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NOW CLOSED McVitie's Breakfast Biscuits feedback thread

80 replies

AlexMumsnet · 28/01/2013 16:26

This thread is for the MNers who are trying out the new Breakfast Biscuits from McVitie's (RRP £2.29 for a 6 pack carton).

So testers please let us know....

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits
How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
How would you describe/ rate the taste?
How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
Any other comments?

Everyone who is selected as a tester and adds feedback as required will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £250 voucher.

Thanks
MNHQ

OP posts:
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Tee2072 · 28/01/2013 17:29

Alex? Are you new? [nosy emoticon] Grin

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

I normally have Shreddies with milk, OJ and coffee. It's rarely in a rush because I hate eating quickly, so I plan.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

I think they don't look very nice, to be honest. Kinda brown and unappealing. Sorry.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

We've been eating them as we feel like it. I wouldn't eat them on the go because they are very dry! You need something to drink with them.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

I like the way they taste, but as I said above, very dry.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

Never tried any others.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

Probably not. For one thing, I have a lifetime supply Grin. For another, I think they are just okay, not fabulous and not really a substitution for breakfast for me or my family.

Any other comments?

Nope. But is Alex a man or a woman? [even nosier emoticon]

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BackforGood · 28/01/2013 17:37

I've been buying these for ds.

what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush? Personally, I always have cereal, at the kitchen table, but, being a stereotypical teen, he was getting up too late, and then going out without anything to eat.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits er, they look and taste biscuity

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them? Excellent for ds - he eats a couple as he's -running-- walking to school and has the other 2 at break time, generally.

How would you describe/ rate the taste? I really like them - have been known to have as a snack in the morning if I'm not getting lunch until late. More importantly, ds likes them.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought? Haven't tried any others

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not? Yes - because it means ds eats something before 1.15pm

Any other comments?

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EauRouge · 28/01/2013 18:22

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
Normally I will have a glass of juice and a banana before I go for a run, and then either porridge with nuts or poached eggs and toast when I get back. Rarely in a rush because I'm a SAHM with no school run to do.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits
They look a bit bland and thin and the chunks of berry are tiny. I like the picture on it though.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
I ate them at home. I don't think they'd work very well on the go unless you had a drink too. As mentioned before, they are too dry so you need a hot drink to dunk them in. Also they are far too sweet and sugary for breakfast.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
It's OK. The texture is pretty poor, too dry and cardboardy.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
They are about the same as the belvita ones, the only other breakfast thing I've tried is Nutrigrain (pregnancy craving) and they are much nicer. Or it might have been my hormones.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
No. They're aren't nice enough to eat as a normal biscuit and they're not healthy enough to eat for breakfast, even if I was in a hurry I'd probably go for a cereal bar with fruit and nuts in or just grab a bit of fruit.

Any other comments?
Yes! A recipe suggestion if I may- why not increase the fat content so they aren't so dry and reduce the sugar content so they are not so sickly sweet? And maybe put some more berries in, the amount of berries is tiny.

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FrillyMilly · 28/01/2013 19:25

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
I try to have breakfast as quickly as possible as I start work early. I usually have porridge with a spoonful of honey.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits
A bit dull. Don't look very tasty or appealing.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
They work ok as an occasional breakfast snack. I ate them at work with a large cup of tea. They aren't very filling though. I was hungry within an hour of eating them.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
They taste very sweet and very dry. I have never eaten a biscuit as dry as that.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
I've bough go ahead before. The go ahead are much nicer than these.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
I might buy them again to see if the other flavours are nicer than the red berries ones.

Any other comments
Please review the recipe and make them less dry.

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pipsytwos · 28/01/2013 19:31

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

I don't normally eat breakfast- wish I did as I'm currently breast feeding and think I probably should.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

I had the red berries biscuits. I think the packaging is a bit bland and doesn't really make you want to buy them.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

They wouldn't work as an on the go breakfast unless you had a drink because they are really dry and crumbly. I ate them around the house although my partner did take them to work with him to have with a coffee before he starts. He says that despite there being a hot drink on the packaging they definitely aren't dipping biscuits! Grin Love the image of him staring into his coffee where he just lost half his biscuit! He is still taking them for his morning coffee but just not dipping now. Smile

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

We both really like the taste of them, but they are very dry. I think they could do with a bit more fruit.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

I've never bought breakfast biscuits before, unless you count those goahead biscuits-in which case I'd say I like the goahead ones more because they have more fruit pieces and generally taste a bit nicer. Not sure which is healthier, probably these?

