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?

Degustabox October

We're celebrating a spooky season this month, yet October isn't just all things candy-related. It's also earlier evenings with cosy meals, like bowls of comforting soup and stew, and of course, enjoying hot chocolate, preferably with whipped cream and marshmallows, and baking simple treats like rocky road and caramel squares.

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 October Box Degustabox?

Product of the Month - 

Barilla Pesto alla Genovese con Basilico Italiano (£3.35) is an aromatic and colourful pasta sauce, made in Italy.

Made with real Parmesan (unlike many pestos in jars, which are made with less expensive cheese), this sauce will enhance a variety of Italian-inspired recipes, from pasta to griddled or baked chicken with pesto, from pesto pinwheels to artichoke tart.

Basil in this sauce comes from the sustainable agriculture.

Nutritional values: 482kcal and 3.25g of salt per 100g (one jar is 190g)

Our favourite pasta dish with pesto is pasta alla Genovese, cooked with cubed potatoes and green beans, and coated with a generous helping of pesto. And don't forget the grated parmesan. Mmm, an ultimate comfort food.

Available at Ocado, Amazon, Co-Op, and Morrisons (selected stores).

Brioche Pasquier Pancakes (£2.20) are a lovely breakfast or brunch treat, soft and squishy. 

French family bakery since 1936, Pasquier offers a wide selection of baked goodies. My family loves their brioche, and I buy the pancakes occasionally too, especially when I don't have time to make my own from scratch. Lovely with all kinds of toppings, and with a cup of tea.

Great for lunchboxes, for on the go, eat them as they are, or put in the toaster to warm them up.

Nutritional information: 124kcal and 9.8g of sugar per pancake; free from preservatives, suitable for vegetarians.

Available in Morrisons and Co-Op.

SlooOW Rustic Multigrain Baguette (£1.60) 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. 

Great for bruschetta, with tomatoes, basil and olive oil, or make hot mini sandwiches with it, with lots of grated cheese. 

Nutritional values: 143kcal and 0.51g of salt per 50g serving.

Available in Tesco and Hello Fresh.

Proper Corn Smoky & Sweet Paprika/ or Tangy Chilli/ or Cracked Black Pepper & Salt popcorn (£1.90) is a super snack with a warm kick for the tastebuds.

Three new flavours of Proper popcorn are going to be a big hit. 

Popcorn is naturally high in fibre, and wholegrains are a source of magnesium and zinc.

Nutritional information: 90kcal and 0.6g of sugar per serve (20g), contains natural flavourings, gluten free, vegan.

Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Ocado. After we enjoyed the new Smoky and Sweet Paprika, I've spotted the new packs in Waitrose. While we will eventually try all flavours, I have already bought the paprika one a couple of times, as it's so moreish.

You should receive 1 item in your box.

Three Robins Little Smoothie (£1.89) is a dairy free oat smoothie with real fruit and veggies. Their motto is Tasty Goodness for Kids.

They come in two lovely flavours: Super Berry and Totally Tropical. My son enjoyed the smoothie.

Nutritional values: 46kcal and 8g of sugar; no added sugar, made with real fruit and veg, fortified with vitamins and minerals; no artificial flavours.

Available to order on the Three Robins website.

Knorr White wine stock pots (£1.90)  are stock pots, made with half a glass of full bodied white wine

Melts in rich flavour in seconds, perfect for risottos and casseroles.

I used one of the stock pots, while cooking a chicken stew with dumplings. 

Nutritional values: 4kcal and 1g of salt per 125ml; free from artificial colours, gluten free, vegan.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Chewits Fruity Jewels (£1.30) are sugared chewy gummies with fruit flavour (rhubarb, cherry, strawberry, pneapple and apple).

This is the same Chewits brand that you're familiar with, but with a lower sugar content and a new fruity mix. 

Nutritional information: 77kcal and 8.5g of sugar per 4 sweets; no artificial colours or flavours

Fruity and Sour Jewels mix are available in Tesco and Morrisons now.

Tarczynski Kabanosy Extreme Piri-Piri (£2.30) are Polish Kabanos with Piri-Piri stuffing. This snack is designed for convenience, and is packed with flavour. 

Piri piri gives kabanos an extra oumph, and will rock your tastebuds. 

Nutritional values: 421kcal and 5.7g of sugar per 100g.

