Find out what MNers thought of JimJams 83% Less Sugar Hazelnut Chocolate Spread! NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

JimJams asked us to find 250 Mumsnetters to test their hazelnut chocolate spread. Each lucky tester was sent one 350g jar of the low sugar spread to share with their families, spread on toast and eat with a spoon. Read the comments below to find out what they thought!

Here’s what JimJams co-founder, Kellie Bath, has to say about the 83% Less Sugar Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: "As a mum, I was shocked at the amount of sugar found in most chocolate spreads (the equivalent of 57 sugar cubes per 400g jar). I decided to create a range of spreads that tasted amazing but with a fraction of the sugar (83% less sugar than leading brands!).

Our chocolate spreads are available in hazelnut and milk chocolate varieties. They have won Great Taste Awards, are kinder to teeth and are gluten free.

We use Maltitol to sweeten our spreads which is derived from a natural source (not artificial). It has nearly half of the calories than sugar, is kinder on teeth and diabetic friendly.

The tiny amount of palm oil used (one third palm to two thirds rapeseed) is fully sustainable and certified by the RSPO."

Testers - to be in with a chance of winning a £300 Love2Shop voucher please post your feedback on the thread below, including answers to these questions as well as completing a short survey when we send this to you:

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?
2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?
3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?
4. Would you purchase this product for your family again?
5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?
6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

After some initial resistance from the DC (particularly the teenager) when we did try it we were very pleasantly surprised!

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Yes indeed it does!

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

That it tasted very similar to Nutella without being anywhere near as unhealthy!

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Yes as long as it's priced competitively!

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

Milk and white chocolate swirl, dark chocolate one for the grown-ups, chocolate with 'nutty' bits for a crunchy rather than smooth taste .

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Yes we very much would!

So my son is an stickler for staying with his preferred brand and when it arrived just his head saying 'no' he did not want to try it. I therefore had to adopt the stealth mother mood and cunningly pretend I had prepared his sandwiches with his preferred chocolate spread brand instead of JimJams. He munched away like there was no difference which in my opinion is success and a happy mum can now swap his favourite brand for one containing far less sugar without any upsets. I also tested the spread on my other son and myself and the answers are below:

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread? Yes both sons loved the taste and couldn't tell the difference from their normal brand. The spread is very rich and nutty and melts in the mouth.
2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product? Less sugar content is certainly a winner in our house and the more I can reduce their access to it the better.
3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread? I guess I was expecting some less rich and perhaps not as tasty but found it very chocolate, nutty and super rich which is great for satisfying that sweet tooth with the sugar.
4. Would you purchase this product for your family again? Yes.
5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try? Chocolate orange would be great as we also like spreading this over fruit kebabs as a dessert.
6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams? If it was competitive in price then it's a winner in my house.

Thanks for letting us try the spread. I have got into such a habit just picking up my sons preferred brand I don't even look at the rest of the options on the supermarket selves, but now I certainly will.

Thank you for my jar of JimJams

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

Yes, my family did enjoy it

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Yes, as always prefer healthier food options

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

It was easily spreadable because it had a smoother consistancy than other similar products I've tried. It did have a slightly different after taste to other products I've tried but may be due to the reduced sugar content

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Yes especially if it was on offer

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

would love a milk and white chocolate spread

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

depending on what was available I might

We were very pleased to receive our Jim Jams spread. As we had a leading brand in the house, we did a comparison betweeen the two.

1., We loved the taste and on toast couldn't taste the difference between it and a leading brand. On a spoon (Guilty pleasure, we thought it tasted nuttier)

1. Was pleased about less sugar seeing as how much mine go through in a month.
2. I liked the fact it tasted the same, so my children won't know when I swap it!

4.Yes I would buy it again for the less sugar and sustainable palm oil.

1. Would love a chocolate spread range with crunchie/biscuit bits in.
2. Yes will definitely be buying this again.

Thank you for letting us try it.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread? Yes. The DC really liked it and were very complimentary about the taste. I liked it for dipping but wasn't as keen on it spread on toast.
2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product? It makes me more likely to buy it for the DCs. I don't usually eat chocolate spread and as they all liked it I'm not sure why I wouldn't buy it.
3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread? I thought there would be more difference in taste, or more of an artificial taste to it.
4. Would you purchase this product for your family again? Yes definitely
5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try? My son suggested white chocolate would be good before I'd even asked him. Mint choc is always in a winner in our house but I haven't had it in a choc spread before.
6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams? Yes. Thanks for letting us try it.