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

I'd be tempted as I did like them, I do want to try the other flavours. Partner says no, he'd rather get a pack of biscuits as £2.29 seems a bit steep for what you get. Biscuit Although doubt he'd take a pack of biscuits to work for breakfast.

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F4ttyBumBum · 28/01/2013 20:13

Hi Alex, I've tested the biscuits within my family and cast the net a bit wider with my DH's work colleagues (all male) and shared with another family whose children a bit older than mine. My children are 1 and 3 years old. Thanks for selecting me, I have enjoyed being part of this product review :)

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
My family struggles to fit in breakfast with me and DH often forgoing it to drop the kids off at the childminder's. Now my DS has started school so I have got to make sure he gets breakfast. He is a very slow eater and we really do not have time to waste to cajole him. We do not eat breakfast together round a table though we will eat other meals at the table when we are not pressured for time.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits?
I was sent the red fruits biscuits. They looked okay, like biscuits. Aesthetically I would have preferred the wrapping for each portion to be opaque rather than transparent. I think it would have made uncovering the biscuits as more of a treat and also meant I could have hidden what I was eating in my bag.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
Me and the kids found them yummy and we had no problem polishing off a portion each. Quite useful to share in the car as we go to school. They are dry biscuits though and my DH only enjoyed them with a cuppa at his desk. His colleagues agreed and they ate them with their brews. I think they would go well with yoghurts too but these options aren't "on the go" enough for me.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
No issues with the taste. They were oaty and moreish. I'd rate the taste at 8/10. They were dry biscuits but no drier than rich tea for instance.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
I expected a moister breakfast bar. As a biscuit to be enjoyed with a hot drink I think they are fine. They are more expensive than a packet of biscuits but because they have Vit B and D in them I would not feel guilty giving them to the kids, whereas I would not feel like I was a good parent if I handed out digestives for breakfast in the car (for instance!). The family with the older children (aged between 6yrs and 13yrs) scoffed them, enjoyed the taste and did not complain about the dryness.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
The adults said they enjoyed them with an accompaniment when they were sat down, they were not too bothered about the vitamins included but said that price might put them off. The children enjoyed them and sat quietly in the car as they ate them. I think it's likely I would have a box in store in case there wasn't enough time so that I know my DH has had something rather than nothing.

Any other comments?
As an adult buyer I don't think these biscuits would have appealed to me on the supermarket shelf with their branding. The higher price would not have justified a healthy choice for my own consumption. However, I would be prepared to pay more for a more nutritional product for my children though the packaging and flavours do not seem aimed to children or young people.

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CoolBananas · 28/01/2013 20:29

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

Normally have cereal on my 3 working days and a bagel or toast on the other days. Eat at home, not a rush, I value and enjoy breakfast too much.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

Not as exciting looking as the belvita biscuits. The packaging was appealing enough though.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

Very good as on the go solution, we haven't been having them as breakfast though, more as a snack if we fancy. The small packets are easy to shove in a bag and take with you.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

Tasty enough. Not the type of biscuit you would eat a lot of though.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

Haven't tried others before, just seen lots of adverts for the belvita ones.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
Any other comments?

Probably wouldn't buy again as a box. Might if they were available as an individual snack packet.

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Flisspaps · 28/01/2013 20:31

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

If I'm in a rush I'll normally grab something like a banana. I have been known to give 20p to my minded children to get themselves some toast at school if they've been dropped off too late for breakfast but haven't eaten at home.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

They look much like any other biscuits. Beige. I was surprised at how big they were. A serving of 4 biscuits seemed a bit much.

I got a case of 8 boxes of the red berries biscuits. That's a lot of biscuits.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

We've tended to eat them as a snack rather than as breakfast. We've eaten them at home, on the bus, in the bus stop after school. I wouldn't be keen on using them as a breakfast to be honest, they don't seem all that different to normal biscuits despite the fact they apparently have porridge oats in. Putting porridge oats in doesn't make something 'breakfast' - I put them in my crumble topping, and apple crumble probably doesn't feature in many breakfasts!

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

OK. A bit flat but nice enough.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

I have tried generic cereal bars and Kelloggs Nutrigrain bars, and I think I've had Belvita too. I prefer the others to be honest.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

Not at £2.29 I wouldn't. I'd sooner buy a pack of digestives and have a couple of those, or a cereal bar, and a banana. These are just too much like your average biscuit.

Any other comments?

