Degustabox December Box: Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments

It seems that Christmas season has only just arrived and then - whoosh - it's gone in a flash. Only 354 days to go until the next one. Hope you have had a wonderful time.

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 otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a 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 £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in December Box Degustabox: Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments?

Tilda Spicy Mexican rice (£1.54) is a Product of the Month.  This is a tasty recipe of black beans, sweetcorn and red peppers combined with chipotle and jalapeno chillies.

Ready in 2 minutes, either in the microwave or on the hob.

Perfect with a naked burrito bowl (with fried chicken, served with salsa made with tomatoes, red onion and coriander); for a vegetarian version add roasted vegetables or grilled cheese.

Nutritional information: 149kcal and 1.4g of sugar per 125g serving; gluten free; suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Bonne Maman madeleines (£3.15), a French classic, come in a special Christmas pack during this festive season. 

These pure butter madeleines are a perfect breakfast/elevenses/late afternoon treat to go with a cup of tea or coffee. Very buttery and moreish, they are perfect for sharing.

Bonne Maman cakes and biscuits come in many delicious flavours. We absolutely love lemon madeleines and mini vanilla muffins.

Nutritional values: 435kcal and 16g of sugar per 100g.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Nestle Cheerios Very Berry (£3.50) - is a new cereal from the popular brand, which promises a delicious taste of berries in every bite.

I have a special place for Cheerios in my heart, as this cereal brings lovely memories of my sons when they were little and absolutely adored these cute tasty rings. They just snacked on them, without milk.

Nutritional values: 118kcal and 6g of sugar per 30g serving (one box = 14 servings); high in fibre, from oat, wheat and barley; contains 7 vitamins, calcium and iron.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado and Morrisons.

Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup (£1.60) is a classic super creamy soup, packed with flavour. 

Cook it as a quick and easy meal, or use as an ingredient in a variety of casseroles. 

Americans are very inventive when it comes to casseroles made with tinned soup. I have a book of recipes from the times when we lived in the States, and there is a big selection of meals, using this not so secret vintage ingredient, from a Pasta Bake to Baked Cabbage casserole with Ritz Crackers.

Check out recipe ideas at www.campbellsoup.co.uk, if you fancy cooking wild mushroom arancini, beef Stroganoff or roasted vegetable pasta.

Nutritional values: 133kcal and 1.42g of salt per serving.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, Amazon an other grocery stores.

Garofalo La Pasta di Gragnano - Stortini (£2.60)- is a durum wheat semolina pasta.

This small shaped pasta is made with children in mind, but grown-ups can obviously enjoy it as well. Curved pasta shapes absorb the sauce, and are great in soups or light meat-based or vegetarian broth.

Garofalo are pasta experts, and I was glad to try a new type of pasta from their excellent range.

Nutrition values: 351kcal and 3g of sugar per 100g.

Available on Amazon.

Teapigs Mao Feng Green Tea (£5.49) promises to capture the delicate taste of summer air. It turns a clear pale green when infused.

Motto: Big leaf, big flavour. They only use big, quality, whole leaves, no dust. All natural, no artificial flavourings. Tea temples are plastic free, made from plant starch, and are nice and roomy.

Great Taste award in 2021.

The tea flavours are delicate, fruity and refreshing.

Available in the major supermarkets and e-commerce chains, and at teapigs.co.uk.

Double Dutch Double Lemon (£24.99 for a case of 24) is a carbonated lemon flavoured soft drink. Its combination of lemon, lime and quassia makes a great base for a cocktail with vodka or a citrus-flavoured gin. 

It is like a sip of summer in winter.

Nutritional values: 19kcal and 4.4g of sugar per 100ml

Available at www.doubledutchdrinks.com

Get More Vits Kids multivitamin squash Sumer Fruits (£2.50) is a concentrated low calorie summer fruits soft drink with sweetener and added vitamins. Also available in Apple & Blackcurrant and Orange, Mango & Passionfruit flavours.

Use 5 parts water to 1 part squash, one bottle contains 30 servings.

Nutritional values: 4kcal and 0.5g of sugar per 150ml (diluted drink); made with 20% real fruit juices.

Available in Tesco and Morrisons.

Ritter Sport Orange or Honey Salt Almonds (£1.89/£2.20) is a high quality chocolate from a much loved brand.