Thanks for the chance to test this out - here are our thoughts.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

The children normally go for the other popular brand of hazelnut choc spread so I tried giving it to them without telling them it was different to start with. No complaints!

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

I would much rather give the children this than something packed with sugar.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

I was surprised how nice it tasted! And once I'd explained to the children how less sugar meant they could have more than a scraping on their toast, they were fully on-board with it.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

If it's easy to buy from major retailers, then definitely.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

Chocolate and caramel always goes down well. Maybe a dark chocolate and sea salt flavour for the grown-ups.

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

If it was easy enough to get hold of, we would.

Me and my children loved the Jim jams spread!

Knowing that they contain 83% less sugar defeinitely makes me more likely to purchase!

I was very surprised about how good it was! I hoped it would be good but in the back of my mind thought I may have to compromise on taste if it's 83% less sugar- but we really didn't! It was delicious! I used to think people who ate spread by the spoonful straight from the jar were a little bit weird but that's exactly what I've been doing!!

Yes I would definitely purchase again!

Possibly a chocolate orange flavour?

This will be the chocolate spread brand I buy in future.

Thank you so much mumsnet and JimJams for choosing us to test! It's helped us find a new treat for me and my family that doesn't contain as much sugar!

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

I found it difficult to distinguish between this and regular chocolate hazelnut spread

We did a blind test comparing this one with Morrisons Chocolate Spread(6 kids, 3 adults) and interestingly all the kids guessed which was the one with less sugar but the adults didn't.

2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Sort of, although I am very wary about the use of sweeteners in products and the unknown side-effects that they may have. A quick bit of googling on Maltitol produces both positive and negative views on how healthy it is.

3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

I was surprised at how very similar it was to other spreads. It was perhaps a little runnier but other than that, no difference.

4. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Unsure due to the sweetener issue.

5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

I've always thought Chocolate Orange would be really nice.

6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

I don't think I would until I'd done more research on Maltitol. At least I think I know about the issues with too much sugar!

Thank you for selecting us to try the spread - we all really enjoyed it.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

• enormously! It tasted as good as, if not better than, any we've bought before. It won't last long in this house...

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

• Definitely. I'm not often willing to pay premium prices for jams, spreads etc, but I would happily do so knowing that my children won't be eating so much sugar.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

• I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of JimJams. So creamy and soft, you'd never know it was any different to other brands.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

• I would and I will!

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

• chocolate orange. Yum.

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

• yes!

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread? Yes we loved it! Caught my husband eating it from the jar in between spreading it on the children's toast this morning so he certainly loved it as it passed that test!
2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product? Yes absolutely, it's a huge decrease in sugar and it tastes lovely so I would certainly re-buy it and even if it turns out to be more expensive I would still buy as worth it.
3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread? How good it tasted, I wasn't expecting it to taste so good! It was also runnier than usual one and I actually prefer this as I find Nutella sometimes goes a little dry and the gloopyness will make it good for dipping and spreading as a filler in cakes.
4. Would you purchase this product for your family again? Yes definitely, I've seen it in Morrisons so will certainly be buying more when it runs out.
5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try? White choc sounds good! Maybe an orange choc flavour might be nice too.
6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams? Yes

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

Yes me and my DD loved it. We went straight in with a spoon as soon as we received it, dipped strawberries in it, spread it on toast and then my dd decided to put candy strawberry laces in which got very messy and fun!!

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

It did, it made me feel less guilty about enjoying it and letting my dd have soooooo much.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

Yes, I was surprised that it didn't taste artificial at all. It was very creamy, nutty, moreish, smooth and most importantly yummy.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

I would defiantly purchase this for my family and look out for it in the supermarket next time.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

I would like to try white chocolate, chocolate with mint, chocolate with orange, or maybe a mixed white/milk chocolate swirls in the jar.

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

I would swap my usual brand as I would feel less guilty about my dd eating it, the effect on her teeth and also the taste hasn't been compromised.

Thank you again for letting us test this product!!

