Find out what Mumsnet testers thought of Ape snacks

[LucyBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 250 Mumsnetters with children aged 3 - 11 who have been testing out Ape’s Puffs range.

These Mumsnetters tested the following flavours:
Really Cheesy Puffs
Lightly Salted Puffs
Sweet Chilli Puffs

Here’s what Ape have to say: “At Ape, we have cut the monkey business, making snacks with only the best plant based ingredients and tastiest natural flavours, so you can snack happy. We want to know what you and your kids think of our baked-not-fried crispy snacks – Puffs! We can’t wait to hear what you think! Love from the team at Ape x”

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the questions below as well as completing the survey we have emailed you:

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

All testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where three lucky testers will each win a £100 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

[pinkspideruk]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

H (6) and D (9) both liked the chili ones best as they were spicy enough to have a bit of a kick but without burning their mouths too much. They both liked the flavour of the cheese ones but the smell was really off putting and lingered a long time after they had finished them. Neither of them liked the salted ones which were much too salty and had a weird taste. I tried all 3 flavours and felt pretty much the same as the kids.

They found the packets easy to open but we were disappointed that the packaging wasnt recyclable.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Salt and vinegar flavour or a cheese and onion flavour or a bbq flavour

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Make the packaging recyclable, more varied flavour

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

We eat a varied diet with plenty of fruit and veg so as a balanced diet these are fine as they are. We do enjoy vegetable crisps (carrot, beetroot, parsnip) so if they came in that kind of version we would be interested in trying them

Thanks for giving us the chance to try these :)

[Shangrilalala]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
   

DS really liked the product and had it as a post football snack and an occasional post school treat. He particularly liked the chilli version, although both others were totally successful too. My elder DD is outside your target group but she thought the salted version was far too bland. Whilst DS loved the cheese version, we all detested the pungent pong. It tasted to me like old school cheese footballs and I am amazed he liked them.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
   

Widen the range of flavours. DS suggested either marmite or garlic versions.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
   

The bags are very big for the amount of product, which can lead to disappointment. Smaller packets would be more lunchbox friendly too.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
   

DS likes beetroot and parsnip crisps. These could perhaps give an interesting texture. Also DS is not afraid of a variety of spices and is prepared to experiment. I often think it’s a big disappointing that snacks are often a little safe in terms of taste.

[nogoingbacktothefuture]

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to try out Ape Puffs.

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Bright packaging and good portion size in packets.

Lightly Salty- got quite samey but we enjoyed them. This was our second favourite flavour

Sweet Chilli- didn't really taste of Sweet Chilli but was our favourite flavour. My 10 year old DS was particularly keen and made off with the second pack for himself!

Really Cheesy- not a hit at all! The smell was overpowering and the flavour was just too fake and didn't taste of real cheese. We only managed 1/4 of a pack and the second pack is now languishing in the cupboard. This was a real shame as we love Wotsits, Cheetos and other cheese puffs. Maybe the fact they were vegan and not real cheese was the problem.

We would definitely buy the the other 2 flavours though- if they were readily available at our local shops.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Other flavours such as tangy tomato, salt and vinegar would be great. And other shapes.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The fact that they are vegan simply due to how disappointing the cheese flavour was.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Additional veggies mixed in such as broccoli, spinach, tomato etc would be great. Like the straw veggie chips you can buy in America

[Sierra259]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Generous amount of crisps in the packets. Natural ingredients. I found the cheese flavour a bit strong, but my DC didn't seem bothered. I think the cheese and sweet chilli flavours would be overpowering for younger children (mine are 7 & 4). My eldest really liked the lightly salted ones and demanded we look for them in the supermarket after the test!

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Snack bars that are low in sugar would be perfect.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Slightly more subtle flavour

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?*

Sweet potato, carrots maybe?

[TotallyKerplunked]

1. What did you and you children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

We all liked the crispyness and the texture in the mouth. Out of the 3 flavours the cheese was universally liked here although there was initial reluctance to try them due to the strong smell.
Both DS loved the chilli, Eldest mentioned an aftertaste but didn't seem put off and ate the second bag to himself. DD tried one and didn't like the taste, I thought they were a bit meh. The salted ones were not liked by any of us, we all felt they were quite tasteless and boring, the 2nd bag is still in the cupboard as none of the DCs will eat them.

2, What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
tomato, salt and pepper, salt and vinegar, BBQ flavours

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Smaller puff size, I was worried the 2 year old would choke on them.
Recyclable packaging.
Smaller lunch box sized packets

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products?

Carrot, tomato, sweetcorn

[Belmo]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
   

We all LOVED the cheese one (especially vegan me - huuuuge treat to get a cheesey one!), and liked the salted.
Didn’t love the chilli ones - kids refused to try them and I thought they tasted a bit funny, not awful but wouldn’t buy.
Liked the flavour and texture, I liked that they’re healthy and allergy friendly (we have one vegan and one peanut allergy). D’s liked getting to take crisps to school, I don’t usually let.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
   

Would love a sour cream and a salt and vinegar flavour.
Other lunchbox type snacks- allergy friendly cereal bars?

