Saturday, 25 April 2026

Degustabox April 2026 review : Snacking & New Recipes


Another Degustabox has arrived at the Madhouse and this month's theme is Snacking & New Recipes.  If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are five products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was tucked away inside this month's box.

 

I was surprised by the packaging of the Eisberg Be Free 0.0% Sparkling White (RRP £2) as it comes in a can rather than a bottle, making it easier and safer for packing and transporting for picnics or outdoor eating. The can was created with artist Samuel Thomas to create a design that evokes sun, sea, sky and freedom - perfect for alfresco dining and summer parties. The fresh and fruity wine has flavours of peach and citrus and it's 0.0% alcohol-free so anyone, even drivers and teetotallers, can enjoy a can. Available on Amazon.

Seabrooks Tomato Ketchup Flavour Crinkle Cut Crisps (RRP £1.50) have been crafted in Yorkshire since 1945. Back as a limited edition, the sweet, sharp and savoury Tomato Ketchup flavour is very moreish and the crinkle cut texture gives the crisps extra crunch in every bite. I was surprised to see that these products managed to avoid the HFSS regulations (see the introduction for more details) but I investigated and discovered that they are made using sunflower oil, as well as being reformulated to avoid MSG, all e-numbers and unnecessary artificial ingredients. Available in all major supermarkets.


Angel Delight Bubble Jelly (RRP £2.85) is a new product that combines the joyful jigglyness of jelly, with a Bubble Tea inspired twist - delicious popping boba pearls –  so there's a burst of flavour in every bite. We received Lemonade Jelly with Strawberry Boba but there are two other flavour combinations available : Strawberry Jelly with Strawberry Boba and Mango Jelly with Passionfruit Boba. I was expecting this to be horribly sweet but it has a tart, tangy taste that I really enjoyed. The boba pearls are fun and add an intense burst of flavour. It's a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults and, as it comes in at under 100 calories, it is perfect for lunchboxes or snacking, either straight from the cupboard or chilled in the fridge. Available at Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Ocado.

 

Whitworths Nutty Kitchen Italian Supermince (RRP £3.20 - also available in Mexican or Original flavours) is a 100% natural product that won Meat-Free Product of the Year 2026. Made from nothing but chopped walnuts, lentils and quinoa, it can be used in place of mince for anything from lasagne and bolognese to chilli and cottage pie. I was dubious but it actually tasted better than I expected. Sophie is keen to cut out meat and include more vegetarian options in her meals so she was a big fan. Available on Ocado and the Whitworths website.

Namdong Kimchi Jjigae K-Noodles Pot (RRP £1.60) are designed to provide Korean flavours but include a separate chilli sachet so you can choose the spiciness level that suits your palate. Jiggae means stew in Korean and, alongside the noodles, the pot includes Savoy cabbage, spring onions and spices. The Kimchi flavour noodles are vegan-friendly but the pots are also available in Chicken or Beef varieties. Available in all major supermarkets.


Alpen Original Muesli (RRP £2.99) is a product that I haven't eaten for about twenty years and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it tastes just as I remember it. It is a mixture of toasted wheat flakes, creamy oats, juicy raisins and crunchy nuts. It's high in fibre, wholegrain and 100% natural ingredients. It's delicious with milk for breakfast, sprinkled over yogurt for a quick and healthy snack or dessert or it can be incorporated into flapjacks and cookies. It's a tasty way to start the day. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, Amazon, Ocado and Co-op.

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. 


for more information :


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.

Monday, 6 April 2026

Children's book review : Formula Fast : Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing - Matt Ralphs


Formula Fast from Phaidon, by Matt Ralphs with illustrations by Dragan Kordic, is an illustrated guide to Formula One racing, exploring the world's fastest sport through superhuman drivers, legendary tracks and cutting-edge cars. I used to vaguely follow Formula One about forty years ago and my daughter Juliette is a big fan now, so I was pleased to see that the book includes names that we are both familiar with : Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Desiré Wilson but also Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.


The book is an exciting, eye-catching look at the sport that will appeal to readers aged 8 and upwards. Each page is bright and colourful with simple to follow, short texts that even beginner readers will be able to deal with.


The book cleverly combines fascinating facts, detailed illustrations and technical insights to give an overview of the engineering, strategy and human skill behind Formula One. From record-breaking pit stops and high-tech steering wheels to the training that helps drivers withstand extreme G-forces, readers will discover how teams prepare for race day, how car design has evolved and how safety, diversity and sustainability are shaping modern F1.


The book includes a timeline of key developments that charts the sport's global rise and a glossary of terms that clearly explains the sport's essential technical vocabulary. Whether you are a big fan of the sport or just have your interest piqued by the title, everything is clear to understand and makes the sport more impressive. It is also educational, linking Formula One to STEM learning through real-world examples of physics, engineering and design.


Here are just a few of the fascinating facts to whet your whistle :

- The world record for the fastest pit stop is 1.8 seconds.

- Drivers can lose up to 3kg in sweat during a single race.

- Formula One cars act like upside-down airplane wings to "stick" to the track.

- Races take place on every continent except Antarctica.

- The first F1 drivers raced without helmets or seatbelts.

There are plenty more facts and figures inside the book that your kids will love to share with you !

RRP : £16.95

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Jan. 2026
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1837290164
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1837290161
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 740 g
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25 x 1.2 x 30.5 cm

Formula Fast is available on amazon or in all good bookstores.


Disclosure : We received a review copy of the book in order to share our honest opinion.

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