Read MNers’ feedback on new Little Dish Classics - £300 voucher to be won for feedback! NOW CLOSED

[EmmaMumsnet]

We’ve got together with Little Dish to find 250 Mumsnetters with at least one child aged 1-2 to try their new Little Dish Classics range, created especially for toddlers, and to share their feedback on MN. Each tester was sent 4 recipes which included Little Dish Baked Beans, Little Dish Spaghetti Hoops, Little Dish Macaroni Cheese and Little Dish Tomato Soup to try with their 1-2 year old.

Hillary, Little Dish’s founder, has said: “As a Mum, I know first-hand how important it is to give your toddlers the most nutritious food. I also know that some days I need a helping hand to get a speedy supper on the table without compromising on nutrition or taste. So I’m excited to introduce our new Little Dish Classics - a range of family favourites reinvented for toddlers’ nutritional needs.

Many top brand Baked Beans and Spaghetti Hoops contain added sugar or sweeteners and high levels of salt, so we recreated these recipes to be low in salt with no added sugar, sweeteners, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. We’ve also blended extra veg into them such as cauliflower, carrot and butternut squash, to help your little ones towards their 5 a day. As with all Little Dish recipes, these are approved by our nutritionist and have been given the thumbs up by our Tiny Tasters across the UK. You can keep Little Dish Classics in your kitchen cupboard and they are ready to eat in minutes.

We’re looking forward to hearing what you and your toddler think.”

If you’ve taken part in this test, Little Dish would like you to post on this thread, answering the questions below:

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?
• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?
• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?
• Would you recommend Little Dish Classics to your friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

We’d also love to see some photos of your DC enjoying Little Dish Classics, so please share on the thread if you can!

Everyone who gives their feedback on this thread and completes the feedback survey will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky MNer will win a £300 John Lewis Voucher.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

- What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?
I really liked the packaging and the parcel that arrived - I wasn't expecting the cute apron either so that was a bonus. Regarding the actual meals, I love the veg hidden in some of them and the low salt/sugar content.

- Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?
Baked beans was a definite win, she was even trying to use a fork with them to skewer them individually.
The soup she didn't really like though. The spaghetti hoops and the macaroni cheese were somewhere in between.

- Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?
Yep, definitely the baked beans, probably the macaroni cheese and maybe the spaghetti hoops. I think all of the pouches were a little bit too saucy (ooeer) so I might add something to soak it up a bit and bulk it out. My 15 month old DD doesn't even eat half a pouch at one sitting so they go a long way.

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

Yeah, I'll be talking to the mums I see at groups about them just because we're always on the look out for store cupboard things we can keep for emergencies.

- Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!
Not really, I basically did beans on toast and then spaghetti hoops on toast. Macaroni was on its own as was the soup... I think I'm still finding bits of soup splashed on furniture and cats alike.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

Liked the packaging , my son enjoyed the meals.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

hoops with toast

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Yes Depending on price

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

Yes as they seem a great healthy option for simple meals

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

As it was a product trial I went with the suggested serving options

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

The packaging is quite attractive but not that convenient to store.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

The baked beans, but he wasn't massively fussed, when that's usually one of his favourite foods. I tried them too, and quite liked the thick consistency of the sauce, but they tasted a bit too 'wholesome and worthy' for my liking.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

No - they're not really a full meal, just accompaniments, IMO
My 18 month old wouldn't touch the soup or macaroni cheese, and was underwhelmed by the beans and spaghetti hoops.

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

No, my toddler didn't really enjoy them, and the soup which he wouldn't touch and I decided to finish was so bitter that I struggled with it!

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

Nothing beyond toast with the beans!

Thank you for the apron, we'll definitely be using that for baking.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

I thought they looked lovely and couldn't wait to try them but unfortunately my 19 month old son, who usually eats most things didn't like any of the dishes.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

After a few mouthfuls of each he wouldn't eat the rest.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

There is no point me buying these as they were not liked.

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

No I cannot recommend something that was so unpopular with my ds.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

They were nicely packaged (appealing to the eye) and very simple to prepare. I loved the apron!

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

Baked beans. By a long shot!

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Only the beans as this is something I buy regularly from a supermarket.

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

No, unfortunately the rest of the recipes I felt were not tasty at all (and neither did my little boy). I would go as far to say the macaroni and spaghetti hoops were almost inedible.

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

The soup was a good addition to spay bol as it was left over.

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

Looked good quality, happy that they were low salt and no added sugar. Nice images on the packaging, easy to prepare. Unfortunately my little boy didn't enjoy some of the meals.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

Baked beans, split it to eat with toast and potato.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Possibly the beans and soup due to the low salt and sugar, if they were at a reasonable price. My son liked those but they were messy!

