Degustabox: February Box

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

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in February Box Degustabox?

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

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

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

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

Available in the major supermarket chains.

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

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

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

Available across all major supermarkets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available in the major supermarket chains.

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

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

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

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

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

Available in the major supermarket chains.

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

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

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

Available in Tesco, ASDA and Morrisons.

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

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

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

Available in the major supermarket chains.

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

They are just right for marinades grills, and curries.

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

Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Farmshops and online.

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

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

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

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

Available in Ocado.

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

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

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

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

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

Nutritional values: 0.6 kcal per 100ml.

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

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

What is your favourite product of the box?

Degustabox February 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 February Box Degustabox?

Kellogg's KRAVE Choco Brownie Flavour (£3.29) is the latest addition to the Kellogg's range. If you love chocolate-flavoured cereals, you will enjoy these cocoa flavoured mixed cereal pillows, with the gooey-melty chocolate filling inside.

This cereal is made of natural grains, and contains B vitamins, no artificial colours or flavours. Suitable for vegetarians, RSPO certified, and Rainforest Alliance certified (cocoa).

Nutritional information: 131kcal and 7.5g of sugar per 30g serving.

Available exclusively at ASDA.

Snatt's Bocaditos Tomato and Oregano (£2.20) are Mediterranean snacks. These oven-baked bread pieces are flavoured with tomato and oregano.

Nutritional information: 8g of protein, 8g of fibre, 2g of salt, 503kcal per 100g. No palm oil, no added MSG. 

Great with tapas, or toppings for creating authentic pintxos. Or serve with creamy dips, or a bowl of soup.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Tweek Sweets Fizzy Fusion 80g/or Smoothie Chews 70g or Foam Fever 70g (£1.99) is a traditional candy with a twist. Their brand name is inspired by the word "tweak" meaning to fix, fine tune and improve. Try the new tweaked recipes and be the judge whether the new versions come up trumps.

These sweets have natural colours and flavourings, they are high-fibre, have no added sugar and 50% fewer calories. Also gluten free and halal certified.

Available online at tweeksweets.uk, on Amazon, Protein Package, TK Maxx, Margiotta, Skinny Food Co and Muscle Food.

You should receive 1 item in your box.

Maggi Recipe Mix Piri-piri and Fajita (£0.99 each) are blends of herbs and spices.

I might be one of a very few people who didn't get an air fryer when it became trendy, and if you don't have one either, don't worry. These blends could be used for cooking in the oven, pan or grill too. Check out www.maggi.co.uk for more information.

You should receive two items in your box. 

Maggi Piri Piri is recommended to be used with chicken fillets, but it will give a lovely kick to a vegetarian dish as well, you could add it to veggie burgers or dips.

Nutritional values: 249kcal and 1.4g of sugar per serving. A packet makes 4 servings, when prepared.

Maggi Fajita is perfect with chicken, peppers and onions, but again could be used in vegetarian recipes.

Available at Sainsbury's, Iceland, B&M stores.

Maggi Chow Mein Flavour Instant Noodles (£2) are instant noodles, that could be eaten as a main or side dish. Add these noodles to your stir fry, or  a bowl of soup, with a little bit of garlic, ginger and black pepper for a satisfying meal.

This is a multipack of 4.

Nutritional values: 273kcal and 1.10g of salt per each pack. Low in saturated fat and suitable for vegetarians. Just add boiling water, wait for 3 minutes and enjoy.

Available at Poundland and Iceland.

Boundless Sweet Chilli Nuts & Seeds (£2.50) are gluten free vegan snacks. The motto on the package is We deliver Gut happy snacking.

Full of fibre and packed with nutrients (magnesium, potassium, zinc and iron) in every crunch to leave you feeling good.

Nutritional values: 172kcal and 0.26g of salt per 30g serving (3 servings in a packet).

Add these nuts and seeds to porridge, salad, soup or yogurt, or snack on their own.

Available at ASDA, Ocado and at weareboundless.co.uk and on Amazon.

Heinz Chicken Broth (£1.70) is a comforting soup made with pearl barley, carrots, parsnips, swede, chicken, leeks and other ingredients. Heat it gently in a pan before serving. A handy standby in the kitchen pantry, for a quick and easy meal, when you have no time or desire to cook. 

Contains no artificial colours or preservatives.

Typical values: 68kcal and 1.8g of sugar per 1/2 can.

Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, ASDA and Ocado.

Just Spices Mexican Allrounder/ Pancake Spice Mix/ Chips Seasoning, or Avocado Topping (£1.90 for two sachets) are funky seasoning blends.

