Showing posts with label spices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spices. Show all posts

Tuesday, 7 January 2025

Degustabox December Box

 

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. 

You count days until Christmas, then blink, and it's all over. How were your Christmas and New Year's Eve?  

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

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

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

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

What did we get in December Box Degustabox?


Chez Maximka, food subscription box


Tilda Sticky Rice (£1.54) is the Product of the Month.

Made with specially selected grains, Tilda Sticky Rice is a great pantry product for quick and easy meals. I'm a big fan of Tilda, and always have a couple of pouches in the kitchen, to use as a side dish for chicken and/or vegetable main course.

Sticky rice will be perfect for any Poke bowl (with salmon marinated in soy sauce, mango cubes, edamame, shredded seaweed, etc) or sushi. For a vegetarian alternative, replace salmon with asparagus or butternut squash.

Ready in 90 seconds in microwave, and you can also heat it up in a small pan on the hob (we don't use a microwave at home).

Nutritional values: 221kcal and 0.03g of salt per 125g serving.

Made with finest rice, Tilda sticky rice is vegetarian and vegan, and has no artificial colours, flavours or preseratives.

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


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Ryvita Snack It Thins Sour Cream & Chime Flavour (£2.19) are a true gem of the varied Ryvita range. 

Perfect for snacking, these wheat and rye flatbreads with sour cream and chive flavouring are great to eat on their own, or as part of the cheese or mezze board. Try them with cream cheese and sliced cucumber as a tasty snack.

Nutritional values: 38kcal and 0.08g of salr per thin.

Vegetarian friendly, British-baked, no artificial preservatives.

Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Human Nature Caramelised Onion flavour pea snacks/or Hot Halapeno/ or Smoky BBQ/ or Cheese Flavour snacks (£2) is a vegetarian brand on a mission to make wholesome foods that positively contribute to social and environmental causes. 

You will receive 1 flavour of four.

Human Nature Caramelised Onion is a Great Taste 2024 award winner. These scrumptious crunchy snacks are made with plant-based ingredients.

Nutritional values: 91kcal and 0.4g of salt per 20g serving; 13g protein per pack; source of fibre; up to 40% less fat; palm oil free; vegan approved.

The tasty snacks disappeared pretty fast, they were so good. Crunchy and melting in the mouth, they have a delicious onion flavour.

Available at https://humannaturefood.com


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Dorset Cereals Simply Nutty Muesli is a perfect start to a day. Made with delicious dates, roasted hazelnuts and brazils, this breakfast cereal makes a lovely morning meal.

High in fibre and vegan, with no added sugar (only naturally occurring sugars), no added colours or preservatives, no artificial colours, contains wholegrains.

Nutritional values: 170kcal and 6.4g of sugar per 45g serving.

Lovely with a dairy or plant-based milk of your choice, Dorset Cereals also make a tasty ingredient in cookies ot granola.

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


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box




Forest Feast Salted Dark Chocolate Cashews (£1.50) are delightful moreish snacks.

Forest Feast is one of my favourite brands. And these slowly roasted cashews, dipped in dark Belgian chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt and a dusting of cocoa are truly delicious. I can easily eat more than one pack without sharing (I did share, though).

Nutritional information: 555kcal and 27g of sugar per 100g (one pouch is 40G); vegan, gluten free.

Available in Tesco, forestfeast.com and Fine food independents.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Maggi Masala Noodles (£0.65) is an authentic Indian recipe. 

Ready in just 2 minutes, these noodles are made with a blend of natural spices and are suitable for vegetarians. 

My younger son, who is the king of noodles, is always happy to try a new flavour.

Nutritional values: 301kcal and 2.02g of salt per serving.

Available in major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Knorr Spicy Stock Pot (£1.90) will help you cook tasty dishes, packed full of flavour.

Medium on Spicy meter (two peppers), vegan, gluten free, made with sustainably sourced vegetables.

Ingredients include: tomato paste, cayenne pepper, jalapeno chilli pepper powder, red bell pepper, paprika powder, vegetable juice concentrate etc.

I haven't used the pots so far, and might pass them on to a friend who enjoys their food pretty spicy.

Nutritional values: 4kcal and 0.99g of salt per 125ml.

Available at Waitrose, ASDA and Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Garofalo Semi de Melone Soup Pasta or Ditali Soup Pasta (£2.60) offer an authentic Italian experience. If you enjoy hearty Italian soups or light broths, these soup pasta shapes will bring great taste and texture to your meals.

