Degustabox February Box

 February is full of promise. The spring flowers are already out, our garden looks pretty with snowdrops and crocuses bringing a new hope of warmer days to come.

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?

We start with Bisto Smooth Peppercorn Sauce (£2.95) a new product from the well-known and much loved range. 

Like many British families, we buy Bisto gravy granules for a quick and easy gravy. Last month we tried Bisto cheese sauce, and enjoyed it, so we were quite curious to try the new product.

Simply add 4 level tbsp of Bisto instant pepper sauce to 250ml boiling water and give it a quick stir until the sauce thickens.

It's perfect for lamb chops or poured over steak. For a vegetarian dish, use the granules to cook a veggie Bolognese.

Each tub contains 19 individual servings. 

Typical values: 42kcal and 0.41g of salt per 50ml portion as prepared; no artificial colours or preservatives.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Wagamama Firecracker/ or Coconut +Lemongrass Curry sauce (£2.75)

You will receive one variety in the box. We got Firecracker curry sauce, which is a sweet and spicy sauce with sriracha and chilli. The label promises a bang to every bowl (and I'm taking their word for it. I haven't used this sauce, and will most likely pass it on a friend who enjoys extra spicy food).

The image of three peppers indicates a high level of spiciness. Recreate restaurant dishes at home, like prawn, chicken and tofu firecracker curry.

Nutritional values: 82kcal and 14g of sugar per 100g.

Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Truly Nuts! Brazil Nuts (£3.99) are sustainably-sourced Amazon-harvested nuts, available plain or coated in rich Belgian chocolate, combining high selenium and healthy fats.

You will receive one variety of three. We got Buck Naked Whole & Raw Brazil nuts, unflavoured, unroasted and unsalted.

I have chuckled on seeing a pack of brazil nuts in the box, as I was talking to my Mum just the other day, and she said they were her favourites. I told her I wish I could give her the pack. Most likely, I will chop the brazils and use as an ingredient in baking cookies or muffins.

Nutritional values: 690kcal and 14g or protein per 100g.; high fibre, source of selenium, vegan friendly, gluten free and non-GMO. Packed in the UK with brazil nuts from Peru, Brazil and Bolivia.

Available in TG Jones (former WHSmith).

Snyder's of Havover Pretzel Pieces - Honey, Mustard & Onion (£2) are American-style snacks.

These pretzel pieces come in big crunchy chunks. The flavour is bold, very mustardy. Other varieties come in such flavours as Hot Buffalo Wings, Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño.

I'm not sure what the final verdict is. they are not bad, but I do prefer small thin pretzels. Perhaps we need to try different favours to find out our favourite. I imagine this snack would be great with a glass of cold beer.

Nutritional values; 532kcal and 7.4g of sugar per 100g.

Available in Amazon, Ocado and quality convenience stores.

Tuk in Foods Lime Pickle Bombay Trail Mix (£1.50 for 40g) is a flavourful snack, which offers a combination of cashew nuts, roasted corn, Bombay mix, almonds, mustard seeds and plenty of spice.

The resulting mix promises to boost your energy levels, and is packed with nutrients.

Nutritional values: 222kcal and 0.26g of salt per 40g pouch; 7g protein, high in fibre, source of magnesium and vitamin E.

Available in independent retailers.

I was super excited to see three bottles of Filippo Berio squeezable olive oil (£7.99) in the box. I have seen the new products on Insta and did think they looked fab.

You would only receive one variety in the box (as a regular blogger I got all three flavours to try).

This is the same quality olive oil you expect from Filippo Berio, only coming in a squeezable bottle format for easier drizzling and finishing touches.With an easy-pour cap you can dispense oil without a mess. Great for so many dishes.

There is a Classico olive oil, composed of refined olive oils and virgin olive oils, great for cooking meat or vegetables.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced from extra virgin olive oils from Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Excellent for finishing and dressing salads or pasta.

And Chilli flavoured olive oil, hot and fiery, will enhance any pizza or add a dash of heat to a pasta sauce.