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
   

Can’t think of anything..

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
   

Yeah vegetables would be good, there’s no sneaking kale into my kids! Flaxseed/omega 3, or probiotics?

[Elliebobtail]

What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
My children loved the taste of the cheesy puffs! They couldn’t get enough, although they disliked the chilli ones ( which I like :))

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
   

Multi packs and big sharing bags. Maybe some ape vegan bars

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
   

The shape, it’s a bit of a choking hazard.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
   

Sweet potato, carrot?
Thanks for picking us :)

[MeOldBamboo]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
   

Children only liked the salty ones. I liked all the flavours. They said the cheese and chilli ones were too strong

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
   

Sweet option. Different shapes - perhaps long

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
   

Less strong flavours

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
   

Beetroot, salt and vinegar, sweetcorn

[Ledkr]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Guilt free snacking. The texture didn't stick to your teeth like some other snacks. Packaging was nice too. I liked that it was not gimmicky with no characters to tenor the children.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Healthy snacks and treats are always welcome in our house.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

I'd be interested to try more flavours. I like smokey bacon.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables

Yes addition of veg would be nice as getting dd to eat extra veg is a huge bonus.

Thanks for the opportunity.

[ladydolly]

Thank you for letting me take part!

1.What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
I liked that the bags were quite big for the price. Sweet chilli was a bit spicy for my daughters but not spicy enough for me. I love the cheese flavour and so did the children, my husband found it too strong (but he doesn't love cheese). My daughter is dairy free so they're great for her. I also loved that they weren't messy, not flaky and didn't leave a powder or residue behind.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Maybe a fruit flavour?

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The shape. I like them but it's easier for my little one to hold sticks or shapes.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? Fruit or veggies would be great. Tomatoes flavours always win here.

Overall we really liked them!

[scatterbrainedlass]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Nice bright packaging, flavours weren't outlandish.
Weird aftertaste, and the smell of the cheese ones made me feel sick, it was so strong!

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Snack bars would be good

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

I think the flavours were a little overpowering? Also, long puff style pieces rather than round (possible choke hazard?)

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Fruit and veg would be a great addition

[CupoTeap]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

They loved the flavours as well as the crunch.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Maybe different shapes with some different flavours

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Nothing the kids loved them

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Beg would be good but no other ideas.


Thanks the kids really enjoyed them thanks for sending them

[ursuslemonade]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

We liked the salted one the best, the cheesy one was quite enjoyable but
the chilli one was too spicy for my kid's palate but I've enjoyed it.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Different shapes like sticks, discs...

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The cheese one could be a bit less overpowering.
I'll be interested to read other testers opinion regarding the chilli one (3 yo spat it out but she doesn't do spicy anyway)

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future product?

Carrots, green veg, apple, pear.

Thank you for picking us for testing!

[Shannith]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Liked: the mix of crunch and chewy mouth feel, made them feel more satisfying than other baked snack. Dare I say it, better than Pom Bears.

The cheesy ones were perfect for me - could have been even cheesier as far as I'm concerned. I think these could be marketed as an adult snack. With a bit of omph they are nearly a replacement for my much missed cheesy Nik Naks.

DD liked the plain ones.

The shape is good, means they are crunchy on the outside and a bit chewy.

The packaging is good, very attractive and gets the balance of appealing to children while also being something that an adult would we happy carrying around and eating from.

Disliked: As PP have said, the plain ones were on the bland side of too bland. DD liked them, but no more than other baked snacks. So a sort of meh hit.

Neither of us particularly liked the chilli ones, but I'm not a fan of that flavour on any crisp (actually, it's an abomination) and DD declared them "too spicy."

DD is 8 so can eat round things safely. I would not have given these to her to eat unsupervised when she was younger - which kind of misses the point of a snack for children in that they are safe.

Because of the texture (which is their main selling point as far as we were concerned) they wouldn't melt so a chocking hazard. I'd say that was unfortunately a fair major design flaw as far as parents of younger children are concerned.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

I suspect salt and vinegar flavour would be popular.
different shapes, while maintaining the crunch chew ratio.
They could work as breadstick sized and shape - would be a great finger food and solves the chocking issue.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Different shapes. Longer breadstick- like crisps.
Ditch the chilli version, it's pretty niche for kids. I offered the chilli ones to another group of children on a play date and was met with yuk spicy.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)

If they improve the flavour or texture in some way, then go for it. I don't think many parents are fooled by crisps containing "vegetables" I mean, they can't, can they.

All in all, pretty good and I would buy the plain ones again. Cheesy ones for me possibly.

