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Sambucol feedback thread - non-testers: What do you do to support your DCs immunity? £100 hamper prize draw! NOW CLOSED

183 replies

MichelleMumsnet · 20/01/2014 10:50

This thread is for the 100 Mumsnetters who tested out Sambucol Kids Teddies to leave their feedback.

Here's what Sambucol say, "Sambucol is a great tasting food supplement packed with thousands of Black Elderberries. Black elderberries contain naturally occurring flavonoids. Sambucol also contains Vitamin C, which is well known for its ability to support the immune system. Sambucol is made from Black Elderberries which have twice the natural antioxidant capacity of blueberries and more than 50% the overall antioxidant capability of cranberries. Antioxidants strengthen the immune system by helping neutralise the harmful effect of free radicals."

Non-testers: How many episodes of colds and sniffles do you have to deal with in an average year with each of your children? What do you do to help support your DCs immunity?

All non testers who add a comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 hamper of Skin Doctor cosmetics.

Testers: Below are some questions we'd like you to answer but feel free to add any other thoughts you have.

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Q5. Any other comments?

All testers who add their feedback to the thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a hamper of Skin Doctor cosmetics worth £250.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

OP posts:
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MimsyBorogroves · 20/01/2014 13:25

Marking my place to begin answering later.

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MummyBtothree · 20/01/2014 13:25

Have the testers for this been notified yet??? really wanted to get this trial :(

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MichelleMumsnet · 20/01/2014 15:55

MummyBtothree, yes, sorry, all the testers have already been selected for this product test. We have plenty more coming up soon though, so keep an eye out for other ones you might want to do!

OP posts:
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Belo · 20/01/2014 15:56

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
I was planning on getting dd2 (aged 8) to do the trial, but dd1 (aged 11) has insisted on also taking the tablets!

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
First of all my daughters loved the packaging, and an argument kicked off as to who was going to have the jar when it's empty... And they loved the tablet. They thought it had a really good taste. Better than the orange ones we've had from Healthspan.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?.
I would have said yes to this question if I hadn't seen the RRP below. My daughters like them, but I think that price is very steep.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
As mentioned above, that price is very steep. Maybe I would buy them as part of a buy 3 for the price of 2 promotion. But even then, it is more than similar tablets which are also stocked at Boots.

Q5. Any other comments?
Not as yet, but I may come back as my dds carry on taking the tablets.

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WingDefence · 20/01/2014 16:05

Tester

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
DS is 5 (only just - birthday was 3 weeks ago).
He really likes the teddies. The teddy-shaped bottle captured his interest straight away (although he hates the fact it has a child-proof lid!) and the fact the supplements are little teddy shapes themselves are also a hit.

He does like the taste and this was the key thing for me as I think a large part of the success of getting children to take supplements is that they don't know they are! (We call them 'special sweeties' in our house.)

He also likes the fact that when they are licked, the colour becomes more vibrant.

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?

My first impression was that the bottle could be far smaller which would take away the need for a wodge of cotton wool to be stuffed in the top!

Overall, I do like the product because of the shapes and the bottle. It makes it more fun for my child. I also tried one of the teddies before I gave them to DS to see how they tasted and I like the strong, not-too-sweet berry flavour.

The only thing I don't like is I prefer to give supplements that have a wider range of vitamins and minerals and not just Vit C.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend it, although only for the purpose of boosting the immune system. For more general supplements, I would probably suggest another brand (eg Bassetts chewable vitamins).

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'm not sure - other brands (such as the Bassetts range) are far cheaper and have a range of vitamins and minerals. If they were on offer then I would certainly consider buying them.

Q5. Any other comments?
Thank you for selecting my family to take part in this trial.

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MTBMummy · 20/01/2014 16:13

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
DD is 4 and loves them, she's particularly keen on the fact they get more purple once you lick them - yes she shows us this every time.

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
DD loves the teddy bottle and has already stated it is not to be binned and she wants to it collect fairy dust. I think the quantity of cotton wool is a little excessive, but only because I managed to get some up my nose causing a sneezing fit

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I'd recommend it based on DD's enjoyment, she prefers these to the Bassets she normally has.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
For that price probably not, they bassets we buy are only £3,60 for 45 which is significantly cheaper. I'd need to be very sure that it would reduce the risk of DD getting colds.

Q5. Any other comments?
Not yet, but once we're further in the trial I'll come back and update

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BeCool · 20/01/2014 16:22

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
DD1 is 6 - DD2 is 2.5 and insists on having them too. They both love the taste of the teddies and have been asking me for them on the mornings I have forgotten to offer them.

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
The packaging is quite genius and cute and very kiddie friendly - it attracts them for sure. I had a taste of the teddie and it was very pleasant. I've done a little googling on Black Elderberries and they do seem to be doing very well in testing re fighting colds/flu, so that is impressive.

