Degustabox January 2026 review : Breakfast and Brunch

The latest Degustabox arrived a couple of weeks ago, the first one of 2026. With the recent cold spell (we've managed to avoid all the snow which I'm happy about), I was hoping for lots of winter warmers and snacks to nibble on tucked up under a quilt on the settee in front of the telly. I was also wondering if it would be packed full of healthy options with New Year's Resolutions in mind. In the end, it was a happy balance of the two. Here's what was tucked away in the January box, which had the theme Breakfast and Brunch.

 

The first product that I pulled out of the box would be ideal for anyone on a bit of a new year's health kick and trying to up their protein intake : Up & Go Protein Chocolate (other Degustaboxers got Vanilla flavour - RRP £2.50). Packed with 35g of protein, essential vitamins and minerals, this is designed as a convenient breakfast drink to fuel your busy mornings. Pierre loved the taste and the smooth texture, as well as the fact that it is ready to drink and requires no faffing about mixing or blending ingredients. If you're looking for a mess and fuss-free way to increase your protein intake, this is a simple solution. Available at Tesco and Co-op.

Sharwood's Chef's Special Tikka Masala Curry Kit (RRP £2.80) is a great compromise between store bought and home made curry. The two step kit consists of a garlic and ginger paste to cook with your chicken or vegetables and a creamy tomato tikka sauce to simmer the ingredients for a richly-flavoured dish. Quality Indian ingredients are used and the sauce is cooked in small batches in stages to deliver layers of flavour, as if you were cooking from scratch. We all enjoyed the rich, fragrant flavours and the mild spice rating appealed to the whole family. Available at Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.

Pip Organic Pineapple & Mango Organic Fruit Smoothies (RRP 2 x £1.50) are utterly delicious and easily transportable, perfect for popping into a pocket or a handbag for an after-school trip to the park. The brightly coloured packaging with fun fruit characters will appeal to kids, while parents will love the fact that they are made with 100% organic fruit. Each carton contains 1.5 apples, 1/4 of an banana, 1/4 of an pineapple, a chunk of mango and a dash of squeezed orange. Even better, they avoid all fossil fuel derived fertilisers and synthetic pesticides. They're not just for kids though. We all loved them. Available at Ocado, Abel & Cole and on the Pip Organic website.

Mission Carb Balance Original Wraps (RRP £1.80) are Sophie's favourite wraps as they are better for her diabetes. They contain just 9g of carbs per wrap (66% less than Mission Original Wraps) but are still high in fibre and have a lovely soft texture. We all think they taste just the same as the regular wraps so it's a no-brainer - lower carbs for everyone ! Available in all major supermarkets.

Nakd Blueberry Muffin Raw Fruit & Nut Bar (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Cocoa Orange flavour) is the perfect vegan & gluten free option for convenient on the go healthy snacking. All ultra-processing, added sugar and artificial additives are banished so nothing but natural ingredients and their recognisable, appealing flavours are used. It even counts as one of your 5-a-day. They taste lovely and you have a real feeling that you are being kind to your body and giving it what it needs, unlike many snacks and sweet bars. Available in major supermarket chains.

Linwoods Chocolate Flavour Protein Overnight Oats (RRP £4 - other Degustaboxers received Strawberry, Vanilla or Original flavour) are a blend of oats, plant protein and chia seeds that are a source of protein, fibre and omega-3, helping provide sustained energy throughout the day. Just add milk and pop them in the fridge overnight and they'll be ready to eat in the morning. We liked the chocolate flavour but weren't overly keen on the chia seeds. Available at major supermarkets, health food stores and on the Linwoods website.