Available in the world food aisle of all major supermarkets.

Nestle Carnation condensed milk (£2.39) is made from all natural ingredients: fresh whole milk and natural sugar.

This classic product is well-known, and is used widely in baking and puddings. You can make Millionaire's shortbread or fudge, rice pudding or ice cream, Banoffee pie or cheesecake, the possibilities are endless.

Nutritional values: 161kcal and 27.5g of sugar per 50g serving; a good source of calcium.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Mardel Alfajor De Dulce de Leche Negro and Blanco (£1.50) are soft cookies, filled with Mardel dulce de leche (milk caramel) and covered with either dark or white chocolate coating.

Gave my boys one each, and they enjoyed these cookies a lot. A lovely sweet treat, Alfajor is an iconic product from Argentina.

Nutritional information: 398kcal and 43.5g of sugar per 100g (one package is 50g).

You should receive 2 items in your box.

Available in international Latin shops.

Three international products in the latest box might give you a taste of what's to come in the International edition of the advent calendar from Degustabox. I have pre-ordered mine a while ago, and can't wait to discover all its treasures.

Degustabox August 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 the August Box Degustabox box?

Nature's Heart Sweet Chilli Crunch or Sour Cream & Chive Crunch (£2.25) is a tasty mix of edamame, peas, broad beans and seeds. They come in six different flavours, and you should receive one.

We've got Sour Cream & Chive Flavour Crunch, a classic flavour combination that works perfectly in savoury snacks.

Nutritional values: 12g protein and 8g of fibre, 1of 5 a day. 1 portion contains at least 4tsbp of vegetables. Suitable for vegans.

Lovely on its own, this crunchy mix will also be a nice addition to a cheese board, with some apple slices and celery sticks.

Available at Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, WHSmith, on Ocado and Amazon.

Knorr Pastaria Pasta Parmesana/ Bolognese or Carbonara (£1.40) is a mix to make pasta in a rich tomato and beef sauce. This comfort food could be ready in about 10 minutes. 

Nutritional values: 306kcal and 1.7g of salt per portion; no artififical colours or preservatives.

It's not the same pasta Bolognese as you would cook yourself from scratch, but if you're in a hurry and/or not very experienced in the kitchen, this pasta packet could come handy.

You should receive 1 item of 3 in your box.

Available at ASDA.

Rubies in the Rubble Squeezy Tomato Ketchup (£3.50) is one of the Great Taste award winners in 2021. This ketchup is made with fruit which would've gone to waste (tomatoes, surplus pears, apples).

Nutritional information: 86kcal and 20g of sugar per 100g. Carbon neutral, twice the fruit, half the refined sugar, 100% recyclable bottle.

Use as you would use any standard ketchup: with fries, in burgers, sandwiches, added to tomato ragu sauces etc.

Available at Tesco, Waitrose, Co-Op and on Ocado.

BEAR Paws Strawberry & Apple and Raspberry & Blueberry (£0.60 each) are gently baked chewy fruit paw shapes made with 100% fruit, no added sugar and not from concentrates.

BEAR Paws bring back many memories of my younger son taking Bear snacks to primary school as part of his lunchbox. I haven't bought Bear snacks in years, and seeing them was like meeting an old friend. 

Nutritional values: 62kcal and 9g of sugar per portion.

You should receive two items in your box.

Available at all major retailers and online on Amazon and Ocado.

Whitworths SHOTS Fruity Biscuit 4 pack (£2) are a lovely mix of sultanas, dried cranberries and white chocolate coated shortcake pieces.

These small sized snacks are less than 100kcal per shot. A handy snack to have in the bag for when you're on the go and feeling peckish.

While I enjoy the cranberries and sultanas, the white chocolate is a tad too sweet for me. 

Available in all major supermarket chains.

PITCH Strawberry (£1.75) is a new addition to the Pitch range of baked goodies. 

My sons love Pitch brioche, plain or filled with chocolate, and liked the strawberry flavoured brioche as much.

Lovely for lunchboxes, or with a cup of morning coffee. Each brioche comes individually wrapped for freshness.

Typical values: 25kcal and 8.6g of sugar per brioche.

Available at Aldi from 27th August to 3rd September, and at Tesco from 4th September. Hopefully they will be available at the other retailers soon.