I discovered this brand a few months ago, and bought quite a few little jars to try. Our favourite is Egg Topping, it really lifts up boring fried or scrambled eggs. A real winner. There was also an Advent Calendar from Just Spices, which looked fabulous.

We received two sachets of Avocado Topping and Chips Seasoning. These seasoning blends are made without additives.

Available at justspices.co.uk only in the Taster Box at £9.99. You can buy bigger pots at Waitrose. 

Sparklean Tropical Vegan Protein Drink (£2.50) is a fizzy soft drink which promises health perks of a nutritional supplement, as it contains 15g of vegan protein in each 330ml can.

Ingredients include: water, pea protein, white grape juice, natural flavours etc.

It's available in tropical, strawberry & lime, as well as orange flavours.

Nutritional values: 80kcal, 1g carbs, 1g sugar.

Available at Boots, Amazon and Direct.

Whatever Brands Jelly Belly Fruit Drinks (£1.29 for 550ml) is a range of soft drinks with iconic flavours such as Very Cherry, Berry Blue and Tutti-Frutti.

These drinks contain 20% fruit juice, less than 5g sugar per 100ml, no artificial flavours and are fortified with vitamins A, C and E. They are also HFSS compliant and suitable for vegans.

You should receive 1 item of three in your box.

We received a blue bottle, Berry Blue. I had one sip, and found it way too sweet to my taste, but my son enjoyed it.

Available at local delis, groceries, Home Bargains and Poundland.

And finally, the Product of the Month - Tilda Tasty Sides Indian Black Dahl or Chinese Black Bean (£1.99). 

I saw Tilda's launch of the new products last year, and since Tilda is our favourite brand of pre-cooked rice, I really fancied trying new products. These vegetarian meals are both great with rice.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Tilda Indian Black Dahl. Its ingredients include cooked Urid lentils, vegetables (spinach, carrots), single cream, cooked Mung Dhal, tomatoes, caramelised onions, spices and oils. Serve with rice, and a naan bread for a tasty meal.

Nutritional values: 94kcal and 1.3g of sugar per 100g. No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. High in fibre. Vegetarian, but not vegan. 

Available at Tesco, Ocado and Amazon Fresh.

What was your favourite product in the latest Degustabox?

Degustabox Advent Calendar, Part II

I continue opening the doors of Degustabox Advent Calendar. To catch up with the contents of the first half of calendar, check out Degustabox Advent Calendar, Part I. 

 

Day 13:

Heinz Chicken Broth (£1.70) is a comforting soup made with pearl barley, carrots, parsnips, swede, chicken, leeks and other ingredients. Heat it gently in a pan before serving. A handy standby in the kitchen pantry, for a quick and easy meal, when you have no time or desire to cook. 

Contains no artificial colours or preservatives.

Typical values: 68kcal and 1.8g of sugar per 1/2 can.

Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, ASDA and Ocado.

Day 14:

Dinky Muscle Moose - Blueberry Cheesecake flavour (£1.50) is a low-sugar and high protein bar. A much healthier alternative to chocolate snacks for when you have a sweet tooth craving, or need a little protein boost.

Typical values: 11g of protein per bar, 125kcal and 1.5g of sugar.

Available at ASDA.

Day 15:

H!P Gingerbread Oat Milk Chocolate (£3) is a festive plant-based chocolate bar, made with less sugar and more cocoa. 41% single origin Colombian cacao is mixed with creamy oat milk and crunchy gingerbread pieces. 

It is vegan-friendly, wrapped in a plastic-free film, with a lower carbon footprint, and looks very pretty.

Typical values: 534kcal and 39.2g of sugar per 100g.

Available at Selfridges, Fenwick, and on hipchocolate.com.

Day 16:

Knorr Onion Gravy Pot (£2.25) is gently cooked for a homemade taste. Especially handy for busy cooks who don't have time to cook a gravy from scratch, i.e. when you just chuck in some sausages, either meat-based or vegetarian, under the grill. 

Very easy to make: just add one gravy pot to warm water, keep whisking, let it boil for a minute, and that's all. 

Free from artificial preservatives, colours; no added MSG, suitable for vegetarians.

Nutritional values: 15kcal and 0.91g of salt per portion.

Available in Tesco and Ocado.

Day 17:

Baxters Silverskin Onions (£2.40), crunchy & sweet, are full of flavour. They are pickled in sweet vinegar, ginger and cinnamon.

Add them to casseroles, serve with fish and chips, cheese platters, and of course, as part of the Ploughman's lunch.