Cirio Passata Rustico (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, versatile sauce that can be used as a pasta sauce, a pizza base or with chicken or vegetable sautés. It is made with 100% Italian tomatoes and offers a rustic, chunky texture and rich, sun-ripened flavour. Just mix in with leftovers from a Sunday roast dinner and you'll have Monday's dinner on the table literally in minutes ! Available at Ocado, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

This month's Product of the Month is Bisto Creamy Cheese Sauce (RRP £2.95), a real timesaver in the kitchen. Just add four level tablespoons of cheese sauce mix to 250ml of boiling water and stir until smooth and creamy. I used this for making cauliflower cheese and we all loved it. The flavour is just as good as homemade and it is so much easier than making it from scratch. It could also be used in pasta bakes, lasagne or macaroni cheese. It contains no artificial colours or preservatives and each tub contains 19 servings. Available in all major supermarkets.

Clearspring Organic Tofu (RRP £1.89) is the same award winning, velvety-smooth Organic Japanese Silken Tofu, now in a single serve 200g size, which is perfect if you are catering for one vegetarian in the family. You can make all sorts of things with tofu, scrambling it for breakfast, slicing it into fresh tofu sashimi, stirring it into a warming miso soup or blending it into a creamy dessert. It's great to keep in the fridge to fall back on if you need a veggie option in a rush. Available in health stores, on clearspring.co.uk, at Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic.

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 :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Degustabox December 2025 review : Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments

Festive food is big news at the moment, as everyone is making sure they've bought the biggest turkey possible, made (or quite possibly bought) everything from Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings to mince pies and pannetone. When the December Degustabox was delivered last week, I was quite pleased to see that this month's theme - Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments - suggests an end to the festive overeating and a welcome return to simple suppers and snacks. Here's what was in this month's box.

Nothing says comfort food better than a tin of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup (RRP £1.60). The iconic brand was born in 1897 and immortalised by Andy Warhol in the 1960's. Its thick, creamy consistency and rich flavour are perfect when you need something quick and filling and it always makes me feel like it's a hug in a bowl. It's lovely on its own, maybe with some dried onions and paprika sprinkled over the top and a slice of toast on the side to dip into it, but it is also very useful as an ingredient in more complex dishes. Over Christmas, it would be ideal mixed in with leftover turkey and vegetables then transformed into a pie, a curry or a pasta bake. Available in all major grocery stores.

Bonne Maman Madeleines (RRP £3.15) are beautifully flavoured, soft, buttery cakes that are made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Perfect as a mid-morning snack with a hot drink, they can also be enjoyed straight from the pack in front of the TV or whenever you feel like one. I've even been led to believe that they are a particular favourite of Father Christmas, so make sure you tell the kids to leave one out on Christmas Eve !  The lovely festive scene on the packaging makes them the perfect Christmas nibble. Available in all major supermarkets, while stocks last for the special Christmas packaging.

Nestlé Very Berry Cheerios (RRP £3.50) are a delicious new cereal option that contain berries (blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and strawberries) for a great new flavour at breakfast time. They are high in fibre and contain 7 vitamins, calcium and iron . They are made from a combination of oats, wheat and barley, and we all loved the flavour and the crunchiness. The kids love a bowlful when they get in from school and I'm happy to scoff a bowlful every morning before heading off to work. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Ocado, Waitrose and Morrisons.

Double Dutch Double Lemon (RRP £24.99 for a case of 24) is a zesty mixer with a refreshing blend of lemon, lime and a touch of quassia bitterness. Quassia adds more piquancy than traditional quinine, not only improving the flavour but also reputedly aiding digestion. It can be paired with vodka, sloe or bramble gin or you could add it to your own festive cocktail creations. Available on doubledutchdrinks.com - you can save 20% on a case with the code DEGUSTA20 until 31st December.

Garofalo Stortini Pasta (RRP £2.60) is a small curved pasta, bronze-drawn for a slightly rough texture that is ideal for absorbing sauce. It takes just five minutes to cook until it is al dente, ready to accompany creamy or tomato-based sauces. Its small shape makes it great for kids but adults will also love it. Very tasty. Available on amazon.