LU Le Petit Ganache (£1.70) is the first filled biscuit in the LU range.

We're fans of LU Le Petit Chocolat and Le Petit Beurre biscuits, and Le Petit Ganache is pretty good too, if you enjoy gooey chocolate and hazelnut filled biscuits.

The LU bakery was created in 1846 in Nantes, France, and to this day, they use the traditional recipes and quality ingredients in their tasty bakes.

Typical values: 162kcal and 10g of sugar per 3 biscuits.

Available in major supermarket chains.

J2O Spritz Apple & Elderflower/ Spritz Pear & Raspberry (£3.55 per pack of four) are fruity soft drinks with lots of bubbles. 

You should receive 4 units of 1 flavour in your box.

We received Spritz Apple & Elderflower flavour. It is light, sparkling, sweet and fruity. 

It will also make a nice ingredient for a jelly with fresh berries.

Nutritional values: 18kcal and 4g of sugar per 100ml.

Available in major supermarkets across different formats.

Tropicana Long Life Smooth Orange (£3) is a pure fruit juice, 100% from natural origin. Now it is fresher for longer in a long life carton. Tropicana oranges are hand picked at the right moment and squeezed within 24 hours. 

Typical values: 40kcal and 8.6g of sugar per 100ml. No added sugar, a source of vitamin C, 1 of 5 a day per 150ml. 

Best served chilled. Drink on its own, or as part of a fruity cocktail, with alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks.

Available at Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, on Ocado and Spar.

Carlsberg 0.0 Pilsner (£0.88 each) is a non-alcoholic beer. It has a full flavour and zero alcohol - just perfect when you fancy a beer but don't want or cannot drink alcohol.

Enjoy with a pizza, crisps, burgers, a seafood plate, or a sharing bag of jalapeno cheese curls. 

Available at selected Tesco stores. Carlsberg 0.0 Pilsner is only available in a 4x330ml multipack at £3.50.

You should receive 2 units in your box.

And finally, the Product of the Month - Fruit-tella Strawberry Water Enhancer (£1.30).

Packed with delightful flavours and crafted with natural fruit juices, these water enhancers will make it easier to drink more water and less soft drinks. They are a healthier alternative to sugar-laden beverages.

Available in two flavours: strawberry and blackcurrant.

Available exclusively at B&M for summer 2023. Grab it while you still have a chance!

And that's all for August. What was your favourite product from the August Box?

Hello, Spring 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 the Hello, Spring Degustabox box?

Crunchy Nut Salted Caramel Flavour Twist (£2.99) is a twist on a classic cereal. You'll find crunchy peanuts and toasted flakes combined with a salted caramel flavour.

If the cereal is a bit too sweet for your morning meal, you could make Easter cornflake nests, cutting down the amount of golden syrup in the recipe.

Nutritional information: 122kcal and 9.6g of sugar per 30g portion. Contains 15% RI vitamin D which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Enjoy as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Available at ASDA, Iceland & to be rolled out to other retailers in the first half of 2023.

Bounce Maple Pecan Cashew Protein Ball (£1.70) is a nut butter filled protein ball, with a creamy smooth cashew paste centre and crunchy pieces of nuts in the outer layer.

Mildly sweet, it is high in protein and fibre, and contains 160kcal and 6.9g of sugar.

It is a nutritious and convenient vegan snack, available to everyone. 

Available at Holland and Barrett, Ocado and on uk.bouncefoods.com.

Nescafe Gold Blend Nescafe Gold Blend Refill (£5.50) is a signature smooth and rich instant coffee, which is now available in a refill pack.

The pack is fully recyclable and uses 97% less packing vs the Gold Blend jars and has a resealable top to preserve the freshneess of their premium blend.

Gold Blend coffee is made with golden roasted arabica, and has a delicious aroma, inviting you to have a break and enjoy your cup.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Get More Vits Apple & Raspberry B Vits drink and Mango & Passionfruit Vitamin D drink (£1.30) are super refreshing fruity drinks, made with spring water and natural flavours.

Sugar free and low calorie, these lovely drinks support energy release (B Vits) and healthy bones and immune system (vitamin D).

Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado & on Amazon or getmorevits.com.

SXOLLIE xider SXOLLIE Golden Delicious Apple xider 330ml 4.5% (£2.99) is made purely from Golden Delicious apples grown in the sunshine.