Typical values: 45kcal and 0.48g of salt per 100g.

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

It so happened that I won a couple of food prizes on Insta during the advents, and got another couple of jars of silverskin onions (a different brand), and thus this jar ended up with our friends. 

Day 18:

Kettle Dill Pickle & Jalapeno potato chips (£2.39) are made with 100% British potatoes. The new flavour is inspired by the US roots, with a sprinkle of aromatic dill and a splash of tangy vinegar.

During the holiday season, many brands play around with new flavours.

I love crisps and I love dill pickle, and on the surface it's an inspired combination, but somehow it didn't quite work, and let's say it's not my favourite flavour from Kettle.

Typical values: 497kcal and 0.97g of salt per 100g.

Available in ASDA and Morrisons.

Day 19: 

Bart Black Peppercorns (£1.50) is a useful store cupboard essential. Grind on a steak, while cooking, or over the roasted vegetables, shakshuka with eggs, scrambled eggs etc. 

I usually salt a piece of salmon with spices, salt and sugar, as a starter, to go with blini, for Christmas, Easter and other festive meals. I don't grind pepper, but crush it before adding to the cure.

Bart peppercorns are aromatic and flavourful.

Available at Bart.co.uk, Ocado, Morrisons and Booths.

Day 20:

E.Wedel Snack Fizzy Cola and So Salty chocolate bars (£1.20 each) - milk chocolate with popping candy and salty crispy cereals.

E.Wedel is a famous Polish confectionery brand, known for its chocolate, cakes and snacks for over 170 years. Their boxes of chocolate covered marshmallows are delicious. We used to have a Polish deli in town, where I would often buy E.Wedel treats, but sadly the deli has closed. I can still find some of E.Wedel chocolate in Tesco and Sainsbury's, but the choice is not as good.

We were curious to try the chocolate bars, and they didn't disappoint. Both Rainforest Alliance certified.

Typical values: 546kcal and 520kcal per 100g.

Available on Amazon, & Market, FoodPlus, Delikatesy Mleczko.

Day 21:

Fruit-Tella In the Snow (£1.50) disappeared so fast that I haven't had a chance to try even a single little shape, but clearly my family enjoyed the selection of Fruit-tella jellies. They come in Penguin, Walrus and Polar Bear shapes, in Strawberry, Raspberry and Blackberry flavours.

Jelly in texture, made with more real fruit juice (compared to Fruit-tella juicy chews). Natural colourings and flavours.

Available in Sainsbury's.

Day 22:

Free From Fellows Mini Pink & White Vanilla Vegan Mallows (£1.89) are super fluffy treats.

Egg and dairy free, vegetarian and vegan, gluten and gelatine free, soy and GMO free, natural colours and flavours.

Lovely added to a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Typical values: 68kcal and 15g of sugar per 21g.

Available at H&B, Waitrose, Ocado and Grape Tree.

Day 23:

Guylian Seashells Original Praline (£2) is a welcome treat from Guylian. A mini box contains 3 chocolates with hazelnut praline filling. This is a premium Fairtrade Belgian chocolate with a praline paste made with hazelnuts roasted in copper kettles for that deep nutty taste.

Palm and soya free, only 100% natural ingredients.

This small box makes a lovely stocking filler, that is if you are willing to share it. 

Available at all major supermarkets.

...and finally,

Day 24:

St Dalfour Fruit Spread (£2.85) - there is one item of three (Strawberry, Blueberry or Orange).

I often buy St Dalfour spread for our breakfast. My family likes it on toast, or PB&J sandwich, as well as with croissants. 

100% from fruit, no added sugar, no artificial colours, sweeteners, flavours or preservatives. Gluten free.

These award-winning fruit spreads are crafted near Bordeaux in France. Handed down over three generations, the traditional recipe uses only 100% fruit with sun-ripened grape "must" as a natural sweetener. 

Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado and selected independent health stores.

And that's it, folks, the last door of the lovely advent calendar is open. It's been a pleasure to discover lovely treats ever day. And though it's now a long way until the next Christmas, I imagine I will be tempted to buy another advent calendar. 

Well done, Degustabox team, for another smashing selection! 

November 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 November Degustabox box?

Terry's Chocolate Mint (£1.50) is the Product of the Month. This is the minty version of the much loved classic, so festive and moreish. I might buy another one for festive brownies.

This delicious mint-flavoured chocolate is made with milk chocolate and natural mint. 

You know what to do, tap it, whack it and enjoy!

