Find out what testers had to say about Birds Eye’s frozen chicken.NOW CLOSED

[AmeliaMumsnet]

Birds Eye have teamed up with Mumsnet, to find 250 testers for their 20-minute meals. Selected testers were given a Birds Eye pack with a £5 Birds Eye voucher and a £10 supermarket voucher, so that they could cook and taste the 20-minute meals for themselves.

Here’s what Birds Eye have said: ‘Tea time can be a stressful part of the day and coming up with nutritious and tasty meals the kids will enjoy is not easy.

That’s why Birds Eye has teamed up with Toby and Roo, Honest Mum, Not Another Mummy Blog and London Dad to create a series of delicious and wholesome meals for the family to enjoy. And guess what, they genuinely only take 20-minutes to prep, cook and serve!

Birds Eye frozen chicken is always made with 100% chicken breast, barn-reared chickens, and no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.’

'Enjoyed Birds Eye Chicken? Why not leave us a product review here.'

If you took part in this test please comment on the thread, with your answers to these questions:

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?
2. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?
3. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?
4. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?
5. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

All those who tested and post their feedback on here and the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

We all really enjoyed the taste of the chicken

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

I think it is good value as we all enjoyed it, and it seems to be better quality than other types of this food I have tried in the past.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Knowing this we would definitely keep a pack in the freezer for a quick meal option.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

It does, although it would be even better to provide a free range option.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

We would definitelyeat these again. Especially using the 20min recipe cards. The Katsu chicken was delicious. Previously I would not have bought chicken dippers as wouldn't have thought of doing anything interesting with them and chicken and chips doesn't appeal to us. Bit having tried these 20mim meal ideas we are inspired! Really enjoyed trying these products

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes, we enjoyed the taste particularly of the chicken chargrills

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Its average value for a brand but good value when on special offer

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

No, although the chicken in them is 100% breast there are plenty of other ingredients added. The worst of which is milk protein, so a no go for my child with milk protein allergy (the most common food allergy in childhood). I would expect to see milk in battered products it is highly annoying to find it in even in reformed chicken products. Very misleading statement.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product? Thats the minimum level I expect, free range would be better.
2. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

I would buy again if on offer and I needed a quick meal. Wont be a regular addition to my trolley.

Thanks for letting us take part, our family have really enjoyed it.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes, it turned out well from the cooking instructions and was tasty.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

When on offer definately, but there are cheaper alternatives when not on offer.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes, that would bear weight to my purchasing decision especially if comparing to similar products.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Difficult question, caged chicken is a never a good thing but barn rearing is still not a happy life for a chicken, so I personally can't take much reassurance from that, sorry. I'd also think people would be reassured knowing more about where the chicken was sourced as well as welfare.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes, it's quick, convenient and suits everyone's tastes, although I'd probably only buy when on offer and 'to have in' rather than as a regular meal addition.

I found the '20 minute meal' a bit misleading- the 4 meals we tried all had the chicken in the oven for that time, but the actual meal prep only took half as long so in reality it was pop oven on, do meal prep, pop chicken in oven, have time to do a job(or sit down for 10min) then serve and enjoy! Not a bad thing really but people thinking they may need to be actually cooking for 20min could perhaps be put off trying the recipes.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds eye chicken?

We enjoyed the crispy chicken and the dippers but none of the children would eat the chargrilled chicken, we did the posh burgers (loved them defo doing that again) and the pittas (would use crunchy chicken next time) the kids really enjoyed making them up

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Yes especially as it is chicken breast

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it's packed with protein - will make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes it would

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chicken are barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Yes there should be no caged chickens

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

I would definitely buy the crispy chicken and other versions such as the Southern chicken but wouldn't buy the chargrills the texture was a bit spongy

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes, it taste s fresh even though frozen.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Definitely. We go to 5 packs for £5 in Asda.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes, Having a toddler means I'm always looking for the best quality.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

That's very good to know. Animal welfare is important to me, but I'd prefer degree range but obviously wouldn't drive the price up

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes I've already bought it again.

1. Very much, I made the chicken pittas. The adults had the Lime & Chilli Chargrills and the children tried the Southern Fried chicken (as a healthy alternative to KFC!)

1. It wasn't overly expensive but I would always try to buy it when it was on offer.

1. Definitely, especially where my children are concerned.

1. Yes, I have always associated 'frozen' chicken with cheap battery farmed methods.

1. Absolutely, having something like this on standby for a quick nutritious meal is great. The recipe book was really inspiring.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

We thought that it was yummy!