Available at www.filippoberio.co.uk or on Amazon.

As a subscriber, you will receive extra goodies to those shown above.

What product did you find the most delicious?

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 July Box

 July is coming to an end. Did you notice the evenings are getting darker a little bit earlier. We still have another summer month to enjoy, with picnics, BBQs and seaside walks.

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 Degustabox?

KIND Snacks Protein Crunchy Peanut Butter (£2.20) is a tasty snack which offers a perfect combination of smooth peanut butter and crunchy nuts.

Great as a treat on the go, or when you're feeling peckish.

Nutritional information: 12g protein, no.1 ingredient nuts, 256kcal and 7.5g of sugar per bar; a source of protein, high in fibre, gluten free, no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Blanco Niño Chipotle/ or Creamy Jalapeño/ or Chilli & Lime white corn tortilla chips (£3) are inspired by Mexican cuisine.

While based in Ireland, Blanco Niño tortilleria are dedicated to doing the ancient Aztec recipes justice every day. Made with the very best whole non-GMO corn, which is steeped overnight before grinding into a dough called masa, which is lated shaped and baked into tortillas. It takes 3 days from start to finish.

Winner of the Great Taste 2022 award. 

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Chilli & Lime flavour tortilla chips.

Nutritional information: 143kcal and 0.4g of salt per serving (one pack is six servings); vegan, gluten free.

We're already familiar with this brand of tortillas, and enjoy them with dips, like guacamole and salsa.

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

New Swizzels Squashies Tropical/ or Sour Shooting Stars (£1.25) are the latest addition to the Swizzels range.

You should receive 1 of two in your box. We got Squashies Tropical - these are parrot-shaped sweets in tropical fruit flavours - pineapple, watermelon, mango & passionfruit.

Sour Shooting Stars come in mouth-watering flavour combinations of pink lemonade, starfruit and peach and cola lime, shaped as cute stars.

Nutritional values: 70kcal and 4g of sugar per 20g serving, or 349kcal and 22g of sugar per 100g; free from artificial colours.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Acti-Snack Buffalo BBQ Keto Trail Mix or Peanut Butter Energy Trail Mix (£1.50) are trail mixes that all pack a punch of protein to build lean muscle mass.

You should recieve 1 item in your box. We got Keto Trail Mix Buffalo BBQ, which is a tasty mix of BBQ almonds and cashews with Tamari pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients include almonds, cashews, concentrated apple juice, garlic salt, paprika, vinegar, onion powder, chipotle powder, smoke flavouring, cumin, mustard powder, black pepper etc.

Nutritional values: 225kcal and 2g sugar per 40g pack; 26% protein, vegan, real food fuel, high in magnesium and potassium, low sugar.

Available in Morrisons and acti-snack.com.

OXO Succulent Chicken Stock Pots (£1.85) contain quality ingredients and real chicken juices, vegetables, herbs and seasonings to enhance a meat-based family meal.

Nutritional information: 5kcal and 0.77g of salt per portion (100g) as prepared; gluten free, natural colours and flavourings.

Add to stews, casseroles, gravy, or dissolve in boiling water to make a rich chicken stock for a soup or risotto. 

Available in the major supermarket chains.

I'm always super delighted to see a Just Spices seasoning in Degustabox. I'm a big fan of this brand. If you go to our kitchen to check how many Just Spices pots I have, you will count at least ten different ones. 

Just Spices Vegetable Seasoning AllRounder (£3.99) is a flavourful mix of sea salt, crushed black Tellicherry pepper, grated garlic, grated onion, ground paprika, ground cumin, ground lemon zest and chilli powder.

I tend to sprinkle it generously over a tray of roasting vegetables, or add to the rice and vegetable mix for stuffed sweet peppers. Another idea: mix cream cheese with the vegetable seasoning and fill in small sized Padron peppers.

Nutritional values: 235kcal and 24.91g of salt per 100g (one pot is 75g).

Available in the major supermarket chains.

HI-CHEW Apple and Strawberry (£1.25) is Japan's no.1 selling sweet, now available in the UK.