We have previously gone down the probiotic/fish oil immune boosting route and it seems to be quite effective (touch wood). I don't know that I would replace these supplements with the Teddies, but I would add them to the immune boosting armory of weapons from time to time.


Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would recommend them to families who could afford it yes. For the reasons I listed above, and because black elderberries do seem to perform well in the trials I've seen online.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
At £12.99 per month per child this isn't a supplement I would use daily. But I would certainly consider buying it if the DC fall ill with bad cold, flu etc and give it to them to help speed their recovery.

Q5. Any other comments?
Would the teddies help a child who was ill with the chicken pox virus too??

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SweetPeaPods · 20/01/2014 16:25

Non tester: I have started giving 7m ds some vitamin drops. I was recommended Abidec but once these are finished I'm going to look into other brands as ds hates the taste.
Ds has had 3 colds already, hence why I bought the vitamins. I also offer fruit after every meal. I don't think it's diet related though, as he seems to pick the coughs and colds up after swimming.

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MirandaWest · 20/01/2014 16:26

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not? The children are 10 and 8. They both thought they were tasty.


Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not? I thought they seemed like other similar items. The DC liked the teddy bear shape and the taste.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
If someone asked me about them I might talk about them but I wouldn't specifically recommend them.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

That seems quite expensive although I don't tend to buy vitamin tablets any way so maybe that is the going rate. My DC felt the price was a rip off!

Q5. Any other comments? The DC liked the shape of the packet, the teddy design and the colour. If I did want to get vitamin tablets id look for some cheaper ones.

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Galena · 20/01/2014 16:27

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
DD is 4. She loves the teddy bottle and likes the flavour of the vitamins. She prefers the flavour to the Haliborange ones we usually get.

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
I felt there was a lot of wasted space in the bottle and I didn't like the cotton wool. I expected them to be soft, so was surprised that they were hard.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I might have just on bottle/flavour/shape, etc. However, I prefer a vitamin with more different vitamins and minerals in, rather than just vit C - and the price!

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Not at that price! I buy cheaper multivitamins with a range of vitamins and minerals as money is tight.

Q5. Any other comments?
Not at the moment.

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scrappydappydoo · 20/01/2014 16:53

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?

I have two dds aged 5 and 7. They liked the teddies - the bottle was a hit and I think there are going to be arguments over who keeps the empty bottle. They were a bit unsure at first as they didn't look 'chewable' but they both loved the taste. Overall children's opinion very good.

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?

I liked the shape of the bottle and the shape of the teddies. I tried one - they tasted very fruity but a little bit chalky. I hated the fact it had child-proof lid on the bottle - I loathe those at the best of times. Overall opinion was ok but I would like to know/see if they make any difference health wise to my children. I may return to thread in few weeks time to add additional feedback on this.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I'd probably say we'd tried them and liked them.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

No - far too expensive I'm afraid

Q5. Any other comments?

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Theknacktoflying · 20/01/2014 17:05

Non tester

My DS and DD have about 2/3 sessions every year requiring a day or two off school for the whole year.

As far as boosting immune system - just ensure that my kids have fruit and veggies and a balanced diet.

I think conning parents out of £13 a month is wrong for something that has little scientific evidence.

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Nightwish · 20/01/2014 17:10

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
4 and a half years. He hated them, he tried them twice, bit into it and then refused to eat them. If it helps the OH liked them, but he is 26!

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
Waste of plastic not using the whole bottle. I didn't like it because DS wouldn't have them so no point in me buying. I couldn't even bribe him to.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
No, DS didn't like them.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
No, way way way too expensive. Especially if they are the recommended two a day.

Q5. Any other comments?
We liked the bottle!

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mrsjohndeere1971 · 20/01/2014 17:13

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not? The children are 7 and 11. They thought the teddies were delicious and asked if they could have more!
Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not? Thought the shape of the bottle was a good idea for younger children but maybe added unnecessarily to the expense of the product? Also not sure cotton wool was needed.
Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not? Would recommend Teddies as kids were very keen to have them every morning.
Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not? Would not be likely to buy again. Far too expensive unfortunately.
Q5. Any other comments? Despite the children loving the taste, I'll be sticking to my usual cheaper multivitamins.

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Littleorangetree · 20/01/2014 17:30

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
DS (5) tried the teddies. He liked the jar, the shape of the tablets and also the taste. He said they were yummy.

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?
I liked the way the product is presented and it tastes nice. Having the teddy shaped jar makes is very appealing to children.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would recommend them, particularly for children that have been porrly and maybe need their immune system boosted.

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I personally wouldn't spend that amount of money on a supplement, especially for children. It's an attractive product though, for people who buy supplements for their children.

Q5. Any other comments?
None so far.

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IncaAztec · 20/01/2014 18:03

Non-testers: How many episodes of colds and sniffles do you have to deal with in an average year with each of your children? What do you do to help support your DCs immunity?

