Box c/o Degustabox
I can’t believe this is the seventh Degustabox post I am writing this year, it really is true what they say- the years go by quicker and quicker as you get older (not to mention, time flies when you’re having fun!). This month’s box turned up when I was on holiday and life has been a whirlwind of busy since I got back- this does mean it’s not the most comprehensive review post I’ve ever written, but hopefully I’ll be forgiven.
I’m not a big fan of crisps in their traditional format so I passed these on to my Mum, who is, to see what she thought. Neither of us had heard of London Flavours before but were very taken with their funky packaging. The Cheddar and Red Onion flavour went down especially well and would definitely be purchased again if we saw them.
If you’ve read previous posts you’ll know I was taken with the BBQ variety of the Peckish rice crackers, so was excited to see a multi-portion tray of another flavour in this month’s box. This wouldn’t have been my top choice of flavour if I was shopping for them myself, but in terms of packing a flavour punch and being super crispy and addictive savoury snack I’m a fan. Each portion has less than 100 calories and this tray makes them perfect for sharing at a summer get-together.
This salted caramel raw chocolate brownie from Pulsin went to my Dad who is always on the search for healthier lunch box snacks. He really enjoyed this, and I wish there was a way I could try one for myself, but the main ingredient is peanuts so it’s sadly a no go for me. I see so many people rave about Pulsin snacks, and the verdict in our household was that it’s impossible to imagine this actually being good for you (but it is!)
More Capsicana products in this month’s box, and I am sorry to say I am yet to try either of them. I’m excited to get cooking with the smoked paprika and spices seasoning mix as I love the taste of paprika- I’m thinking of some kind of smokey chicken salad using the guacamole mix to make some homemade guac to go on the side- I’m not a big avocado lover but I’ll take one for the team to try this out. Both products are due to launch in Sainsbury’s stores this month.
Miso is one of those foods I go through phases with, and currently I’m really enjoying it after a recent lunch at Itsu. This barley and miso soup is different to anything I’ve experienced before but is making a welcome addition to my work day lunches- I chuck in some chunks of tofu to bulk it up and whilst I haven’t quite perfected it yet I’m well on the way.
Who doesn’t know Heinz Salad Cream? A picnic staple of my youth, I’m not so much a fan of it these days but nevertheless this bottle is slowly but surely going down. I always preferred salad cream to mayo when paired with tuna or egg so I might make up a batch of one or the other for my lunches this week…I’m sure the people in my office will love me for that one. What are you favourite salad cream combinations?
I love fruit pastilles! In fact I love all sweets (I am the proverbial kid in a sweet shop when Wilko have half price pick ‘n mix) but I’m trying to cut down my refined sugar intake so knowing there are lower sugar (30% less) alternatives to some of my favourites on the market is reassuring. These don’t really taste any different to their full sugar counterparts thankfully, and I am sure the rate at which they were inhaled counteracts the reduction in sugar content, oops! Best straight from the fridge, am I right?
Rhubarb cider? Even I was tempted by this can from Rosie’s Pig flat tyre. I haven’t tried it yet but I have it chilling in the fridge and have quite high hopes despite not being a cider drinker. I’m a sucker for anything rhubarb flavoured and have high hopes for this!
The sparkling ribena on the other had has long since disappeared. Finally a low calorie soft drink served in pubs that isn’t diet coke/pepsi max! Both of these flavours were so good served icy cold, especially the blackcurrant. Ideal for sunny afternoons in the pub garden when you know you have to drive home. I hope these are sold in shops as well as pubs at some point as I want a bulk lot.
The inclusion of a hot chocolate in a summer box did baffle me slightly, especially mid heatwave! But still, I diligently made a few cups of this and it is good…low calorie hot chocolate is never going to be amazing and does have a tendency to go watery but this holds up pretty well. A splash of milk makes all of the difference though, trust me.
Last but not least we have an iced coffee from Percol coffee. Bob is the king of cold coffee it was only fair I passed this his way to test out- I’d never have been forgiven if I didn’t! He wouldn’t usually choose a flat white, he’s a latte kind of guy, but did enjoy this once we remembered to chill it, and at £1.50 they are pretty competitively priced and we’d stock our fridge up if we saw them on offer.
For those who don’t yet know, Degustabox* is a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.
If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought of them.