They seem to be good for dunking - they didn't fall apart within a split second, unlike most biscuits! DH was impressed that they didn't go stale overnight - he had two for breakfast one morning, and the other two the following morning.

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Molepom · 28/01/2013 20:52

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush? Normally tea and toast if I have the time. Usually this is eaten in the kitchen with the kids but if I'm up because I can't sleep I will take longer while catching up with the news before they wake up and have a bowl of porridge or two. It's not often this happens but I do feel so much better for not rushing and eating properly.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits A bit "well what do I do with these?" to be honest. On their own they are not that nice and very dry and sweet. However, with a bowl of yoghurt and fresh fruit they are surprisingly filling. The biscuits give a crunch that doesnt go soggy if I have to run upstairs to supervise teeth brushing or turning of taps before the bathroom floods which is an unexpected bonus for me.
You can't dunk them in a cuppa as they break far too easily so they are no good on that front as a biscuits we know biscuits to be.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them? I've eaten them on the tram to my mistake, as they break easily if not already broken in the packet they get everywhere. Not good arriving at your destination looking as though you have been in a food fight and leaving the mess behind you as though you eat with the grace of a toddler.

How would you describe/ rate the taste? I'm not a fan, but the kids loved them. They were too dry and sweet for me, didn't really taste of anything, certainly couldnt taste the red berries which is a shame as I love them.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought? I have bought a rival brand to compare to and thought they were both the same to be honest. Both a bit pointless, dry and sweet - too sweet. Other than as an addition to a normal breakfast or to liven up a routine brekkie I certainly wouldnt be using them as a breakfast on their own. The fruit filled bars available on the market are not as filling but are nicer to eat on the go on their own.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not? I would but as something for the kids lunchbox instead of a breakfast. As a snack for break they are prefect and the kids love them, I do like them for the extra crunch in a bowl of yoghurt and they are great crumbled up in a crumble topping. I would buy them like I would another ingrediant for a recipie but not as a solution to breakfast on the go.

Any other comments? I was looking forward to trying something new and exciting but they have been a bit of a disappoinment I'm afraid. I will continue to use them as a lunchbox filler as a treat for the kids every now and again. The price is a tad expensive as a lunch filler or snack but I would guess about right as an on the go breakfast. They have however, made breakfast for me more expensive as I needed to add something to them to make them filling and not as dry.

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smilingthroughgrittedteeth · 28/01/2013 21:30

Just marking my place will answer tomorrow

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sharond101 · 28/01/2013 21:48

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
I am not a breakfast eater and struggle to find the time in the morning with a son of 8 months to do anything but feed him. I sometimes have an apple and yes it's a rush.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits
The box looked appealing, bright and inviting. I was pleased to see added vitamin B and D as well as iron although noticed no calcium was in them which did not impress me as other breakfast bisuits I know of have this in. The individual portion packs were in a transparent pack and I thought this looked terrible. I initially wondered if that was just the case for our sample packs rather than the boxes that would be sold then I saw the box I had had a barcode so it must be that for all. I thought the nutritional information given on the front of the box was misleading given it was for 1 biscuit and a portion pack contains 4 biscuits.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
They worked well as an on the go solution where a drink was available also as they were quite dry. I ate them whilst feeding my son standing in the kitchen and my husband ate them when walking to work.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
I got all red berry flavour and they were pleasant to taste although if you got a bite without fruit that part was bland. They were dry and four biscuits seemed like alot of dense dry biscuit.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
Any other comments?

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sharond101 · 28/01/2013 21:52

oops posted too soon...

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
I like other breakfast biscuits better for taste and calcium content, in particular kelloggs nutrigrain bars.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
I would not buy them again as they were a bit too dry and repetitive, did not contain calcium as I would expect of a breakfast biscuit and I prefer a similarly priced alternative brand.

Any other comments?
My baby son loved them and they are nice thin and firm so easy for him to get hold of.

