Showing posts with label food and drink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food and drink. Show all posts

Monday, 20 July 2026

Degustabox July Box

 

 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 July Box?


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Crunchies Caramelised Biscuit Flavour (£3.50) is the Product of the Month. This is the latest addition to the Kellogg's range.

If you enjoy your cereal crunchy, then you're in for a treat. Crafted from maize, wholegrain oat and wholewheat flour, coated in rich caramelised biscuit flavour. Lovely with milk, or as a little snack on its own.

Nutritional values: 115kcal and 6.9g of sugar per 30g portion; natural grains, no artificial colours or flavours.

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Gaea Kalamata Olive Spread 125g or Sweet Red Pepper 125g (£2.50 each) are preservative-free spreads, inspired by the authentic Greek cuisine.

You should receive one item of two. 

We got Gaea Kalamata Olive Spread. Made with Kalamata olives, dried tomato, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, apple juice, onion powder, oregano and mustard powder, this spread is full of vibrant flavours.

Lovely as part of a mezze platter, filled with fresh veggies, pitta bread, cheese and dips. 

Nutritional values: 206kcal and 4.5g of sugar per 100g. 

Available in local convenience stores.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Kettle Tortillas Mature Cheddar and Red Onion (£2.65) is a gourmet snack, made from Mexican-inspired white corn and carefully selected natural ingredients (red quinoa, onion and herbs).

They look rustic and authentic, speckled with red quinoa. Tasty on their own. Or place them on a tray, cover with grated Cheddar and mozzarella cheese, sprinkle a bit of Chipotles and put under the grill until the cheese melts. Absolutely heavenly.

Nutritional values: 482kcal  and 2.9g of sugar per 100g; gluten free, vegetarian, high fibre.

Available in Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Morrisons.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Buldak Hot Sauce Original & Hot Sauce Carbonara Flavour (£3.50 each) are Korean condiments.

They are very spicy (says so on the bottle), and rate 4/5 on the heat level. I am not brave enough to try them in cooking, and will try to find a willing friend who might enjoy them. 

However, if you love your food extra hot and spicy, serve these sauces as a dip or drizzle on any dish. The sauces are crafted to perfection, and promise a harmonious balance of spicy and savoury notes. There is even an Extremely Spicy sauce in the range.

Carbonara Hot Sauce is creamy red in colour, its tasting notes are "deep rich flavours and a spicy, creamy finish with a hint of creaminess". Nutritional values: 346kcal and 20g of sugar per 100ml.

Original Hot Sauce is dark red in colour, its tasting notes are "unmatched, addictive heat pungent, intense spiciness with sweet caramel notes". Nutritional values: 270kcal and 26g of sugar per 100ml.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

You should receive 1 item in your box.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



For Goodness Shakes White Chocolate 35g (£2.50) is a new protein shake, made with only four ingredients including fresh milk.

Packed with protein, flavour and goodness, this shake is naturally high in calcium, lactose free, fat free and with no added sugar.

My younger son enjoys protein drinks, so this one is definitely for him.

Nutritional values: 211kcal and 16g of sugar per 330ml bottle.

Available in the major supermarket chains, Ocado, Amazon and at forgoodnessshakes.com.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Jimmy's Iced Coffee Original Iced Coffee (£2, see above) is a smooth, balanced, refreshing cold drink. Lovely straight from the fridge, or on the go. 

Planning to travel soon? Pick up some Jimmy's iced coffee to keep you alert and refreshed on the trip.

Ingredients include semi-skimmed milk, single origin Arabica coffee (Rainforest Alliance Certified), unrefined demerara sugar and acidity regulator.

Nutritional information: 39kcal and 4.9g of sugar per 100ml; suitable for vegetarians. 

Available in major supermarkets and online at www.jimmysicedcoffee.com.


If you are a Degusta Box Plus member, you will receive an additional product inside your box.


What product is your favourite from the latest box?


Sunday, 5 July 2026

Degustabox June Box

 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 June Box?


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Tilda Limited Ediiton Jamaican Spiced Pumpkin Rice (£1.25) is a Product of the Month.

When I saw Tilda on socials promoting a new product in their range, I was hoping Degustabox would have it in one of their boxes, and was pleased to see it in the latest box. 

