It's nearly time for school to kick out for the summer, so I'm already starting to think about days out and activities to do with the family. I love nothing better than shoving a few snacks and drinks in a bag and heading out for the day to see where we end up. We invariably have lots of fun adventures, so I'm hopeful that we'll discover some new places this summer. Last week, the postman dropped off the latest Degustabox, which has a Summer & BBQ theme. Perfect for backpack snacks !
First up, a box of three Trek Protein Nut Bars (RRP £2.50), in Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt flavour. Crunchy roasted peanuts and whole almonds with a sprinkling of dark chocolate chips and a touch of sea salt. They are each packed with 10g of plant-based protein, they contain less than 5g of sugar and are high in fibre. Above all, they are delicious and perfect for keeping you going if you're out on a long walk.
Kolibri Cardamom & Chilli and Strawberry & Basil Botanical Drinks (RRP £3.75 - Degustabox subscribers received one of the two) are award-winning, luxury, lightly-sparkling botanical infusions with very low sugar and unique flavour combinations. We love the bottles which look very chic - they're perfect for sipping, freshly chilled or served over ice, while sitting in the garden on a hot summer's day. After pouring the Kolibri drink over ice, you push the top of the nectar container to add the desired level of sweetness. I loved the strawberry and basil flavour but was less won over by the cardamom and chilli - it's great to get original, grown-up flavours to test out though. They are made in Britain, contain all natural ingredients and are low calorie despite containing no artificial sweeteners.
Newman's Own Italian Dressing (RRP £1.75) is a best-selling dressing made with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. It's lovely drizzled over salad - perfect for a quick lunch on a hot day.
Hellmann's Chilli Mayonnaise Fired by Tabasco (RRP £1.99) is another great summer option, perfect for squeezing on the side of the plate at barbecues, adding to potato salad and homemade coleslaw or squeezing into sandwiches. The tabasco gives it a lovely kick - a little goes a long way !
Lucozade Energy Watermelon & Strawberry Cooler (RRP £1.20) is the latest flavour to be added to the range. It's a fabulously refreshing fruity combination that the kids loved, especially fresh from the fridge. I had a quick taste and did really like the lovely, fruity flavour but I was put off by the quantity of sugar and calories.
DRGN Turmeric Superdrink (RRP £1.85) is an 'Asian fusion' natural energy and wellness drink, that is free from caffeine. Inspired by the Far East, this refreshing citrus drink is packed with pan-Asian superfoods, vitamins and minerals. It contains less sugar and nothing artificial, so it's healthier than some options. I was a bit reluctant to try this one, but it actually tasted better than I expected !
Rowntree's Randoms (RRP £1.29) have already been tried (and loved) by the Madhouse kids on numerous occasions. You never know what you're going to get - ping pong paddles or paintbrushes? snowflakes or saxophones? - but whatever the shape, you know they'll taste lovely and fruity.
Garbanzo Thai Sweet Chilli (RRP £2.29) is one of a new gourmet range of vegan snacks, comprised of crunchy chickpeas, caramelised pumpkin seeds and red onion. Only natural ingredients are used and they are gluten free with no artificial additives or preservatives. As they say, healthy doesn't have to be boring !
They are also available in Bombay Twist and Tomato Salsa flavours - subscribers received one flavour. We loved all three flavours - very tasty and decidedly moreish !
Staying on the snacks, this Degustabox contained Mavericks Moon Cheese Poppin' Corn and Mavericks Super Strawb Smart Cookies (RRP 75p), which are both part of the Maverick Healthier Snack for Kids range. Other options are Breadkicks, Fruit Brix and Fruit Laces. Whichever you pick, they come in at under 100 calories, contain no added sugar and offer plenty of added goodness. They were very popular with the kids, who gobbled the whole lot up in record time !
Savoursmiths Truffle & Rosemary Potato Crisps (RRP £1.50) are perfect as the decadent snack of choice for the discerning connoisseur. Fresh sprigs of rosemary are combined with a hint of the wild, earthy taste of black truffle for a luxurious twist on your regular bag of crisps.
An intriguing mystery product offered another snack : Lentil, Corn, Pea & Black Bean Tortillas (RRP 80p). These haven't hit the shops yet and Degustabox wants consumers' opinions. They are a healthier version of tortilla chips, made by crushing lentils, corn, green peas and black beans into thin, crunchy triangles and adding a dash of sea salt. We all loved them.
Alcoholic Gummies by Smith & Sinclair (RRP £15 for a selection of 8) are an intriguing concept. We got Mandarin Spritz and Gin & Tonic. They are created by Smith & Sinclair, dubbed Willy Wonka for adults, and it's the first time I've come across the idea. All gummies contain 8% alcohol so if you eat five, you're over the limit for driving - this sounds a bit dodgy to me because I can see people accidentally going over the limit without realising it. They taste lovely though and I could see these being popular at weddings and other celebrations. (Use code DEGUSTA for 15% off your first order, at www.smithandsinclair.com)
The Free From Kitchen Choc Bar (RRP £1.50) and Salted Caramel Choc Slab (RRP £2.50) are gluten, wheat and milk free treats, designed to suit everyone, whether due to medical reasons or a lifestyle choice. We loved both of them.
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.
I really do need to start up with degustabox again
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