If you like apple cider, you will enjoy this refreshing fruity flavoursome drink. If you are not a cider fan, use this drink as an ingredient, baking a lush moist apple cake, or cook chicken in cider and cream for a savoury dish.

There is zero added sugar, flavourings or other nasties. It is also B Corp certified, which means prioritising the planet and people over profit.

Available at WHSmith Travel and on Amazon Prime.

Good Earth Passionfruit & Orange tea (£2.99) is a delicious fruity infusion, packed with natural ingredients and bold flavours.

This caffeine free herbal tea is bursting with flavours, and will make a lovely cup after an evening meal. You get the burst of tropical flavours in a cup: hibiscus, rosehip, sweet blackberry leaves, orange peel, passion fruit juice granules and more.

Teabags are compostable in food waste bin.

Available on GoodEarth.co.uk, Amazon and at Ocado.

Fruitella Strawberry Multipack (£1.50) offers four sticks of Fruitella's most iconic flavour. 

Share with friends and family, or keep a stick in your handbag for whenever you're feeling peckish.

Made with real fruit juice and only natural colourings and flavours, these candies are dairy free, gluten free and nut free.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Knorr Beef Stock Pot (£1.65) will add an extra boost of beef flavour to your dishes. I always find Knorr stock pots handy to have in the kitchen pantry.

Soup, pasta dishes, one-pot meals, roasts, the choice is endless. You can either dissolve the pot in the hot water or add the pot directly to the dish.

Nutritional values: 6kcal and 1.1.g of salt per pot.

Beef stock pots are slowly simmered with carrots and parsley. They are gluten free.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Maille Dijon Mustard 215g (£2.75) is a traditional French mustard, which adds a touch of gourmet quality and flavour to many dishes, from cold meats to cheese toasties, from vinaigrette to devilled eggs. Add it to a homemade mayo, or salad dressing, ham glaze or mac'n'cheese.

Nutritional information: 15kcal and 0.5g of sugar per portion.

Available at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's & Morrisons.

And finally, the Product of the Month - Mutti Rossoro Tomato Pasta with Parmigiano Reggiano (£3.10).

This is an excellent pasta sauce, made with the highest quality, 100% Italian summer tomatoes.

For each sauce, Mutti carefully chooses the specific tomato variety that best pairs with quality ingredients from select Italian regions.

This sauce pairs fruity, intense Rossoro tomatoes with Parmiggiano Reggiano. 

Abasolutely fantastic with pasta, this sauce will bring you the authentic Italian flavours.

Available at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Ocado and Booths.

What's your favourite product from the latest box?

Home Comforts 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 the Home Comforts Degustabox box?

Aqua Libra Infused Sparkling Water Blood Orange & Mango/Cucumber, Mint & Lime (£1.15) is a lovely, refreshing summery drink.

Available in three tasty flavours. You will find two items in your box. 

Contains no sweeteners, no sugar, no artificials. Best enjoyed chilled.

Nutritional values: 1 kcal per 100ml.

Available in single 330ml cans and multipacks of 4 cans in all major supermarkets.

B.INK Red Blend (£2.50 for 187ml bottle) is a rich and full-bodied red wine, with flavours of dark chocolate coated raspberries, with gentle oak.

Contemporary and bold in style, this lovely Australian wine is carbon neutral certified.

Typical values: 86kcal per 100ml.

Serve a glass with a cheese board, with fresh figs, grapes and salted nuts.

This is a sample size, and not available for sale. The 750ml bottle is available at ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury's for £9.

Simply Roasted Sea Salt crisps (£1.19 for 21.5g pack) are made with real sliced potatoes. They are triple roasted and never deep fried, so that you get a satisfying crunch and a superior taste, and less calories, fat and salt.

These are vegan crisps, made with all natural ingredients

Typical values: 50% less fat, 94kcal and 0.16g of salt in a 21.5g pack.

Available at Waitrose, Ocado, WHSmith, Whole Foods Market, on Amazon and simplyroasted.co.uk.

Bio & Me Super Seedy & Nutty Gut-Loving Porridge Pot (£1.50) is based on a recipe, created by Dr M. Rossi, known as the Gut Health Doctor. 

