The May Degustabox- BBQ & Snacking*

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

I like BBQs and I love snacking so the May Degustabox felt like an instant winner as soon as I saw the information leaflet. On the whole this was definitely one of my favourite boxes- and Bob’s favourite too. He gets almost as excited as I do when we get notification that it’s delivery day, and reviews are now a team effort.

Ok, so first up we have a Lindor milk bar from Lindt– all the delicious of their iconic Lindt balls in a handy bar format. I love Lindt chocolate (especially their gold bunnies) so this wasn’t ever going to let me down. Also available in orange and mint flavours, you’ll find this bar in all major supermarkets for around 85p.
Not quite as indulgent, but I also really enjoyed this hazelnut and nougat protein bar from Barebells. It’s not a flavour I’d pick if I saw it on the shelf, but this hit the spot as a treat as well as a protein boost. I wasn’t familiar with the Barebells brand before this month’s box but they are now one I’ll be seeking to explore further. £2.50 per bar (available in several flavours), available at Sainsbury’s and on Amazon.

We both loved these mini tortilla wraps from Mission. We have frozen the plain ones for a later (taco) date, but kept the chilli and lime ones ready for our next chilli night. We often do chilli with wraps instead of rice and these were a zingy change from our usual. Also perfect for picnics and BBQs- £1.20 per pack from Morrisons and Sainsbury’s (after 27/5 for the latter).

I still can’t get my head around jelly in a pouch but I can see why these appeal to children and adults alike. Juicy Jelly pouches from Hartley’s are perfect for packing on a picnic, or for any easy, low mess dessert for little one’s at a gathering (when they are allowed again!). £2.79 for a four pack, in a variety of flavours, all under 100 calories and made with real fruit juice. Find them in all major supermarket chains.

There needs to be more banana flavour snacks in the world, there really does. I loved these Yes! snack bars- dark chocolate, banana and pecan is a flavour match made in heaven and these are a great, healthier snack option for on the go. Subscribers will get one of two flavours in their box (the other being dark chocolate, sea-salt and almond). RRP £2.99 per three-pack from Asda or Morrisons.

My palette isn’t sophisticated enough for red-wine. I like my drinks sweet, and I’m not a wine fan in general. Bob however loves a glass of red so I handed over this Rioja Crianza from Beronia to him. He said this was super fruity and smooth and would 100% re-purchase. It costs £2.99 for a 18.75cl bottle or £11.79 for a 75cl bottle (more than we’d usually spend on a bottle of wine but good for a special occasion) and it’s available from Waitrose and Ocado- the smaller bottle is also available at Tesco.
The Skinny Tonics were much more to my taste! The Indian tonic had a good citrus hit in it, whilst the Mediterranean was more herby. It’s good to see more variety in the skinny tonic world and these both impressed me. They cost 75p per can and are available from Booths, Amazon and online.

This Bull’s-Eye BBQ sauce is the one product we haven’t tried yet, we’re waiting until the weather is good enough to fire up the BBQ, ideally post lock-down when we can have family over to share the goods. It’s a good looking product though and we’ve rated the brand highly in the past. £2.49 per bottle from all major supermarket chains.

I’m a big energy drink fan- sometimes you just need that extra boost! XITE are a new brand to me and I loved them! I’m not sure what the difference in the flavours really was as they both tasted similar, and they are certainly very sweet (great for me!). They contain zero sugar, very few calories and are a healthier alternative to other energy drinks on the market. At £1.49 a can they are comparably priced to other leading brands and are available from Holland & Barrett and WHSmiths.

It’s salad season! Mostly I use ketchup as my dressing (I know, I know!) but occasionally I like to branch out with something more normal. I wasn’t a fan of the classic house dressing, I found it too heavy for me, but Bob loved it. I am a big fan of the fat free vinaigrette however and will certainly re-purchase- definitely more socially acceptable for my work lunches! Both are from Hellmann’s and cost £1.65 per bottle from all major supermarket chains.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments, it’s always great to get other people’s thoughts.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s 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 £3.00 off of your first box (making it just £9.99!) by entering the code XOQGC 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.

The April Degustabox- UK vs. International*

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

My monthly food review post courtesy of Degustabox seems to be the only content I can reliably write at the moment, which is no bad thing, but I have such good intentions of being an all round better blogger!
The April edition of Degustabox had a theme of UK vs. International which instantly got my attention as I love trying foods from other countries, as ever, Bob and I wasted no time getting stuck in!