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

Yes we did! lovely texture, smooth and silky and very chocolate-y

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Definitely. It shows great taste can be achieved without as much sugar. Sugar isn't needed, and it mutes everyone's taste buds

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

I was surprised it was as tasty as nutella, I'd struggle to tell the difference, in fact I think I prefer the jimjams taste

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Yes, for sure. They loved it.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

Chocolate and raspberry, mocha, chocolate and mango (dd) chocolate and coconut, like a spreadable Bounty bar...

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Yes! It's healthier and nicer tasting!

Thanks for the jar it was a lovely thing to test

We were really excited to try this, as we are all chocolate fans yet are trying to look at reducing our sugar content.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the tate of JimJams spread? Yes it was smooth and very chocolatey
2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut spread contains 83% less sugar than leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product? Definitely. We don't purchase chocolate spread very often but I would only buy this from now on when I do
3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread? Yes it tasted great
4. Would you purchase this product again? Yes definitely. My family have already gone through it taking a spoonful sometimes to get a chocolate fix. We have also used it for baking
5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any other flavours such as white chocolate, that your family would like to try? Orange chocolate, coconut, raspberry (love this combo) my hubby would like dark chocolate, chili could be interesting!

6 Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams? Definitely. It tastes as good and even better than other brands. As we have diabetes in the family this is a treat that I can allow myself and the children without feeling guilty, and it is a great extra spread to keep in the cupboard.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

Yes,it tasted great...I was very surprised as it has a lot less sugar.

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Yes it does,it's definitely a good thing with that much less sugar in.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

It tasted great plus it was was very easy to spread where as other brands that I buy seem to go hard and difficult to spread.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Yes I would but only if the price was reasonable

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

Chocolate orange Caramel

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Yes I would

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?
We loved the taste and thought it was just as good as Nutella.

2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?
It definitely makes me think that I'd buy JimJams in preference. I much prefer the lower sugar as our children like to eat chocolate spread.

3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?
The taste. I honestly have tasted some awful chocolate spread so we prefer Nutella. I didn't think JimJams would match it, but it did.

4. Would you purchase this product for your family again?
Absolutely. I think it will be our preferred brand.

5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?
White chocolate
White & milk chocolate
Chocolate & peanut butter

6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?
Yes, we will do. No going back!

Having tested the JimJams on toast and in pancakes I was hugely, pleasantly surprised! The kids didn't notice (I didn't tell them due to the threat of mild hysteria whenever I swap brands!) and I found there to be only slightly different taste and texture to our usual brand. I cannot believe how JimJams is kinder to health, teeth and diabetics, yet doesn't taste at all like some nasty treat snuck into our homes under false pretences! Love it and I'm definitely converted!

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread? Yes 100%

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product? Yes all of the healthier options do.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread? The taste was still sweet and very enjoyable.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again? Yes.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try? We just stick to chocolate spread on toast but do mix chocolate spread and marshmallows with pancakes.

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams? Yes, already have done.

Thank you for the opportunity to test this product, as a result I can be happy and not guilty feeding it to myself and my family!

I'm really happy with Jim Jams. I sneaked it onto kids breakfast and they didn't notice the difference between Jim Jams and Nutella.
To me there is a taste difference but Jim Jams is equally as nice.
It makes me feel good that there is so much less sugar, I can't quite believe it. I have compared labels and it is true there is less sugar and less fat than in Jim Jams.
I would totally swap especially as we eat so much chocolate spread in our house.
I don't need any alternative flavours as we only eat the choc/hazelnut combination.
Maybe if Jim Jams did a healthier snack bar for kids?

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

We did, very much. It was really delicious. I did a blind test with the children in which they had a spoon each of Jim Jams and our usual (supermarket) brand, and two of my three children preferred Jim Jams, and the other one couldn't tell the difference. We were genuinely really impressed and will be buying it instead of our usual brand. They were all keen to have it once they knew how much less sugar it had in it. Specifically, the children rated its nutty taste, and how easy it was to spread on toast.

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Massive difference. Chocolate spread is a treat in our house, but knowing the difference between the two - and how delicious the alternative with less sugar is - makes the decision a no-brainer. Really, why wouldn't I buy it? (there's not many products I say that about).

