all of these flavours to choose from. My children drank more too.
•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?
Strawberry, apple and mango.

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

My kids don't really have an issue with drinking juice, which I've never really encouraged much, it was water which they were not very inclined to. However, after trailing the Fruit Drop service, it's made me realise that drinking more juice isn't too bad if it means they're drinking fluids. I just dilute it more and I've noticed if they're in the habit of just 'drinking' more, they're more likely to have a quick glass of water too. Also, there was a nice piece of information sheet provided with the crate too which provided me with reassurance that these concentrated drinks aren't all just sugar.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Definitely. We're usually quite boring when shopping and buy the same 2/3 flavours but these were an interesting mix. The Lemon and grapefruit flavour was a pleasant surprise, one which I would never have considered buying before.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
I haven't had the opportunity to take it out yet, but I am quite sure it will be very appreciated when we do. We have been using it in the home though , and I let the kids make it themselves in their mason drinking jars, and they like that independence.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
I wouldn't as I feel i have learnt my lesson, in allowing my children more freedom to juices and providing them with a variety of flavours to keep it interesting. Not just kids, but us parents too.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?

If a friend /family member were concerned that their family was not drinking enough fluids, then I would recommend Fruit Drop.

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

Lemon and mint

The packaging and presentation was lovely btw

Forgot to add pictures

I love that you can have a choice of flavours without taking up loads of cupboard space. Also, I'm popping the little ones in my bag to liven up water when we are out. They are incredibly convenient.

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
I sometimes find it a struggle to get my 7yo son to drink much in the day, but he loved these and has been voluntarily drinking a lot more water. I also enjoyed having a few different flavoured drinks instead of my normal plain water :)

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
I thought my 7yo in particular wouldn't like any of them since he can be quite fussy, but he's loved them all, particularly the pink grapefruit and lemon, which I found surprisingly nice too (I don't actually like grapefruit). I really enjoyed the orange and pineapple the most myself. We tend to buy the same drinks so it was nice to have something different!

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Absolutely, being able to have a drink of squash when out and about instead of plain water or fizzy drink was a nice change.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Possibly depending on the cost, and if there's the option to select the flavours. I'm not sure it's that much more convenient than adding the bottles of squash to my normal shopping as I didn't know which day it would arrive, and missed the first delivery, then the second delivery I requested on a specific date but still had to wait in until it was delivered since I didn't have a time. Plus I then have the wooden crates and cardboard boxes to dispose of each time afterwards.

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Probably, again it would depend on the cost compared to buying in the supermarket, and if delivery slots can be arranged for specific dates and time periods.

•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Lemon and lime - my favourite flavoured drink :)

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
My daughter has very much enjoyed trying the squashes and I think she is drinking more.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
She loved the peach flavour but not so keen on the others. I occasionally add a drop of the concentrated summer fruits squash to my water.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes we will take it with us on outings.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
I don't think so, as I like to pick the flavour my daughter prefers. I also mostly buy items without sweetener.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Probably if they like drinks with sweetener and are prepared to try more than one flavour.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? Cherry.

Thanks for the chance to try the product.

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes, certainly, my daughter made a note that now drinking is not boring (and I need to remind her less).
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes, actually, I was not aware of all of the flavours received, so it was a great surprise. Peach became our all time favourite.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes, it was very handy on short day trips, and the small bottle is sealed properly even after opening. First I was worrying about opening accidentally in my bag, but it did not happen.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes, I got more information (flavours which would become family favourites).
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Yes, already done that - it would be a birthday party star at this weekend.
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be?
Kiwi and mango

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

We really enjoyed trying the different Fruit Drop flavours. DS probably didn't drink an awful lot more water than normal - he had them when offered but I'd hoped that having them easily available in the fridge might have prompted him to get himself a drink more often. DH and I definitely drank more - I kept a Squash'd in my bag and drank more water in the car and at work. DH took a bottle of squash to work as well - I think we'd both forgotten about squash and just associated it with children's parties.

• Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes, we enjoyed most of them. The lemon and pink grapefruit was a surprise hit with DS and was DH's favourite. I love the blackcurrant and berries. None of us are big fans of orange squash so after the obligatory tasting we gave it to a friend.