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

Yes they are a healthy choice for little ones. My son was indifferent to the hoops and really didn't like the macaroni cheese.

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

As above the beans with toast or potato. I served the soup with some garlic bread.

Thanks for letting us take part

I loved the choices of foods, all cupboard staples for my family, unfortunately my heart sank as Ds won't eat 'wet' food, is very fussy.
Ds wouldn't try (dd5 liked the hoops, they tasted nice and fresh)
I won't buy for my ds but my mum sits for 2 other grandkids and thought they were great to have in the cupboard.
Yes, they were really generous portions and good to have in the cupboard for little visitors.
No, but I was inspired to create new foods for fussy ds. I made some mash (which he has been refusing) cooled and rolled into croquettes in flour, egg, crunched up cornflakes and parmesan. I sprayed with oil and baked. Was amazed and surprised he ate it all. Was thinking healthy finger foods would be a good range (for my boy!) croquettes, waffles with hidden veg, bhajis, spring rolls, and anything hidden in a crumb coating! 😁

- What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

Loved the packaging, looks good, easy to store and recycle. Really easy on the go and handy to have for a back up or lazy day. I heated up in the pan to the right temperature but could have easily microwaved too.

- Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

Both girls loved the tomato soup and spaghetti hoops. Had the hoops with mash and loved that they were saucy as mixed well with the potato. Was enough in the pack for both girls. The soup really went down a treat, my 2 year old is really fussy but once I had got her to try it she loved it. The beans were a big hit with the 1 year old but not the 2 year old who wouldn't entertain them at all and usually loves beans. They were really different in flavor to what they are used too (branstons) so she wouldn't touch them. The mac and cheese didn't go down well at all and I normally make a version of this. As pp have mentioned was really watery and the pasta over soft, we did add some extra veg but most of it went on the floor and in the dog (he enjoyed it).

- Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Will definitely get the hoops and soup as these really were popular and both girls enjoyed them, plus better than those I've purchased before due to the no sugar and salt content. And let's be honest I would love to do home made soups for the girls but really don't have time for that.

- Would you recommend Little Dish Classics to your friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Would probably recommend as overall our experience was fairly positive and some will not appeal to all. Would definitely recommend that they give them a try.

- Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them

More soups and a beans and sausage.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this product from little dish classics.

I would love to win this prize. I love the customer service at John Lewis.

What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?
I was very impressed with the design of the cardboard sleeve although the fastening was very flimsy. The plastic pouch was very strong and easy to open at the opening point.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

It was a difficult choice between the spaghetti hoops and the baked beans.....he scoffed both with minimal resistance.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again?

Yes I would Why? My son is fussy about his food, if it's not spaghetti Bolognese we have a really difficult time feeding him (usually 4 spoons and he will not open his mouth for anymore) but He absolutely loved the spaghetti hoops (I've tried Heinz ones with him and he didn't like them at all).

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

Yes I would. The meals have no added salt or sugar and they taste delicious and they have simple ingredients with hidden veg too so it ticks all the boxes.

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

No none thought up yet!

Also forgot to mention that the macaroni cheese was very very runny and I had to drain some of the sauce off as it was splattered every where it also stained my son's clothes.
The spaghetti hoops could do with having a few more hoops and a bit less sauce too!

Pictures of my DS enjoying trying his Little Dish meals

We liked the packaging and for us it was a good size with 14 month old twins who could share a packet.
Our favourite was the tomato soup. Both of mine easily ate half a packetime
Price dependant I would definitely buy them again, particularly the macaroni cheese and tomato soup.
I would recommend them to others, particularly as the ingredients list is small.
I have just used them as part of a meal with some extra veg, garlic bread etc

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

Overall I thought the packaging was nice, my only negative thought was that they didn't seem to be a complete meal, rather an addition to a meal you've already cooked. I wouldn't just serve beans or hoops or soup without anything else! He heating instructions were way off too, 30 secs didn't even begin to get it hot and I have a 1000w microwave.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

The baked beans.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Probably not, my DD didn't like many of he recipes unfortunately.

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

If they weren't fussy, then I'd definitely say to try them, but I do t think they were particularly enticing for fussy eaters.

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

I did beans with sausage and mash, hoops on toast with a bit of cheese, soup with bread and butter and macaroni cheese with peas and sweetcorn.

What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

I love the packaging, and the fact that you can heat them how they are - they're meant to be for convenience and this really adds to that fact! I think it's great they all contain hidden veggies, however even trying them all myself I found them all very bland and soft. My two (3.5 and 1) love texture and strong flavours!