Its unique double layer structure is meant to replicate the real fruit taste, with freshness and sweet or sour notes of the fruit. 

While it doesn't exactly taste like a real fresh fruit, it is a pleasant chewy soft candy. A bit too sweet for my palate, these sweets were a big success with my boys.

Nutritional information: 414kcal and 61.5g of sugar per 100g (one pack is 50g).

You should receive two items in your box.

Available in the major supermarket chains and on TikTok shop.

Milliways Plastic Free Peppermint gum (£0.20) is exactly what it says on the packet: a peppermint gum in a plastic-free packaging. 

It is a a biodegradable plant-based gum made with xylitol. Sugar free and aspartame free, it combines the natural flavours of Mentha Peperita and Mentha Arvensis to create a cooling sensation in your mouth, refreshing like a sea breeze.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Amazon, Whole Foods, Costa Coffee, Ocado and WHSmith.

You get a one piece sample.

Get More Vits Vitamin D Drink (£1.25) are fruity, sugar-free soft drinks with a daily dose of vitamins. Two new flavours are added to their range, and now you can 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.

You should receive 1 item in your box. Ours was a Pineapple & Grapefruit.

Available in multi-packs from Tesco.

And finally, Nescafe Iced Classic Unsweetened Espresso Concentrated (£4.99) is the ultimate coffee hack.

If you enjoy iced coffee in summer - and oh boy, didn't we have one heatwave after another - this is a cost-effective concentrated coffee. 

A big bonus is that it is unsweetened. As much as I love iced coffee, most of the bottles/tins made by the major coffee brands are way too sweet, you can barely taste anything for the amount of sugar, so Yay for the unsweetened variety. 

To make a glass, just add milk of your choice and ice. One bottle makes 16 servings.

Nutritional values: 43kcal and 4.1g of sugar per 100ml prepared.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

What product is your favourite?

Degustabox March 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 March Box Degustabox?

Product of the Month: Tilda Ltd Easy Meals Sundried Tomato & Beans 250g/ Easy Meals Chickpea Korma 250g (£2.50) are the latest additions to the versatile Tilda range.

We love Tilda, always have a couple of rice pouches in the pantry for a quick and easy meal, which we mostly use as a side dish for a variety of recipes.

New flavours from Tilda come in bright colourful pouches.

You should receive 1 item in the box (we got two different ones to try).

Tilda Easy Meals Sundried Tomato & Beans is a recipe which combines haricot beans with carrots, red peppers and sundried tomatoes. It is a good source of protein, comes as 1 of your 5 a day, and is under 250 kcal (one pouch is a meal for one). Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Nutritional values: 226kcal and 1.54g of salt per 250g serving.

Tilda Easy Meals Chickpea Korma is a combination of chickpeas, sweet potatoes, coconut cream and spices. Suitable for vegetarians (not for vegans as there is milk listed among the ingredients). This meal is another good source of protein and fibre.

Both meals contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Heat them in a microwave or on the hob in a pan, and your lunch or dinner is ready in 2 minutes.

Well done, Tilda, for expanding your already impressive range!

Available in Sainsbury's.

The Flava People Flava It! Garden Mint (£1.10) is a delicious, easy to use seasoning, just in time for Easter roast. 

Ingredients include sugar, salt, dried mint, dried tomato, natural flavourings, colour (paprika), ginger etc. Free from artificial colours and flavours, this seasoning will work in meals cooked on BBQ, grill, oven and on the hob.

I haven't finalised yet what main to cook for Easter, that would depend if we are going to have friends over or not, but most likely I would do a side of salmon, and roast potatoes with mint seasoning among other dishes.

Nutritional vales: 111kcal and 4.9g of sugar per portion (1/4 pack).

Available in Morrisons.

SweetDough Things Vegan Sugar Free Candy Floss (£1.99)  is a vegan-friendly sweet treat. It is light and airy, and perfectly nostalgic.

You should receive 1 item in your box, we got the Honey flavoured candy floss. Made with isomalt.