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

Perfect - we had a couple of days out and they were great for keeping in my bag. We also took them whilst visiting an elderly relative who wouldn't normally have fruit drinks for the children in the house (it would have seemed odd to turn up with a large bottle of squash). In restaurants it was great to give the kids a quick squirt of juice in plain water rather than them having the orange/blackcurrant cordials that are often very strong and syrupy.

• Would you trial the service again? Why?

Not sure. The crate was really nice and had the 'wow factor' when it arrived. I would definitely start putting squash on the shopping list again but probably wouldn't need an entire 'drop' or so much at once.

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

Yes, I think so. I would definitely recommend the different flavours.

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

Strawberry and kiwi for DS please, or apple and raspberry. I would love to see some more 'grown up' flavours - elderflower, mint, lime.

In summary, a very positive reaction from us - thank you for choosing us.

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop? Yes, we don't tend to drink very much at all and this really encouraged my son to drink more.

Did you enjoy the variety of flavours? Yes, the pink grapefruit wasn't very successful though & the peach was really nice with hot water

Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? It was really handy for me to take into the office and meant I didn't just drink tea all day

Would you trial the service again? Why? Yes depending on the cost of the service. We do really love Robinsons but do all our shopping at Aldi so don't often manage to buy it, this would solve that.

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? I would like a melon or raspberry my son would like just pineapple.

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

Yes myself, husband and children all drank more during the trial, mostly due to the variety of flavours. See below

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes, definitely. I think as parents we are all guilty of buying the usual orange or apple & blackcurrant flavours and I think we all get bored of them over time. It was nice to try different flavours. I didn't think we would like the Lemon & Grapefruit as I imagined it to be quite a bitter drink but it was delicious, very refreshing! In fact it was the first squash to be finished, followed by the Orange & Pineapple then the Peach, which was surprising. I now need to find somewhere that stocks the Lemon & Grapefruit!

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

Very useful. I have used Squash'd in the past as it is ideal for transforming a bottle of water into a bottle of squash and we all know that kids would always prefer squash over water!

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

I would trial the service again especially if they did different flavours. I think people are sometimes reluctant to go away from their usual flavours in case they don't like them and then feel they have wasted their money. I think Robinsons should trial a Fruit Drop with their new flavours before they go into supermarkets as a way to get them into people's homes and thoughts.

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

Yes, especially if it offered new flavours not yet on the supermarket shelves.

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

My ultimate Robinsons flavour would be Coconut and Pineapple, it would be like a little bit of holiday every day!

Just to add, I can't see many people taking up this service rather than just picking up a couple of bottles of squash in store or adding it to their supermarket delivery. I imagine it is too expensive for a lot of average households. However, it would definitely work if the service offered flavours not yet on the market or new flavours, as mentioned above. I did, however, love the packaging and I am not deciding how to upcycle the crate as it is lovely!

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes we have drank more water as we tried flavours of squash that we hadn't tried before and really enjoyed them.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes we did, the clear favourite was definitely lemon and pink grapefruit

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes, my daughters do a lot of dancing and gymnastics so had one each in their bags to add to the water they can get from the cold water dispenser which they thought was fab! We travel quite a lot and I will definitely be packing these next time we go

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes if I could choose the flavours as some if the flavours were more popular than others

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
Yes I already have spoken to my friends about it

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

• Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes, especially the children - DS2 in particular drank much more than he usually does.

• Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes, it was nice to be able to offer a choice.

• Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes - DH is considering taking it along to meetings, he says a lady there who usually brings a Squash'd already.

• Would you trial the service again? Why?
Possibly - having a wide range of flavours to try has been great, the kids have liked some I'd never normally buy (orange & pineapple, peach) so we like the chance to try them.

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

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

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

Yes my youngest 2 definitely did. I usually just add a water bottle in packed lunch and my DS2 comes home nearly full-up, but it was gone every day with a squirt of the sqush'd added.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes my DD loved the lemon and grapefruit DS2 apple and black currant

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

Very useful to have on trips out.DD also took one on school trip to Isle of Wight

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

Yes convenient and you will never run out.

•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?
Mango and passion fruit

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

Yes especially my oldest. She usually drinks I just water bottle But couldn't get enough of it. ive already had to get more.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

Yes particularly the lemon and grapefruit and apple and black currant

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

Brilliant, ideal size and great idea.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

Yes because it's so easy and such a great product.