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Definitely. Would always try to buy it when on offer

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes I'm always looking for the best quality.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Yes it does - we are concerned about animal welfare

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes! We have already stocked up the freezer

Thank you mumsnet and birds eye for letting us test the results recipes. I had a few problems with the recipes, didn't take enough 20 minutes because of peeling and chopping, especially sweet potato! Also the photos didn't match the recipes particularly in the katsu recipe. Really enjoyed the night anyway, especially the taco boats! Great selection of accompaniments for the dippers!

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken? Yes, all varieties we try we enjoy, easy to cooking and serve up different ways!
2. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value? Great value. Far too often we buy fresh chicken breasts which are more expensive and then we are restricted to us using it within a few days. Birds eye chicken can stays in the freezer until we are ready (although i suppose we could freeze fresh chicken too!)
3. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes, that's great to know. My kids love them som glad there's no nasties!

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

I hadn't thought about it this at all before even nefore

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Definitely. Love the recipes too although with a few amendments so I know what it's meant to look like and how much stock etc!

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken? Yes, it was very tender so perfect for having in the posh burgers.
2. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value? When on offer yes, otherwise I think for what you get its a little bit too much.
3. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future? Yes definately. I always assumed there would be lots of nasty things added to it.
4. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product? It's a good thing yes.
5. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again? Yes. The burger recipe was quick and easy so good for a work day meal. Will be making it again.

1. Yes we do enjoy it. It's our favourite meat as a family. The chicken of every flavour had a good taste.
2. Yes it is good value, although we do stock up when it's on offer.
3. Yes for sure, I prefer not to feed the kids nasty stuff.
4. Yes it is a good thing, they use a lot of chicken and it would be awful If so many were badly treated.
5. Yes! And using those recipes again! My family loved the taco boats! (It wasn't identical to the recipe... we added hummous as a substitute!

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

I did, and I was surprised by that. We used them as the bass for gyros and they went down very well.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

I was surprised at the size of the breasts themselves, but the offer meant that it was very good value, yes.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

I think they're a good standby to have in the freezer, but wouldn't necessarly include them as one of our meal plan meals if that makes sense. But as an emergency, pop it in the oven because we're late back from brownies, Guides, swimming, rugby them absolutely.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Honestly, I'd prefer it if they were free range. Barn reared is open to such interpretation.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes, definitely as a freezer option. I don't think I'd use the recipes again as I found they needed a bit of work to be properly tasty.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes Everything we had was lovely

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

It's not a bad price but better when on offer

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

I buy it weekly anyway but knowing there are no nasties in it is a very good thing

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

It's not something I'd thought about before but knowing that makes me feel better about purchasing it as often as I do

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes, we have it weekly and with the delicious menu ideas we were given it has broadened our ways of eating it.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

We liked the chicken dippers and chicken burgers but DH and I did not like the chargrilled chicken. We did the Taco Boats, Great Greek Chicken Pittas and the Perfectly Posh chicken burgers. We tweaked the recipes slightly to fit with my children's likes and dislikes.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value? It was on offer so we got 2 packs of dippers, 2 packs of chargrilled chicken and one pack of burgers for £5.50.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

I didn't realise prior to this project that it is 100% chicken. I prefer chicken breasts to be whole meat though and found the consistency of the Birds Eye ones to be strange - a bit spongey.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Yes it does, animal welfare is important to us.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again? I would buy the dippers and burgers - they are great for a quick fix meal.

I think the recipes are a great idea. I let my children choose which ones they wanted to make and both were involved in the chopping/preparing process.

Thank you Mumsnet and Birdseye for choosing us to be part of this project. I took photographs but my camera is not uploading for some reason so will post these separately when I have worked out what's wrong with it!

Thanks for the chance to take part. It was delicious & kids helped prep tea which was fun.
Did we enjoy the taste?
Absolutely, the kids loved the crispy chicken & I loved chargrilled chicken
Is it good value?
Yes. Especially when it's on offer
Does knowing that it's 100%chicken breast with no additives or preservatives & packed full of protein make me more likely to purchase them?
Yes. I always try to buy products made with whole meat anyway. & there is always a risk if you don't read the label when buying convenience food that your not getting that. Knowing that it's 100% chicken breast reassures me more about what I'm feeding my children.
& the knowledge that birds eye chickens are barn reared makes me think that birds eye are taking the welfare of their animals into account & makes me more trusting of their brand.
would I feed birds eye products to my family again?
Absolutely yes!

