Degustabox Advent Calendar, Part I

December mornings are pretty dismal, and the early evenings just call you to curl on a couch with a warm drink. To fill the days with extra joy, treat your family or yourself to the daily little pleasures of advent calendars. My boys opted for the standard chocolate calendars, and even my husband has been enjoying his white chocolate calendar. 

Oh the pleasure of opening the little doors every day! Last year I received the delightful Degustabox advent calendar for reviewing, and we liked it so much, that I ordered one this year.

The selection differs from the previous two advent calendars (and yes, I have looked at the spoilers in the little booklet).

First of all, the colourful box is huge - it includes 24 foods and drinks, and comes in a well-designed sturdy box, which opens into two parts like a gigantic book with windows. The cardboard box is recyclable, and there is no plastic. 

The box has a secret game zone.

There is a little booklet enclosed to give you clues of what to expect in the coming days. You could either ignore it, if you want a complete surprise, or if you're impatient like me, you might have had a quick look and rub your hands with glee. 

What did we get? 

Day 1:

TrueStart Barista Grade Instant Coffee (£5.50) is the only Instant coffee on the market that is made with specialty grade beans. 

The 100g tin makes 55 cups, and mixes hot and cold. 

We typically buy Illy instant coffee for a quick cuppa, when we don't have time to brew coffee from the ground beans. TrueStart was a very pleasant surprise, as it tastes really good. It's definitely an instant coffee to keep an eye for. 5/5

Made from rich, smooth Arabica, TrueStart is top rated by coffee lovers.

This is a British brand made by an independent, carbon negative company.

Available in Co-Op, Booths, on Amazon and TrueStart's website.

Day 2:

Baileys Mini Delights Salted Caramel with a hint of Baileys (£2.50)  - the Original Irish Cream liqueur in milk chocolate truffles with salted caramel.

If you enjoy Baileys (and probably there aren't many who don't), you will be happy with this bag of chocolate truffles. There's a crisp milk chocolate shell, and an indulgent salted caramel filling, with a hint of the iconic Baileys liqueur. 

Share with friends and family, or scoff them all by yourself (nobody is judging).

Typical values: 507kcal per 100g, 48g sugar.

Available at selected retailers.

Day 3:

The Jelly Bean Factory 36 Huge Flavours (£1.50 for 113g) is a bag of gourmet jelly beans. These little candies vary in colour and flavour, and are very pretty. 

A great "building and decorating" material for homebaked gingerbread houses. When my boys were little, we used to decorate cookies with jelly beans.

They have crispy shells and chewy cores, and are naturally coloured, gelatine and gluten free, 

Typical values: 375kcal and 76g of sugar per 100g.

Available at ASDA and Amazon.

Day 4:

The Food Doctor Caramel Biscuit (£2.20 for a 45g bar) is a high fibre, lower carb snack bar

It contains a good amount of protein - 12.8g per bar, and at least 30% less carbs than average UK snack bars.

Keto friendly, low sugar (0.7g per bar), high fibre (5g per bar), vegan, 144kcal per serving.

Available at Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Day 5:

Cadbury Dairy Milk Christmas Chocolate Puds 35g (£0.72 each) are cute little chocolate treats for Cadbury lovers. On the outside it's a classic Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, while inside you'll find a truffle centre with hazelnut pieces and puffed rice pieces for extra texture and taste.

A lovely stocking filler, that looks and tastes festive.

Available at all major retailers. You should receive 2 items.

Day 6:

Ryvita Thins Three Cheese (£2.20) might not be the most Christmasy thing, but they are a great dipping and dunking tool for a variety of dips and salsas.

Crunchy, and full of flavour, they are baked full of goodness. 

Typical values: 29kcal and 0.12g of salt per thin.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Day 7:

Capsicana Mexican Burrito Tomato & Chipotle Cooking Paste (£1.60) is a cooking ingredient for a tasty Mexican dish Chicken Tinga, which is a classic shredded chicken dish, originally from the state of Puebla.

This is a mild cooking paste, made with tomato and chipotle chillies. You will need tortillas and chicken mini fillets, rice, cheese and lettuce to prepare a tasty and easy meal. 

The paste itself is vegetarian, and could be also used in vegetarian dishes. 

No artificial colourings or flavourings.

Typical values:

41kcal and 0.65g of salt per 30g serving (one pack serves 2).

Day 8:

Shaken Udder Chocolush (£1.69) is a creamy, velvety smooth milkshake made with real Belgian chocolate.

Packed of goodness including vitamin B12, calcium (51% RI calcium per 330ml serving) and protein, they are also gluten free and suitable for vegetarians. No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, less than 5% added sugar.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Waitrose, Morrisons, Boots, Booths and Co-Op.

Day 9:

SimplyCook Keralan Curry or Creamy Chorizo Penne (£2.50) is a handy recipe kit, which contains 3 flavour pots to create an authentic dish. We've tried several recipe kits from SimplyCook throughout the year, and they all offer an inspired recipe.

Cook 140+ chef-created recipes in 30 minutes or less with SimplyCook unique recipe kits. It's lovely to try another recipe from their vast range. You will receive 1 item of two.

We received Simply Cook Keralan Curry. It serves 2-4 people. 

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Day 10:

Maldon Himalayan Pink Salt (£2.50)

Himalayan Pink Salt selected by Maldon, who for four generations have been making and sourcing exceptional salts and seasonings

This pink coarse rock salt from the foothills of the Himalayas has been prized for centuries. Fantastic flavour. Very pleased to try this salt. Definitely something to add to my shopping list for the future.

Available on Amazon UK.

Day 11:

Filippo Berio Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (£3.25) is made from specially selected grapes. Its unique flavour is the perfect complement to their olive oil. Smooth, sweet and sour, it's a perfection in a bottle.

Ideal in salads, to use in grilled fish, meat and vegetables, and of course, as an ingredient of dressings and sauces.

Typical values: 95kcal and 19g of sugar per 100ml.

Available at Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, on Ocado and Filippo Berio.

Day 12:

Yogi Tea Turmeric Chai (£2.75) is an ayurvedic blend with turmeric, cinnamon and ginger. The blurb on the box calls it intensive, multifaceted and magical.

While magical might be stretching too far, it is a delicious chai, especially if you add half a teaspoon of honey and a generous helping of milk (dairy or plant-based).

Already regarded as sacred in India for over 5,000 years, the turmeric root is known for its medicinal and health properties and a beautiful colour. A delicious drink for a cold day.

Available at Waitrose, H&B, Ocado, Amazon and independent stores.

And that's one half of the excellent advent calendar. Part II is going to be separate due to the number of products.