•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?
Orange and lime

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

Everyone got on board. I'm forever having to remind our teen DDs to drink but the flavours really appealed to them and the Squash'd was a big hit with the little ones. The packing was really attractive too.

• Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

We really enjoyed the flavours. We normally drink supermarket branded squash and the difference was incredible. Robinsons tasted so natural in comparison, it was almost like drinking fruit juice. We particularly liked the lemon and pink grapefruit and the peach varieties.

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

Squash'd was great for on-the-go. The 3 youngest DC aren't keen on drinking plain water but get very hot and thirsty, so when we went away for a few days, we took their water bottles and the Squash'd and it was a brilliant solution.

• Would you trial the service again? Why?

Probably not. I'm in the supermarket a lot and it's easy to pick up a bottle of squash. Much easier than the hassle of having to wait in for a delivery. I'm definitely a Robinsons convert though.

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

I probably wouldn't recommend the service but I would recommend Robinsons.

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

No inspiration I'm afraid, the range of Robinsons flavours are already so huge!

Thanks for choosing us to trial the Fruit Drop Service.

We LOVED these drinks, thanks for choosing us!!!

•Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes definitely. We normally drink a lot of fizzy pop

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes, great to try things we wouldn't normally buy. I'd never have bought Lemon+Grapefruit but it was LOVELY and I'm going to buy a thousand bottles!!

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go?
Yes! Always seen them but assumed they'd be yuck. I've got one on my desk at work and one in the kids bag.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Depending on price! More likely just to buy with usual Ocado shop.

•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?
Strawberry and mango. YUM.

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

Yes, ds aged 9 especially as he doesn't drink fizzy drinks and sometimes feels as though the others get the more exotic flavours but with this trial they were all firmly in the water and juice camp!

I found myself drinking a lot more than usual and reaching for the juice rather than pepsi max which has been nice, the flavours were really fruity and refreshing.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?

We really liked the variety of flavours and found every one in the household enjoyed their own signature flavour so ds aged 9 preferred the peach, dp the pink grapefruit and lemon and me and sd the orange and pineapple. I think there are some really good combinations of flavours and sd is hoping there is a strawberry and kiwi on the way.

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

The kids liked being able to take the squashd into school and it was useful for me when at the community house as I could just add it in at my desk and save carrying bottles over! My nan was probably the most impressed with the squashd tho as she gets hot and needs a drink due to throat issues and is often caught without one so this helped her as it meant she could add it to a glass of water and enjoyed it.

•Would you trial the service again? Why?

I really enjoyed the products as did the family but im not sure we would use the service as we would easily pick the products up when shopping or in a home order. the crate was amazing though and is currently being used as a fruit bowl!

•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member?
I would if I thought that it would help them to drink more water and they would find it useful as it really did encourage us because we looked forward to the flavours.

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

we actually spoke about this when we unpacked the crate and think Robinsons have generally got it covered - ds really likes pineapple so he would pick a pineapple variety - we use a product currently which is white grape and peach which the dc all love so I would purchase this if I saw it.

dp is going for a slightly more classy one than I would and suggests rhubarb and elderberry!

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop?
Yes. The kids especially have drunk more, maybe because we've had a wider variety of flavours available at once rather than just the one like normal.

•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours?
Yes. Lemon and pink grapefruit especially.

•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? Yes, but as others have said it does tend to sink to the bottom of the glass/bottle.
•Would you trial the service again? Why?
Yes I think we would although it would depend on the price. Having the wide variety and flavours that I normally wouldn't think to buy has opened my eyes to being a little bit more adventurous!

•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?
Blueberry and lemon.

Did you and your family enjoy drinking more water as a result of Fruit Drop? Yes! I try to limit the amount of fruit juice the kids have because of concerns about sugar, so it has made a good breakfast drink for them. My husband and I have also been drinking it in the evening as an alcohol substitute.
•Did you enjoy the variety of flavours? Yes
I particularly liked peach barley and lemon and pink grapefruit.
•Was Squash’d useful for when you were on-the-go? Didn't really have the opportunity to take it out on the testing period, but they are a good idea.
•Would you trial the service again? To be honest, I would probably just buy Robinsin's at the supermarket as less hassle.
•If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Fruit Drop to a friend or family member? Would recommend the squash, though not necessarily the service
•If you could create your own Robinsons flavour, what would it be? Blueberry; raspberry; plum.