Nutritional values: 30kcal and 0.01g of sugar per 12g pack.

Available at https://sweetdoughthings.co.uk/.

Cheesies Gouda (£1.50) is a crunchy snack made from 100% cheese and literally nothing else. It is baked til crunchy. High in protein, it contains no carbs or sugar and counts as 119kcal. These moreish bits of cheese have a sharp and punchy taste.

Nibble them on their own, with a drink, or sprinkle over soup as croutons (great with leek and potato soup).

Last year we tried Cheesies Cheddar flavour, and can say with confidence, we liked both. 

Available in Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Amazon and www.wearethecurators.com.

SlooOW Stone Oven Baguette White (£1.65) is an organic wheat baguette, partially baked and made with the best and 100% natural ingredients. The bread dough is given more than 24 hours to rise, to later become a very tasty crusty bread.

Bake it in the oven for 12 minutes for a crispy crust. We've tried this bread earlier last year for the first time, and it is truly tasty. Great for bruschetta, with tomatoes, basil and olive oil, or make hot mini sandwiches with it, with lots of grated cheese.

Nutritional values: 263kcal and 0.95g of salt per 100g. 

Available at Tesco and Hello Fresh.

Ritter Sport Mini Chocolate Selection (£7.50) comes in a stylish elegant box which will make a lovely gift for any occasion.

We're big fans of Ritter Sport, and all have our own favourites. This box offers a selection of Ritter Sport Classics - 16 milk, dark and white mini square varieties (milk chocolate with cornflakes, dark chocolate with marzipan (my personal favourite!), milk chocolate with a cocoa creme and a butter biscuit filling, milk chocolate with praline filling, alpine milk chocolate (another winner), milk chocolate with chopped hazelnuts, dark chocolate with whole hazelnuts, white chocolate with whole hazelnuts and milk chocolate with whole hazelnuts).

This lovingly curated collection is made exclusively with 100% certified sustainably sourced cocoa.

We were in a chocolate heaven.

Average nutritional values per 100g: 547kcal and 50g sugar. Each mini square is 16.67g, and is just the right size for a lovely treat.

Available in major UK supermarkets.

As if the wonderful selection box isn't enough, there is another delightful surprise - Ritter Sport Nut Pouch (£3.50). Each pouch contains 7 minis packed with crunchy roasted hazelnuts coated in creamy white, milk or smooth dark chocolate. What an excellent treat!

Average nutritional values: 567kcal and 46g of sugar per 100g (one mini is 16.67g).

Available in major supermarkets.

More sweet treats this month - Fruit-tella Berries & Cherry Stick (£0.65 each) - lovely as a nibble on the go, or for sharing with family and friends.

Made with real fruit juice, and only natural colourings and flavours, Fruit-tella is vegan, dairy, gluten and nut free.

Nutritional information: 385kcal and 55g of sugar per 100g (one piece is 4.1g each).

You should receive 2 items in your box.

Sanpellegrino Zero Pesca & Clementina (£1.30) is a sparkling peach and clementine beverage, with 0 added sugars. The combination of sun-ripened peaches and clementines celebrates long summer days.

It is a beautiful combination of flavours. Perfect on its own, straight from the fridge, or make a white wine spritz with Sanpellegrino as a tasty base. 

Nutritional values: 21kcal and 3.1g (naturally occurring) sugar per 330ml can.

Available in Tesco.

Ueshima Coffee Company Iced Latte (£2, see above) - the original canned coffee - is best served chilled. Created by their founder Mr Ueshima in 1966, this coffee has acquired a cult status among the iced coffee lovers.

Smooth and refreshing latte, brewed the Japanese way. 

Nutritional information: 75kcal and 10g of sugar per can; Rainforest Alliance certified coffee.

Available on www.ueshimacoffeecompany.com.

If you're a subscriber with a PLUS benefit, you will receive a Divine Chocolate Cocoa (£2.25).

I think this box must be one of our top favourites in the last couple of years.

What is your favourite from the latest box?