More flavours and more shapes and I can see them being popular and a regular purchase.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
2. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
3. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

[AlpacaGoodnight]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

We both loved the shape, size and texture. We also liked the flavours we tested although none of the flavours would be our first choice if others were available instore.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? More flavours e.g my daugher said the salted reminded her of popcorn so a salty and sweet combo also multipacks as they are usually better value.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Nothing about the snacks themselves, although doing the survey I feel the price is on the high side for the size of the pack.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? My daughter loves carrot flavour crisps and tomato ones so they would be fab!

[ThreeTimesMama]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

My family loved the texture, puffs were crunchy enough. My children liked the Lightly Salted flavour and the Sweet Chilli but the Really Cheesy flavour wasn't nice.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

It would be nice to have sweet flavours of puffs.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

I would change the shape of the puffs.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Apples, carrots, sweet corn.

[jobbymcginty]

1.what did we like and dislike about ape?
I'm didn't like the cheese flavour at all, I thought it had a really buttery taste. On the other hand my ds loves this flavour out of all of them. My favourite was the sweet chill as it wasn't to string a flavour

1. Other range we'd like to see? Possibly sick shapes as they'd be easier for small fingers to hold and I was a bit worried about chocking hazard of the ball shape
2. Anything I'd change? As above the shape of the snacks would be better as a stick
3. Future products ? Maybe beetroot flavour and more vegetable flavours such as sweet corn would be lovely!

Thanks for the chance to try we would definitely buy them and my boys enjoyed them

[Titective]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Both loved the lightly salted.
The 4 year old enjoyed the sweet chilli and the cheese flavour. The sweet chilli is too spicy for my 6 year old and the cheese taste was quite a mature taste. DH and I liked them and the sweet chilli. The lightly salted were too bland for us but the children loved them.
The 6 year old like the fact the puffs melt in your mouth.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

BBQ or some kind of meat flavour. My 2 like McCoy's steak flavour for a treat.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The lightly salted had much more in the bag so was easier to share. So enough for 2 small children to share.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Hidden vegetables is always a win!

[mummyofcutetwo]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

7yo and I found them to be very scratchy on our mouths. 11yo thought they were ok texture-wise.
No one likes the sweet chilli flavour.
I was the only one who liked the cheese.
We all agreed that the lightly salted one was too "lightly" and were bland. In fact without the strong flavour the taste was quite unpleasant.
All three seemed to leave a waxy texture and an aftertaste that I really didn't like.

2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

If the texture was right I'd like onion flavour (like onion rings), cheese and onion, sour cream and chive.

3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The texture and the taste. The packaging and branding are good.

4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Maybe some veggie versions like carrot and sweetcorn.

Thanks for choosing us to taste. I really wanted to like them!

[mummyofcutetwo]

Forgot to say, recyclable or compostable packaging please 🤞🏻 I'd choose Ape Puffs over similar savoury snacks if that was the case.

Thanks!

[1moreRep]

we loved the size and the flavours, the portion size was suitable. We didn't dislike anything. the allergy information was clear

rice cakes, roasted chick peas

more child friendly flavours, like prawn cocktail

veggie crisps, chick peas

[TellMeItsNotTrue]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
We all really liked the texture, the flavours were a bit hit and miss but if more flavours came out then we'd definitely give them a try and would be happy to swap our usual crisps to these based on texture
Cheese - DS liked, but 2 x DD and I weren't fussed, we are more used to a cheese and onion flavour rather than just cheese but DS said they were a lot like wotsits so it was a thumbs up from him
Sweet chilli - Too sweet for me and eldest DD, but younger DD and DS enjoyed them. They are the sweetest sweet chilli I've ever tasted, but I wouldn't say that eldest DD and I actively DISlike them, just wouldn't necessarily choose them over others
Lightly Salted - A big hit with the 4 of us, this was definitely the winner of the three flavours

2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
More flavours - prawn cocktail, pickled onion, tomato/spicy tomato (like tangy toms)

3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
Change cheese to cheese and onion, and make the sweet chilli less sweet

4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
Other vegetables and chickpeas, beans etc

Thankyou for giving us the chance to taste test these 🙂

[MockneyReject]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

I liked the ethics. I liked the taste and texture of all 3 flavours.
DS10 liked the packaging and the name. He disliked the taste and texture of all 3 flavours.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Drinks.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

They are quite hard/crunchy compared to other 'puffs'

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Vegetables snuck in sounds good.

[BonjourMinou]

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
   

I loved the biodegradable packaging and that they were a healthier snack. I personally found them strangely too crunchy which was a bit off putting for me, but the children enjoyed them.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? Salt and vinegar might be nice - they could do with a bit of sharpness. Maybe some flavoured rice cakes?
   

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? Just the texture which I didn’t enjoy, I loved the healthy nature of them.
   

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
   

Maybe something a bit fruity could work as they are coconut and rice based?