Frijjs - what's happened to the strawberry ones? (Frijj Milkshake)

Member Name: Loopylooploo

Product:	Frijj Milkshake
Date:	05/06/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Filling, usually tasty

Disadvantages: This time - very, very bland

***Please note: this review is about strawberry FRijjs primarily***

As well as tucking into Cadbury's chocolate giant buttons last night, I also treated myself to a strawberry Frijj. I absolutely love Frijjs as a rule and couldn't wait to have some of this drink.


~~~Packaging~~~
All drinks come in the standard bottle shape as seen in the image. It is fatter around the middle - hopefully not signifying what too many of these drinks can do! It gives the perception of there being 'more' than there probably is.

The overall design is, I think, appealing. It looks fresh and inviting, and the brand has now become instantly recognisable.


~~~Consistency and Taste~~~
On the Dairycrest website, the makers of FRijj, they state that "FRijj prides itself on being thick, filling and tasty", that it "satisfies hunger". Was this my experience? Not completely.

In terms of consistency, the drinks tend to be very smooth and thick, which I think is helped by the preliminary 'shake up' you are told to do beforehand. As a result of this consistency, it makes it feel as if you are having a filling and quality drink - as if it's worth your money, shall we say. This was indeed my case last night with regard consistency.

As for taste, well, I've had strawberry FRijjs before and they have never disappointed. The reason for my low scoring on flavour is due to what I tasted last night. This may have been a poor batch, but lord, it was so bland. If a flavour could have screamed 'boring', then this would have been the taste last night. There was virtually no strawberry flavouring at all. It felt like they had concocted a batch of bland liquid and turned off the flavour taps.

I was sorely, sorely disappointed. It's put me right off having strawberry again.


~~~Flavour Ratings~~~
Overall experience of Frijjs: 4 out of 5
This experience: 1 out of 5


~~~Ingredients of the strawberry ones~~~
As illustrated on the website and bottle:
Skimmed Milk (76%)
Whole Milk (22%)
Other content: Sugar, Buttermilk Powder, Modified Maize Starch, Natural Flavouring, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Carrageenan,) Colour (Beetroot Red)


~~~Cost~~~
In my experience, these drinks tend to cost around £1.00-£1.90, so you may find cheaper drinks if you are on a budget. What seems to happen with these is that they are regularly in some sort of offer, e.g. less than a pound, or buy two for £X. I do find that I fall for this every time!


~~~Recommendation~~~
Before last night, I would have easily given four or five stars. I have rarely been disappointed in this drink and always thought that they were relatively good quality. However, if last night is a sign of things to come, then I really will not be bothering much longer. I just hope this isn't the case!

Summary: Frijj - used to be satisfying, but now having my doubts.