Unpacking this month's goodies, I instantly spotted lots of brand names that we were familiar with. I think there were only two or three that were new to us in fact, but they are all new twists on old favourites and we were all keen to try them out.
First up, we discovered this pack of Apple & Raspberry Brynmor Flapjacks (RRP £2 - other subscribers got Caramel Fudge or Dark Chocolate & Ginger flavour). We've tried other flavours from this range in previous Degustaboxes and loved them and these ones didn't disappoint. They are vegan friendly, high in fibre and lovingly baked in Wales. As they are made with high quality, natural ingredients, they feel like a definite "not so guilty" treat ! Yum !
Esprala Apple & Red Plum (RRP £1.09) is a lightly sparkling fruit drink with guarana and green tea. It contains no added sugar and only 43 calories per serving. It's a pleasant, refreshing taste, perfect fresh out of the fridge on a warm day. Rumour has it, it's great as a gin cocktail mixer too ! Available on amazon.
The kids always love to try out new cereal brands so they were delighted to find a box of Organic Honey & Choc Cheerios (RRP £3). I wasn't sure about the combination of the two flavours, but it does work and the kids loved them. This product marks the brand's entrance into the UK organic market. It is a certified organic cereal made using organic honey hoops from five organically-farmed whole grains and chocolate cereal pieces. They can be enjoyed in a bowl with milk, made into cornflake cake type desserts or - as the Madhouse kids enjoyed them - straight out of the box by the handful as a snack !
Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter (RRP £2.50) confused me to start with - why are there so many different peanut butters with additions coming out lately?! - but closer inspection revealed that there are in fact no cornflakes in the pot, just some honey roasted peanuts in an ultra-smooth peanut butter. It tastes very nice - I think the honey on the peanuts adds some extra sweetness - and I, as a crunchy peanut butter lover, thought the texture was very nice. Great on toast, in sandwiches or even baked into cookies and muffins. Available at Sainsbury's, Iceland, Morrisons, One Stop and periodically at Aldi.
Enervit The Protein Deal (RRP £2.50 - subscribers received one of two bars, either Red Fruit Delight or Dark Choc) is designed as positive food for conscious and active consumers, food for people who want to keep fit & well, basically the perfect bars for mindful indulgence. The bars are low in sugar, gluten free, palm oil free and contain 20g of protein. As a snack, I think they're very expensive, but as a special treat when following a high protein diet or trying to get fit, they are a tasty treat.
Hippeas Chickpea Puff Snacks (RRP 99p) are a product that we have tried in previous Degustaboxes and these Salt & Vinegar Vibes didn't disappoint. They are light and crunchy with a definite salt & vinegar zing. Very tasty ! They are gluten free, vegan and come in at 91 calories per pack.
Mighty Chicken & Mushroom Mug Shot (RRP £1.49) is great as a swift and convenient lunch option at work or for the kids when they need a snack or quick meal. It is super quick to prepare - just pour in boiling water, stir and wait for five minutes - then it's good to go. It contains less than 2% fat and provides 440 calories. It's made with natural flavours and no artificial colours. When you dash home for lunch and need something fast to fill your growling stomach, it's perfect ! The great news is, you can feel super virtuous when you eat it as they have reduced the pot size while keeping the same quantity of ingredients, thereby using 50% less plastic, which is great news for the environment.
Lucozade Zero Tropical (RRP £1.49) is a sugar free pineapple and mango flavoured drink that is very tasty. I still remember the ultra sweet original Lucozade in a plastic covered, bobbly glass bottle that I would have as a child when off school sick, but this is a much lighter, more refreshing option. They have even made the bottle fully recyclable now too for some extra bonus points !
Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar (RRP £1.29) were welcome additions to the kitchen cupboard. Filippo Berio has been creating the finest oils since 1867 and the brand's ongoing success is no doubt testament to the passion and dedication of Filippo Berio himself, the man who set out with a dream to make delicious olive oils worthy of his friends, his family – and his name. I know and already use the olive oil, which is great for frying meat and vegetables or drizzling over salads. The vinegar, made with specially selected Modena grapes, has a smooth, sweet flavour that works well in vinaigrette. With salad season on the way, I'm sure this will come in handy over the summer !
Mallow & Marsh Vanilla Marshmallow Bar Coated in Milk Chocolate (RRP £1.35) is a very tasty bar when you need a sweet treat. With fluffy vanilla marshmallow and a velvety smooth Belgian milk chocolate, it sounds like a match made in heaven ... and it is ! Even better, it comes in at 134 calories which is very reasonable.
Maynards Bassetts Fruit Smoothie Jellies (RRP £1.32) instantly appealed to me, but I was even more keen to try them when I saw the flavours : Banana & Strawberry, Mango & Passion fruit, Pineapple & Lemon or Pomegranate & Berry. I love the originality of the flavours and these were polished off by the whole family in record time ! They contain natural colours and flavours, are made with real fruit puree and are a source of Vitamins C&E.
Smarties Milk Chocolate Sharing Block (RRP £1 - some subscribers got the Orange Smarties Sharing Block) is exactly what it sounds like - a big bar of chocolate stuffed with Smarties. What's not to like?! The kids polished this off and declared it very tasty. The paper packaging is even fully recyclable.
Finally, the kids were over the moon to discover Brioche Pasquier Pitch Bloc 'o' Choc Filled Brioche (RRP £1.40). They loved the soft, buttery brioche and the real stick of chocolate in the middle. They're perfect for breakfast or snacks any time of day. Their one complaint - there were only four in the pack and they needed more !
The kids were very happy with everything in this box and I can see us continuing to buy several of these products.
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.