Get More Vits Summer Fruits Multivitamin Squash (RRP £2.50) is a delicious fruity squash, made with 20% fruit juice and with no added sugar. Just one serving contains 25% of a child's daily dose of 8 vitamins, including vitamins C, D and B12. If you want to mix up the flavours, it is also available in Apple & Blackcurrant and Orange, Mango and Passionfruit. Available in Tesco and Morrison's.

Ritter Sport Orange (RRP £1.89) comes from a brand that has been around for a whole century but I have yet to sample any of their products. The Orange bar is a zesty, fresh orange creme covered in rich, indulgent dark chocolate. I usually prefer milk chocolate but the two flavours and textures work well together and I'd definitely buy this again. Available at Waitrose, on amazon and in convenience stores.

Teapigs Mao Feng Green Tea (RRP £5.49) are high quality (I would call them posh !) tea bags (or "plant-based tea temples", in teapigs language) filled with whole leaves to provide a clear, pale green brew, completely unlike the murky brown of standard green teas. Teapigs evoke a delicate taste of fresh summer air, peaches and apricots but unfortunately, they weren't a hit here at The Madhouse. I will pass them on to a tea loving friend and I'm sure they will get a much warmer reception. Available in major supermarkets.

Finally, this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Spicy Mexican Rice (RRP £1.54), now made with a new look and a new recipe, is a spicy, two chilli-rated dish, perfect for using up some of the leftover festive turkey and veggies. It contains black beans, sweetcorn and red peppers along with chipotle and jalapeno chillis. It is gluten free and takes just two minutes in the microwave or three minutes on the hob. It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians if you avoid adding Christmas leftovers too ! Available in all major supermarket chains.

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 :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Book review : Christmas in Newfoundland 3 : Sgt. Windflower Holiday Tales - Mike Martin

 

Certain things instantly make me feel Christmassy. The smell of a warm mince pie, the glimpse of a string of fairy lights flashing in a window, the sound of a children's choir singing Christmas carols under the Christmas tree in the middle of town, ... For the last few years, there has been a new festive trigger, helping to get me into a Christmassy mood - reading a couple of chapters of the latest Christmas in Newfoundland book.

This third instalment arrives like a perfectly gift-wrapped present. Instead of a sparkly bow and well-chosen wrapping paper, the book is tucked away inside a feel-good festive cover. Complete with snowy streets, front doors festooned with holly wreaths, passers-by, wrapped in thick coats and scarves, walking dogs and children, a lighthouse and old-fashioned street light reflected in the icy water and a frosty moon and stars highlighting Santa and his sleigh flying over the town. It's a festive work-of-art !

The book itself is equally heartwarming, looking at Christmas traditions in Newfoundland past and present. While Winston Windflower gets tied up in his usual policing, his family and friends get gaily involved in festive pastimes. Many of them reminded me of my own childhood memories - festive baking, preparing pies and cookies to leave out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve (and to munch on ourselves in front of the TV), visiting friends and family to exchange presents, ... Other traditions are more local to the Newfoundland setting, such as mummering, where people dress up to hide their identities then visit from house to house, singing, dancing and telling tales, before eating Christmas fayre and waiting to see if their hosts can guess their identities.

Whether the book reminds you of things from your own Christmas memories or shows you a glimpse of festive traditions in other parts of the world, this sneaky peek into the lives of the familiar characters from Grand Bank will leave you reflecting on the most important things at this time of year : family, togetherness and little moments of fun and laughter to look back on throughout the coming year.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £19.95

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 27 Oct. 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 152 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896340
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896347
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 286 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 0.97 x 22.86 cm
• Book 3 of 3 ‏ : ‎ A Sgt. Windflower Christmas Mystery

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

Degustabox November 2025 review : Feeling Festive

I've just been out to eat with a friend in town and I felt decidedly warm-hearted seeing all the tinsel, flashing fairy lights and Christmas decorations set up around the restaurant. I said to my friend that it was all making me feel decidedly Christmassy and we both pointed out that the big day is only just over a month away. Perfect timing for this month's Feeling Festive-themed Degsutabox to arrive then. Here's what was hiding away in this month's box.