Degustabox advent calendar

 

Hope you are having a stress-free and heart-warming festive season. I wonder, what advent calendars, if any, did you enjoy? We had a ball with two Degustabox Advent calendars (one I received for free for the purposes of reviewing; another one - an International edition - I bought back in September).

Degusta Box Advent Calendar 2024 contains 24 festive surprise food and drink items. Contents value of this calendar is £55. 

Let's recap what we found inside, day by day.

Day 1:

Filippo Berio Classic Balsamic Glaze (£2.99) is a true Italian classic. 

Rich, thick, sweet tangy syrup is a perfect accompaniment for a big variety of meals, from sandwiches and bruschetta to grilled meats and vegetables, from pizza to salad. You can also use it in sweet recipes like a fruit salad or an ice cream sundae.

Available in ASDA, Morrisons, Ocado and at www.filippoberio.co.uk.

Nutritional values: 189kcal and 45g of sugar per 100ml, or 10kcal and 2.2g of sugar per 5ml spoon.

A great start to the culinary advent!

Day 2:

Clara's Selections Wafer Rolls Hazelnut & Cocoa (£1.25) - are indulgent light crispy rolls with a cocoa and hazelnut filling.

Eat them as a snack with or without a hot beverage or ice cream. What a delectable treat (and not just for Christmas).

Nutritional values: 495kcal and 44.3g of sugar per 100g.

Available in Home Bargains and One Beyond.

Day 3:

Cypressa Rose Harissa Paste (£3.25) is an aromatic blend of spices featuring paprika, red peppers and rose water.

Used widely in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, this product will jazz up your mealtimes with its vibrant colours and bold flavours.

Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, meat or vegetables; stir into soups and stews; brush it over a chicken before roasting; or spread over halloumi before frying.

Nutritional values: 355kcal and 0.5g of sugar per 100g.

Available at Ocado.com.

Day 4:

Rock Stone Confection Taste of the Caribbean Rock Sweets (£2.99) could be found in both Degustabox advent calendar and Degustabox advent calendar International edition.

Celebrating different cultures and diversity, these candies come in eye catching colours and offer bold flavours  The Caribbean selection comes in sweet flavours of Pineapple/coconut, Caribbean crush and Pink lemonade. 

My sons were very happy with these candies.

Gluten free and vegan friendly. Made in England.

Nutritional information: 374kcal and 75g of sugar per 100g (lots of sugar, but it is a SUGAR confectionery).

Day 5:

Rubis Wine Chocolate Wine (£4.10) is an award winning combination of Spanish Tempranillo wine and cacao, which is blended and bottled in the UK.

The taste is very special, velvety, with a subtle chocolate flavour. Serve it either at a room temperature or over ice. Very festive taste. A real treat!

Available at www.rubiswine.com (and Ocado). Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Day 6:

Ryvita Rosemary and sea salt thins (£2.20) are a crunchy and crisp baked Ryvita snacks. Use them as scoops for dips, dunk them in soup, spread with toppings of your choice.

British baked, high in fibre, low in saturated fat, with no artificial preservaties.

Nutritional information: 27kcal and 0.2g of sugar per thin.

Available in all major supermarkets.

Day 7:

Ballymaloe Foods Ballymaloe Relish (£2.20) is a delicious relish that brings an extra oomph to your sandwiches, cheese boards and burgers.

A Great Taste award winner in 2023, this relish was created by Myrtle Allen, Ireland's first female Michelin-starred chef. Her daughter Yasmin now produces this legendary relish for the markets worldwide.

Ingredients include: tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, onions, sultanas, tomato puree, sea salt, mustard seed, spices. Gluten free. Guaranteed Irish. Made with natural ingredients, fat free, suitable for vegans.

Available in Tesco.

Day 8:

Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne (£3.50) is pasta made with plant protein.

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.

Day 9:

Truly Nuts Milk chocolate or Dark Chocolate (£1.35) are made from hand-picked, wild-harvested Brazil nuts. You will get one pack of two.

