Degustabox August 2023 review

The Madhouse kids (except Sophie, who was travelling in Amsterdam and Rome with a friend) were off visiting the grandparents in Brittany for two weeks, leaving me home alone. That meant that I got the first pick of things from the latest Degustabox ! I did save some things for them when they got home though. Here's what was in the August box, which didn't have a specific theme this time.

Bear Little Paws (RRP 2 x 60p) were available in the box in two flavours : strawberry and apple and raspberry and blueberry. These gently baked, chewy shapes are made from 100% fruit with no added sugar and never from concentrates. They are described as the perfect toddler snack for cubs aged 2+ years but the Madhouse kids are much older than that and they still love them. They have a lovely smooth texture and taste really sweet and fruity despite the lack of artificial additives and sugar. Totally delicious. These are also available as a multipack of 5 x 20g packs at all major supermarkets.

 

Carlsberg 0.0 Pilsner (RRP 2 x 85p) is an alcohol-free option that tastes identical to the original version, in my opinion. It has a crisp hoppy bite and only contains 63 calories per bottle. It's ideal for sticking alongside the wine, cocktails and soft drinks at summertime barbecues for anyone who doesn't want to drink alcohol.

Fruit-tella Strawberry Flavour (RRP £1.30) is this month's Product of the Month and it was a big hit with the whole family. Crafted with natural flavours, you just squeeze a small amount into water for a refreshing drink. This is also available in a Blackcurrant flavour, exclusively at B&M for summer 2023. The flavour is great and the smaller bottle makes it easier to carry home from the shop, as well as being better for the environment. Each bottle provides enough for 20 drinks.

 

Another drinks option is J20 Spritz (RRP £3.55 for 4 cans). We got Apple & Elderflower flavour, while other Degustaboxers got to try Pear & Raspberry. The fruity flavour and lightly sparkling quality combine to create a very refreshing drink that I like to sip on in the afternoon or evening, but the info in the Degustabox says it can also be paired with creamy and rich dishes. Available in all major supermarkets.

Knorr Pastaria Pasta Bolognese (RRP £1.40) is a dish that I usually throw together from scratch, using mince, tomatoes, onions, garlic and a sprinkle of herbs to create a rich sauce to serve with pasta. I wasn't sure what I would think of a packet version, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although it doesn't look that appetising while it's cooking, it does actually have a lovely taste and texture once it's all cooked and the fact that, as it contains pasta, it creates a whole meal in ten minutes makes it perfect for Pierre when he needs a simple lunch to cook on his own. You literally just have to add water so it couldn't be easier to make. Other varieties in the range are Pasta Parmesana and Pasta Carbonara, which I'll definitely look out for for the kids. Available at Asda.

Le Petit Ganache (RRP £1.70) is the first filled biscuit in the popular Lu range and it was a big hit with the entire family. The buttery biscuit is filled with a silky chocolate-hazelnut filling which is incredibly moreish and with four of us nibbling on them, the whole packet disappeared in one sitting ! Available in major supermarkets.

Nature's Heart Sour Cream & Chive Flavour Crunch (RRP £2.25) is a tasty mixture of crunchy edamame, peas, broad beans and seeds, along with flavouring. We got cream and chive which we loved but other Degustaboxers got Sweet Chilli Crunch. They are high in protein and high in fibre and half of a 100g bag provides one of your five a day portions. I happily munched on a handful while Sophie absolutely loved it and swiftly devoured the bag. Available at Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, WH Smith, Ocado and Amazon.

 

Pitch Strawberry (RRP £1.75) are a new addition to the Pitch range in the UK, bringing a strawberry filled brioche that is perfect for breakfast or snacktime. They are a new product on this side of the Channel but the Madhouse kids have been eating them for years in France and love them to bits. The individually wrapped buns are great as snacks on the go and perfect for stuffing into pockets or handbags. Available at Aldi from 27th August to 3rd September and at Tesco from 4th September.

Rubies in the Rubble Squirty Tomato Ketchup (RRP £3.50) is a great product on a number of levels. It is made using surplus and wonky pears that would otherwise go to waste which is great for the environment, as well as creating a product with double the fruit and half the refined sugar content of leading brands. Tastewise, it gets a unanimous thumbs up from the Madhouse testers too. Available at Tesco, Waitrose, The Co-operative and on Ocado.

 

Whitworths Shots Fruity Biscuit Flavour (RRP £2) are a popular snack option at the Madhouse, loved by the kids and promoted by me as a healthier alternative to many sugar-packed or chocolatey treats. The Fruity Biscuit variety is a mixture of sultanas, cranberries and white chocolate coated shortcake biscuits which are very tasty. Each pack comes in at under 100 calories and is easy to stash in a pocket or handbag. 

Tropicana Smooth Orange With No Bits (RRP £3) is a great tasting drink, made from 100% perfectly pressed fruit juice, not from concentrate. Juliette loves the perfectly smooth texture and everyone loves the taste. Made from hand-picked oranges, squeezed within 24 hours for freshness, plus no added sugar. Lovely at breakfast time to start the day in style ! It can be stored in the cupboard but is best served chilled.

 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.