My family enjoys Tilda, and I buy it regularly. We have our own favourites, and are always glad to try any new flavour.

Tilda Limited Edition Jamaican Spiced Pumpkin Rice is developed in collaboration with Original Flava.

Ingredients include steamed long grain rice with vegetables, like pumpkin, onion, carrot, as well as herbs and spices (Caribbean flavour seasoning), coconut cream and Scotch Bonnet chilli. It is vegetarian and gluten free.

Recommended pairing: Brown Chicken stew, Jerk chicken. 

Available in major supermarkets and tilda.com.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


I served this rice with a tuna salad and a fried egg. It is a flavourful rice, not too hot. I would have liked a bit higher pumpkin to rice ratio, but it is tasty.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Fragata Marinated Olives with Olive Oil & Lemon /or Olive Oil & Hot Chilli (£1.70 each) are tasty Spanish snacks with lots of flavour.

You should receive 1 of two items. We got Fragata Marinated Olives with Olive Oil & Lemon, a product I often buy to keep in the pantry. It's very handy for easy and quick meals, salads, picnics, so called picky bits and cheese board. 

These olives are zesty and citrusy.

Nutritional information: 36kcal and 0.1g of sugar per 18g serving.

Available in local conveience stores.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Rio Mare Insalatissime Mexican Style (£2.99) is one of the products from the extensive Rio Mare range.

Rio Mare tuna is widely known for its quality and taste. A lovely product to keep in the pantry, for when you fancy a tuna pasta, or tuna salad. 

Ready to eat any time thanks to the stay-fresh packaging, with no added preservatives.

This salad with a Mexican twist will be enjoyed by those who love bolder flavours. Tuna in this salad comes with red beans, sweetcorn and peppers.

Nutritional information: 196kcal and 1.1g of salt per 100g. Features: Ready to eat. Dolphine safe, traceable fish, no preservatives, MSC certified, responsible quality.

Available in Waitrose, Morrisons, ASDA, Ocado and Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


I added cucumbers, olives and spring onions to the salad.


Chez Maximka


Mission Wraps High Fibre Tortilla Wraps 4 pack (£1.80) are a healthier choice during any mealtime.

They are packed with flavour and 10g of fibre per wrap. Enjoy them as a breakfast burrito, a quick lunch wrap or dinner fajitas.

Or go decadent. During the recent heatwave, I didn't fancy cooking much, so I served these wraps with caramelised hot banana chunks and vanilla ice cream, like a pocket of deliciousness. It was filling and very satisfying. 

No photos, as the sweet wraps were eaten too fast.

Available in Sainsbury's, ASDA and Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Mission Wraps Mission Sourdough Tortilla Wraps 4 pack (£1.80) is another great tasting product from the range. 

Wraps make easy and quick meals, and the possibilities are endless, just add your favourite fillings and toppings, either sweet or savoury.

Nutritional information: 188kcal, 4.9g of protein and 0.49g of salt per wrap.

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


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Jacob's Cream Crackers (£1.70) is the original toppable cracker.

A perfect base for any cheese - strong Cheddar, mild Brie, goat's cheese, cream cheese, Stilton, etc. Add a slice of apple or chutney for a sweet note, or a slice of tomato and spring onions for a more savoury version. 

Each cracker contains 35kcal and 0.1g of salt.

Available in all major supermarkets.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Kallo's Beetroot & Balsamic Veggie Cakes (£1.40) are now available in a handy snack pack, for when you're feeling peckish on the go.

Made with wholesome ingredients, these veggie cakes are light, crunchy and flavourful. The smaller portion will fit into your lunch box, so that you can have a balanced snack anywhere.

Lovely with hummus or cream cheese.

Nutritional values: 409kcal and 1.4g of salt per 100g (one pack of 3 veggie cakes is 114kcal).

Available in all major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Ambrosia Devon Custard Pot 150g & Devon Chocolate Custard Pot 150g (£1 each) could be eaten on their own, or as part of a dessert. Serve with a crumble, or pour over a fruit salad.