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lubeybooby · 28/01/2013 21:55

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

Very haphazard, sometimes have breakfast, sometimes not, usually have toast or cereal

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

The boxes looked great. Nice neat little packages of biscuits inside

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

They do not work for on the go at all. They are too dry and leave oats and weird gritty bits all over your teeth, seemingly cemented on. I wouldn't recommend eating them on say, a train or bus unless you have a toothbrush and floss with you

The only thing that makes them moist enough to eat is dunking in a cuppa, but they are too brittle/flimsy and collapse into the tea

again have a big cuppa handy on a bus isn't likely.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

The taste is fine, texture is problem though.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

I haven't tried any others
Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

I wouldn't buy them, cereal is quicker

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eteo · 28/01/2013 22:07

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
Normally I will grab and go.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits
My first impression is I dun know how to eat it. It is mix with milk or eat it dry. Is it porridage or biscult. I had the red berries.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
I eat them on the go. It is very handy. Only 4 biscults in a bag. Easy to bring it out especially going on long journey.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
It is dry yet tasty. All my family and friends love it. I will give it 4 stars out of 5. I think i will need to dip in coffee to soften it. It is not hard but felt it is too dry.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
I have not bought breakfast biscuit before.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
Yes, when they are on offer. I saw it selling at £1.24 at co-op. very cheap.

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baileysontherocks · 28/01/2013 23:26

Your overall views of breakfast:
I normally have something to do with eggs or fruit and fibre if i haven't got time i tend to go without until a find a shop that sells nutri grain bars.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits:

They look very appealing on the box all the contents are clearly stated on the box and they looked appetizing as well as healthy as soon as my dc saw them they wanted to try them and we liked how they were individually wrapped for on the go.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution":
i don't really know yet as iv been ill all week but i would say that they would be fine.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
really nice as a family we really enjoy these, we knew they would be dry as its a biscuit. we tried the red berry ones and they were really enjoyable.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
They are one of the nicest ones we have tried, they do stand up good to other breakfast biscuits.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
yes definitely for the right price we really want to try the other flavors.

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sansucre · 29/01/2013 09:28

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
If it's a working day, porridge from Pret (with maple syrup) when I get to work. Occasionally some fruit and yoghurt or some baguette w. butter from Le Pain Quotidien. If I have time, eggs of some kind at home. I really like to eat breakfast, so always try to and if I'm in a rush, I'll grab a biscuit or a croissant.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits?
I wasn't impressed. The packaging was inspiring and once opened, I disliked that they were wrapped in cellophane as I could already see the biscuits just didn't look appetising.
I did like how clearly the nutritional information was presented.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution?
In theory, they'd work well, particularly on the run, but as I found that the biscuits really clung to my teeth, I'd be loathed to eat them on the run.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
Alarming sweet. In fact, I could smell the sugar upon opening the packet. I have an incredibly sweet tooth, so for me to find something too sweet is really saying something. Sugar aside, they were bland and just didn't taste of anything. They were also far too dry. It was like eating super-sweet cardboard.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
The kiosk in the tube station closest to my work sells individual packs of Belvita, so once in a while, I buy the milk and cereal flavour, which I really enjoy - it's a great product; flavoursome, with a good texture and not too dry. It's even great eaten as a regular biscuit too.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
No. And it's fair to say that I won't be buying the other flavours either.

Any other comments?
I was grossly disappointed by the product. I'm a hugely loyal McVities fan, I love biscuits, which is why I volunteered to take part and I just can't believe that this is the best you could come up with. McVities has oodles of experience and a great history of making biscuits, and am a little shocked that you think this product is good enough, because it isn't, it's solely lacking in every possible way, from the packaging to the biscuit.
I apologise for being so negative, I had such high hopes and feel you've failed the task you've set out to achieve.

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smilingthroughgrittedteeth · 29/01/2013 10:33

your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

I rarely eat breakast during the week because I leave for work early, I do sometimes grab a banana as I run out the door and eat it in the car.

Weekends breakfast tends to be porridge, boiled eggs or brioche.

DP also tried the biscuits and he usually has cereal.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

I liked the box, it reminded me of breakfast cereal, but I didn't like the transparent packages of biscuits, I would have prefered foil.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

They worked really well for me as an on the go breakfast, I ate them in the car on the way to work, I didn't find them dry so it was easy enough for me to just grab a pack whilst running out the door, I also used them as an after school snack for the children I nanny for.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

I found them quite sweet which is why they appealed to the children but I enjoyed them especially dipped into a yogurt.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

I've bought all different breakfast biscuits and cereal bars and have never liked them much but I can honestly say I enjoyed these.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

I probably wouldn't buy them unless they were on offer as I think they are quite expensive and we are on a very tight budget, which is a shame as I liked them and they did work well as an on the run breakfast for me.