We're big fans of Ritter Sport (their Marzipan chocolate is the best, and so is the Whole Hazelnuts Milk or Dark Chocolate, pure perfection).

You will receive one item of two. We got Orange flavour, which is rich and indulgent, with 50% dark chocolate and a smooth creamy orange centre.

Available in Waitrose, convenience stores and on Amazon.

Which product is your favourite from the latest box?

Degustabox August Box

 Saying Good bye to summer days, and welcoming autumn. Back to school, hectic mornings and afternoon snacks, hot cocoa on chillier evenings and cosy jumpers.

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 otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a 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 £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in August Box Degustabox?

Tilda rice is the Product of the Month with two flavours from their extensive range - Tilda Soy & Ginger Sticky rice or Chinese Special fried rice (£1.54 each).

Discover two new tasty flavours.

Both Soy & ginger sticky rice and Chinese special fried rice, inspired by popular cisines from East Asia, are perfect with Oriental-style recipes.

Chinese Special fried rice is a steamed long grain rice with mixed vegetables (carrots, peas), mushrooms and Chinese spices. Perfect with Salt & Pepper Tofu, Chinese meatballs or spare ribs.

Soy & Ginger Sticky rice is a steamed round rice with soy sauce and ginger. Great with Shiitake mushrooms and green beans. For extra protein, add fried chicken or tofu.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, gluten free. Nutritional information: 210kcal and 0.7g of salt per 125g serving (Soy & Ginger); 160kcal and 1.19g of salt per serving (Chinese special).

Ready in 2 minutes in a microwave or 3 minutes on the hob.

I have mentioned it more than once in the past that we are big fans of Tilda rice, and always have a couple of rice pouches in the pantry for quick and easy meals.

Available in Sainsbury's and on Tilda.com.

You should receive 1 item in your box.

We had Tilda Soy & Ginger sticky rice as a side dish to sea bream, marinated in soy sauce, spring onions and honey.

Seabrook Waffle Bites Maple Bacon Flavour (£1.50) is a lattice potato snack, available in individual 16g bags. 

A lovely snack, when you're feeling peckish, or as part of your packed lunch, these waffle bites are gluten free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Nutritional values: 74kcal and 1g of sugar per 16g bag.

Available in ASDA, Morrisons and Ocado.

Bold Bean Co Queen Chickpeas/or Queen Cannellini Beans (£3.25)/ or Smoky Chilli Baked Beans (£3.50) are cooked, using high quality ingredients, sourced from where they grow best.

Eat straight from the jar, or use as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, added to salads and rice, or mashed as a topping for crostata.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado and major independents, or directly from boldbeanco.com.

You should receive 1 item of three. Ours was a big jar of Queen Cannellini Beans. 

I am planning to use it next time I cook a five-bean chilli (a vegetarian recipe), but you can use it in Chilli con Carne.

Nutritional values: 81kcal and 0.8g of salt per 100g.

Kellogg's Bluey Multigrain Cereal (£3.50) is a fun novelty cereal for the little people in your family. 

I miss the days when my guys were little, as I know they would have been absolutely delighted to see Bluey on the cereal box.

Nutritional values: 119kcal and 4.5g of sugar per 30g serving; high in fibre, no artificial colours or flavours, contains vitamins and minerals.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Mentos Pure Fresh Strawberry Gum (£2) is a long-lasting chewing gum with a unique liquid-filled centre.

Sugar free and bursting with a berry flavour, this refershing gum comes in a bottle which contains 35 pieces.

Nutritional information: 195kcal and 0g sugar per 100g.

Available in Tesco.

Forest Feast Honey & Sea Salt Cashews and Peanuts (£1.50) is a nut mix, glazed with Scottish heather honey and roasted with hand-harvested sea salt. A perfect snack. Top marks!

Nutritional values: 515kcal and 19g of sugar per 100g (one package is 40g); vegetarian, gluten free.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Sacla Creamy Pesto Pasta Pot (£2) is a new product from Sacla.

Made in Italy, with short-cut tagliatelle that stays al dente, each pot is a source of protein. Pour in boiling water, and enjoy a bowl of pasta in five minutes.

We had a bit of a disaster with this pasta pot. It got squashed in the transit and arrived, with all the powdery contents (basil sauce) spread around the box. The pasta itself stayed in the pot, so I might use that, when cooking soup next time. 

Nutritional values: 314kcal and 1.9g of salt per pot.

