The February "Degusta & Chill" Degustabox review

Last week, the postie delivered a brand new Degustabox for us to discover. I called the kids, we all stood peering in as I peeled back the flaps and .... oooh we could all already spot some tasty treats that we fancied getting our mitts (and our lips) on !

Last month's New Year Degustabox focusing on healthy treats was received with a slightly less enthusiastic response, so the kids in particular were very pleased to see that this month's box was full of tasty treats and drinks that they couldn't wait to try. I think this month has the balance just right, with lots of tempting versions of things that we already eat, along with a few unusual or extra healthy options to sample. Time for a closer look.

Strangely enough, the kids went straight for the sweets - now there's a surprise ! There were two packets of Bebeto Watermelon Jelly Gum (RRP 2 x 50p) which were met with enthusiastic murmurs and lots of bag rustling ! I did actually get to have some and they are tasty. I particularly loved the fact that they contain real fruit juices and we were impressed with the price, so we'll be looking out for these in the shops.

They weren't so keen on the idea of The Snaffling Pig Co Pork Crackling (RRP 2 x 75p) though, so I got to munch on that all by myself ! There were two flavours of snaffle packs in the box, in Perfectly Salted and - my favourite - Low & Slow BBQ flavours. I haven't had pork crackling for years and I loved these - I can see why they've won 9 Great Taste Awards.

When the Madhouse kids were younger, they often used to drink fruity drinks from the Appy Kids Co, but I didn't know that they also produced individual cartons of Whole Milk (RRP 2 x £1). I was actually surprised to discover that these were really popular. Up until now, the Madhouse kids will drink milk if it's made into hot chocolate or cold chocolate milk, but I don't usually bother giving them plain milk. It turned out to be a major success though, which is great news. These cartons are available at Morrisons stores nationwide. 

I haven't eaten pesto since Madhouse Daddy died, because the Madhouse kids don't like it and a big jar is too much just for me, so I was pleased to see a jar in the box. This Reduced Fat No 14 Basil Pesto from Sacla (RRP £2.50) has no added sugar or salt and the cheese is replaced by tofu, making it suitable for vegans too. Lovely stirred through a bowl of leftover pasta when I need a quick lunch.

Next was a pack of Clearspring Organic Seaveg Crispies Turmeric (RRP £2.59 for 3 packs), which are a toasted nori snack, made with just four simple ingredients. I'll be honest, we weren't sure about them, but we've tried other seaweed-based products in the past that we weren't keen on, so I think it's just down to personal taste. It's a shame because they're gluten free, vegan, high in fibre and contain only 18 calories a bag.

The next product intrigued us - two packs of Deli Kitchen Folded Brioche Flatbreads (RRP 2 x £1.25). The brand wants to inspire consumers to branch out from the traditional lunch options of sliced sandwiches and salads and try their new range inspired by breads from across the globe. Here at The Madhouse, we love this idea. This brioche folded flatbread is a rich, melt-in-the-mouth flatbread, perfect for burgers or with griddled steak and gooey cheese.

There is a recipe card in the box that suggests two serving options : Brioche Folded Flatbread with Philly Steak Melt and Brioche Folded Flatbreads with Smoked Salmon, Watercress and Caper Scramble. Hmmm, so many options ! These are in the freezer at the moment but will be transformed into a quick lunch or dinner very soon.

Choc Chick Plantain Bites & Quinoa Pops (RRP 2 x £1.85) were another brand new product for us. They are a dairy and gluten free snack that combine the wholegrain goodness of quinoa and the tropical loveliness of plantain with the finest Ecuadorian single origin organic cacao. With 50% less sugar than your average chocolates, they offer a guilt free indulgence that we enjoyed snacking on.

Explore Cuisine Organic Chickpea Fusilli (RRP £3) is a new (to us) product from a brand that we got to try in a previous Degustabox. (We had their Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettucine in the January 2018 Degustabox.) The Fusilli are high in protein and fibre, organic, vegan and naturally gluten free, so just add your favourite vegetables or sauce for a healthy family meal. It's not something that I would have bought if I saw it in the supermarket, but the kids happily wolfed it down !

And finally, there was a bottle of Orangina (RRP £1.30), which I had to sneak away to the fridge and drink all by myself once the kids were in bed to avoid arguments ! The soft sparkle and real citrus pulp always hit the spot, offering a refreshing and delicious drink.

On the cards in the box, there is also news of an Instagram competition and a recipe for Baked Cod with Basil Pesto and Puy Lentils, which sounds rather nice.

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 £7.99 - 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.