Expert's verdict...2/25

?The packaging for Corn Thins is dated, with an unattractive grey background. The product has the texture and appearance of polystyrene, but not as much taste. The thins are described as cracked pepper & lemon flavour, but are very bland, with the flavouring very sparsely distributed throughout the slices. While I understand that people with allergies may be forced to eat products like this, I cannot understand why anyone would voluntarily choose do so.

Tina Hird, trading controller, Spar

Consumer's verdict...20/25

?A vivid fan of everything better-for-you, I was interested in this product from the word go. I tasted the cracked pepper & lemon variant, which I found to be full of flavour, unlike many similar products. The thins were also crisp and tasted very fresh, making me want more. With its 99p price tag for 26 slices, this product is very good value for money. The only downfall was the packaging, which I found rather boring. A shame, as I am not sure it will catch consumers' eyes.

Shanna Johnson, account manager, Kingston

Overall verdict...22/50

Mum's Ingredients Company: Heinz Launch Price : £1.19 for a 2x80g pack Today's Price: £1.19 for a 2x80g pack Acid test verdict: 29/50



Since launch, Heinz claims its Mum's Ingredients range has generated more than £500,000 in retail sales, and has been "incredibly well received by consumers".

The jars of steamed and puréed ingredients such as vegetables, meat and rice, can be added to other foods to form a complete meal. When sampled by our panel a year ago, our consumer found it "not easy to prepare, although superior to your bog-standard offerings".

Undeterred, Heinz is developing both the product and communication to grow the opportunity for the line.

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