Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Summer & BBQ Degustabox

Has the sunny weather inspired you to barbecue? Do longer summer days find you outdoors, piling plates with grilled goodness?
The latest Degustabox packed a box of goodies which will be sure-hits this summer.

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 June'19 Degustabox? Let's have a look.

food box

This box includes a variety of snacks to nibble on, while you're waiting for the BBQed food.

Garbanzo Snacks (£2.29) is a new Gourmet range of vegan snacks in three delicious flavourd - Bombay Twist, Thai Sweet Chilli and Tomato Salsa.
You will receive one of 3 flavours.
It's a tasty mix of crunchy chickpeas, caramelised pumpkin seeds and sweet caramelised onions.

vegan savoury snacks

Thumbs up for all three flavours, with Thai sweet chilli being my personal favourite.

All ingredients are natural, gluten free, without any artificial additives or preservatives.
They have a lovely balance of textures and flavours (herbs and spices).
Nutritional information: 297kcal and 4.9h of sugar per 70g bag.
You can buy them in Ocado but hopefully they will be widely available soon.

vegan snacks

Mavericks Healthier Snacks for Kids (£0.75) - is exactly that, a range of healthier snacks for kids.
Under 100kcal, no added sugar, choose between Poppin' Corn, Breadkicks, Fruit Brix, Smart Cookies and Fruit Laces.

healthy snacks for kids

Low salt, gluten free, source of fibre, no added sugar, no GMO and no junk, a pack of Mavericks Moon Cheese Poppin' Corn contains 50kcal per 12g bag. It's like mini cheese puffs, with less calories.

healthier snacks for kids


SavourSmiths Truffle and Rosemary potato crisps (£1.50) are moreish crisps with a "grown-up" flavour. My kids were not too enthusiastic about the truffle flavour, as it is earthy, musky and pungent. It's a Marmite of the crisps' world, you'd either love it or hate it.

gourmet crisps

The latest box also included a so called Mystery product, which hasn't hit the shops yet. How exciting is that?!

mystery product


It was a small bag of Lentil, corn, pea and black bean tortillas which are a healthier alternative to tortilla chips. Lentils, corn, green peas and black beans were pressed into thin, crunchy triangles and seasoned with sea salt. We don't no what the brand is behind the product, but it will retail at 80p per bag.

Lovely snacks to complement a salsa dip or guacamole.

healthy snacks

TREK Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Protein Nut Bars (3x40g at £2.50) are delicious nutty bars, made with crunchy roasted peanuts and whole almonds with a sprinkling of dark chocolate chips and a touch of sea salt.
I'm a big fan of a dark chocolate and sea salt combination. Top marks from my elder son and me. He loved them so much, that I've already bought them twice  sincewe sampled them to add to my son's lunch boxes. They are on offer at £2 per pack in Waitrose at the moment.
Sea salt protein nut bars are packed with 10g of plant-based protein, have less than 5g of sugar and are high in fibre.
Perfect for my elevenses with a cup of strong coffee.

healthy nutty bars, source of plant-based protein

Newman's Own Italian Dressing (£1.75) is their best-selling original dressing made with red wine vinegar, rapeseed oil, olive oil (17%), extra virgin olive oil (2%) and garlic puree. Its ingredients also include white wine vinegar, salt, cracked black pepper, dried onion, brown mustard seeds, spirit vinegar and celery seeds. You need to shake it well before using. It's suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

BBQ condiments


I have used this dressing in a recipe for an Italian-style salad two ways.

Hellmann's Chilli Mayonnaise fired by Tabasco (£1.99) will delight the fans of the fiery sauce. Two much-loved brands are combined together to create a new mayo to spice up any sandwich, wrap, salad or burger.

Rowntree's Randoms Sharing Bag (£1.29 for 150g) are "more random than a monkey playing a saxophone!". My guys love Randoms, and a sharing bag won't last long. I've hidden it until our long train journey to Cornwall.



Smith & Sinclair alcoholic cocktail gummies (£15 for a selection of 8) - Gin & Tonic and Mandarin Spritz are award-winning fruit jellies for grown-ups.
Definitely for grown-ups, they are pretty boozy, with alc 7% volume, and a sophisticated taste. All gummies contain 8% alcohol, so five and you can't drive.

They will be delivered with an alcohol-inclusive version of Degustabox. If you've opted for the non-alcoholic, you will receive Mavericks snacks.

alcoholic gummies


Ingredients include for Gin & Tonic: Glucose syrup, sugar, gin, water, ethanol, pectin, natural juniper flavouring, tonic bitters, grapefruit bitters, citric acid, lemon oil, and dried lemon and sugar for coating; for Prosecco - glucose syrup, sugar, vodka, water, Aperol, ethanol, pectin, natural sparkling wine flavouring, grapefruit bitters, natural apricot flavouring, citric acid, mandarin orange oil, as well as sugar and dried orange for coating.
Made in Netherlands for Smith & Sinclair London.

Use code DEGUSTA for 15% off your first order at www.smithandsinclair.com

alcoholic gummies

The Free From Kitchen Co Free From Choc Bar 100g/Salted Caramel Slab (£1.50 Choc; £2.50 Salted) are gluten-, wheat- and milk-free chocolate products. These are innovative colourful chocolate bars, for chocoholics who embrace all lifestyle choices or opt for free-from products for medical reasons.

vegan chocolate

I baked cookies yesterday, with chopped Choc bar, and none of my guys have noticed any difference.

coconut yogurt cookies


Moving on to drinks:

Lucosade Energy Watermelon and Strawberry Cooler (£1.20) is the newest addition to the Lucosade Energy range. It's a blend of refreshingly fruity flavours. Chill it in the fridge for the utmost taste.
This drink will appeal to those who have a sweet tooth.

energy drinks


DRGN Turmeric Superdrink (£1.85) is an "Asian fusion" natural energy and wellness drink, without caffeine. Inspired by the Far East, this refreshing citrus drink is packed with pan-Asian superfoods, vitamins and minerals.
DRGN can be enjoyed any time of day.
With less sugar and nothing artificial, DRGN is a smarter choice.
This drink is available on drgndrink.com, on Amazon and in independent grocers and cafes.

Turmeric is an acquired taste, but it's very trendy these days, from turmeric chai lattes to chocolate.

turmeric products

Kolibri Botanical Drinks Strawberry & Basil/Cardamom & Chilli (£3.75) are award-winning lightly sparkling botanical infusions with very low sugar and flavours, tailored to taste.
Made in Britain, all natural ingredients, low calorie and no artificial sweeteners.
You will receive 1 of 2 flavours.

soft drinks for BBQ


It's a novelty concept. To serve, unscrew the nectar container, unscrew and remove the under-cap, pour Kolibri drink over ice. Push top of nectar container to add sweetness to taste.
The drinks come in very pretty bottles.
Available on Amazon and in Holland & Barrett.

soft summer drinks

Disclosure: I receive a monthly subscription to the food box for the purposes of testing and reviewing. All opinions are our own.

2 comments:

  1. What a fab selection of products. Most of them are new to me. I love the sound of the Hellmann's Chilli Mayonnaise and the alcoholic cocktail gummies. What a treat! x

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kim, it was a lovely selection, with something to please everyone in the family.

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