We're in the midst of the autumn half-term holiday and we've been enjoying going for walks, kicking through piles of leaves, looking for bright orange pumpkins sitting on doorsteps and picking up the odd conker still lying on the ground. Yep, autumn is definitely here and temperatures have been dropping recently. Perfect timing for this month's Degustabox theme of Movie Night & Sweet Treats. Time to grab the fluffy blankets, a bowl of popcorn and a DVD boxset and flake out on the settee in the warm. Here's what was in this month's Degustabox to accompany our screen time, alongside lots of sweets that I can't tell you about due to HFSS laws.
Soreen Malt Lunchbox Loaves (RRP £1.80) are a great lunchbox dessert or satisfying afternoon snack. I love the soft, squishy, chewy texture and the rich, natural, fruity flavour. It's a convenient alternative to home baking and somehow retains much of the home-baked nature. They are made using real fruit and are a source of iron, making them great fuel for focus and learning. It's great to find a snack that all members of the family, whatever their age, find delicious. With five in a pack, they are great as a daily after-school treat. Available in all major supermarket chains.
When I saw the brand name, I was expecting a pouch of microwaveable rice but these pouches of microwaveable Tilda Lentils (RRP 2 x £2), this month's Product of the Month, were a great surprise. Mixed Lentils are a combination of green and beluga lentils, offering a nutty taste that can be mixed into vegetarian lasagne, bolognese or curry. Tomato & Red Pepper Lentils go great with baked potatoes, cottage pie or stuffed peppers. They both work fabulously mixed with a tin of chopped tomatoes, whatever leftover cooked veggies you have in the fridge and some spices to taste. They are high in fibre and protein, count as one of your 5-a-day portions, contain no artificial ingredients and can be eaten cold or hot, in which case they only take 45 seconds to heat. Who says making a great-tasting veggie meal is complicated ?! Available at Sainsbury's, Ocado and on the Tilda website.
Jacob's Crinklys Big Cheese & Onion (RRP £2) have the regular delicious flavour and crunchy texture of crispsp but they are oven baked, not fried, making them a healthier option. The big bag is perfect for passing along to share while watching a film, but I'd quite happily work my way through a bag all by myself (probably over a few days rather than in one sitting though !) Available in Ocado, Co op and Impulse.
Inspired by Buxton Peak Recharge (RRP £1.75) is a refreshing, great-tasting, fruity drink with added vitamins and minerals. We got the Blackberry and Açai flavour which includes magnesium and vitamin B12 which help reduce tiredness and fatigue, alongside niacin and vitamin B6 which contribute to a normal energy-yielding metabolism. Juliette loved the still water formula as she dislikes fizzy drinks and the flavour was a big hit. It's low in sugar and calories (40 calories per bottle) and uses natural flavourings. Available in Ocado, Amazon, Co op, Asda Express, WHSmith, One Stop and more.
Boost Hydration Electrolytes Powder (RRP £1) combines the benefits of rehydration with a great, full-on flavour. You just need to mix it with 500ml of water so it is quick and simple to prepare. It is formulated with key electrolytes, vitamins and minerals to replace what's lost through sweat, helping you feel refreshed after sport or if you've had an upset stomach. The tropical mango flavour got a big thumbs up. Available on Amazon.
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.
