Since our last Degustabox delivery, we've all gone back to school so I was hoping that this month's box would contain cooking shortcuts (such as sauces or flavouring sachets), snacks for the kids and quick things for Pierre to throw together for lunches on his own. I was therefore pleased to see that that was exactly what was tucked away inside this month's box. Here's what we discovered.
First up, I pulled out this packet of Truly Nuts! Fired Up Hot Chilli Mixed Nuts (RRP £1.30) which contain Brazil nuts, almonds and mixed nuts. I found them a bit too spicy for my tastes but Pierre happily gobbled them up. Other Degustaboxers got Always Stoked Smoked Nuts which sound like they would appeal to me more.
MYOM Original Oat Drink Premix (RRP £1.10) is made from a creamy blend of oats and fortified with calcium, iodine and vitamins B12 and D3. Just add water and shake to create a fresh and clean oat milk. Each pouch makes 500ml of oat milk and takes up less space in the cupboard and in your shopping bag than a carton of milk. Available at https://myom.shop/
This month's Product of the Month is Tilda Saag Aloo Limited Edition Rice (RRP £1.54). I scuttled off to google to check out exactly what saag aloo is and discovered that it is a classic Indian-style side dish featuring potatoes fried in spices and spinach. The pouch of rice can be eaten on its own or as a side dish to curry. I've left it in the cupboard for Pierre when he's eating lunch home alone. It is gluten free and needs just two minutes in the microwave or three minutes in a pan. Available at all major supermarkets.
Smint Strawberry XXL Tin (RRP £1.50) are three times bigger than regular Smint, but what surprised me the most was the flavour. I said to Pierre that I thought they were minty and he replied "they are. Strawberry mint." That blew my mind (who would ever put mint and strawberry flavours together ?!) so I tried one and I have to admit, it does work. They're refreshing and decidedly fruity. Perfect for keeping in your desk at work or in the glove box of the car. Available at all major supermarkets.
Maggi have a new range of Air Fryer Seasoning Mixes (RRP 3 x 99p) and we received three products to try, Shawarma, Piri Piri and Fajita. I don't have an Air Fryer but I didn't let that put me off and used them with chicken baked in the oven. It worked perfectly and was packed with flavour and spice that we loved. They are a quick and convenient way of livening up your mealtimes with minimal effort. Available in all major supermarkets.
Lu Le Petit Cookie (RRP £1.99) somehow sounds a lot more sophisticated than if it was in English. I'm not sure I'd be tempted by a product called The Little Biscuit, but its French sophistication gives it a little je ne sais quoi. Packed with rich, chunky chocolate chips, it is decidedly délicieux ! Available in all major supermarkets.
Jordans Limited Edition Blueberry Crumble Country Crisp (RRP £3.60) has my name written all over it. Imagine a bowlful of light and crispy golden oat clusters alongside sweet and chewy blueberry pieces. As an added surprise, it even turns the milk purple ! It is utterly delicious and the only bad thing is that it is a limited edition so you'll have to get in quick. Available at Tesco, Asda and Ocado.
Knorr Red Wine Stock Pots (RRP £1.90) are a quick and convenient way of adding richness and flavour to casseroles and stews. I never have a bottle of wine kicking about in the kitchen cupboard for when a recipe calls for it, so this is a great alternative. Each stock pot is enriched with half a glass of rich red wine, as well as rosemary and thyme, to add some oomph to your dishes. Knorr suggest using it in shepherd's pie, stews and spaghetti bolognese, which I can imagine would add some lovely depth of flavour. I have decided to welcome in the cooler weather with a tasty beef bourguignon - can't wait ! Available at Ocado and Asda.
Cirio Pasta Sauce (RRP £2.25) is a new range of products from the popular tomato producers. We got Roma Bacon flavour which combines the rounded taste of tomatoes with smoked bacon in a sauce approaching the flavours of amatriciana sauce. It is quick and simple to prepare, just needing to be poured over pasta and mixed in, with a topping of grated cheese or parmesan (or both, if you're a total cheese lover like Juliette !). Other subscribers got Bologna Vegan Ragu. Coming soon to Ocado.
Acti + Clean Energy Drink (RRP £1.50) is a new drink option, combining nootropics vitamins, and minerals, to help boost performance and focus. Sugar-free and guilt-free, it supports mental sharpness, reduces tiredness and enhances immunity. Available in Strawberry & Dragonfruit and Peach & Apricot flavour (which we got and all thought was very tasty), it's a refreshing way to give yourself a little boost. Available at Tesco, Holland & Barrett and online.
I was very happy to discover more seasoning sachets, this time from Flava It (RRP 2 x £1.10). These No Fuss seasoning sachets are perfect for providing tasty, exciting food with very little effort. Just shake over pork, chicken or beef, then stir into the meat as you fry it in a frying pan. Just the time to boil up some rice, pasta or potatoes to go with it and dinner is ready. We got to try Smoky BBQ and Chinese Style, which are two of the most popular flavours, and we loved both of them. Other flavour varieties include Garden Mint, Piri Piri and Garlic & Herb. Great for when you're short on time or energy or if you want to provide some simple cooking options for your kids when they head off to uni. Available at Tesco, Morrisons and Ocado.
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.
