With September rolling around, everybody has gone back to work and school, which means I've been scouring the supermarket shelves, looking for lunchbox fillers, quick and simple lunches and snack options to keep the Madhouse kids' tummies filled while I'm at work. This month's Degustabox had loads of new products for us to try out that fit the bill perfectly. With the Family Sharing theme, there was even enough for me to try out most of them too !
We started off with Yogi Tea Bedtime Organic (RRP £2.59 - other Degustabox subscribers received Classic Organic or Throat Comfort Organic). Sophie has already tried some other products from this company, who use unique herb and spice blends to create organic and ayurvedic teas. This one contains fennel, chamomile flowers and valerian root to provide a relaxing, calming and warming blend, perfect for soothing stressed minds and helping you wind down for a good night's sleep. Each tea-tag offers yogic wisdom and the back of the pack shows a yoga exercise to treat you to a moment of mindfulness.
Very Lazy Chopped Garlic (RRP £1.60) is perfect as a shortcut for everyday cooking. I usually buy fresh garlic but always end up throwing at least half a bulb away as the final cloves go either mouldy or rock hard before I get a chance to use them. This is a great way of cutting down on food waste. One teaspoon is equal to a clove of garlic. Plus it avoids having the stinky garlic-infused fingers that you always end up with after chopping fresh garlic !
Weetabix On The Go (RRP £3) is a smooth breakfast drink that the whole family can enjoy, providing energy from iron, fibre and protein. The Madhouse kids loved the chocolate flavour but I'd also be interested to try out the Strawberry one too now. A great way of getting something into the stomachs of those who can't face food first thing in the morning.
Robinsons Real Fruit Jelly Orange (RRP £2.49) is a fun new take on a dessert for a lunchbox or an afternoon snack. As it is sucked straight out of the pouch, it is mess-free, making it perfect for younger kids but the Madhouse kids proved that it is a winner for bigger kids too. Not only does it contain real fruit juice, it also contains no added sugar and the kids loved the classic Robinsons flavours.
I have three kids so it was lovely to see that there were three bars of this next product in the box ! Ritter Sport Don Choco (RRP £1.50) is a new limited edition bar from Ritter, featuring the slo-operations director and all round super sloth on their cocoa plantation - the plantation that provides the cocoa for making the dark milk chocolate in the bars. The chocolate is rich and creamy and uses 100% certified sustainable cocoa.
Kelloggs Cookies & Cream Flavour Krave (RRP £2.99) is a new cereal option that I'd never heard of but the kids were all really excited about, especially as they'd seen it mentioned online several times. Judging by the speed at which they worked their way through the pack, I would say they love it as much as they hoped ! It's apparently great for breakfast, an evening snack or by the handful whenever they pass by the box ! At least I can feel a bit better knowing that it contains B vitamins and no artificial colours or flavours.
Another big hit with the kids that disappeared in record time, Pitch Pasquier Chocolate Filled Brioche (RRP £1.50) are much loved. Individually wrapped, they are great for snacks on-the-go or shoved into a coat pocket as a last attempt to get something into reluctant breakfast eaters' stomachs on the way to school. They are free from artificial colours, preservatives and hydrogenated fats but the new plus point is the move away from plastic packaging on to the new cardboard packaging (currently found at Tesco Express).
Knorr Gravy Pot Onion Gravy (RRP £1.79) is a quick and simple way to create a rich gravy in seconds. Just add hot water and stir, adding cooking juices from the roast meat if you wish, for a delicious gravy that tastes as good as home made. They are also lovely added to the slow cooker for the last half hour, thickening up watery sauces if necessary. Another great way to save time and effort when you're in a rush.
Kaisen Seafood Cup Noodles (RRP £1.79 - other subscribers got Chicken Teriyaki, which I must admit appeals to me more) promises a sensational and well-seasoned creamy chowder with a rich flavour in just 3 minutes. Loved by the Japanese for over 30 years, who knows? Maybe it will be a big hit with the kids ? A quick lunch or snack option that couldn't be simpler to prepare.
Dr Will's Miso Tahini Dressing (RRP £3.50) claims to be "for any thing". Hmm ... maybe not for cereal or chocolate chip cookies, but it could be great drizzled over salads, rice bowls and veggies. A full fusion dressing that will take your cooking up a notch. Perfect for jazzing up leftover rice or noodles, amongst other things.
Finishing off with this month's Product of the Month, McVities Coconut Macaroon Hobnobs (RRP £1.75) were guaranteed to be a big hit.Hobnobs always get a good reception as we love their sweet, crunchy, crumbly texture. Add the flavour of coconut macaroons which reminded me of my afternoon cooking lessons at primary school and you get an even bigger flavour hit. Delicious !
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.