Available in larger Asda, Morrisons, Amazon, Ocado, sacla.co.uk and Sacla TikTok shop.

Activit Sparkling Vitamin Water Lemon & Lime/or Blackcurrant & Raspberry/or Tropical (£1.50) is a carbonated flavoured spring water with added vitamins and minerals with sweetener.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Activit Lemon & Lime, which contains 8 vitamins and minerals, zero sugar. It's a refreshing drink, a quick pick-me-up for busy lifestyles.

Nutritional values: 1kcal per 100ml and 0.5g of sugar (one can is 330ml).

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil (£1.50) is a low cal mixer, with natural flavours.

Double Dutch is a range of premium mixers and tonics. In the few of years we've had a few different flavours of Double Ducth Drinks in Degustabox deliveries, and they are all high quality drinks.

This soft drink offers a vibrant blend of sweet pomegranate and aromatic, earthy tones of basil. It's herby and fruity sweet at the same time, well-balanced, with a depth and complexity.

Serve chilled.

Available on Amazon and Ocado.

This product is only avaiable as a case of 24, and not individually.

And finally, a herald of autumn - Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee Pumpkin Spice Latte (£3).

Inspired by the iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, this instant coffee allows you to prepare your favourite brew at home.

Made with high quality 100% Arabica beans, blended with dairy milk and a Pumpkin spice mix.

Nutritional information: 92kcal and 14.9g of sugar per mug. There are four sticks in the box.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

What is your top favourite product from the latest Degustabox?

Degustabox: February Box

 Spring is here, with earlier mornings and longer daylight, and the garden is carpeted with snowdrops and crocuses. 

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 otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a 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 £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in February Box Degustabox?

Let's start with the Product of the Month - Cheez-It Double Cheese 150g (£2) is a thin and crispy snack baked with 100% real cheese, with no artificial colours or flavours. 

Crunchy and well-seasoned, Cheez-It makes a great snack, whether you are feeling peckish or having a movie night. 

Nutritional information: 500kcal and 1.5g of salt per 100g, or 150kcal and 0.45g of salt per 30g serving. No artificial colours or flavours. 

We had a different flavour of Cheez-It in the Degustabox advent calendar. Both flavours were a big hit with my guys. 

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Pringles Hot Blazin' Fried Chicken Flavour (£2.50) is the latest addition to the Pringles Hot range. If you enjoy your crisps spicy, you will have a blast with this new flavour.

Nutritional values: 523kcal and 0.65g of salt per 100g, or 157kcal per 30g serving of crisps. One tube is supposed to include 5-6 servings.

I have fond memories of Pringles, when we were newly married, my husband and I used to watch Friends on TV and polish the whole lot in one go. 

Available across all major supermarkets.

IBIS Rice Organic Wholegrain Rice Cakes Original, Kep Sea Salt or Kep Sea Salt & Kampot Pepper (£1.89) are light and crunchy gluten free snacks, made with brown jasmine rice.

IBIS Rice is empowering local farmers, preventing deforestaton and protecting endangered wildlife. The farmers working on the project are committed to strictest environmental standards and are paid a premium for their crops.

There are three varieties available. You should receive one item in your box.

We got Wholegrain Rice Cakes, with their slightly nutty flavour. Serve with toppings of your choice. I enjoy these rice cakes with hummus and Peppadew sweet piquante peppers.

Nutritional values: 21kcal and 0g salt per rice cake.

Available at www.ibisrice.co.uk, Planet Organic and many independent retailers.

Knorr Beef Gravy Pot (£2.25) contains quality ingredients and real meat juices to enhance a meat-based family meal. Think a traditional Sunday roast, or beef Stroganoff. It will enrich a simple vegetable or mushroom soup, and you can also stir it into a risotto.

The gravy pot recreates the authentic flavour of rich homemade gravy in minutes.

Contains no added MSG and free from artificial colours and preservatives.

Typical values: 15kcal and 1g of salt per 70ml.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Mutti Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes (£1.53) is a versatile tomato product. Mutti tomatoes are processed within 24 hours of harvesting to capture the taste of freshly picked 100% Italian sun-ripened tomatoes.

Fantastic product for so many recipes, from pasta to stew, from soup to chilli. It has an intense fresh flavour and rich texture, the colour is a beautiful bright red. 