Waterdrop Microdrink Blackberry (RRP £7.99) is the trendy way to stay hydrated. Each small, sugar-free cube dissolves into your water and adds flavour and functionality. You need 400-600ml of still or sparkling water and you're good to go. It provides vitamins C, B9 and B12 and we loved the fruity blackberry flavour. Each pack contains enough for 12 servings. We thought it was quite pricey but it works out cheaper than buying twelve cans or bottles and cuts down on plastic usage. Available in major supermarket chains and online.

 

Silver Spoon Zesty Lemon Flavour Icing Sugar (RRP £1.80) can be mixed into butter, margarine or water to create quick and simple cupcake icing that your kids (or maybe yourself) will love to use. The icing sugar is made with natural ingredients and offers a strong, delicious lemon flavour. Also available in Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Fudge flavours. Perfect for all the festive baking you may have on the cards. Also perfect for whiling away a cold and/or rainy winter afternoon. Available at Tesco and Asda.

One Living Brain Health Shot (RRP £2 - other Degstaboxers received Beauty Health Shot) is a cherry apple flavoured shot to help aid brain performance, keeping you focused and calm. It contains 20 super ingredients, including fruits, ferments, vitamins and minerals that work together and amplify each other. The full ingredients list contains Water Kefir, Apple Juice (30%), Cherry juice (15%), Chicory Root Fibre (3.4%), Raspberry purée (3%), Lemon juice, Trimagnesium Dicitrate, Ashwagandha root infusion, Lavender extract, Vitamins (B6, E, B12, B1, D3), Natural Flavourings, Chamomile Extract, Baobab Fruit Pulp, Inanimate Cultures (Kluyveromyces marxianus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae mineral yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii), Zinc Sulphate. Some of that sounds a bit confusing but it is all natural with nothing artificial. It is designed to support mental function, reduce fatigue, help relaxation, and provide polyphenols that act like antioxidants. They taste great and hopefully provide a little boost. 

Wicked Poppets! Toffee (RRP 60p each) are a real step back in time as I remember eating these in my own childhood. The great news is, they taste just as good as I remember. Sweet, smooth chewy toffee encased in delicious chocolate. They have been brought bang up to date thanks to their new packaging featuring Elphaba & Glinda to celebrate Wicked 2: For Good.

 

Noisy Snacks Chip Shop Curry Flavour Coated Chickpeas (RRP £1.50) have been set aside for Sophie as she loves them and usually makes her own in the Airfryer. These have the added bonus of requiring zero effort and providing the great chip shop curry sauce flavour (another of Sophie's favourites so it's a double win !). As well as tasting great, they are packed with protein, full of fibre and made from all natural ingredients. Healthier snacking has never tasted so good ! Available in Tesco Express.

Leon Brazilian Black Beans (RRP £2.50) is a ready meal inspired by the Leon restaurant menu. Cooked black beans are mixed with carrot, onion, tomato and celery, along with chipotle seasoning paste and smoked paprika. The company suggests eating it with coconut yoghurt, spring onions, red chilli and a sprinkle of parsley to provide a balanced meal that packs a flavour punch. I love the convenience and the idea of providing a great meal within minutes. Available in Sainsbury's.

Maggi Air Fryer Crispy Coatings (RRP 2 x 99p) are a convenient way of providing a delicious dinner with very little effort. The seasoned panko crumbs are designed to deliver delicious, crunchy chicken in under 15 minutes. Just coat the chicken, pop in the Air Fryer and in the time it takes you to prepare, rice, coleslaw or chips to serve with it, it will be good to go. Whether you opt for the classic KFC-style Southern Style or the slightly more exotic Korean BBQ Style, they will be a big hit with the whole family. Available in major supermarkets and discounter chains.