Here are some photos of our meals!

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes very much , really tender and full of flavour.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value? Yes I think tends to be on offer a lot, I'll be looking out for offers to get stocked up.
2. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future? Yes although I do worry about the welfare of animals so the fact they're barn reared is just as important.
3. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product? Yes although not not as good as free ranged.
4. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again? Yes and I already have, very impressed.

The recipes weren't that great though, I could come up with much better

This is barn reared chicken...

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes, we tried the dippers, chargrilled and burgers. All were tasty.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Yes, especially if you shop around. There are usually offers to be found.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes, I try to avoid lots of additives.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Yes, but free range would be even better.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes, they loved it!

The 20 minute recipes are a great idea for midweek meals.

We made the tacos but changed the recipe slightly by sprinkling paprika on the chicken dippers before cooking to add a bit of kick. It worked very well. My kids prefer taco shells to boats so I made a substitution. The wedges took longer than 20mins but the meal was a success.

Dd also made the chargrilled chicken pittas which did only take 20 minutes and were very tasty.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?
Yes - my husband definitely did, as the Crispy Chicken reminded him of his favourite fast-food restaurant meal!

2. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?
Yes I suppose so, although this probably comes at the expense of the birds' welfare.

3. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?
Nope - would rather purchase proper organic chicken.

4. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?
No, certainly not. This is in no way the pinnacle of animal husbandry. Should be free-range, if not organic. This feels like "greenwash" to increase its appeal to the less discerning consumer. The birds probably still have very little space to roam about in, and are still probably full of antibiotics etc..

5. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?
No, for the welfare issues outlined above.

Some more general comments about the 'recipes': seemed to be more assembly jobs rather than actual recipes. I made the chicken burgers, but my 10-month-old ended up just having chicken without the batter and avocado, as I was worried about the sugar and salt in shop-bought brioche. Feel that all the recipes are nutritionally dubious. Need to proofread the chicken burger recipe again - "half" not "halve".

Chargrilled chicken pitta

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes we found it to be very tasty.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Yes, I usually buy supermarket own brands for most of out food as they are cheaper but I didn't find birds eye to be ridiculously more expensive like you do with some other branded food products.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes, I hadn't given it much thought before but I do find that some other simular products have a very mushy texture which makes you wonder what is in them but this was much nicer and it's reassuring to know I am feeding my family good quality meat.

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

It's not something I usually give much thought to but is nice to know that the chickens are well treated.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes definitely, we are keen to try all the other recipies now that I see this chicken as being part of a tasty meal and not just something to have with chips when I can't be bothered to cook.

I'll try again..

It says 100% chicken on the packet but only 68% on the ingredients list.
I buy Asda as theirs is seventy odd.

It's not 100% chicken but 100% chicken breast, so no feet etc I presume.

On reading this insight I naively assumed that was just a chicken breast with added flavour etc. Didn't realise it was made from chunks of chicken breast, so probably the lowest possible quality where they have cut out the bad meat, hence why it isn't whole chicken breasts but a formed chicken breast style analogue.

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes, all my family enjoy it!

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Yes, it is. I can feel the good taste of the chicken.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes, in particular because my husband start to be very mad about proteins, so it is a good thing to buy again bird Eye i my family...and for the kids too!

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Yes, It makes me very happy

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

yes of course, also because my kids are very fussy with the food, but they eat this product without problem (I need to add a bit of tomato, but it's a good result for me :))

1. Did you enjoy the taste of Birds Eye chicken?

Yes, they went down very well with the kids. I thought the texture was ever so slightly 'reconstituted' I'm not sure if they are reformed or they were soft because they were quite thin. I thought they tasted good though.

1. Do you think Birds Eye chicken is good value?

Yes, I got 24 dippers for £2. It was 1.50 each for 2 battered chicken products- so 4 for £3 which is slightly more than I would normally pay for a similar but larger product.

1. Does knowing that Birds Eye chicken is made with 100% chicken breast, with no additives or preservatives - and that it’s packed with protein - make you more likely to purchase them in future?

Yes that's a big thing, I doesn't bother me that it's 100% breast meat as I usually would serve dark meat due to the higher iron and slightly higher fat content for the kids but it's good to know they're not all skin and eyeballs 😉

1. Does knowing that all Birds Eye chickens are always barn-reared and never caged reassure you about the product?

Yes.

1. Would you feed Birds Eye chicken to your family again?

Yes, it's a great standby freezer ingredient and a nice easy tea!