UK vs International Degustabox

With current restrictions being gradually lifted, are you planning a trip abroad? I donn't think I'll be buying my tickets yet. Instead I travel to the faraway lands via books and food.

 UK vs International is the theme of the latest Degustabox.

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a 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 (for example, I am now on the 3rd tub of Barley Cup, which I discovered a couple of months ago. It's my latest addiction. I drink a cup in the evening every day).

Each time the monthly box arrives, its contents are 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 £3 off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order.

What did we get in UK vs International Degustabox?

Brioche Pasquier Pancakes are a tasty addition to the Brioche Pasquier range. They are light and fluffy, and not too sweet. Free from preservatives, they are packaged in twos for extra freshness. Great for lunchboxes and elevenses. Really lovely snack.

Nutritional information: 9.8g of sugar and 124kcal per pancake. 

Available at Co-Op.

My sons loved them, and I will definitely buy a pack or two when I can find them in a supermarket (our local Co-Op doesn't have them yet).

Aero Dark & Milk (£1) is a darker chocolate bar, bubbling with smooth milk and dark intensity. It has a higher percentage of cocoa solids than a standard Aero, while still preserving the lightness and bubbles of the classic chocolate bar.

Rainforest Alliance certified. Nutritional information: 78kcal and 6g of sugar per portion (4 pieces/1 strip).

Available in all major supermarkets.

Dorset Cereals Nutty Granola (£4.15) is made with creamy cashews, sweet-tasting hazelnuts and crunchy almonds, as well as jumbo oats, sunflower seeds and golden syrup. This granola is high in fibre, contains wholegrains and is suitable for vegetarians (possibly vegans too, as I haven't seen anything that is not vegan-friendly in the list of ingredients, but do check the list yourselves to be sure).

Dorset Cereals is one of the brands we enjoy on a regular basis, though I tend to buy different flavours. It was great to have a chance to try something I haven't bought before. 

Nutritional information: 223kcal and 5.4g of sugar per 45g portion.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Gunna Drinks Ginger Rebel - Ginger Lemonade (£1.50) is a flavourful fizzy drink which comes in a stylish tin. It contains less suagr than regular drinks, and offers a healthier alternative with fewer calories and no artificial colours or preservatives. If you love ginger, you will be happy, it's very gingery.

Available on Amazon, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Co-Op and many independent retailers.

Very Lazy Chipotle Paste (£2) gives your dishes a spicy kick with a deep smoky flavour. Great for fajitas and BBQs. Add half a teaspoon to the soured cream for a lovely dip for Doritos.

I used it to cook a comforting mushroom soup, but the possibilities are limitless, in all sorts of meals.

Available in Tesco.

Bull's-Eye Kentucky Habanero hot sauce (£1.99) is a fruity Habanero chilli sauce with a dash of whiskey. This condiemnt is for people who are known in our family as fire-eaters. This bottle was passed onto a friend who enjoys their meals hot. One of the suggestions in the information leaflet was to try marinating a pork belly in this sauce, to serve with roasted apple. I think a little bit at a time could be used with tomato juice or Bloody Mary.

Avaiable at Tesco, Ocado and Morrisons, online at Amazon.

Tilda Limited Edition Japanese Teriyaki rice (£1.59) is the latest limited edition rice from Tilda. We have tried most of their tasty range, and have our own regulars. Teriyaki flavour is a real winner, it has a mild sweetness and a gentle jasmine scent, with spring onions and water chestnuts. It is gluten-free.

Available in all major supermarkets.

Noodl Plus Instant Noodls (£2.50) is a range of high-quality plant-based noodles. All products in the range are high in protein and fibre. Noodls are coloured with natural extracts to make them look pretty, so you have a colourful dish. 

We got Charcoal Noodles with Epic Mushrooms, which are dark in colour, and remind me of squid ink pasta. Mushroom sauce includes dried spring onions, mushroom slices and cauliflower florets. 

Suitable for vegans. Only 282 kcal per pot.

Available on Amazon and Ocado.

KIND Dark Chocolate Orange Almond bar (£1.30) is a lovely treat. An iconic UK flavour - dark chocolate and zesty orange peel, with lots of crunchy sweet almonds. It is gluten-free, and contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Available at Tecso, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

Get More Vits Multivitamin Chewing Gum (£1.50) is an innovative way to freshen breath while adding vitamins to your diet. Available in Peppermint and Spearmint, each sugar-free piece of gum contains a 25% daily dose of 10 essential vitamins.

I found the taste too harsh. That peppermint will surely take your breath away. But if you like strong-tasting gum, this might be just right for you.

Get them online at getmorevits.com and Amazon.

Another product from the same brand:

Get More Vits Vitamin D Mango & Passionfruit Drink (£1.50) is a convenient way to increase your Vitamin D levels. Made with spring water, natural flavours and daily dose of Vitamin D per bottle, it is also low calorie and sugar free.

Available in most major supermarkets or online at getmorevits.com and Amazon.

And finally, McVitie's Chocolate Hobnobs in Chocolate Brownie or Sticky Toffee Pudding flavour (£1.59). This lovely treat has been selected by Degustabox team as the product of the month.

It's inspired by nation's favourite iconic desserts. Sticky Toffee Pudding hobnobs are crunchy and chewy biscuits, covered in milk chocolate.

Nutritional information: 92kcal and 6.1g of sugar per biscuit.

Available in all major supermarkets.