Brain Blasterz Sour Boltz (RRP £2) are another variety from the brand featured in last month's Degustabox. This pack has a sour scale rating of three so it is halfway up the scale, offering the zingy flavour that kids love while not completely removing the upper layer of your tongue ! The lightning bolt-shaped sweets come in four flavours : cherry, blue raspberry, pineapple and apple. They are vegan friendly and I think they are tasty, but I can only eat about two of them at a time ! 

 

For Goodness Shakes Glow Collagen Protein Shakes (RRP 2 x £2.50) are new shakes packed with protein, calcium and collagen, designed to help support healthy skin, hair and nails. Lactose-free, fat-free and with no added sugar, they each contain 150 calories and their indulgent flavours (white chocolate or iced latte) make them a fairly healthy option when you are after a satisfying sweet treat. Available at Sainsbury's and Tesco. 

Hilltop Blossom Honey (RRP £1.85) is a sweet, tasty and fairly neutral honey, made from a mix of global blossoms, that is delicious poured over porridge or pancakes, eaten on toast, stirred into tea or sipped from a spoon if you're trying to soothe a sore throat. You might also want to use some in your Christmas baking, maybe making honey cake or honey and cranberry cookies, for an extra touch of festive appeal.

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 :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Degustabox October 2025 review : Movie Night & Halloween

It doesn't seem five minutes ago that that we were complaining about the summer heat and living constantly within reach of a fan trying to cool down. Now, we're constantly scrunching through piles of golden leaves and thinking about Halloween and Bonfire Night. We've been eating baked potatoes and casseroles, moving onto winter warmers and more filling dishes. So would the latest Degustabox represent these new themes? Time to find out !

Fuel 10K Red Berry Crunch Multigrain Flakes (RRP £3.69) is one of the products I remember seeing on the shelf when looking out for high-protein products for Pierre. Inside the box, you will find crunchy wholegrain wheat flakes, spelt and barley flakes, mixed in with delicious, zingy freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries. As well as being high in protein, it is also high in fibre, offering you a tasty and satisfying start to the day. Pierre is also happy to tuck into a bowl as an after-school snack. Available at Tesco, Morrisons, Ocado and Amazon.

 

Galipette Cidre Brut 4.5% (RRP £2.50) is where it all began, the first cider from the orchards near the river Rance in northern Brittany's Côtes-d'Armor. From the first sip, I could imagine myself sitting in a cafe in Brittany sampling the local brew while visiting the Breton in-laws. The producers promise a cider that strikes a perfect balance between acidity and tannins, dryness and sweetness, and between ciders old and new and it has a pleasant, rich flavour in your mouth. They say that they "follow the character of the pure fruit using wild, slow fermentation, striving for minimal intervention in nature's work and always respecting her ways". It tastes like a rustic, homemade kind of cider, big on taste and very enjoyable. Available in Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, Whole Foods and Booths.

Mission Carb Balance Original Wraps (RRP £1.80) are a new product that we tried back in the June 2025 Degustabox. Sophie loves them, as with just 9g of carbs per wrap (66% less than the original wraps), they are perfect for helping to control her diabetes. Everyone else loves them too, filled with hot or cold fillings, for their great taste and soft texture. To be honest, I couldn't really tell any difference from the regular version and will quite happily use them for ham and salad wraps for lunch or fajitas for dinner. Pierre pointed out that they would be perfect for making homemade French tacos too. Available in Sainsbury's.

 

Leon Katsu Curry Beans (RRP £2.50) look like one of the typical weird and wonderful-looking concoctions that Sophie loves to try and, sure enough, she let out a squeal of excitement when I showed them to her. They are perfect for rustling up a quick meal in the microwave - just a couple of minutes and you're ready to tuck in. Each pouch is packed with plant-based protein, fibre and plenty of flavour from herbs and spices, inspired by the food you can buy in their restaurants. Sophie was happy to eat them over rice but Leon suggest taking the beans to the next level by adding ribbons of cucumber and carrot, topped with crushed salted peanuts. Available in Sainsbury's, Ocado and Wholefoods.

