Regular readers will be well aware of my beauty box addiction, but today I’m sharing with you something slightly different; a subscription service for foodies. Degustabox* is a monthly lifestyle box that contains 9 to 14 new, special and innovative food products from well-known brands at a discounted price. Each month, for only £12.99 including delivery, you receive an array of surprise products (many of which are completely new to the market), discount & promotional codes and recipe cards. You can also unsubscribe at any time, there is no commitment or contract.
The October box contained 13 products and 1 voucher for a full priced chilled product. I don’t know about you but I always end up buying the same snacks and ingredients, and lately my weekly shop has became rather repetitive. I love how Degustabox introduces you to whole new range of alternatives and flavours. I have to admit, I wouldn’t think to buy many of the products below but now I’m feeling inspired to be more creative and daring in the kitchen.
On the day my box came, I received text updates and a one-hour delivery slot on it’s day of arrival. The box was heavy and neatly packaged with all products intact with no damage. The documentation inside consisted of promotional codes, a list of products (which I tried not to read as I love surprises) and a full priced voucher for President Unsalted Butter with a £2 retail price. Now let’s see what other full sized goodies I received this month…
Cooke’s Chip Strips (£2)
I received two packets of these savoury potato snacks in sea salt and vinegar and sweet paprika. They are suitable for vegetarians and packed full of flavour. I love how the shape of these makes them perfect for dipping. I munched through both packets in no time. I must add they are also perfect for sharing but, well, I scoffed the lot before anyone else could get their hands on them! As soon as I saw them in the box I did expect them all to be broken in transit, but I was presently surprised as they arrived in perfect condition! This is a product I could definitely see myself repurchasing in the future.
The Snack Organisation – Freeze-Dried Apricots (£1)
There are four varieties available in the range, strawberry, apple, pineapple and apricot. Freeze drying actually helps to preserve the fruits nutrition and flavour without the use of unhealthy oils and creates a natural snack that can be sprinkled, nibbled and crunched. The freeze dried apricot can be enjoyed in a number of ways, I chose to sprinkle it on my cereal in the morning to liven up my breakfast. This product is also vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free and available now at Tesco.
Liberation Foods – Oven Baked Salted Cashews & Peanuts (£2)
I do love how this box has so many snack options as they were all perfect for laying out at Halloween for people to help themselves. Liberation is another new company introduced to me through my Degustabox. Liberation are owned by small-scale nut farmer co-ops in India, Africa and Latin America, Liberation’s mission as a fair trade company is to bring “nut producers and consumers of the world together so that everyone gets a better deal”. This delicious combination of cashews and peanuts didn’t last long in my house and I can’t wait to try their Chilli & Lime Cashews with Peanuts and Roasted Corn next.
Lorina Premium French Lemonade (£1.49)
Lorina is a premium lemonade that has been handcrafted since 1895. Lorina uses 100% natural ingredients, free from any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. This coconut and lime version is a refreshing twist on a classic. I enjoyed it over ice in my back garden on a very rare sunny day in Scotland, it was bliss! Lorina has a wide range of flavours, some of which are available now at Waitrose in a small 330ml version or in their 750ml iconic glass bottle.
Cirio La Classica Passata & Chopped Tomatoes (£2.25)
The passata is a smooth puree of ripe, juicy tomatoes that have been sieved to remove the skin and seeds in a convenient bottle. Perfect for adding to dishes such as Lasagna to give it a unique taste-of-Italy experience. Both are available in Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Geeta’s Korma Curry Paste & Lime & Chilli Chutney (£3.10)
As part of a new initiative, Team Degustabox have been digging a little deeper to introduce you to an assortment of gourmet, artisan and independent brands you may have not already discovered. Our first ‘Db’s Discoveries’ brand is Geeta’s. Geeta’s promises to capture the real essence of authentic India food using only the finest of natural ingredients with no artificial additives, colours or preservatives. The Lime & Chilli Chutney is packed full of flavour although is a too little hot me. My husband loves it though and nearly ate the whole jar with a stack of poppadoms. The Korma Curry Paste is creamy, mild and gorgeously aromatic and is also available in Rogan Josh, Madras, Balti and Tikka varieties. Geeta’s Curry paste and Chutney is also available at Tesco.
Kabuto Noodles in Chicken Ramen (£1.99)
As I am a veggie I had my very happy guinea pig (aka my husband) try this out for me. The ginger and chicken combination were very aromatic and this cup held a surprisingly decent portion size which kept him full for hours. Simply add boiling water and wait a few minutes and you have a fresh tasting noodle dish made from quality ingredients and no additives. It’s incredibly quick, convenient and apparently, my reliable source tells me is “absolutely delicious”. Kabuto Noodles are available from Tesco, Waitrose and Co-Op.
9BAR Super Seeds Original Carob Hit (£2.49)
October’s product of the month is a pack of five great tasting nutritious mixed seed energy bars from 9BAR. Each bar is packed with sunflower, pumpkin, sesame and hemp seeds with a carob topping and is a great source of natural energy. These are perfect for popping in my handbag and eating on my way to work to give me a much-needed boost of energy.
The Snack Organisation – Sweet Chilli Rice Crackers (£1)
The second product from The Snack Organisation, these sweet chilli rice crackers are ridiculously moreish and mouthwatering. Once again, it really didn’t take me long to munch away at these small, flavoursome disks. At only £1 these crackers are a bargain! They are also baked not fried, gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians. The lightly salted version is now available at Sainsbury’s.
The Naked Marshmallow Company Salted Caramel Marshmallows (£1.29)
And finally, the second Db’s Discovery product and my favourite item in this month’s box, The Naked Marshmallow Company’s Salted Caramel gourmet, handcrafted marshmallows. With only 3 in this tiny pack, they lasted mere seconds. Based in England, The Naked Marshmallow Company uses only natural ingredients in their beautiful marshmallows which are available in a range of unique flavours such as lemon meringue, Eton mess and peppermint & dark chocolate. These would make the perfect addition to any hamper or stocking this Christmas.
Overall, I am really impressed with October’s Degustabox. I was introduced to a number of independent, fair trade and gourmet brands I may have never come across otherwise and have a whole cupboard full of flavoursome and innovative goodies and ingredients.
I am delighted to offer my readers a whopping £7.00 discount off your first box with the promotional code: 2RS8F. This offer is a brilliant opportunity to try Degustabox and discover a whole range of new, innovate brands at a discounted price! Although I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Degustabox from your very first delivery, you can unsubscribe at any time so what have you got to lose?
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