Nutritional values: 164kcal and 18g of sugar per 4 segments.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

I was pleased to see a little bag of Love Corn BBQ Crunchy Corn Snack, as it's one of my favourite snacks. You might receive a Sea Salt or BBQ flavoured corn as a free gift in the latest Degustabox.

Whole corn kernels are roasted off the hob to make a delicious crunchy snack. The BBQ corn is covered in smokin' spices and has just the right amount of saltiness for a satisfying savoury treat.

A small bag contains 178 kcal and 0.2g of salt. Gluten free.

Other sizes are available in major retailers, like Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose, ASDA, Boots and WHSmith. 

Forest Feast Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds (£1.50) is another scrumptious snack. Tasty almonds are coated in mouth-watering dark chocolate, with a sprinkling of salt and a dusting of cocoa.

Available in both on-the-go 40g packs and 120g share pack (though I can easily eat a sharing pack all by myself).

Gluten free and vegan.

Typical values: 566kcal, 28.1g of sugar and 0.72g of salt per 100g.

Available at Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Ocado, Amazon and Fine Food independents.

PhD Nutrition Smart Bar (£1.50/half size, see above) is just right for the on-the-go snack. With 10g of quality protein and 1.1g of sugar, this mighty little snack, contains a soft protein centre, encased in a gooey caramel with protein crispies.

I didn't even notice when this snack has disappeared from the box, but someone must have enjoyed it in the family. 

Available at phd.com.

SlooOW Stone Oven Baguette White (£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 becme a very tasty crusty bread.

Bake it in the oven for 12 minutes for a crispy crust. We've tried this bread earlier this year for the first time, from one of the summer boxes, 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 Co-Op.

Nissin Demae Ramen Chicken or Tonkotsu Pork (£0.65) is a Japanese-style ramen, which allows you to prepare a variety of restaurant-quality ramen dishes.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got the Chicken flavour ramen. Add some green beans, pickled ginger, a dash of soy sauce, and whatever else you fancy, perhaps bamboo shoots, sprinkle sesame seeds, or seaweed flakes.

Typical nutritional values: 91kcal and 1.1g of salt per 100g prepared product.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot (£1.90) is one of my kitchen pantry essentials. Whenever I cook soup, or a casserole, I reach for one of these stock pots. They add a lovely flavour, and you can choose whether to dissolve it in hot water first, or add to the saucepan directly.

Slowly simmered with garden vegetables, these pots are gluten free, have no added MSG, artificial colours or preservatives.

Nutritional values: 8kcal and 1g of salt per 125ml.

Available in all major supermarket chains.

Kühne Gourmet Gherkins with Herbs (£3.55) are traditional German pickles. These delightful little gherkins have a lovely dill flavour. Excellent with cold meats and a cheese platter, or just as a sneaky treat straight from the jar in the fridge.

Crunchy and flavourful, these pickles deserve the Winner of a Great Taste Award.

Also available with honey or chilli.

You can find them in Waitrose and Ocado.

Heinz Spicy Parsnip Soup (£1.70) is a low sugar, low fat vegetarian soup. Sweet parsnips are gently cooked with carrots, onions, as well as warming spices, like chilli and red pepper.

Soups are made for cold weather, and this parsnip soup will be a comforting meal after a long walk in the cold.

Nutritional values: 74kcal and 4.9g of sugar per 1/2 can.

Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Iceland, ASDA and Ocado.

Plantastic Creamy Pasta Sauce Tomato & Chargrilled Pepper (£2.80) is a plant-based pasta sauce. The ingredients include tomato, smoky chargrilled peppers, herbs and spices, plus coconut milk.

Nutritional information: 147kcal and 0.96g of salt per 175g portion. Source of protein and fibre, no artificial colours or flavours, 1 of your 5 a day.

Simply cook your pasta of choice, stir in the heated sauce, and add the grated cheese (whether dairy/vegetarian or vegan).

Also available in Spicy Cajun Tomato and Caramelised Onion & Sweet Potato.

Available at Morrisons and Tesco.

Kellogg's Rice Krispies Multigrain Honey 350g (£3) is a popular cereal. This breakfast meal contains no artificial colours or flavours.

And if you are not a morning cereal person, how about making some lovely treats, like rice krispie cakes with golden syrup, and chocolate?

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Double Dutch Lemon (£1.20) is a carbonated lemon flavoured soft drink. Its combination of lemon, lime and quassia makes a great base for a cocktail with vodka or a citrus-flavoured gin. 

It is like a sip of summer in winter.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

There will be one last box of the year delivered soon, and in the meantime we're enjoying opening the doors of the huge Degustabox advent calendar. 

What is your favourite product from the November 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?