This is a prebiotic porridge with 14 plant-based foods, like almonds, hazelnuts, chia seeds, linseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and more. Just add boiling water, leave to stand/cook for 3 minutes, stir and enjoy.

Nutritional information: 240kcal and 9.7g of sugar per 158g serving.

Available on the Bio & Me website, Amazon and Boots.

Nescafe Azera Americano (£3.60) is a super premium barista-inspired instant coffee. 

Rich and smooth, this is a blend of instant coffee and finely ground roasted beans. If you enjoy coffee-based desserts, try Azera Americano as an ingredient in a luxurious Tiramisu.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Coffee and KitKat go nicely together. Every time I have a KitKat, I think of my late friend who insisted that dunking KitKats into a cup of coffee brings out the best flavour of it. While I don't like dunking anything in my coffee, I think my friend would have enjoyed trying this new Caramel flavour.

KitKat 2 finger Caramel (£1.99 for 9x20.7g) is the latest addition to the classic range. Made with sustainably sourced cocoa and Rainforest Alliance certified, these chocolate bars are ever so handy to carry in a bag, whenever you're feeling peckish. In fact, we enjoyed it on the train to London, it was just the right amount to stave off the sweet craving.

You get the same crispy wafer biscuits, covered with smooth caramel flavoured milk chocolate.

Typical values: 103kcal and 10.2g of sugar per 2 finger bar.

Available in all major supermarket chains and retailers.

Heinz Plant-based tomato soup (£1.70) is finally here. This is a variation on an iconic tomato soup, minus milk.

Ingredients include tomatoes, fermented soy, modified cornflour, sugar, rapeseed oil etc. The classic version has dairy milk, which has been removed from this vegan variant. You can taste the difference if you compare the two, but if you follow the plant-based diet, this soup has a rich satisfying taste.

A good base for curry sauces, casseroles or pasta dishes.

Available at online retailers and other major stores.

Heinz Beanz and Vegan Sausages (£2) is another plant-based product from the iconic brand. 

Vegan sausages are made with wheat protein, rapeseed oil, potato starch, wheat starch, stabiliser, natural flavourings, yeast extract, salt, sage, spices etc.

Typical values: 192kcal and 9.1g of sugar per 1/2 can.

Use as a topping for a jacket potato, or serve with scrambled eggs (if you're not a vegan) and fried mushrooms.

Available online and all major retailers.

Zest Vegan Pasta Sauces (£2.99) is a new range of plant-based pasta sauces, gluten free and soy free.

You should receive one item of two in your box. We got Vegan Spinach Mushroom & Ric***a sauce with lentil protein.

Let me just say, I am not a fan of this trend of writing dairy words with punctuation symbols. It makes you think of swear words on certain forums. I prefer proper names for products, none of that M!lk or ric***a. Just say coconut-based product or something else. Please!

A handy product to keep in the pantry, for when you fancy a quick and easy pasta meal.

Nutritional information: 103kcal and 3.9g of sugar per 100g.

Available at Ocado, Morrisons, on Amazon and www.zest.com.

Very Lazy Chilli Boosts (£3) is a range of oil-based condiments, blended with chillies. 

You should receive one of two items in your box. We've got a Very Lazy Smokey Chilli Boost Medium, which is a mix of dried chillies, garlic, red pepper, smoked chillies with smoked paprika in balsamic vinegar and oil. 

You only need a little amount to jazz up a pasta or rice dish. It could also be added to pizza, hummus, and used a dip, swirled into a thick Greek yogurt.

Typical values: 630kcal and 6.5g of sugar per 100g. 

Available at Tesco.

And finally, the Product of the Month, the latest Tilda rice product. We are very fond of Tilda, both raw and pre-cooked ranges. My younger son loves Tilda Masala rice, while I prefer the Coconut one.

Tilda Golden Vegetable rice (£1.54) is the latest addition to the range. This is an all-time family favourite combining long grain rice, carrots, sweetcorn and peas (21% vegetables) - a lovely side dish to roasted fish, chicken, or fried halloumi.

Perfect with halloumi, courgette and cherry tomato skewers, also great with prawns or chicken skewers

Typical values: 164kcal and 0.71g of salt per 125g, nothing artificial, vegetarian and vegan, gluten free.

Available at Sainsbury's, Tesco and Ocado.

What is your favourite product from the latest Degustabox?