Degustabox July'18

What a summer it has been so far, with a what felt like a never-ending heatwave, then thunderstorms, and a promise of more heat to come with a dreaded 38C later in August. Count me out!
On a positive note, you can enjoy eating outdoors - just head to the park or spread a big rug in the backyard.
There are quite a few picnic-geared foods and drinks in July's food selection from Degustabox.
This food box arrives every month and is full of foodie surprises. This monthly food and drink subscription box is an excellent way to discover products which have only just appeared in the shops or those which might have been around for while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise.

Each time the box arrives, it's a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet and would like to have a go, I have a whopping £7 off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time) - just use a code 8EVI8 when you place an order.

What did we receive in the July Degustabox? Let's have a look.

It happened to be a selection of old family favourites (like Heinz Salad Cream and Cadbury Milk chocolate) to new names and products.

Heinz Salad Cream is a national institution, and doesn't need any introductions. It's been a must-have ingredient in lunchboxes and picnic hampers across the UK for a century. It still has the same zingy taste, which makes it one of the country's best-loved sauces.

Last week I used it to make a simple potato, cucumber and prawn salad, with hard-boiled eggs and fresh dill. Salad cream combines all the flavours together, and helps make a lovely summer salad.

Capsicana Latin Flavour is selected as Product of the month in July.
Capsicana have extended their inspiring Latin American range by adding some seasoning mixes.
We received a Brazilian Smoked Paprika & Spices Seasoning Mix (£1) and a Mexican Guacamole Mix (£0.65).

If you are a vegetarian, and are not sure what to do with a Brazilian seasoning mix for beef or chicken, here is one of the possible ideas - cook a whole roasted cauliflower under a crust of spices with Greek style yogurt. It is a delicious vegetable dish, and I'll surely make it again, as it got thumbs up from everyone.

We haven't yet opened the Mexican guacamole mix, but as we all love guacamole, I am going to try it very soon.

Miso Tasty Mugi Barley Miso Soup (£3.75) is made from fermented barley and soybeans. It has a light but hearty flavour. The mushrooms add a sweet, earthy taste and are packed separately to keep miso fresh and mushrooms flavoursome.

I buy Miso Tasty, it's always handy to have one of the sachets in the pantry for a quick meal.
If you cooked a roast chicken, you can make a super tasty soup with leftover chicken and miso paste - just check out my old post for Chicken leftovers miso soup.

Pulsin as a brand is well known for its health credentials. It's a range of gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly products. If you're looking for a boost of protein, help yourself to Pulsin Salted Caramel Raw Choc Brownie (£1.59). It's  crafted with finest natural ingredients and contains 6.5g of plant based protein.
Nutritional info: 215kcal and 11.8g of sugar per 50g bar.
It's gluten free, dairy free, soya free and vegan. Ingredients include peanuts, dates, chicory fibre, sweetener, cacao powder, brown rice bran, cacao butter, concentrated grape juice, rice starch, rice protein, natural flavouring, sea salt and green tea extract.
It is a small-size bar, and is handy to carry around for when you are travelling and feeling peckish. I'm going to take it with me when I'm having a long journey to Cornwall later in summer.

London Flavours crisps (£0.95 each) are premium crisps made with 100% British potatoes. There are four flavours to choose from, and the subscribers will receive two of the flavours. We've got Cheddar & Onion and Lightly Salted packs.
These crisps are gluten free, GMO free, suitable for vegetarians, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, no added MSG
Nutritional information: 207kcal per 40g pack.
I haven't had a chance to try it, as my teen has polished both packs.

Another snack in the latest selection is Peckish Cheese Trays (£1.59). These are thin, light and crispy snacks made of rice and full of flavour. They are baked, not fried, gluten free and under 100kcal per portion.
They are great for parties.

Rowntrees 30% less sugar Fruit Pastilles (£1.29) are another British classic, which have been modernised.
They contain no artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or preservatives, and are made with 30% less sugar.
Nutritional info: 117kcal and 14g per serving of 12 sweets (for an adult).
Now you can enjoy your favourite sweets with the flavours you love but with less sugar.

Now moving onto the drinks selection, and aren't we spoilt for choice this month?!
Guess which drink we tried first? Yes, it was Cadbury Highlights Milk Chocolate (£2.99).

Who can say No to a mug of hot steamy hot chocolate topped up with whipped cream and marshmallows? If you can, then I applaud your willpower.
Cadbury Highlights Milk Chocolate has the smooth chocolatey taste of Cadbury, but with only 38kcal per cup. I suppose adding cream and marshmallows defies the purpose, but life is brighter with little treats.

Ribena Sparkling (£2.70 each) is a grown up twist on a classic, this time with bubbles included.
Available in two delicious flavours - Blackcurrant, and Pineapple & Passionfruit. This refreshing drink comes at less than 15kcal per bottle.

Rosie's Pig Flat Tyre (£2) is a modern cider. Made with Herefordshire apples, this sweet cider is lightly sparkling. The fruity taste is paired with a tart note from rhubarb juice.

Percol Iced Coffee (£1.50) is perfect for the hot summer. Made with the best coffee 100% Arabica beans, it is Fairtrade and Organic. Drink cold, straight from the fridge, with ice cubes or without.