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sleepyhead · 29/01/2013 10:33

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

My very lovely dh often brings me a cup of tea and a bagel in bed if he's up before me, but if I'm left to my own devices then getting ds ready and the lure of an extra 10 minutes in bed means that I often skip breakfast and end up eating something at work.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

I wasn't sure what a portion size was meant to be. One biscuit doesn't seem very much but it also feels greedy to eat all four in the cellophane packet. Also, while I very much appreciate the opportunity to try them, quite a lot of the biscuits were broken when they got to me which suggests that slinging a packet (rather than a whole box) in my bag in the morning might result in a lot of crumbs - they're pretty brittle.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

They are dry like other people have said, and I ate them at work with a cup of tea. I don't think I could eat them without something to drink, unlike say a Nutrigrain bar which I could eat on a bus without anything else at a pinch.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

They're a bit sweeter than I think they need to be, but I liked the taste and they didn't taste too synthetic which can be a problem with fruit flavours of things. I agree with previous posters that I'd prefer them to be softer, but I could taste the oats which made them feel more breakfasty than a normal biscuit.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

I haven't tried breakfast biscuits before. I don't associate a biscuit with breakfast - it doesn't feel "healthy" in the way a cereal bar might (but probably isn't really).

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

I might if I saw them on offer, especially to try one of the other flavours. They would be handy to keep in the office and a lot cheaper than buying something on the way since it seems impossible to buy a single bar/biscuit from our local shop for less than 70p.

Any other comments?

I think with a cup of tea and a piece of fruit, a couple of these would make an ok breakfast at work. They'd also be nice with some yoghurt. So, not necessarily a one stop solution to breakfast, but I like that they've got added vits and that there's nothing to prepare.

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McNo · 29/01/2013 10:42

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

I don't normally eat breakfast during the week due to not having time. At the weekend I will have toast with maybe bacon

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

Good pack size, liked the packaging

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

They were ideal for putting in my handbag and keeping in my desk at work. I ate them on train or at my desk.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

I really enjoyed them. I felt better having eaten breakfast rather than waiting until lunchtime to eat. I liked the flavour I tried but they were dry so needed a drink with them.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

I have not tried any other breakfast biscuits.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

I would buy these again especially if they are on offer, I would like to try the other flavours. My partner took some to work with him and when on call, he enjoyed them as a snack rather than a breakfast.

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THERhubarb · 29/01/2013 11:32

Ok, here are my answers:

  1. I don't normally have breakfast. In the morning I made the dcs their porridge with toppings and then their packed lunches. By the time I've finished I can't be bothered making anything for myself to eat and I'm not a huge fan of cereals.
  2. First impressions were that they looked just like ordinary biscuits. Many of them had broken in their boxes though so that could well be an issue. I couldn't see that much fruit in some of them.
  3. I had mine with a cup of tea. Once I had finished sorting out the kids I sat down with a cuppa and it was actually very nice to relax and dunk them in my tea. Having a breakfast forced me to take time out for myself and it was a nice feeling. I can also imagine eating these on the go but again, the breakage could be an issue as you've no time to start retrieving bits of broken biscuit from the bottom of the packaging.
    One good thing that was a pack of these was enough to last me until lunchtime, so they are more filling than they look.
  4. The biscuits are very sweet. Looking at the ingredients there are 3grams in every biscuit? That's an awful lot of sugar. To put that into perspective that's like getting a bowl of porridge and tipping a cupful of sugar in there. They could easily reduce the sugar content and add a bit more fruit. This might also help reduce breakage and make the biscuits juicier and chewier. Use the natural tartness of the fruit and add some natural fruit sugar to sweeten but don't throw in all that sugar, it's just too much and it turns a healthy snack into a sugary one. The sweetness was just too over-powering.
  5. I haven't really bought any breakfast biscuits before. I have tried breakfast bars and again they all add heaps of sugar which just baffles me. We are adults, not kids, we can take a bit of tartness you know!
  6. No I probably wouldn't buy these again. They were lovely to sit down and have a cup of tea with and the kids loved getting them in their packed lunches for a treat, but unless they reduce the sugar content and add more fruit I can't see this being a realistic breakfast option. If they did that then I'd happily buy them.

    I also gave some boxes to a friend to try. She commented on the sweetness, again saying it was too much and that she would have preferred more fruit but she was relatively pleased with them. She buys breakfast biscuits (Sainsbos own brand I think she said) and said these made a nice change. She said she'd look out for them in the shops but would see them as a treat rather than a healthy option.
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KindleMum · 29/01/2013 13:25

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?
Children are 2 and 5 so we have breakfast sat together in the kitchen. Cereal, yoghurt, milk and fruit. Kids are hungry but slow eaters so it takes a while.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits
Looked dull. Looked large. I was also one of the testers disappointed to get 8 boxes of red berries instead of one of each flavour.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?
We've eaten them at home with breakfast and as an after school snack. I wouldn't want to eat them as an on the go breakfast - they're too dry for that. But I would keep some in the car or the changing bag as an emergency snack.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?
For me, too sweet and much too dry. The children seem to like them though so they will be useful as a plain biscuit option for them.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought? They taste less synthetic than Nutrigrain. But Belvita are much nicer than these.