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

Honestly, I couldn't either of mine to eat them! I did like the macaroni cheese, but it was rather watery (it either needs more pasta in it or a smaller serving altogether). I love the idea behind them, but I think they definitely need to add more flavour.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Probably not, unless I really needed a quick meal urgently.

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

On the basis that they are a great idea - love the hidden veggies and the face they are healthy - I would. But I wouldn't encourage friends and family to buy them, as my two wouldn't eat them :(

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics? Nicely packaged, good graphics, good selection.
• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe? Spaghetti hoops!
• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why? Not sure. Not sure if stocked locally.
• Would you recommend Little Dish Classics to your friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? No friends or relatives with young aged children to recommend to. Would say that bibs or tea towels be used for the more "colourful" dishes.
• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them! Toast mainly!

What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

They were a nice idea, but not a great success in our house. I tried them on DD (age 4) and DS (age 18 months). DD loved the apron (thank you), and liked the packaging. However, she became suspicious when she saw the pictures of vegetables - if you are going to 'hide' vegetables in your dishes then please don't put pictures of them on the packaging!

Both DC tried all of the dishes and DS liked them all. DD didn't like any of them. I asked her why not, and she said 'it tastes of nothing'. I tried it and I have to say I agreed with her. The hoops and beans were very bland. Perhaps this was due to the lack of added salt or sugar but it tasted much plainer than home cooked food without sugar or salt added. Perhaps you could add some herbs instead?

The Macaroni cheese had a very strange flavour and I didn't like it at all. It was also quite sloppy. DS still ate it though!

Neither DC eat soup so I used the soup to make a pasta sauce.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

DS liked the hoops, beans and macaroni cheese.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

No. I never feed DS a separate meal - on occasions the DC eat something different to the adults, but it would need to be something that they both liked, and these wouldn't work as DD wouldn't eat them. It's a shame because they sound healthy and convenient.

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

yes, if their toddler eats separate meals.

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics? The packaging was lovely. The different characters on each cover (not to mention the kiddy apron) was a nice touch. The pouch slipped out easily (sometimes too easily) from the bottom of the packaging, and the plastic was easy to rip open - this is already a big plus already if you can imagine antsy children around, trust me.
• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe? It was actually a toss up (not literally, thankfully) between the hoops and the beans. The beans were big and tasty, and there wasn't too much liquid in this dish so my son could easily grab the remaining individual beans to finish it off. It was the same with the noodles. He couldn't resist picking up the hoops with his hands and stuffing them in his mouth (you know a dish is a winner with him when he chooses the "hands on" approach.) The only downside to the noodles was that he left most of the liquid behind.

I now have to speak up on my own behalf for the beans. I normally hate beans. Hate. Even pork and beans. I'd just eat the beans. It's never been my thing. I didn't grow up with beans, either. But these beans are actually tasty. I am dead serious. You yourself may want to steal them away as a more nutritious alternative to those other beans out there. There's levels of flavour in those beans.

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Yes. It's my go to whenever I see it available somewhere, since it seems to be the only brand that my son consistently likes. I've tasted all of his store-bought foods (out of curiosity, uh, yes), and I have to say my son has discerning tastes. These are son AND mother approved meals. I just wish I had access to the Little Dish pizzas. Where are they in Cambridge???

• Would you recommend Little Dish Classics to your friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Absolutely! I have only been let down once by a Little Dish meal, and it was the macaroni and cheese, which was way to runny for my son to even try it. He prefers food that he can put into his mouth or a thick sauce that he can savour on a piece of noodle, rice or bread. The only exceptions are foods that he expects to be liquidly, like soup or yogurt. I myself have been tempted to take the mild curry dish as my work lunch.
• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them! Actually, all four dishes, the spaghetti hoops, the tomato soup, the macaroni and the beans could be added easily to many homemade pot dishes (pastas, rices, casseroles), as a way to sneak in more nutritious "goodiness" to the little one's food. I myself added some of the mac and cheese to my son's chilli con carne dish, since he wouldn't eat the runny mac and cheese on it's own. It's a great way to use up any leftover meal from the pouches that don't get eaten. Just parse them out into existing meals that might already need some child-friendly diluting down of salts and sugars while increasing the vegatable content while you're at it.

Bit of background – these were tested by DD (3.5) and DS (17 months). No food allergies or intolerances, and they have a fair bit of fussiness but not too bad.

I served the soup with a cheesy courgette muffin, the baked beans with a jacket potato and vegetables, the spaghetti hoops with some vegetables, and the macaroni with some peas mixed in and alongside some vegetables as well. I also appreciated how low in salt they were.