If your family enjoys a Bolognese (whether meat-based or vegetarian), Mutti Polpa will make a good tomato base for the ragu.

We're big fans of Mutti products, and I use Mutti in vegetarian stews, vegetable ragu with okra, sweet peppers and butter beans, currys and pasta dishes. 

Nutritional information: 26kcal and 0.3g of salt per 100g.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Coco Pops Chocos Caramel (£3.50)  is a new crunchy cereal from Kellogg's. This is the latest additon to the Kellogg's range of cereals. The shapes are curved, crunchy shells with the chocolate and caramel taste.

If you love your morning cereal sweet and crunchy, this is a perfect breakfast meal for you.

Nutritional values: 115kcal and 6.6g of sugar per 30g serving. Rich in vitamin D (to support healthy bones), B9 and B2, 50% daily needs, made with natural grains, contains no artificial colours or flavours. There are 14 servings in a box.

Available in Tesco, ASDA and Morrisons.

Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (£1.50) is a classic super creamy soup, packed with flavour. 

Cook it as a quick and easy meal, or use as an ingredient in a variety of casseroles. Americans are very inventive when it comes to casseroles made with tinned soup. I have a book of recipes from the times when we lived in the States, and there is a big selection of meals, using this not so secret vintage ingredient, from a Million Dollar Potato casserole to Ritz Cracker Chicken casserole.

Nutritional information: 96kcal and 0.86g os salt per 100g.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Aagrah Foods Lahori Tikka Mix/ or Peshwari Tikka Mix/ or Seekh Kebab Mix/ or Punjabi Tikka Mix (£1.50) are authentic Indian spice mixes. Each blend is crafted for a quick and easy tasty meal.

They are just right for marinades grills, and curries.

You will receive one sachet in your box. We got Aagrah Lahori Tikka Mix, which is a medium heat seasoning for making Indian style lamb tikka. Ingredients include ground spices (coriander, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, chilli powder, black pepper, nutmeg, clove, fenugreek, turmeric), salt, maize, cracked red chilli, dried garlic, dried herbs (coriander leaf, bay leaf) and more.

Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Farmshops and online.

Kadoya Roasted Sesame Oil (£4.50) is an indispensable product for the East Asian cuisine.

I use sesame oil, cooking many dishes, but usually I buy a different brand, and I was curious to try a new product. It has a great flavour and aroma, and is lovely for stir frying. Top marks (this product is my personal product of the month from this box).

Last night I used it to pan fry smoked scamorza (so it was a fusion of cuisines), and it worked perfectly with the cheese.

This versatile oil is made in Shodoshima, an island in western Japan, with expertise accumulated since 1858.

Available in Ocado.

This is the smoked scamorza salad made with the cheese fried in sesame oil, with roasted peaches, pistachios, Peppadew sweet piquante peppers and salad leaves.

AquaLibra Sparkling Infused water (£1.30) is a range of lovely, refreshing summery drinks. We've had AquaLibra in some previous Degustabox deliveries, and enjoyed them.

You will find one item in your box. We got Aqua Libra Raspberry & Blackcurrant.

Contains no sweeteners, no sugar, no artificials. Just sparkling water, natural fruit flavours and a dash of lemon.

Best enjoyed chilled. And lovely as an ingredient for a white wine spritz too.

Nutritional values: 0.6 kcal per 100ml.

Available in Tesco, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Amazon.

If you're a PLUS subscriber (and I'm not), you will also receive an Oddlygood Salted Caramel Barista 500ml (£1.50), perfect for a plant-based coffee drink.

What is your favourite product of the box?

January'25 Box Degustabox

 Disclosure: I receive a monthly Degustabox subscription box for free for the purposes of reviewing. I do not receive any payments to write a review. 

January has come to an end, it usually feels much longer than it is. Is it a tedious month, an anticlimax after the festive season for you, or on the contrary, a start of new resolutions and goals? 

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 otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a 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 £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in January Box Degustabox? It looks like the contents are geared to motivate you using more plant-based products during Veganuary.

Product of the Month: Tilda Rice Pots (£2) are a great time-saver for a quick and easy meal. 

Ready in 60 seconds, these rice pots come in recyclable BPA free containers. One pot = one serving. 

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, these rice pots could be served as a side dish with a variety of meat or plant-based meals.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

You should receive 1 item in the box (we got the long grain variety).