Made in Devon Creamery using West Country milk, each creamy pot has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Nutritional values: 144kcal and 15.9g of sugar per pot (Devon custard) and 150kcal and 17.1g of sugar per pot (Chocolate custard); suitable for vegetarians.

Available in all major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Harry Brompton's Iced Tea/Peach (£1.80) is a premium British black tea infused with natural peach flavours. Very flavourful and super refreshing, especially in hot weather.

Brewed with the finest organic Kenyan tea ethically sourced from the Great Rift Valley and infused with the juice of ripe peaches.

Only 70kcal, vegan, gluten free, and a Great Taste Award winner.

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Nescafe Espresso Concentrated Iced Mocha & Iced Decaf (£5 each) is a must for those of us who enjoy iced coffee.

With one heat wave after another, I am quite obsessed with an iced coffee, which I make with pistachio milk, lots of ice and Nescafe Espresso Concentrated. Depending on the time of the day, I vary, whether to have a caf/decaf version. This drink is so good. You can play with different types of milk, from dairy to plant-based. I like unsweetened pistachio milk, but almond milk is pretty good too.

Each bottle offers 16 servings of instant, barista-style iced coffee (latte or Americano) at home, without the machines.

Available in a range of flavours, from Classic to Caramel and Vanilla. 

Nutritional information: 57kcal and 7.4g of sugar per 100ml prepared (Iced Mocha); 43kcal and 4.1g of sugar per 100ml prepared (Iced Decaf).

Available in the coffee aisle.

You should receive 1 item in your box.




Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


What product is your favourite from the June box?

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Degustabox May Box: BBQ & Garden Party

 

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 May Box: BBQ & Garden Party Degustabox?


Chez Maximka, subscription food box



Get More Vits Vitamin D Drink Mango & Passionfruit (£1.50) is a fruity, sugar-free soft drink with a daily dose of vitamins. Choose between Raspberry & Pomegranate, Pineapple & Grapefruit or Mango & Passionfruit.

These drinks make it easier to boost your vitamin intake.

Sugar-free, low calorie and made with UK spring water and natural fruit flavours, Get More Vits are refreshing and flavourful.

Mango & Passionfruit Vitamin D drink blends natural flavours of juicy mango with tropical passionfruit, boosted with 200% of your daily Vitamin D and 15% calcium.

Nutritional information: 5kcal and 0g sugar per 500ml serving.

Available in Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-Op, Ocado, WHSmith and Booths.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Mornflake Mighty Oats Organic Porridge Oats (£3) are made from 100% wholegrain British oats grown on organic farms with nature in mind.

Cook on the hob, or in a microwave, use  as an ingredient for tasty flpajacks or oat cookies.

Nutritional values: 147kcal and 0.4g of sugar per 40g. 

Naturally high in fibre, they are a source of protein, vegan-friendly and heart-smart, i.e. help to actively lower cholesterol, as part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 

Other credentials: Carbon neutral milling, made with wind and solar power, 0% production waste, low CO2 footprint, low food miles and 100% recyclable packaging.

Available at Co-Op, Ocado, Nisa, Booths, Grape Tree, Amazon and www.mornflake.com/shop.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Bisto Sweet & Smoky BBQ sauce (£2.95) is a tub of instant sauce granules. 

Enhance your roast with this quick and easy sauce, simply add 4 level tablespoons of Bisto to 250ml boiling water, give it a quick stir until you have a glossy BBQ sauce.

Serve with Hunter's chicken and/or potato wedges, or pizza.

Nutritional information: 39kcal and 0.8g of sugar per 50ml portion; no artificial colours or preservatives.

One tub = 19 individual servings.

Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland and Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Fragata Manzanilla Olives filled with Manchego Cheese (£2) are an ultimate snack. 

These olives have a firm texture and a delicate flavour typical of Spanish olives. Each olive is filled with a smooth Manchego cheese for an authentic taste of Spain.

Pair with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Add to pasta, salads, casseroles, cheese boards, pizza, the possibilities are endless.

Nutritional information: 155kcal and 3.5g of salt per 100g of drained product.

Available in Morrisons.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Maggi Global Kitchen Spaghetti Bolognese or Tikka Masala Ready Meal 260g (£3 each) is a new product from Maggi.