Overall impression: Packaging was good and I liked that they could be warmed up quickly. I thought the portion sizes were good for two children (supplemented by sides) but would be quite large for one child, unless they were older and had a big appetite. I also liked that there were vegetables in the dishes, as well as lentils in the soup.

The dishes had mixed reactions from my children but only one of them was totally disliked by one child.

Favourite dish: the soup was probably the biggest hit and was eaten in full by both.

The macaroni and cheese was disliked by DD (she tried a bite and then didn’t eat any more), but loved by DS (he ate his quickly and then started pointing at DD’s plate shouting “pasta” and ate the rest of hers).

Spaghetti hoops were loved by DD but about half eaten by DS.

Baked beans were enjoyed, about half to two thirds eaten by both – but they were part of a large meal so I think the kids just got full.

Would I buy again: I would, but probably just for holidays when we are staying in a self-catering cottage. I cook a lot from scratch at home and in bulk, so our freezer is pretty well stocked. I would certainly buy the soup (my kids love soup and I make a lot at home, but on holiday I don’t really want to buy normal tins of soup which are really salty). I would possibly buy the macaroni and cheese and baked beans, and would probably not buy the spaghetti hoops (I just have an aversion to them, sorry!).

We are also going to get a new kitchen later this year and will have to live off microwave food for a long time, so I would be likely to buy this range when that’s going on.

Would I recommend them: yes, I would. I have some friends who regularly buy Little Dish products for dinners at home so I would recommend this range too.

Have I thought of any recipes: not really, other than adding peas to the mac and cheese (I tried to add frozen vegetables to all pasta dishes).

What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

Well packaged, good nutritional content, easy to use. I really like the look and idea of the range.
The cooking times seemed off though, 30 seconds wasn't enough and I have a pretty powerful microwave. A minute seemed to get them to a better temperature.

Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

She loved the Spaghetti hoops and Baked Beans.
She didn't touch the macaroni which was weird as she normally likes it, but refused to even try. Probably an off day from her rather than a reflection on the meal!

Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

I would buy them to keep in the cupboard for lazy days. Would use the beans more as we eat baked beans regularly and these are so much healthier!

Would you recommend Little Dish Classics to your friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I think they are great for quick easy meals

Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

I am not much of a cook so no recipes from me!

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics? Fairly impressed with their variety of different meals available.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe? Tomato soup 😊
• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why? Yes most definitely, we are 👀 big forward to new meals they will be bringing out to expand the range!

• Would you recommend Little Dish Classics to your friends or relatives? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes! I have a lot of mummy friends with young children so food/snacks are a frequent discussion.

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them! Cottage pie goes great with the spaghetti hoops or baked beans!

What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

Good! Reassuring ingredients list. Nice packaging. 30 seconds cook time brilliant.

Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

Erm. None. She's usually an adventurous eater but spat out all four on trying. I must admit I tried them all and found them bland, and she's used to eating food like fish, cheese, olives, soups, casseroles etc. I tend to use herbs, garlic, ginger whilst cooking so I think she just wasn't excited by them. My favourite was the macaroni cheese

Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

Sadly not as DD turned her nose up at all of them!

Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

I would probably add cheese to give them more flavour I'm sure the beans would be good on toast.

Oh, and I probably would recommend to others based on ingredient list, with strong caveat that DD didn't like them (and that they may need to add cheese!)

Thanks very much for letting me be a part of this product test, the apron is lovely too, will come in handy for a spot of baking!

• What was your overall impression of Little Dish Classics?

The first impressions were good, I liked the packaging, I liked that they had a long shelf life and could be kept in the cupboard. I felt that they were a good portion size, and I liked that the ingredients were clearly listed on the back and there wasn't anything that I wouldn't add if I was cooking them.
I did find that they were quite runny for a toddler to feed themselves with though, and whilst my toddler seemed to really enjoy them, when I tasted them they did seem to have an odd taste. Perhaps this was the hidden veggies?
The cooking instructions were spot on for my microwave.

• Which was your DC’s favourite recipe?

Macaroni cheese, but she liked them all!

• Would you buy Little Dish Classics again? Why?

I think I would, as long as they are too expensive, they would be a good back up to have in the cupboard for 'emergencies'!

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

I'm not sure, the beans and the macaroni cheese did taste a little different. But they are very convenient .

• Have you thought up any of your own recipes that incorporate the Little Dish Classics? If so, please share them!

Macaroni cheese with peas or broccoli, Soup with cheese on toast Beans on toast or with jacket potatoe