We were so happy to see Broccoli crisps from Growers Garden in the April box. We already gave them a rave review a few months ago and have been craving them ever since. This sharing size bag didn’t hang around long, so addictive! We’re yet to find a stockist near us, but if you see them then they are 100% worth the £1.99 price tag. Visit growers-garden.com/stockists to find your nearest.
Very Lazy pastes are a staple in our pantry as we love to cook but can’t be bothered with prepping the fresh products for a recipe when you know you’re only going to use a tiny amount and waste the rest. Both the Lemon Grass Paste and the Ginger Paste have already proven their worth and will be re-purchased. £1.85 per tube from Tesco.
These Percy’s shortbread sticks are pricey at £3 per box, but damn they are good! Beautifully buttery shortbread, caramel milk chocolate and dark chocolate decoration- you can’t not love these! Available at Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Independent Stores, these would be perfect as part of a hamper type gift, or just for a special tea break treat.
There’s something about Flapjack, it’s such a comfort food for me and one of the first things I learnt to bake. I sometimes find shop bought flapjacks a bit artificial tasting but I really liked these ones from Brynmor Flapjack- they pack health benefits (fibre galore) without compromising on taste, and whilst they are a calorie heavy treat, they are lovely. £1.29 each from Ocado, Waitrose, NISA, WHSmith Travel, Independent health food shops and online at brynmorefoods.com
I’ve only just learnt to love rice, and microwave pouches are now a regular feature in our food shop. We had this Peri Peri flavour rice by Tilda (£1.59) with some grilled chicken and a salad and it’s really very good. It’s gluten free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Available at all major supermarkets- 100% recommend this if you’re a Peri Peri lover and looking for a quick meal.
These popping candy Terry’s Chocolate Orange were sent along and described as coming with a Chocolate Orange Easter egg at £4 in shops. Easter has now been and gone so you probably aren’t going to find these again (perhaps until Christmas) but if you do see them and love a bit of fun then grab them for sure. The chocolate orange we know and love with a popping candy twist…good stuff!
Bob’s embracing the cider drinking life now he’s firmly established in the West Country, he enjoyed this Cripps Pink Sxollie Cider over the super sunny Easter Bank Holiday weekend. £1.80 from Sainsbury’s and Waitrose- this is gluten free and vegan friendly.
I really enjoyed these sweet piquanté peppers from Peppadew in salads. They have a quite complex flavour- sweet, a bit spicy and are a lot crunchier than I expected. At £3 per jar these would be a rare treat, but great for picnics and BBQs. Available in Tesco.
Kombucha is definitely not for me. Bob and I both tried these drinks from Remedy and just can’t get over the vinegar taste. However, for those who have more sophisticated palettes to us, we’re sure you’ll love these flavours- and they certainly came through after the initial shock. Available for £1.85 per can from a huge variety of retailers.

et me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s 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 XOQGC 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.

The March Degustabox- Hello Spring*

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

In amidst all of the craziness in the Supermakets, never has a delivery of food- treats especially, been more welcomed! The March Degustabox had a theme of “hello spring” and Bob and I wasted absolutely no time at all in getting stuck in.

We’re both big savoury snackers and loved these Flamin’ Hot and Sizzling Steak wotsits. These are flavours I remember well from my youth, and the nostalgia was a welcome break from everything. We both definitely favoured the Flamin’ Hot, but made short work of both packs. RRP £1 from major supermarkets.
(Now, bring back Prawn Cocktail!)
These roasted broad beans from Nudie Snacks were right up my street as I love anything like this. They are quite price, £1.59 per back, but delicious and a great stop-gap for hunger between meals thanks to their protein content. I’d love to see these in other flavours too, although my bank balance disagrees. Available in Asda, Holland and Barrett, Wholefood Markets, Amazon and at www.nudiesnacks.co.uk
I’ve already become addicted to these Smarties Buttons, ever since they first hit shelves a month or two ago. Milk or White chocolate studded with smarties- what’s not to love? I enjoyed both flavours but white had the edge for me. £1.59 per pack from major supermarkets- subscribers will get 1 of 2 flavours in their box.
I literally saw the colour drain from Bob’s face when I showed him this. He is not a marmite fan in the slightest. I however cannot get enough of the stuff, and whilst I was a bit scared of this peanut butter curiosity got the better of me…
My verdict? I prefer just marmite, or just peanut butter (neither flavour is quite strong enough here) but there is something about this that works. I don’t think I’d rush out to buy it again but it is oddly tasty on toast. £2.50 per jar from major supermarkets.
The testing of both of these drinks fell to my financé as it’s more his niche than mine. The oat milk galaxy milkshake £1.50 (at Asda, Sainsburys, Morrisons and convenience stores) wasn’t rated as “good, but not really my thing but I can see other people loving it”.
The reduced sugar hot chocolate was a big hit though, he said he really couldn’t taste a difference between this and his normal Cadburys hot chocolate and would happily continue to buy this and try and help reduce his sugar intake. £2.49 from Asda, Tesco and Sainsburys.
We haven’t actually tested any of these drinks as we just ran out of time but they all look grand!
The beer with Elderflower is awaiting a sunny day (maybe even today) whilst the tonic from Merchant’s Heart we know is good as we regularly buy it. The Highball alcohol free pink g&t is part of a range of six alcohol free drinks from Highball, available online at www.highballcocktails.com and cost £1.99. Seedlip is a non-alcoholic spirit which is said to replace gin. I meant to try this at the weekend but fell in to the real gin trap instead (it’s been a week!). I’ll be giving this a whirl shortly and will feed back my thoughts.
These stock pots from Knorr are great! Perfect for adding tonnes of flavour to vegetarian dishes, I’ve already made the lentil bolognese, and look forward to trying something with the kaffir lime and ginger pot. £0.95 per two pack, these are a must for veggies and those looking to reduce their meat consumption without compromising on flavour. Available at Morrisons and Tesco, we’ll always be keeping these on hand.
We both eat a lot of instant noodles, they are perfect desk friendly lunches and Naked Noodle is a company we know we can rely on for a delicious mid-day meal. The Singapore Curry noodles are really quite good, aromatic with a good punch of garlic (not the most desk friendly, sorry colleagues). This flavour will be re-purchased without a doubt- £1.20 from major supermarkets.
The whole country has gone baking mad right now and I haven’t been able to get flour anywhere so getting this Homepride superior sponge flour felt like the biggest treat of all. Basically it’s pre-sieved and ultra fine, so perfect for the most delicate of bakes. I haven’t decided what to make with it yet, but you’ll see the results on social media once I do. £2 from Tesco- if you can find it!