Enjoy a rich Spaghetti Bolognese with beef, or aromatic Chicken Tikka Masala with lentils, wholegrain rice and warming spices.

You should receive 1 item of two. We got Chicken Tikka Masala, which is a combination of chicken pieces in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce with lentils and brown rice.

Nutritional values: 259kcal and 7.4g of sugar per 260g serving. Each pouch is one serving.

Ready in just 2 minutes, these meals are a high source of protein and fibre, low in saturated fat, and make quick and easy meals. There are six tasty flavours to choose from.

Available in Morrisons.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Monday, 25 May 2026

Photo diary: Project 365, week 20 2026

It is plus 29C here today this morning, and I'm not functioning well. I have a low tolerance for heat. And it's going to get worse later.

This was the week of GCSE exams and the last week of school lessons. There's no getting around it. My child, who was five only yesterday, or so it feels, said Good Bye to his secondary school. There are still a couple of weeks of exams ahead after the midterm break. 

How did it happen so fast? I blinked, and my poppet has grown up. 


My Mum's cat has perked up after a week of visits to the vet clinic daily (my brother and his wife and daughter have been helping a lot, also paying for the very pricey treatments, as the money my Mum gave him has all run out in a couple of days. He doesn't tell her how much he has paid for the cat). I'm so grateful to them for helping Mum so much. Alas, I am not even able to contribute anything, as there is no way to send any money.


My husband visited his parents the week before to support them during a difficult time, as they have lost a close family friend. My mother in law, all emotional, passed on a lot of her jewellery to me, including her engagement ring. I'm grateful to her for the gifts, but also sad that she decided to part with it, especially the ring.

This vintage brooch is one of the haul, and I can easily wear it on a coat or jacket.


Chez Maximka


While Sasha was out with his PAs on Monday, I checked a couple of charity shops for books. In Oxfam I saw this old edition of The Book of Princes and Princesses.

The dedication in the book says, To my Dear Winifred, the unselfish and dutiful daughter of J.H.Ibboshow (? can't read the surname). January, 1915". 

Such a peculiar dedication. It made me wonder who this girl was, what her life happened to be, but also that nobody gives that name to girls any longer. You don't see any baby Winifreds nowadays, do you?!


Chez Maximka


My white rose is doing well. Just open the back door into the garden, and you can immediately smell roses and mock orange.

It used to be about four-five metres tall, cascading from an old plum tree which the rose used to climb up. It was a marvellous sight. Sadly we had to cut down the plum tree as it beginning to bend dangerously over the wall, and part of the rose plant had to go too. 


Chez Maximka, spring bloom


My husband was in Paris for a few days, and snapped this window display for me, knowing how much I enjoy vintage jewellery.


Chez Maximka


This thyme has self-seeded itself many years ago among the flagstones in the garden, and gives me such joy every year with its pretty blooms and the lovely scent.

Alas, the box hedges didn't survive the onslaught of the box tree moth this year. Most of them are destroyed, despite the fact I kept spraying them with all the special plant-based poison, which sould not affect the other insects or birds, and it made no difference whatsoever. I spent a little fortune on sprays. 





Finished my Goodreads Reading Challenge. I typically opt for 52 books per year, and then go over. 


Chez Maximka

Friday was the last day of secondary school for Eddie. He asked me to write his name on the white shirt and the school years, plus draw an image from one of his games.

He came back home happy and tired, with his shirt full of signatures from his classamates and teachers.


Chez Maximka


My new favourite biscuits - Bonne Maman Petits Biscuits Framboise Sésame, so tasty. I have spotted them in Waitrose, and of course, just had to buy. 


Chez Maximka

How did your week go?

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Monday, 18 May 2026

Photo diary: Project 365, weeks 18 and 19, 2026

 The last couple of weeks have been emotionally charged. 

Too many worries and anxieties, and sad news. A family friend of my in-laws who I also knew personally and met many times, has died suddenly. 

A very good friend of my Mum's called her the other day to say Farewell, as she has an incurable cancer. My Mum is devasttated, and so am I. Though I haven't seen this lady in over thirty years, I remember her family with great fondness. Staying with them was one of the highlights of my childhood and youth, they were always so welcoming, generous and kind. 

