This week saw the arrival of the year's first Degustabox. What would be hiding inside the package? I predicted a New Year's Resolution type of theme, with diet-friendly goodies, as in previous year's January boxes, and I wasn't far wrong ... this month's theme is Recovery.
The Madhouse kids excitedly buzzed in the background as we unpacked the products and, while they found a few things that they were interested in - the chocolate biscuits, the strawberry Liobites and the jellies, in particular - they didn't get as enthusiastic as usual. They may change their minds once we've taste-tested everything though.
Dipping into the box, we pulled out three Yes! Fruit & Nut Bars (RRP £1.20). These wholesome snack bars are a pretty healthy option, as they contain no added sugar (besides naturally occuring sugars) and count towards your five-a-day. They have found their way into my bag so that I can have a mid-morning snack at school - delicious !
Next, I discovered a small bottle of Willy's Apple Cider Vinegar (RRP £2.95), which starts its life amongst the 200 acres of pristine orchards in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. The write-up tells us : "From apple to bottle, Willy's ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) provides you with your daily dose of probiotic goodness. Our raw and unpasteurised ACV contains the mother and is sustainable and recyclable". I shall investigate - on the bottle, it says it is delicious as a tonic or a dressing, and I've seen people on their website saying it is a delicious and healthy drink when mixed with warm water, honey, lemon and ginger.
LioBites Freeze Dried Strawberry Crisps (RRP £1.50) got a cheer when they emerged from the box - the kids love them, but as they're a pricey treat, we only tend to eat them when they're in Degustaboxes ! Fresh fruit is picked in season and freeze-dried, creating a delicious snack that is full of flavour, vitamins and antioxidants. Very tasty.
Next was a brand that we'd heard of but a product that was new to us : Pipers Matar Paneer Crispeas (RRP £1). These offer bold Indian flavours in a gluten-free, wheat-free and barley-free snack, that is packed with protein and fibre, while only containing 91 calories. We love the concept but weren't keen on the Indian spices so I'll be looking out for other flavours.
Kallo is a brand I was familiar with, after trying other products in previous Degustaboxes, but Kallo Protein Packed Lentil Cakes (RRP £1.30) were a new one for us, alongside the more classic Kallo Organic Lightly Salted Wholegrain Low Fat Rice Cakes (RRP £1.30). I'll be honest - they're not something I would fantasise about eating, but if you want something low-calorie (just 30 calories per cake), as a luch or a snack when you're dieting, they can be topped off with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings for a guilt-free option. It is January after all !
Miso Tasty Original Ramen Noodle Meal Kit (RRP £3.50) contains everything you need for a two person meal (or for two single serving meals) : non-fried noodle nests, Miso Tasty white miso pastes, seaweed & spring onion garnishes, sesame seeds and sesame oils. You can add your own toppings, it's ready in 6 minutes and is a vegetarian option. I made a
Beef & Veg Ramen Stir Fry last time, which was very tasty and appealed to the whole family.
Ryvita have been around for years, but Ryvita Protein Red Quinoa & Sesame (RRP £1.59) was a new one for us. I'm going to have to start taking a packed lunch rather than going to the canteen in order to use up some of these savoury snack options ! They are made with pea protein and rye to offer a high protein, high fibre, vegan option that can be eaten with hummus or your favourite veg for a guilt-free lunch or snack.
PB Fit Peanut Butter Powder (RRP 75p) is not something that I would have bought as I had no idea what it could be used in. The info card provides some useful ideas though : "PBFit is everything you love about peanut butter, made better. Whole-roasted peanuts, pressed to perfection, means PBFit contains up to 90% less fat than traditional peanut butter and about 1/3 the calories. Great in smoothies, shakes, baking and more." The product in the Degustabox is only available in the US, but you can buy a 225g tub of PBFit from Amazon, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrison's, Lakeland, Ocado and more.
Now, I was quietly excited about these 10 Cal Hartley's Jellies (75p), in fabulous dessert-inspired flavours, such as Black Forest Gateau and Lemon Cheesecake. They're fabulous for when you want to snack on something or if you fancy a guilt-free dessert.
Finally, the kids' top pick, Bahlsen Pick Up (£1.69) in milk chocolate flavour. You get a lovely slab of chocolate sandwiched between two biscuits so you won't get messy eating it - great idea ! They're individually wrapped so can be packed in bags or pockets for eating later. Delicious !
The recipe card this month suggests making a PBfit Berry Smoothie, which looks like a tasty option.
This is a great selection if you're watching your waistline and trying to eat healthily for the New Year, but it may not appeal to families so much. I'm sure things will be back to normal, with alcohol, chocolate and sweets a-plenty, next month though ! 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.
