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

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

We liked the size of the snack bags and found them tasty.

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

Breakfast biscuit type snacks and grab and go bars would be good

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

I think the packaging could be a bit more distinctive, it didn't really stand out much amongst the other biscuits/crisps in the cupboard

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

I'm always looking for ways to increase the amount of vegetables in my dc's diets. Also anything that is high protein is a plus as I find it helps fill up the bottomless pit that is my 5 year old 😂

We enjoyed testing the ape snacks and will be buying them when we see them in shops.

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

Texture of all of them was good. Cheesy ones were tasty. Sheet chilli ok. Size of packet was good.

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

Fruit and veg crisps?

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

The salted one tasted of nothing but was VERY salty. 8 year old refused to eat them on that basis. I’d ditch it or at least fix the salting process.

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

yes to adding veg but don’t get too gimmicky. These worked well as they were. My kids eat veg anyway though, so I may not be your target on this.

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

We liked the crunchiness, they weren’t too salty. The flavour was good but there was a slightly odd aftertaste.

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

1. If you could change anything what would you change? Just that aftertaste.

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

Carrot or corn maybe? .

What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
My son loves the blue salted ones as they weren’t too salty but had enough flavour to make them tasty. He loved the blue packaging and remembered the lovely bright colours. He also liked the cheese ones but thought the chilli ones were a bit spicy after eating a couple as the flavour built. I found the chilli ones really tasty. I did like the cheese ones but found they had a slight after taste which was a bit off putting. I did like the easy calorie display as an adult as made it something to consider for both adult and child when out and about or for a snack at home. Liked that they didn’t end up all crushed in the packet when they were buried deep in my bag!

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

Other veg snacks such as pea, sweet corn, beetroot or maybe just some really good vegetable mixed crisp type of snacks as tyrells do some nice vegetable crisps.

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

Maybe review the aftertaste on the cheese flavour.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? Peas, beetroot, sweet corn, carrot

Thank you for letting us try the snacks, the kids loved the fancy box and the bag has been very handy.

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

The kids absolutely loved the cheese flavour, though they are very strong smelling. The packaging is very eye catching. Although the cheese flavour were the favourite the salted flavour came in a close second!

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

Different types of snacks, maybe grab bars or vegetable style crisps. More flavours in the puff range would be good, pickled onion is always a big hit here.

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

The smell of the cheesy ones, my dh came home while dd was munching a packet and thought something was off in the fridge!

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

Maybe fruit snacks, like a sugar free jelly sweet (bit like haribo but healthier) would be great. Some snacks that are handy for lunchboxes.

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

My kids both loved them - crunchy, ligh, good swerving size, tasty

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

Any snack without refined carbs and bad fats is good with me.

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

The price - I would buy as a snack when we were out & about, but I always buy multopacks of snacks for lunches etc.

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

Hidden vege is always welcome.

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

The flavours were nice but not overpowering

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

Chocolate rice cakes or yogurt raisins

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? Nothing, DS enjoyed them a lot.
2. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? Dried pea snacks, beetroot, parsnip and over dried root vegetables.

Overall my DS really loved these snacks and was so excited to try them.

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

The snacks were tasty, as a family we all liked different flavours, I found the salted a bit bland and almost a stale texture but my DS loved them, DD liked the cheese but found the chilli too spicy. As others have said the shape was an issue if they are aimed at young children. The size of the packet and amount was a good size but would give less to children. I liked that they were vegan and no palm oil.

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

More snacks with the same ethics please 😊

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

As above the shape. And maybe a half size pack for children.

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

Beetroot, carrot

Thank you for the opportunity to test, the snacks were lovely but the box they were sent in has become a big hit 😆

What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
We loved the shape and the texture. We didn't like the sweet chilli flavour although this is usually our favourite flavour of crisp.

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

More flavours and rice cakes.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? The sweet chilli flavouring we really didn't like it, but wouldn't change anything else.

1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? I think the addition of vegetables would be a fantastic idea.

My DS and I really enjoyed these snacks, the presentation box with the bag was lovely and DS was so excited when he opened the package.

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried? Nothing really I'm afraid none of us liked them at all!! The plain ones were okay but the other two flavours we really disliked.
2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? I'm not sure tbh!
3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? We didn't like the texture or the taste but appreciate their idea is a good one!
4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? Vegetables would be great but they need to taste good!

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

Husband thought they were all a bit 'cardboardy'. One child didn't like them and said the flavours were too strong. One child said the cheese flavour was too strong. I liked the packaging and that they were relatively healthy.

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

A sweet flavour. Salt and vinegar flavour.

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

The texture could do with being less dry.

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

Yes veg would be a good idea.

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

Loved the chilli ones the best, I tried them first just incase they were too hot but they were ok and my boys loved them.

The texture was ok and my youngest thought they were big wetsuits lol

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

Bbq and salt and vinegar

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

They are rather large, and maybe the shape of them.like poms bears in a teddy shape but a monkey shape maybe

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

Beetroot perhaps

1. We liked all aspects of the Ape snacks, all 3 flavours were fantastic and very distinctive, they held lots of flavour which my children and I loved.