Good4U Kids Pasta Boost (RRP £2.50 - other subscribers received Kids Breakfast Boost or Kids Everyday Boost) are a new 100% natural, functional meal boost range for children aged 3 yrs+. They are a blend of 10 plants including seeds, berries, Irish Vitamin D and Atlantic seaweed, providing key nutrients to support immunity, digestion, bone health and cognitive function. I can remember when the Madhouse kids were younger and it was sometimes hard to get them to eat healthy food containing lots of vegetables, so this would be easy to stir into pasta sauce as a hidden source of nutrients. Available in Tesco and Good4U.co

Bear Real Fruit Yoyos (RRP 2 x 70p) were a real blast from the past as the Madhouse kids used to love eating these. Made with 100% fruit and no added sugar, they nevertheless have a fabulously sweet and fruity flavour. The kids always used to love unwinding the yoyos around their tongues. In the pink pack is the classic Scrumptious Strawberry Yoyo and on the left is the Xtreme Yoyo, with a twist of sour lemon for a Super Sour Strawberry flavour. The kids loved both of them equally. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's , Morrisons, Asda and Ocado.

The second product from this brand, Fuel 10K Multigrain Hoops (RRP £3.49) is another high protein breakfast option that appeals to Pierre. A blend of oats and wheat, the cereal is fortified with 8 vitamins to create a deliciously crunchy and satisfying breakfast. As well as being high in protein, the cereal is high in fibre and contains 30% less sugar. It is slightly bland so Pierre likes it topped with chopped banana or blueberries.  Available in Sainsbury’s, Asda and Amazon.

 

Brain Blasterz Sour Candy Mix (RRP £2) instantly appealed to me as a Halloween option, until the Madhouse kids gaily scoffed the lot ! The bag contains four different types of mini Brain Blasterz sour candy from sour level 1 to 3, leading the Madhouse kids to lay them out in order to see who could be the hardest and eat them all (Spoiler : all of them !)  There are a mix of Sour Lollipops, Sour Gunk, Brain Bitz Chew Bars and Sour Chew Balls, which all sound appealingly disgusting to any teenager ! Available on Brain Blasterz TikTok Shop.

Fruit Bowl Fruit Goals (RRP £2.45) are a sweet treat that are as healthy as they are appealing. Each of the five little bags, perfect for snacks or on-the-go nibbles, contains raisins coated in yogurt, then coloured with natural blue, red or white colourings. The raisins are plump and juicy and the coating is creamy and delicious - the Madhouse kids first thought it was chocolate which shows how good it tastes ! 

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 :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

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.

Degustabox September 2025 review : Family Sharing & Cooking

Over the last week or two, I have noticed a definite move from summer into autumn. The heat and sunshine have given way to rain and strong winds, I've switched over from my light denim jacket to my mid-season coat as temperatures have dropped and we've been keeping ourselves busy inside rather than heading out into the dodgy weather. We have even started talking about Halloween and Christmas - I blame it on the numerous friends and followers sharing "only 100 days to Christmas" posts on Facebook ! - but it's too early to go there yet ! This month's Degustabox seemed to follow our lead into the kitchen and onto the sofa with a movie with a theme of Family Sharing & Cooking. Here's what was hiding in this month's box.

First out of the box was this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Hearty Meals Madras Bean Curry and Tilda Easy Meals Vegetable Paella (RRP 2 x £2.50), both of which are a quick and simple way of providing a tasty winter (or autumn) warmer. These can be knocked up in just two minutes in the microwave, making them perfect as a quick lunch at home or at the office. The Vegetable Paella is a tasty mix of long grain rice and carrots, red peppers and green beans. Made with 24% vegetables, it counts as 1 of your 5 a day and comes in under 350 calories. The Madras Bean Curry with lentils and pinto beans is a lovely, warming meal that is a great source of protein and fibre. Both meal options are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are great if you are home alone and can't be bothered to cook a big meal. Available in Sainsbury's and at Tilda.com.