Perhaps I have reached that age, when we are rapidly losing our parents' generation, and it scares me.

My Mum is also very sad for her cat, who is very poorly, and is most likely not going to make it. The vets cannot find what's wrong. My Mum is not coping well. 

All this sadness floats like a cloud overhead. I'm feeling listless, and Project 365 is turning into a half-baked Project Whenever.


Chez Maximka, spring blossom


Hence a lot of my photos are just snaps taken in the shops, asking Eddie, what he fancies. This snap was taken in Waitrose, as I couldn't decide which free pack of crisps to choose as one of their Little Treats. Eddie to the rescue. He opted for Steak Diane (not my favourite flavour of crisps, won't be buying it).


Chez Maximka


Last Degustabox had a pack of a Nutty Kitchen Italian Supermince for a vegan Bolognese. I used some of it with rice in stuffed peppers, and needed to finish the pack, so cooked the pseudo-Bolognese sauce.

It really does not taste anything like Bolognese. I'd rather have a proper vegetable, meat-free sauce for pasta than this. It just didn't work for me, and I love nuts of all kinds.


Chez Maximka

It was another sad day for me. I found a little blue tit hanging head down from the netting of the currant bush. I realised it was still alive, ran into the house and cut the netting around it. It was tangled so much, it was a tricky job to cut through all the threads, trying not to hurt the little bird. 

It let me do the job, and pecked my fingers ever so gently, understanding that I'm trying to rescue it. Once it was free, I have put it among the herbs in the pot to recover. Sadly, an hour later it was gone, most likely from shock, poor little thing. I cried and buried it the next morning under the plum tree.

I have a photo of the poor birdie, while it was still alive in the pot, but I can't look at it now.


The next day I was looking for a sort of a sleeveless tank top that you can wear over a blouse. I tried several shops. The cream one is from M&S, I decided not to buy it. I bought a dark waistcoat in New Look instead, and it cost almost three times less. My Mum commented not very favourably on it, saying that I look like a hospitality industry employee (nothing wrong with that, though not perhaps the look I was after).




There is a gorgeous Californian lilac tree by the bridge, when I walk through the flood fields and the old blanket factory compound. It has such a beautiful scent.


Chez Maximka


This was the week Eddie started his GCSEs, and I've been an emotional wreck. I remember how I hated exams, they always made me panic to the point of fainting, even if I knew the subject well. It's the psychological pressure.

I have nearly finished my Paperblanks notebook, and treated myself to a new one, with a New York Rose design on the cover, from the leading design house of the Gilded Age. It's so elegant, and the paper inside is lovely, light ivory.


Chez Maximka


I enjoyed taking part in the coffee-themed Penandinkchallenge. This was my sketch on the prompt - Americano. I actually used real coffee to paint the background, then did a drawing and added a few stickers from Notebook Therapy range.



Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art


For the Espresso prompt, I did a sketch of my husband's grandmother. Nonna Elsa used to live in a granny flat at the top of the old house, with my in-laws living below. She was kind and caring. 
She would go out of her flat, and shout from the top of the stairs, Cici, Cici (her nickname for her daughter).
When we stayed with my in-laws, Elsa would invite us over for a cup of espresso. I drank it out of politeness, but for me it was like a rocket fuel, way too strong.
Elsa was a very special figure in my husband's life, as she was looking after him, when his parents were working. I will always be grateful to her for that little boy who was cherished and cared for.






My rhododenron next to the kitchen windows is in full bloom. I have noticed that the amount of bees visiting it is going down, it is worrying and sad. It used to be like a bee cafe. Now you're lucky if you see a couple of bees at the same time.


Chez Maximka





Saturday evening was all about Eurovision. Eddie told me to buy lots of snacks for the night. I kept snapping all sorts of picky bits for him to choose. Italian Aperitivo style selection was very good, with a delicious Provolone cheese, lovely little grissini and olives. 


Chez Maximka


Eurovision was the usual wacky show, with many eccentric characters. Can't say I liked the winner's song. Didn't like the tune, or the crazy dance routine.

I felt sorry for the guy from the UK. His performance was pretty awkward to watch, but there were other feeble singers who scored many more points. And then his own team left him to sit on his own, that's just awful. Glad the Danes invited him to sit at their table.