Truly Nuts! Brazil nuts sweet talk milk chocolate are milk chocolate coated Brazil nuts, crunchy and sweet.

Gluten free, vegetarian friendly, sustainably sourced, these nuts make a delicious treat.

Nutritional values: 571kcal and 33g sugar per 100g (one pouch is 30g).

Available in WHSmith, Amazon and on the Truly Nuts! website.

Day 10:

Teapigs Spiced Winter Red & Everyday Brew (£2) come in cute small boxes, and look like Christmas tree decorations. Tea is welcome any season, and Teapigs make a great cuppa.

Teapigs English Breakfast is their signature blend: robust, rich and flavourful, perfect as morning cup to wake you up properly.

Teapigs Spiced Winter Red tea is a soothing rooibos with orange, cloves and spices, so very Christmasy.

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

You will receive two items.

Day 11:

Pringles Hot Kickin' Sour Cream (£2.25) is a hot twist on a classic Pringles flavour. 

These sharing crisps are great for a movie night. Eat them straight from the tub, or serve with cooling dips. 

Nutritional values: 523kcal and 0.61g of salt per 100g.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Day 12:

Lavazza Iced Ready to drink cappuccino (£2.50) is a new iced coffee from the iconic Italian brand.

Iced cappuccino is a combination of 100% Arabica with semi-skimmed milk and delicious cocoa.

The balance between chocolate and coffee is just right. This is a smooth, creamy velvety refreshment, best served cold.

Available on Lavazza.co.uk.

Nutritional information: 48kcal and 6.5g of sugar per 100ml (one can is 250ml).

You will receive 1 item (usually sold as a pack of four).

Day 13:

Knorr Chicken Gravy Pot (£2.25) is a handy kitchen staple, which offers a quick and easy way to make a homemade-tasting gravy.

If you are having a roast chicken dinner, it won't be the same without a jug of hot gravy.

Now you can prepare your chicken gravy in a flash - just use one pot of Knorr chicken gravy, made with high quality ingredients. 

Free from artitifical colours or preservatives, these pots will make cooking a family meal easier. Lovely with chicken sausages too.

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

Day 14:

Joyfull Millets Crunchy Muesli fruit & nut (£1)  is a wholesome muesli, high in fibre and a source of calcium and iron. Available in three flavours: Fruit & Nut, Honey & Nut and Choco & Nut.

You will receive two items.

Millet is a nutritious ancient grain, known to humans for 4000 years. 

Nutritional values: 338kcal and 20.7g of sugar per 100g, or 152kcal and 9.3g of sugar per 45g pouch.

If you're more of a cup of tea and a toast for breakfast person, you could use this muesli as an ingredient in baking cookies.

Available in Morrisons.

Day 15:

Leon Tomato Ketchup (£2.65) is inspired by the Mediterranean diet, known for its use of plants and bold flavours.

This sweet and tangy ketchup is gluten free and vegan, and is made with sun-dried tomatoes. Great for all those tasty sandwiches, made with festive leftovers.

Nuritional values: 100kcal and 16.6g of sugar per 100g (one bottle is 280g).

Available in Sainsbury's.

Day 16:

Hilltop Blossom Honey (£2.50) is an award-winning honey, amber in colour. It is sweet and has a mild floral scent. 

Lovely to drizzle over hot crumpets or pancakes, added to porridge or tea. The honey has so many culinary uses, from marinades and salad dressing, to bakes of all kinds.

It has a lovely taste, though I prefer to buy honey of single origin, rather than a blend of non-EU honeys, as sadly it loses a lot of its health qualities when mixed with different honeys. It is still good for eating and cooking.

Nutritional values: 307kcal and 76g of sugar per 100g.

Available in Tesco.

Day 17:

Garner's Sweet Pickled Baby Onions (£3.90) will make a lovely addition to a classic Ploughman's lunch. Eat the pickled baby onions with a chunky cheese sandwich, add to a charcuterie board or a cheeseboard with a selection of robust cheeses and sliced fresh apple.