 

Sunfly Sunflower Seed Butter (RRP 90p) is a squeeze pouch containing a nut-free, top 14-allergen free seed butter that is deemed the ultimate on-the-go snack. It can be enjoyed in smoothies or straight from the pack after a workout. High protein and entirely plant-based, it is perfect for those following a vegan diet.  I passed this on to Pierre to take to the gym with him. Available on amazon and at Ocado.

Slooow Crispy Multigrain Rolls (RRP £2.80) are organic and 100% natural rolls topped with delicious grains, seeds and kernels. Prepared with sourdough, these are delicious fresh out of the oven then filled with smoked salmon and cucumber. They are also lovely served with hot food, for example, dipped in the Madras Bean Curry that I mentioned earlier. It tastes like fresh bread, still warm, straight from the baker's oven. Available at Ocado, Dunnes Stores and Booths.

Indie Bay Lightly Salted Pretzel Thins (RRP 2 x £1.50) are thin, crispy pretzels that are perfect to nibble on in front of the telly. Baked, never fried, they contain less fat and calories than most other snacks, making them the ultimate feel-good taste-good snack. A winner of the Great Taste Award, they are a source of fibre and contain 70% less fat than crisps. 

If you prefer a sweet snack, you might be more tempted by the Rice Krispies Honeycomb & Chocolate Squares (RRP 79p) which remind me of a snack we used to make in cookery class at school back in the eighties. They are a delicious blend of Rice Krispies cereal, combined with a honeycomb flavoured coating and a chocolate flavoured drizzle. These really appealed to the kids but I loved them too. Available in all major supermarket chains.

 

Munchies Sharing Bag (RRP £1.65) are little squares of tasty crunchiness, made of rich caramel and a crunchy biscuit centre, all coated in a smooth milk chocolate shell. They are utterly delicious and reminiscent of my mum's favourite sweet treat all the way back in the 1970's. I haven't eaten them since and while they don't taste quite the same, they are still very enjoyable. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Mutti Peeled Tomatoes (RRP £1.60) are 100% Italian tomatoes, harvested at the perfect stage of ripeness, then peeled and immersed in a delicious, velvety passata. They have a firm and fleshy texture and taste great mixed into bolognese sauce or chilli con carne. They have a richer, more robust flavour than the cheaper supermarket own brand tomatoes and add some real oomph to your meal. Available in all major supermarket chains.

 

Goodrays CBD Infused Sparkling Elderflower & Yuzu Drink (RRP £2.29) combines the dry, zesty citrus flavours of the Japanese Yuzu with the distinctly sweet floral notes of British Elderflower. In terms of flavour, I liked it but I was put off by the CBD content. Sophie explained to me however that, while it may help to relax you, CBD will not make you high. I think this is something that will be more accepted as it becomes more widely available. This drink contains 30mg of premium sun-grown CBD, as well as being high in Vitamin D. It contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and is 100% vegan. Available in all major supermarkets.

Cheez-It Cheese & Chilli (RRP £1) are tasty, crispy, thin snacks that are made with real cheese and baked, not fried. They are utterly delicious and, since discovering them on our holiday to Alaska, the kids absolutely love them. We find the Cheese and Chilli flavour to be too hot for our tastes, but if you like spicy snacks, you'll love them. Available in all major supermarket chains.

 

Brewdog Elvis Juice Hot Sauce (RRP £2.50) is a great-looking, American-style sauce that promises a spicy and citrussy flavour. Inspired by the beer of the same name, it contains chilli pepper puree and lime juice. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, it would be perfect for halloumi but also chicken and tacos. While the idea appeals to me, it has a three chilli rating so I knew it would be too spicy for our tastes. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Fruit Bowl Fruit Goals (RRP £2.45) are juicy raisins coated in multi-coloured yogurt, making them appeal to kids visually as well as in terms of taste. The whole Fruit Bowl range offers delicious, fruit snacks, made with real fruit, using natural colours & flavours. They're suitable for vegetarians and gluten free. Ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks. Available in all major supermarkets.

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.