The shape and size of the balls was great, as well as the crispy texture. The portion size was very substantial, and they wouldn't need anything else to eat alongside the Ape snack. There were no aspects that we would change.

1. Other products we would like to see would be more flavours, my son says sour cream and chive, I'd like salt and vinegar, possibly a beefy flavour too.

A biscuit type snack would be a nice addition.

1. The sweet chilli flavour should probably be renamed at Red Thai Curry, as I think that is more of an accurate title.

Other than that, we loved the snacks!

1. Veg used in the crisps would be a good additional touch, also they could be different colours which can appeal to children.

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried? They liked the bright packaging and the flavour of the lightly salted and chilli. However, we all disliked the cheese flavour. We found the flavour tasted very synthetic and my dc didn’t like that it left a coating on their fingers.
2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? Small bags for younger children and salt n vinegar flavour
3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? They had high sugar & fat content, very similar to other potato type snacks at much lower price per bag. The snack needs to be healthier to justify the price.
4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? Carrots, beets, sweet corn, peas

Well ... they've all disappeared super quick! Phhht ... just when I thought I'd have a little elevensies!!

I thought I'd seen the 'Ape' moniker before .. and then I remembered where ... sugar free, healthy snacks are most definitely the way forwards.

Just wanting to check in, but as hq are aware, we still haven't had our trial delivered.

Ape Snacks Feedback

1. What did you and your Children like about the Ape Puffs you tried? Me nd My 6yr old daughter prefered the cheesy taste like cheetos we didnt like the other flavours they needed extra oomph to reach that taste buds.They lacked flavourings. 2)What other Products would you like to see in the ape rang. Dried fruit/bars Snack bars Fruit rolls Juice/Fruity water Yoghurt pouches Jellies 3)If you could change anything about ape puff what would you change? The snack shape is too chunky not melt in your mouth baked,adding more flavour nd herbs,variety of flavours to tickle those learning tastebuds. 4)What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future Products?eg the Addition of vegetables Sweetcorn,peppers,tomato,carrots.infused with fresh herbs and seasoning

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

DS liked the salted and the chilli ones, but not the cheese, as the taste was too strong.

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

Salt and vinegar would be nice, and paprika

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

The cheese one could be dialled down somewhat!

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

Yes, perhaps “green” ones with spinach?

you:

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

We all liked the crunchy little ball shapes, and texture. Crunchier than I thought they’d be. The children liked the packaging. It was also easy to open. I liked that they were not messy or greasy. Cheese: Me (female, 40s), 8 year old daughter, 11 year old son - all loved the cheese, really cheesy, good depth of flavour, very moorish. Son says these are perfect as they are. Sweet chilli - 11 yo son liked that they were peppery. Daughter (8) didn’t like them at all. I didn’t think they were either sweet enough or chilli enough to justify being called “sweet chilli”; they were more of a slightly weird curry flavour. Lightly salted: I didn’t like them, found them rather insipid. Daughter loved them and ate both packets! Son said they were ok, but prefers the other flavours.

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)?

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

Ooh. Fruit crisps or puffs.

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

The chilli flavour needs working on, and I’d make the salted ones a bit saltier.

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

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

2 kids and I liked all of them, vegan teenager didn't like the cheese flavour.

1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? A salt and vinegar option would be lovely.

1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? Nothing

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

Would be open to trying any!

Thanks for picking us. We loved taking part.

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
I loved that they are Vegan, healthy and most importantly they're carbon neutral. My kids Loved the packaging in Bright colours. They liked the Cheesy flavour the most but weren't keen on the sweet chilli ones.

2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
Salt and vinegar flavour, or pickled onion would go down well in my house. I think Prawn Cocktail would work quite well too.

3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
Nothing, I really like them and I'll be adding them to my regular packed lunch.

4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
I definitely try some vegetable versions.

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

My child liked all three flavours, but his favourite was the blue packet. I liked that they were healthier than other crisps and vegan.

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

Possibly a wider variety of flavours. A salt and vinegar would be nice. Also flavoured rice cakes would be popular with my child.

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

Nothing, I will be buying them as I soon as they are stocked in my local supermarket.

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

If you could hide leafy green vegetables in the snacks, eg kale etc that would be a definite bonus.

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

My youngest (6) really liked the cheese ones thought my eldest (12) and I thought they tasted a bit artificial. We preferred the salted ones , but I'm not sure if we would buy them . Chilli , all nog so keen . Bags very full.

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

Different flavours

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

Not too keen on ball shape

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

Cheese and broccoli ? Mac cheese?

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

My kids didn't like any of the flavours of these puffs - the cheese were apparently too strong, the Chili too spicy, and the salted had a funny taste. None of the packs were finished, and my eldest chose not to have an after school snack when they were all I offered - Unheard of! They usually devour any type of crisp/snack, so it was a bit of a surprise!

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

I'm always interested in low sugar snacks, so I'd try anything once.

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

Obviously the flavour was an issue, but they also came in pretty big bags, smaller would have been better.

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

As long as they're not too processed, and avoid palm oil, I'm happy.