I would say at least 15-20 colds and sniffles. We are always at the doctors/out of hours with some cold virus or another. I give vitamins to the elder one at the recommendation of the health visitor. The youngest has formula so nothing yet recommended for her age group.

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tripecity · 20/01/2014 18:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sandiy · 20/01/2014 18:44

Q1 My children are just ten x2 and almost nine.they were ambivalent about the taste and were not impressed by the teddy shapes.They feel they are a bit old for teddies.They also were initially suspicious of the colour of the tablets.
Q2 I think the teddy thing would appeal to younger children.It may be worth considering a more mature theme to appeal to older children.Saying that we did have a giggle trying to bite the heads off the bears.
Q3 I think I would probably recommend them to friends,I could nt feel comfortable to recommend them as a proffesionals though as I have not read the research in full.
Q4 I would not buy them again purely because of the cost implications with three children.However I may consider keeping some in to give to the children if they were especially unwell to help them recover for short periods.
Q 5 In theory I tend to hope that a healthy diet and lifestyle supports my children's immunity.But as a working mum I can see the temptation in buying anything that prevents or helps prevent your child from picking up every bug going.To be fair my children my children are rarely unwell so I'm not neccesarily the target audience.

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Coffeechick · 20/01/2014 19:16
  1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?


DD is 5 years old. She loved the teddy bear bottle and the fact the supplements were teddy bear shaped. She enjoyed the taste and reminds me daily to give them to her

Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not?

I tried one it tasted nice and I think most kids would enjoy the taste. I liked the idea of the teddy bottle, it makes it more appealing to children. I would have liked it more if there were more vitamins/minerals in the supplement rather than just vitamin C and the elderberries.

Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I might do for those I would think would be willing to pay a lot

Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I don't think I'd buy it again too expensive I tend to buy multivitamins for kids that are 3 for 2 and they are about half the price of these per 30 days

Q5. Any other comments?
No
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Willemdefoeismine · 20/01/2014 19:17

Non-Tester here: well I ensure they have their five (or six) a day and have done religiously since they were babies. I have also been quite lax about letting them pick up food from the floor and eating it....Some parents would be horrified but I truly believe that a little bit of dirt does you no harm and in fact builds up your resistance to bugs! As a result my DCs are usually ill (enough to be off school) no more than once a year - if that. They are both very robust. Also, they get lots of exercise and I think that helps a lot too!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/01/2014 19:19

DD2 is 16 and hardly ever gets colds.
DD2 is 18 and has always got lots. The weird thing is that for most of their lives, dd1 has been a much 'better eater' than dd2 and certainly used to have far more fruit and vege. Now that she's at uni, she's always getting colds. I buy her vitamins, send her soup recipes and make her eat her body weight in oranges!

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supermariossister · 20/01/2014 19:26

marking place to answer later

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Puppypoppet · 20/01/2014 19:37

Q1. How old was the child who tried the Teddies? What did they think overall of Sambucol Teddies? Did they like the taste or not?
DD is 11 years old. She loved the taste of them - has asked on a evening if it is time to have another couple when she had 2 in the morning. DD also loved the teddy bear packaging and plans to reuse the container when it is empty.
Q2. What was your overall impression of the product? Did you like it? If so, why? If not, why not? Like the product - very cute packaging. Would prefer a multi vitamin.
Q3. Would you recommend Sambucol Teddies to friends/family if it came up in conversation or not? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes I would recommend as my daughter's longstanding cold does seem to be a lot better since taking the vitamins.
Q4. Sambucol Teddies' RRP is £12.99 for 60 teddies, do you think you'd be likely to buy it again or not? If so, why? If not, why not? It is a bit pricey but would definitely consider if it helps stave off colds / lessen symptoms.
Q5. Any other comments? Any plans for a multi vitamin?

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satine · 20/01/2014 19:44

Q1: my children are 9 and 11. They loved the teddies - the bottle shape, the teddy shaped tablets and they LOVE the taste!
Q2: I did like the product, but would like it even more if it contained a few more vitamins or minerals to help the children fight off the January bugs.
Q3: I have mentioned these to a few people, and said how nice they tasted.
Q4: wow, that seems quite expensive. It's comparable to Berocca. For that price, I'd definitely expect more than just vit C. I might buy them if they were on offer, but I seem to have an internal block on spending more than £10 on any one item in the supermarket!!
Q5: cute, tasty vitamin tablets but a little too expensive for me.

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CheeseTMouse · 20/01/2014 20:09

Non-tester: In terms of colds, my daughter has had 3 colds in about 5 months. I am slightly nervous about her starting nursery as small children are a bit like petri dishes when it comes to germs!

To boost her immunity I will be making sure that she has a good range of fruit and veg when she is weaned. Imight consider giving her vitamins, but want to research about how necessary it actually is.

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