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s 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 XOQGC 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.

Degustabox February 2020*

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

The February edition of Degustabox had the theme of “Easter is Coming”, and whilst it wasn’t packed full of Easter treats, there was a great balance of products that landed this box firmly within my top five boxes to date. I’m a bit later in the month writing my post this time, which means I’ve had more chance to give everything a good tasting, so read on for my thoughts.

The one product I didn’t love was this Lost Coast Fruit Spritzer with Apple Cider Vinegar. I tried it, I didn’t hate it, but this kind of drink just isn’t for me. Subscribers will get one of three flavours in their box.

Mug shots are a hot favourite in my office when it comes to quick and convenient lunches. I really rate this high protein roast chicken pasta, both for it’s flavour and nutritional benefits as well as for it’s self contained packaging. Come lunch time you can never find a mug in the communal kitchen so having something like this is ideal. £1.29 from Tesco and Asda.
Bob and I love our slow cooker and these little pots packed with flavour are perfect for creating something tasty. Each pack has one meat and one veggie recipe with them and require very little prep. We haven’t tried these yet, we can’t decide which to do, but we’re excited to create something delicious. Subscribers will get one of the two flavours in their box and these sell for £1.99 at Tesco.
Inside this month’s box was a voucher to pick up a Shaken Udder milkshake. Every subscriber will find one of these fully redeemable vouchers in their box (as chilled products can’t be safely sent) and let me tell you, you’re in for a treat. With six flavours to choose from it’ll be tough to pick…Bob and I went vanilla which was anything but boring. Highly recommend. Widely available for £1.40 at supermarkets.
Jacked is a new brand to me and one that certainly made an impression. The Ndizi banana chunks were amazing…as for the Jackfruit, well I had NO idea what to expect from dried Jackfruit and I still don’t fully understand it. It’s reminiscent of mango and oddly addictive to eat. Subscribers will get Jackfruit only, and if you’re curious to try it you can find it for £1.89 from Whole Foods and John Lewis.
I’m a child at heart and spaghetti shapes on toast is one of my favourite weekend lunches. These little tins from Heinz have no added sugar but don’t compromise on taste. Subscribers will get two cans in their box and they are available for around 55p a tin from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado.

