The first Degustabox of 2015 - The Healthy Box

Stop, oh yeah, wait a minute Mister Postman,

Hey Mister Postman, look and see

If there's a letter in your bag for me ...

Well there wasn't a letter but there was the first Degustabox of the year arriving last week. It's a source of amusement at The Madhouse that all these months on, we all still get just as excited as the first time we received one, because we never know what will be inside from one month to the next.

One thing I've noticed about the last few Degustaboxes is that the same brands keep coming up. That may be a good thing or not, depending on what you thought of them ! As this is the January box, the contents have been picked as Healthy options - I'm not sure if they will continue to be themed but I like the idea. Subscribers get to choose between a Degustabox with or without alcohol when they sign up so would receive either the Magners or the Simplee Aloe in this box - as a Degustabox  blogger, I got to try both though.

 In this month's box, we received :

Alfa One Rice Bran Oil (£2) - I usually use olive oil and I knew very little about rice bran oil. It's high in natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and Gamma Oryzanol, a naturally occuring plant sterol which has been shown to help reduce cholesterol absorption. It is described as one of the healthiest and most versatile cooking oils. I used it in a stir fry and couldn't notice any difference to the usual taste, which is a good thing.

Koko Dairy Free (£1.39) - This is a freshly pressed coconut milk that can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk. It contains fewer calories than skimmed milk, 0% cholesterol and it is 100% allergen free. The description says that it tastes remarkably like cows milk on cereal or in cooking and doesn't curdle in tea or coffee. I was planning on using this in a Brazilian recipe for a fishy stew that calls for coconut milk but this may not have the richness and coconutty flavour of the tinned coconut milk I usually buy. Probably better to use in place of milk.

Kabuto Noodles (£2) - Basically a more sophisticated pot noodle, just add boiling water, stir and eat ! We got the Miso Ramen flavour which is a mixture of noodles, miso, soy and vegetables. Sophie had it as a simple lunch option when she was left to fend for herself and she said it was nice but a bit salty.

Sukrin Low Carb Bread Mix (£5) - I often use bread mixes in the bread machine but this mix comes with its own tray so I'm keen to see how it will turn out. It's for Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed Bread and as it's a low carb option, each slice only contains 1 carb, according to the box. It's very high in fibre - 21% - and it's free from gluten, egg, sugar, wheat, yeast and soya. If you're a Degustabox subscriber and you're here to compare notes, don't miss the exclusive competition on the Degustabox blog - you could win an iphone 6 for showing off your bake, and every participant will get a £5 voucher for Sukrin.

Finn Crisp (£1.20) - We had some of these little crispy bars in a previous Degustabox and they can be nibbled straight from the box in place of crisps or topped with your favourite sandwich filling, such as this homemade salmon pate. 

They can also be crushed and used to give a lovely crunchy topping to a cheesy veggie bake or cauliflower cheese.

Simplee Aloe (£1.79 - in the no-alcohol Degustabox) - This all-natural aloe vera drink is something we'd never come across before. I wasn't sure what we'd think of the taste but it's blended with fresh grape juice and a squeeze of lemon so it's a lovely refreshing drink. 

Magners Light (£1.25 - in the alcohol Degustabox) - I love Magners fruity ciders so I was delighted to discover a product from their new Light range - all the same great taste but only 103 calories a bottle. 

Little Miracles ( 2 x £1.49) - We had some of these in a previous Degustabox and Sophie loved them. This month, we got to try Black Tea, Ginseng, Peach, Açai & Agave and White Tea, Ginseng, Cherry, Açai & Agave. They're a healthier option to many sugar-packed soft drinks.

Mornflake Top Porridge (2 x £1.19) - Porridge pots are great when you want an instant breakfast or lunch that you can make up at work using nothing but the kettle in the staff room. Mornflake have just had a fabulous brainwave and added a little pot of Nutella or Golden Syrup on top of the pot for you to add at the last minute - total genius !

Haywards Piccalilli (£1.89) - Chunky vegetables in a tangy mustard sauce - you can add a dollop to the top of your salad to give it some zing or even add it to a ham sandwich or wrap to take it to another level. 

Special Gift : Clipper Green Tea - a sample pack of 10 tea bags of Clipper Fairtrade Green Tea with Lemon. Not my cup of tea (no pun intended) but I know someone who will like them.

As always, there is a handy recipe sheet to give you some ideas of ways to use the products - this month's is for Thai Chicken Skewers and Koko Dairy-Free Pancakes.

Total retail value of this month's box is £20.63 so the £12.99 subscription fee is a bargain, especially as you can use code  DCM2X to get a £3 discount on your subscription.

for more information :

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Disclosure : I received a free box in order to write an honest review.