I served this rice as a side dish to go with tofu and vegatables. The rice was perfectly cooked (we don't have a microwave, so it was reheated in a small pan with a dash of water).

Mission Protein Wraps (£1.75) will help you boost your protein intake. 

These are perfect wraps for Veganuary. These wraps are soft, squishy and tasty, and super convenient for quick and easy meals.. Best served warm. Heat them up in the hot dry pan for a few seconds on each side, and be creative with fillings and toppings.

Since we don't observe Veganuary, I fill them with thinly sliced cheese and prosciutto, fold in half, and quickly fry in the frying pan on both sides until golden brown. For a meat-free version, add cheese and chilli jam, and fry as well.

These wraps are suitable for home freezing to be enjoyed at a later date.

Suitable for vegans. Nutritional values: 170kcal and 1.6g of sugar per wrap; high protein (10g protein per wrap).

Available in Tesco.

Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread or  Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (£2.90/£3) are indulgent spreads, carefully crafted from simple ingredients and containing no palm oil.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Hazelnut Chocolate spread. Excellent with croissants, toast, plain brioche and pancakes/crepes. 

Nutritional values: 551kcal and 51g of sugar per 100g.

The sweet & crunchy peanut spread is available from Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado. The hazelnut chocolate spread is available from most major supermarkets.

Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne (£3.50) is pasta made with plant protein (organic green lentils and brown rice).

Loaded with 21g of protein and 6g of fibre per 100g serving, and made with clean, organic and gluten free ingredients. 

Easy to prepare in just 7-9 minutes, this colour-infused pasta will make a great midweek meal. Serve with pesto or fresh basil leaves and pine nuts.

Nutritional values: 347kcal and 1.3g of sugar per 100g.

Available online on Amazon and Health Food Store.

KIND Snacks Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate (£1.49) are big on flavour. 

You will receive two items in the box. 

Coated in peanut butter and drizzled in dark chocolate, these snack bars are an ultimate healthier treat.

Gluten free and high in fibre. 

Ingredients are peanuts, almonds, dark chocolate and peanut butter among the others.

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Nutritional values: 213kcal and 8g of sugar per 40g bar.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Dorset Cereals Oat Granola (£3.69) is made with crunchy golden oats, blended with sunflower seeds and golden syrup. Add some berries and fruit, and a creamy yogurt for a tasty and healthy breakfast.

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: 199kcal and 7.4g of sugar per 45g portion.

Available in Waitrose, ASDA, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Deliciously Ella Apple & Almond Breakfast Bake (£1.50) is packed with oats, apple pieces and a creamy almond butter centre. Just right for a quick breakfast meal, or a snack on the go.

Naturally high in fibre and packed with 100% natural plant-based ingredients, this mini bake gives you a boost of energy to start your day.

Typical values: 466kcal and 20g of sugar per bar.

Available at Ocado, Sainsbury's and on deliciouslyella.com.

Linwoods Health Foods Milled Flaxseed (£4) is full of goodness.

Its benefitial effects include: muscle growth (thanks to protein and magnesium), energy and reduction of tiredness, maintenance of normal blood cholestreol levels and immune support.

Simply add 20g to porridge, yogurt, smoothie or cereal, or bake delicious breakfast bars with milled flaxseed as an ingredient.

Nutritional values: 105kcal and 0.3g of sugar per 20g; source of fibre, protein, high in Omage 3 (ALA).

Available in the major supermarket chains and health store chains, and on https://linwoodshealthfoods.com.

I used the milled flaxseed to make a batch of energy boost bars, with peanut butter, oats, seeds, nuts etc.

Vidrate (£2.25) is here to help you be motivated to take in more water. 

It's the first zero sugar hydration drink of its kind, made wtih natural ingredients and added vitamins and electrolytes. It comes in a range of mouth-watering flavours (Mixed berry, Strawberry & lime, Guava). Just add a sachet to a bottle of water. 

These drinks work, targeting different goals, like helping with immunity, giving an energy boost or improving your sleep. 

Available in Boots and Whole Foods Market.

You will receive a package with 3 flavours in your box.

Koko Dairy Free Unsweetened No Sugar Milk (£1.80) is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk.

Serve it with tea or coffee, make hot chocolate or milkshake, cook porridge or add to your cereal. 