My personal favourites were Norway, Italy and, ahem, do I dare saying it loud, Israel. Politics aside, his song was beautiful, he has a good voice, and it takes courage to go on stage and perform to the boos from the public. 

Don't think my votes for Italy and Norway made any difference.

Did you watch Eurovision? Who did you vote for? And what do you think of the British entry?




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Monday, 4 May 2026

April Box Degustabox: Snacking and New Recipes

 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 April Box: Hello, Snacking and New Recipes Degustabox?


Chez Maximka, food subscription box


BE FREE by Eisberg sparkling white 0.0% (£2) is an alcohol free sparkling wine based drink in a can.

Drink cooled straight from the can, pour in a glass with ice, or make a lemonade spritz with this alcohol free wine. We had it before, it was one of the products in the Advent calendar, and it is lovely, refreshing and crisp.

Eisberg have teaed up with artist Samuel Thomas to create a funky design, evocative of the sea, sky and freedom.

Nutritional values: 23kcal and 5g of sugar per 100ml.

Available on Amazon.


Chez Maximka, non alcoholic wine


Seabrook Tomato Ketchup Crinkle Cut Crisps (£1.50) is the latest addition to the popular range of crisps.

Seabrook Crisps are the original crinkle cut crisps, crafted in Yorkshire since 1945. These crisps combine bold flavours with a classic crinkle texture. 

Tomato Ketchup crisps are bursting with flavour, sweet, savoury and tangy. 

Nutritional information: 124kcal and 1.1g of sugar per 25g bag; gluten free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Available in the major supermarkets.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

I used a bag of crisps as an ingredient in cooking crab cakes. I added crushed crisps to the panko breadcrumbs as the coating for the crab cakes.  They turned out really tasty, with a lovely added flavour and texture.


Chez Maximka, dinner ideas


Namdong Kimchi Jjigae Noodle Pot (£1.60) are Korean-inspired noodles. 

K-noodles are a big trend nowadays, with a variety of brands and flavours to choose from.

These noodles allow you to personalise your spice level, as they come with a separate chilli sachet - spice as you like, depending on your preference, from a gentle kick to a more mighty level of heat.

My younger son is the noodle king in our family. He is not the biggest fan of the kimchi flavour, but did say the noodles were fun to try.

Nutritional information: 376kcal and 3.5g of salt per pot; vegan.

Available in the major supermarkets.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Alpen Muesli No Added Sugar/ or Original (£2.99) is inspired by the Apls themselves.
You will receive one item of two.

We got the Original flavour, promising a brimful of delicious toasted wheat flakes, creamy rolled oats, crunchy nuts and juicy raisins in every spoonful of the original recipe.

Nutritional values: 168kcal and 9.5g of sugar pper 45g serving; 100% natural ingredients, wholegrain, high in fibre.

If you're not a cereal-in-the-morning person, use muesli as an ingredient in cookies or homemade oat bars.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, ASDA, Ocado, Amazon and Co-Op.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Angel Delight Bubble Jelly (£2.85 each) is a new product from the Angel Delight range. It's a fun new product, which combines the wibble-wobble wtih boba pearls.

There are three flavours to choose from, and you should receive one of three.

We got Lemonade Jelly flavour with Strawberry Boba, and it certainly delivers a burst of flavours in each bite/slurp.

Nutritional values: 86kcal and 20.8g of sugar per 130g pot; suitable for vegetarians. Keep it in the cupboard, or fridge, if you like it chilled. 

Available in ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Whitworths Nutty Kitchen Original Supermince/ or Italian Supermince/ or Mexican Supermince (£3.20) is a new 100% natural meat-free mince.

You should receive 1 flavour of 3. 

We got Italian Supermince, which is made with chopped Californian walnuts, lentils and red quinoa, with an Italian seasoning blend. Use it to make a vegan Bolognese. One pack offers 4 servings.

Nutritional values: 307kcal and 0.59g of salt per 100g.

I didn't cook a Bolognese with it, but mixed with cooked rice and stuffed sweet peppers, which were roasted in the oven. 

Available on Ocado and Whitworths webshop.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

What is your favourite product from the latest Degustabox?