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?
Unlikely. I don't plan to buy the other flavours. I'll stick to Belvita, which I usually buy when they're on offer. These are too expensive for what they are. I have 8 boxes of red berries to get through, that will take a while! I can see myself looking for ways to use these up, I might try them as a cheesecake base! I'll be giving some away I'm sure.

Any other comments?

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hermioneweasley · 29/01/2013 14:31

Normal breakfast - I usually eat at work, probably toast. Occasionally porridge or eggs.

First impressions of the breakfast biscuits - disappointed to get 8 boxes of red berries, would rather have had a mix. Packaging reminded me visually of weetabix. Biscuits looked dry and not terribly appetising.

How well do they work as an "on the go solution" - fine, easy to eat and carry. Reasonably filling.

How would you describe the taste - better than I thought looking at them. Quite sweet. Context of a breakfast biscuit it was as expected or a little better. My family hated them though - found the red berries flavour very artificial.

How do they compare to other brands - bellavita are nicer - richer and more vanilla flavour. More filling though less sweet than the Kellogg's cereal bars, dryer than nutrigrain.

Would you buy again- perhaps. Would depend on what I was after at the time - flavour or filling/satiety.

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MrsHoarder · 29/01/2013 17:40

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

Normally have porridge or French toast with a pot of tea it I have time. Sat at the table. In a rush, anything from a bowl of cereal to a banana or piece of bread

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

Box itself looked good, and looked more like a "cereal" box than a biscuit box. The biscuits were thiner than I expected, and because of this a few of the top ones were broken.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

Ate them when DS decided he fancied an early morning feed or dropped a pack into my bag when I had an early train to catch. They do need a hot drink to be tasty though, so good when I can get a brew on the train, less good for in the car.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

Taste good, not too sweet. Can only withstand a very swift dunking in tea though, and they really need to be dunked to not be too dry in the mouth.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?

Not tried other breakfast biscuits

Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

Possibly, because they work so well when I have to leave the house before 7 but get a chance for a nice sitdown and a cup of tea once I get to university.

Any other comments?

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Selks · 29/01/2013 17:54

Hmmm. Too dry, bland, sweet, unhealthy and unfilling..,,.remind me why I should buy these....oh yes, the huge mark-up compared to the cost of raw ingredients...silly me.

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Fromheretomaternity · 29/01/2013 19:04

Your overall views of breakfast - what you normally have, where you normally eat it - if it's normally a rush?

Normally I'd have muesli or toast, DSs have Weetabix or some other cereal like multigrain shapes. DH often skips breakfast.

Your first impressions of the Breakfast Biscuits

Didn't have particularly strong views either way.

How well the Biscuits work as an "on the go breakfast solution" - where did you eat them?

I didn't use these for breakfast - I don't like eating something this sweet in the morning and don't want my DCs getting used to a biscuit for breakfast either, I'd rather they had something more substantial. DH liked the biscuits but also didn't really fancy them at breakfast time.

However we did use them for after-school snacks, and they did the job very well there. Happy to give to DSs mid-afternoon to keep them going till dinner - more filling than sweets / chocolate.

How would you describe/ rate the taste?

We all found these tasty. They were sweeter than I'd hoped - I was hoping for something more like an oatcake, whereas these were more like fruity hob nobs. But DSs were very keen indeed. DH is generally not a fan of this kind of snack but even he liked the taste and texture.

How do these compare to other breakfast biscuits you may have tried/ bought?
Would you buy these again? If so why? If not, why not?

I've tried various cereal bars. These are better as they are smaller, so you can just eat one without getting too full.

Any other comments?

My big worry with these biscuits is the nutritional content. They are about one-quarter sugar which is high. So I don't see them as a healthy start to the day, more of a tasty snack - a substitute for something like a digestive / hobnob biscuit. I would buy them again, because the DSs liked them, but would be wary of them having them too often.

The size of the biscuits means they are a bit prone to getting broken (at which point the DSs refuse to eat them).

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