Temperatures have decreased dramatically in recent weeks so, when the postie dropped off this month's Degustabox, I was hoping for ingredients for winter warmers and cheeky snacks for nibbling under the duvet in front of the telly. Would my wishes come true? Let's have a look at the contents below and find out !
Mission Wholemeal Wraps (RRP £1.59) are perfect for rustling up a quick snack (our favourite filling is banana and Nutella) or for adapting into a tasty lunch (filled with ham or chicken, mayonnaise and salad) or dinner (anyone for fajitas?!) These wholemeal wraps have a stronger, nuttier flavour than our usual white wraps that we all enjoyed and they have a higher fibre content. They would be perfect for using up the leftover turkey after Christmas. Available in Morrisons.
Monty Bojangles Pretzel Parade (RRP £3.95) are a new chocolatey sweet treat that was a unanimous hit here at The Madhouse. The unique combination of cocoa dusted truffles, white chocolate chips and pretzel flavour offers an original and unexpectedly delicious flavour. They would be perfect as a Secret Santa gift. Available in Ocado.
Moo Free Jingle Chums (RRP 80p) would be a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who is dairy intolerant. They are dairy-free and vegan friendly but they are perfectly acceptable even if you have no dietary issues. They taste great and we loved the cute festive character hiding under the wrapper. Altogether now, "we wish you a Moo Free Christmas" ! Available at Tesco, Asda and online at moofreechocolates.com.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic (RRP £1.85) is a perfectly festive drink to enjoy on its own, blended with orange juice on Christmas morning or jazzed up in one of the many cocktails over on the
Ocean Spray website. It has a sharp, crisp taste that wakes you up and refreshes your palate. Don't save the cranberries for the sauce on the side of your Christmas dinner plate, get some in drink form too ! Available in all major supermarkets.
Eisberg Selection Pinot Noir 0.0% (RRP £8 - other subscribers got Eisberg Pinot Grigio 0.0%) is a soft and smooth alcohol-free wine with notes of redcurrant and sweet spice. It can be paired with roast pork and vegetable pasta dishes, but it is a perfect match with the Christmas turkey too. Ideal for pregnant or breastfeeding mums or anyone else who wants to avoid drinking, it comes in at just 18 calories per glass. Available at Morrisons, Club Soda and Amazon.
Knorr Hairy Bikers' Herby Stock Pots (RRP £1.90) are another handy product from the range that we've been enjoying in recent Degustaboxes. These Herby stock pots are a quick and simple way of adding tons of flavour, whether you're cooking a meaty, vegan or veggie meal. Whether making risotto, pasta, soup, stew or casseroles, just pop a stock pot into the dish and add water if necessary to add a rich depth of flavour. Perfect for knocking up a quick dinner with the festive leftovers. It is lovely to see the dearly departed Hairy Biker Dave Myers on the packaging too. Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado and Asda.
Double Dutch Ginger Ale (RRP £1) is described by the producers as "liquid velvet with a kick". Natural ginger is mixed with a touch of cardamom to offer aromatic notes that round out the flavour with a silky depth. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with aged spirits like whisky or dark rum. It has an earthy, full-bodied flavour that will give you a nice kick. Available at Ocado, Amazon and on the Double Dutch Drinks website.
Blanco Niño Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips (RRP £2.95 - other subscribers got Chilli & Lime or Smoky Chipotle) are traditionally made tortilla chips using an ancient method called nixtamalisation. They have a lovely flavour and are gluten-free, vegan friendly and free from artificial ingredients. They use slow-cooked, whole, regeneratively-farmed, non-GMO corn and taste reassuringly fresh and natural. Available at Sainsbury's, Co-op, Ocado and Wholefoods.
Brain Blasterz Sour Wormz (RRP £1.29 - other Degustaboxers received Sour Boltz) offer the original dual flavourz - sorry, flavours ! - of blue raspberry-lemon-cherry cola and apple-strawberry. The vegan gummies have a pleasant chewy texture but I have to admit, I found them a bit too sour for my tastes. They are rated a level 3 out of 5 on the Sour Scale so I must be a wimp though ! Needless to say, the Madhouse kids loved them.
Revolution Waves Raspberry (RRP £1) is a pleasant-tasting, fruity-flavoured, spring water drink that is free from artificial additives. It has an extra bonus - the range has added vitamins and minerals, so the raspberry variety includes vitamin D for boosting your immunity. Most importantly, it tastes great and is very refreshing. Available at Heron Foods and Wholesalers.
Ambrosia Plant Based Custard (RRP £1.95) is a great store cupboard staple, especially over the Christmas period. It is delicious served over Christmas pudding but my personal favourite pairing is with apple pie. It is Ambrosia's first ever plant based custard, made with natural flavours with added calcium and no preservatives or artificial colours. I personally couldn't taste the difference and we all gobbled it up. Available in Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Tesco.
A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout.
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Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.