While it doesn't taste like dairy, it has a pleasant aftertaste. I find it works better with coffee and chai rather than tea (and to be honest, I do prefer tea without milk anyway). Made from coconuts and free from the 14 major allergens, it has no dairy, or soya, just plants.

Nutritional values: 19kcal ad 1.2g of protein per 100ml; low in fat, high in protein, gluten free, no GMOs or artificial nasties; added extras - Calcium, Vitamins D2 and B12.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Jimmy's Iced Coffee Oat BottleCan (£2) is a dairy-free drink. It's a combination of smooth and creamy oat milk with the strong flavours of single-origin Rainforest Arabica coffee.

Packed in a BottleCan, it makes a sustainable on-the-go energy boost. Enjoy as a mid-morning pick-me-up or an early afternoon energy boost. Drink chilled, with ice or without.

Typical values: 59kcal and 4.7g of sugar per 100ml (one bottle is 275ml).

Available in Tesco and online.

Tick Tock Original Rooibos Tea (£1.90 for the 20s box or £2.35 for the 40s box) is a lovely naturally caffeine-free drink. 

Awarded a Great Taste award in 2019, this tea is rich in antioxidants and low in tannins. It supports heart health, allows restful sleep and is gently hydrating.

Rooibos is know as a wonder plant. Smooth, flavourful and healthy.

Available in the major supermarket chains. 

What is your favourite product in the latest Degustabox?

September Box 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 otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a 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 £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in September Box Degustabox?

Tilda Saag Aloo Rice Limited Edition (£1.54) is the Product of the Month. This is the latest addition to the expansive range of Tilda rice.

It is a combination of two iconic Indian sides - Pure Basmati and Saag Aloo. Perfect with fish or chicken. Eat it on its own with a salad, or as a side dish to go with a curry.

Ready in a couple of minutes in a microwave or 3 minutes in a pan, Tilda rice is always an easy and quick meal.

Nutritional information: 156kcal and 0.65g of salt per 125g serving. Made with finest rice, and nothing artificial, this rice is gluten free and also vegetarian/vegan.

I'm always curious to try Tilda limited edition rice, and this new recipe didn't disappoint.

Available in Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose and Ocado.

LU Le Petit Cookie (£1.99) is a French biscuit with chunky rich chocolate chips.

My guys love LU biscuits (Le Petit Chocolat is a particular favourite). Le Petit Cookie is actually not small at all, both in size and flavour. Perfectly baked, with decent chunks of chocolate, they are a lovely treat to go with a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of milk. 

Once you open the packaging, the smell is so tempting. 

Nutritional information: 116kcal and 8.2g of sugar per 23g cookie.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

SMINT Strawberry XXL tin (£1.50) are sugar free pastilles, made with sweeteners. Three times bigger than regular Smint, Smint XXL Strawberry is a combination of mint and strawberry flavours (and very nice it is).

Coming in a convenient little tin, they are easy to carry around in a bag or pocket for when you need to freshen up your breath.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Jordan's Country Crisp Limited Edition Blueberry Crumble (£3.60) is a new special edition product from Jordan's.

It's a combination of light and crispy golden and purple oat clusters with naturally sweet blueberry pieces. Turns the milk purple. Tasty and fun!

Nutritional values: 190kcal and 10g of sugar per 45g portion (without milk).

A good source of fibre, it's made with wholegrain oats, no palm oil; suitable for vegetarians.

Available in Tesco, ASDA and Ocado.

Truly Nuts! Always Stoked Smoked or Fired Up Chilli Flavoured Nuts (£1.30) is a tasty snack, a combination of brazil nuts, almonds and cashews. 

Gluten free, vegan friendly and baked not fried. 

Great with a glass of cold beer. Morevover, with each purchase you activate your GO WILD FOR GOOD! pledge to donate 25% of profits to preserve the Amazon jungle.

Available on the Truly Nuts! website, Amazon, WHSmith, and independent health stores.

You should recieve 1 item in your box.

Knorr Red Wine Stock Pot (£1.90) is a brand new product from Knorr. 

With colder days ahead of us, it's a useful product to have in the pantry, for making all those lovely stews and casseroles.

Each pot contains half a glass of full bodied red wine - great for adding an extra rich flavour to your dishes, for example, Bolognese, or sausage casserole. Just add one pot directly to the dish you're cooking. 

Free from colours, gluten free, made with sustainably grown herbs.

Nutritional values: 5kcal and 0.99g of salt per portion (each pot contains 4 portions).