I’m not sure what mustard has to do with anything but hey, I like mustard and I really like this punch Dijon from Grey Poupon. Perfect for a sandwich, or wherever you want to add it, you’ll find this at Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, M&S and Boots for around £1.50.
Easter chocolate, yay! I love these new KitKat Easter Bunnies. I love KitKats so much and these are a great addition to the seasonal lineup. Chunky chocolate with wafer pieces- these almost remind me of winning the KitKat lottery and finding a solid chocolate finger. 65p each from all major supermarkets.
There are so many amazing sounding vegan treats on the market these days, and these Livia’s Million Squares have been catching my eye for a while. Whilst you can tell these aren’t a traditional Millionaires Slice they are delicious, thick, gooey and indulgent whilst being fully vegan, gluten and dairy free! £1.50 per pack from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Ocado, Waitrose, Holland and Barrett to name but a few.
Another vegan and gluten free treat in this month’s box were these cocoa oat flapjacks from Trek. This brand has been a mainstay in my life for years now and I genuinely love everything they do. This is their top selling flavour in the protein flapjack range (although not my personal favourite). Well worth checking out for a substantial but healthier snack. £2.50 for three bars at major supermarket chains.
Dark chocolate roasted chickpeas with coconut? I don’t know how or why this works, but it does! These truly have to be tasted to be believed and you’ll find them in Asda or on Amazon for around £1.25 a bag- seriously, oddly great.
Last but by no means least comes the new vegan chocolate range from Galaxy. Subscribers will get one of the three flavours in their box. I really liked this, although be under no illusions that this tastes like ordinary galaxy. It’s still smooth and creamy in it’s own way, and a great addition to the vegan snack market. My favourite was the caramelised hazelnut- my only complaint is the price at £3 per bar. Available at Tesco, Ocado and Amazon.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s 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 XOQGC 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.

Degustabox January 2020*

Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

The first Degustabox of 2020 had a theme of “breakfast and on the go”. I love breakfast (best meal of the day!) and I am always looking for new foods to take in to work with me so this box sounded ideal for me and I wasted no time in getting stuck in.

These Almond Lattes were the product of the month. At £2.98 for six they are a much cheaper alternative to a takeaway coffee for the commute in to work, and pretty delicious. I only really like milky coffee when made with almond or soya milk so I loved these. Currently available at Tesco and Ocado- soon to be available at other leading supermarkets as well.
I’ve bought this Whitworths shots in various flavours before and really rate them as a healthy snack to chuck in your handbag. The berry and white chocolate is definitely a new favourite, I love the contrast of flavours. Available in major supermarket chains (and I’ve spotted them in poundland as well).
The KitKat Chunky More and Yorkie More are touted as a healthier alternative to a standard chocolate bar, with 30% less sugar and boasting protein and fibre. I don’t usually like fruit and chocolate combined but it does work for these bars. If I had to pick, personally I’d say the Yorkie had the edge, but I would eat both again. £1.29 per bar.
*Subscribers will get 1 of 2 products in their box*
Sun-Pat is my go to peanut butter brand. It’s reliable, delicious and affordable. It also happens to make the best peanut butter cookies (I use this recipe). Available in all major supermarkets.
I’m not a big fan of honey but I loved this Kallo honey, rice and corn cakes. A great snack (try with some peanut butter on!) and a good alternative to biscuits if you’re looking for a healthy sweet treat. I demolished this pack so fast, I’m hoping my local Waitrose start stocking them soon- also available in Sainsburys and health food shops.
I didn’t actually try this Wholesums fresh veg popped chips as Bob took them to work with him and he’s currently in Budapest so I can’t grab his thoughts. They look so good though, I generally love this kind of snack. Subscribers will get 1 of 4 flavours- I’d love to know your thoughts if you’ve tried any of them, I’ll be seeking this out in Sainsbury’s ASAP.
These PrepCo pots are great for work. Subscribers will receive 1 of 4 flavours in their box- I was sent 2 but only actually got to try the couscous as the thai green curry rice and quinoa was damaged in transit. I really liked the couscous though and would pick up the other varieties to try if I found them as they are a perfect desk lunch. They also count as one of your five a day. £2 each from Sainsbury’s and Ocado.
More snacks! Both of these are great for on the go. The Bounce peanut ball is a delicious little powerhouse of a snack, packed with flavour and 13g of protein, it really does put a spring in your step- a little pricey at £1.79 but a good healthy option.
Eat Natural is a long time favourite brand of mine and this new vegan bar is a great addition to the range. These cost £1 and the combination of peanuts, coconut and chocolate is a winning one.

Porridge pots are my emergency breakfast of choice. The SuperGut pots from Chescots contain half of your daily fibre (over 3 x the content of other porridge pots). The Blackcurrant one wasn’t to my taste but the raspberry and chia was a great start to a dreary day. Subscribers will receive one flavour and you can find this in Ocado and on Amazon for £1.99 each.
I’m not a fruit juice drinker but Bob always rates products from Crafted. These are all natural drinks with no added sugar or sweeteners. They count as one of your five a day and are certified vegan. Available in all major supermarket chains with an RRP of £1.50
Finally we have vegan basil pesto from Zest. I’m not sure how this fits with breakfast, or on the go (makes a mean packed lunch pasta I guess) but it tastes good! £2.20 per jar from Ocado, Amazon, Morrisons and independent health food retailers across the country.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s 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 XOQGC 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.


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