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

How delicious it was. Often with lower sugar or low fat products the taste is a compromise, but it really didn't feel like that. I don't recall having seen it before on the shelves - but will look out for it. I like the name too. I like the fact it is not trying to produce a play on words that sounds other brands.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Yes, definitely.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

I asked the children this, and they thought that swirls of white chocolate through it would be nice and look 'cool': all white chocolate spread might be too sweet they thought. I think a dark chocolate version would be great with fruit for adults. Maybe an orange flavoured one (who doesn't like chocolate orange?). My youngest daughter thought because the product was called Jim Jams that you should also make jam!

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Without a doubt. It is on the shopping list already.

Thank you for letting us try this. We have enjoyed it and will buy it.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

We loved the taste!! Normally I'll only buy the leading brand but this could sway my choice for future purchases.

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Knowing that it is not as unhealthy as others would tempt me to purchase.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

How nice it tasted to say it is much lower in sugar.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

I would if the price was reasonable.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

Chocolate caramel & chocolate biscuit would be nice. Or perhaps duo white/milk.

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Yes I would if the price was right.

Just wanted to add that my son just asked me to make a hot chocolate using the JimJam. I just added some to warm milk and it was a big hit.

1 the whole family loved this new choc spread .2 yes knowing it contained 83% sugar means feeling less guilty eating choc spread.3 was surprised how great it tasted ,and knowing its so much more healthy its a real bonus,4 yes will buy again already on shopping list great product 5 new ideas would be choc orange flavour or peanut butter/choc flavour so much scope for new flavours.6 yes already swopped to jim jams so much more healthy. thank you really enjoyed this testing product

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

My children loved it. I thought there was perhaps a slight aftertaste of something, but it was otherwise very tasty. It definitely tasted more of cocoa than Nutella.

2. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

This is a major plus point but the addition of an artificial sweetener makes me more reluctant about it. I tend to avoid artificial stuff for me and my family as they still have many of the same effects on the blood sugar/insulin as 'normal' sugar, with more side effects. I'd rather have had a recipe with less sugar and sweetness overall (like something like the Meridian chocolate spread).

3. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

Lovely chocolatey, strong cocoa taste

4. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Given that it contains maltitol, probably not. I think I'll be looking for a lower sugar chocolate spread overall and if this product had a better recipe with lower sugar and no artificial sweeteners, I would definitely be buying it.

5. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

Assuming no artificial sweeteners, a dark chocolate spread would be great. Perhaps a chocolate orange one? Mint chocolate?

6. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

No, but just because of the maltitol issue. Change that, then definitely yes.

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

Yes we all did (apart from my other half). The kids thought it was absolutely fab. They have had it on toast & on pancakes with banana!

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Yes I think it is great that this company have looked at making a "treat" item & made it healthier without compromisong on flavour.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

We have always been nutella fans here but nutella is so hard to spread. This was like a dream in comparison!

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

I actually would yes.

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

The kids would like to try any strange combinations. Like mint aero, chocolate orange. I would just like maybe different nut flavours.

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Yes. Definately.

Many thanks for this. We have loved testing it!

1. Did you and your family enjoy the taste of JimJams spread?

Yes, we were surprised that the kids didn't notice it wasn't nutella. We ate it by dipping breadsticks in as a treat after dinner!

1. Does knowing that JimJams hazelnut chocolate spread contains 83% less sugar than the leading brands make you think differently about purchasing the product?

Oh yes, definitely!! It's actually so shocking. It does taste a lot different to the full sugar chocolate spreads, but lets face it, having less guilt about the sugar content is worth the drop in taste.

1. Did anything surprise you about the chocolate spread?

Hmm, not really. I knew it wasn't going to be as good as nutella, and it's not, but if you have to drop the sugar, then it's a good substitute.

1. Would you purchase this product for your family again?

Yes, my kids loved dipping breadsticks in and eating it as a treat!

1. JimJams are thinking about adding some new products to their chocolate spread range. Can you think of any flavours, such as white chocolate, that you and your family would like to try?

chocolate orange, chocolate coconut!

1. Would you swap your usual brand of chocolate spread for JimJams?

Hmmmmmmmmmm.......no, probably not. I buy Nutella for the taste, and Jimjams didn't do it for me. But the kids can have the 83% less sugar stuff!