Available in ASDA and Ocado.

Cirio Bologna Pasta Sauce or Roma Pasta Sauce (£2.25) is another new product that hits the shopping shelves soon. This new range is region-inspired, and includes a selection of best-known and much loved regional sauces, from Bologna vegan ragu, to Hot Chilli in Calabria, and Tomato and Cheese in Parma.

Cirio is one of our favourite brands of tomato products. I always have a few tins stashed in the kitchen pantry for a variety of pasta dishes. A new product from Cirio is always an exciting discovery.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We received Roma Pasta Sauce, which is a tomato and smoked bacon sauce. Travelling with Cirio around Italy, this product is their tribute to a classic Amatriciana.

An indulgent pasta sauce comes in a convenient TetraPak brick, which is recyclable.

Nutritional information: 126kcal and 4.8g of sugar per 100g.

Coming soon to Ocado.

MAGGI Air Fryer Recipe Mix (£0.99 each) are handy, time-saving pouches of herbs and spices mixes for a variety of tasty meals.

Quick and easy, they can be used with a wide choice of proteins and vegetables. 

We don't have an air fryer, and I plan to use these mixes for tray bakes, and also when making chicken cutlets (chicken breast flattened, coated in a mix of cornflour and spices/herbs, then pan fried), or roast chicken.

You should receive three items: Shawarma, Piri Piri and Fajita.

Nutrition values: 220kcal and 2.4g of sugar per serving (shawarma); 249kcal and 1.4g (piri piri) and 205kcal and 4.9g of sugar (fajita).

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Flava It! Fuss-Free Seasoning Mixes (£1.10 each) are seasoning mix sachets with lots of flavour. Introducing two of the most popular flavours - Smoky BBQ and Chinese Style.

Very easy to use, just sprinkle, cook and enjoy. 

Smoky BBQ and Chinese Style mixes could be used in BBQed, grilled, oven-cooked, or fried meals.

Nutritional values: 28kcal and 5.4g of sugar per portion (BBQ; 1/4 pack) and 28kcal and 4.7g of sugar per portion (Chinese style).

Free from artificial colours.

Available in Tesco, Morrisons and Ocado.

You should receive two items in your box.

Also don't miss your chance to win a £200 Tesco voucher for sharing your feedback (head to Tesco.com and search for Flava It!). A winner will be selected on 15 November, so you still have time to try the seasoning mixes and leave a review. Good luck!

NYOM Original Oat drink premix (£1.10) is a novel plant-base product. 

Unlike many plant-based milks available in shops in cartons, this product doesn't have any water added to it. Adding water at home is a big leap for sustainability and convenience. It has a long shelf-life, and is easy to make. Just squeeze the pouch into a bottle, add cold water, shake and enjoy fresh oat milk with a silky texture.

Order online now at www.myom.shop and use code MXDB2FOR12 to get 2 boxes (6 pouches each) for £12 and free delivery. 12 pouches makes 6 litres of oat milk.

Free from dairy, lactose free, vegan friendly, source of Calcium, Vitamin D3 +B12, nutrient-packed, phosphate free, iodine-fortified, no added sugar.

Typical values: 34kcal per 100ml.

Available at myom.shop.

And finally,

Acti+ Clean Energy Drink (£1.50) - a natural clean energy drink that boosts performance and focus with nootropics, vitamins, and minerals.

Sugar-free and all natural, it professes to enhance mental sharpness and reduce tiredness, as well as support immunity. 

Available in Strawberry & Dragon Fruit and Peach & Apricot flavours, these drinks contain zero sugar and 80mg caffeine.

You can get 30%off with code POSITIVE30 at acti-plus.co.uk until 31 October'24.

Available in Tesco, Holland & Barrett and online.

You should receive 1 item in your box.

Well, what do you think? There were a lot of new products to discover. Which one is your favourite?

I also want to alert you - if you're looking for a foodie advent calendar, Degustabox advent calendars are legendary.

You can get £6 off at qrco.de/advent-UK with code ADVFL24.  This calendar will cost £38.99 (worth £55). 

I was super excited to see that there was an International Advent Calendar, and ordered it at the beginning of September. Not sure if it's all sold out, as I cannot seem to find it any longer on their site.

The Limited edition Advent calendar might be sold out soon too, so don't dawdle or you'll miss it.