Baby onions are pickled in a malty vinegar for a well-balanced sweet and sour taste.

Awarded a Great Taste award in 2022.

Nutritional information: 107kcal and 22.1g of sugar per 100g (drained); suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Day 18:

SimplyCook Indian Masala Lamb Chops (£2.95) is a handy recipe kit, which contains 3 flavour pots to create an authentic dish.

Cook 140+ chef-created recipes in 30 minutes or less with SimplyCook unique recipe kits. We had Simply Cook recipe kits in the previous Degustabox deliveries, and it's lovely to try another recipe from their vast range.

Simply Cook Indian Masala Lamb Chops serves 2-4 people. You will need lamb chops to prepare the dish. The ingredients include Masala paste, Spice Blend and Mint Chutney.

Nutritional values: 160kcal and 17.9g of sugar per kit.

Available at www.simplycook.com.

Please note that this kit has a short expiry date. If you don't eat red meat, try with another meat or paneer (I cooked a paneer and cashew curry with this kit). Turkey curry, anyone? 

Day 19:

Sweet Freedom Choc Pot Caramel Chocolate Spread (£3.15) is a Great Taste Award winner.

This vegan spread is made in the UK, has no palm oil or GMOs. It is a source of fibre, and has 61% less fat and 44% fewer calories than the leading chocolate spread.

Spread it on toast or pancakes, add to the brownie batter or cake.

Nutritional values: 302kcal and 38.7g of sugar per 100g, or 15.1kcal and 1.9g of sugar per 5g tsp.

Available at www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and ASDA stores.

Day 20:

Cheez-It Cheese & Chilli 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. There is a warming kick from chillies.

Nutritional information: 501kcal and 1.5g of salt per 100g, or 150kcal and 0.45g of salt per 30g serving. No artificial colours or flavours. 

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Day 21;

Billington's Dark Brown Soft Sugar (£4.50)  is a must product for the festive baking. Just imagine all your Christmas bakes from gingerbread to cookies, from brownies to cakes. And don't forget all the marinades too.

Crafted with care and ethically sourced, this premium sugar adds a rich, treacle-like depth to your recipes. 

This unrefined natural sugar has been very carefully produced to lock in the natural molasses of the sugar cane, thus adding a distinct unique rich flavour and beautiful colour.

I used some of this sugar to make non-alcoholic mulled wine, with lots of warm spices and oranges.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Day 22:

Vidas Drinks (£2) are all-natural beverages that fuel your day, without the extras found in conventional drinks. 

Made with 100% natural ingredients, without added sugar or sweeteners. Low calorie, with less than 50kcal per can

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to soft drinks, Vidas is your friend. Drink healthy, anytime, anywhere.

You should recieve 1 item in your box. we got a Pomegranate & Black seed flavour.

Available at www.vidasdrinks.co.uk.

Day 23:

St Dalfour Apricot Fruit Spread (£3.25) is a delicious apricot preserve made near Bordeaux in France.

One of our family favourites, St Dalfour apricot fruit spread is 100% from fruit. No added sugar, it's gently cooked with vine-yard ripened grape juice and fruit juices.

It's sweet, tangy and very tasty. Great with croissants, and other sweet bakes. 

My guys love baked camembert. I usually score the top and add a couple of tablespoons of jam/preserve. We tried it with apple, pear, pineapple and other preserves, but keep coming back to the apricot one, as in our opinion, it works perfectly with gooey melting cheese.

Available in the major supermarkets and on Ocado.

Day 24

Horlicks Chocolate (£3.75) is a traditional malty hot chocolate. 

High in Calcium, Zinc and Vitamins C, D and B12. Just add hot water to make a creamy, malty hot chocolate. Traditionally crafted using malted wheat and barley, this is a warming comforting drink, perfect for the cold winter evenings.

Nutritional values: 119kcal and 15.4g of sugar per 32g serve.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

What a fabulous selection of foods and drinks!

Degustabox Advent Calendar has been stocked full of wonderful surprises. A must advent calendar for a foodie!