You will receive one product of two. We got Garofalo Ditali, short tube-shaped pasta, which holds sauce and seasoning well.

Both types of pasta are made from high qualiy durum wheat, ensuring an authentic al dente bite. Use ditali to cook a rich hearty soup Pasta e fagioli with ground beef, onions, carrots, tinned tomatoes, celery, kidney beans and herbs.

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

Available on Ocado and Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Mentos Fanta Pouch Bag (£2.50) is a playful match of two classic brands - Mentos and Fanta. Mentos chewy dragees are our snack of choice for the longer car trips, but of course, you can munch on them any time of the day. The pouch is a limited edition.


While we prefer the original Mentos, Fanta-flavoured dragees are also bursting with flavour.

Nutritional values: 10kcal per one 2.7g candy.

Available in all major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Get More Vits Recovery Cranberry Sports Drink (£1.25) and Sparkling Lemon & Lime Multivits Drink (£1.10) are fruity, sugar-free soft drinks with a daily dose of vitamins.

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.

Get More Vits Recovery is specially formulated to deliver electrolytes to aid hydration, and B vitamins for energy release.

Get More Vits Sparkling Lemon & Lime supports healthy body, with Biotin helping with metabolism and making you feel less tired.

Nutritional values: 5kcal and 0g sugar per 500ml (Cranberry sport drink); 2kcal and 0 sugar per 330ml (Sparkling lemon & lime)

Available in Tesco, Co-Op, Ocado, Amazon and getmorevits.com.

You should receive 2 items in your box (1of each).


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Jayfish V Gallery Vodka (£4 for a 5cl bottle, or £20.90 for a 50cl bottle) is a premium flavoured vodka. V Gallery offers a delectable collection of flavoured vodka: Marshmallow, Toffee Fudge, Mango Crush, Cucumber and Very Berry.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got a Very Berry vodka.

Distilled five times to create a pure crystal clear vodka each time, which flavour would you like to try?

Available a www.vgalleryvodka.com

Get a 20% discount on your first order with the code DEGUSTA20.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


And if you're a PLUS member (I'm not), you will also receive a Riso Gallo My Risotto Perfetto Saffron risotto rice. I buy it regularly, and can only sing praises to it.


And that's all, folks. What product do you like the best from this selection?

Sunday, 29 September 2024

September Box Degustabox

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

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

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

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

What did we get in September Box Degustabox?


Chez Maximka, subscription food box



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

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

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

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

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

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


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



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

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

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

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

Available in all major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



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

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

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

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

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

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

Available in Tesco, ASDA and Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

Gluten free, vegan friendly and baked not fried. 

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

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

You should recieve 1 item in your box.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

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

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

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

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

Available in ASDA and Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

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

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

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

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

Coming soon to Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

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

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

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

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

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

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

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

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

Free from artificial colours.

Available in Tesco, Morrisons and Ocado.

You should receive two items in your box.

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


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


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

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

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

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

Typical values: 34kcal per 100ml.

Available at myom.shop.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


And finally,

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

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

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

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

Available in Tesco, Holland & Barrett and online.

You should receive 1 item in your box.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

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


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

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

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

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

Thursday, 2 November 2023

Movie Night 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 Movie Night Degustabox box?


food box, Chez Maximka

We start with the Product of the Month:

Tilda Sticky Rice (£1.54 for 250g) is the latest addition to the versatile range of Tilda rice. 

Made with specially selected grains, sticky rice has a subtle taste and a distinct sticky texture. Perfect for poke bowls and sushi, it's ready in 90 seconds in the microwave.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, it is also gluten free.

We've been fans of Tilda rice for many years, and you will find a couple of Tilda pouches in our pantry at any given time. We like trying new limited editions, and have our own favourites too. Sticky Rice is a tasty easy meal, ideal for Thai-style red and green curries, or try it as a dessert with coconut milk, mango and passion fruit.

Typical values: 221kcal and 0.1g of sugar per 125g serving.

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Simply Cook Jerk Chicken/ Nasi Goreng/ Cajun Jambalaya recipe kit (£2.50) is a 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 a Goan Curry recipe kit in the previous Degustabox, and it's lovely to try another recipe from their vast range. You will receive 1 item of three.

We received Simply Cook Jerk Chicken. It serves 2-4 people. You will need to add chicken fillets, coconut milk, kidney beans and basmati rice to prepare the dish. The ingredients include Jerk seasoning, Jerk paste and rice stock. For a meat-free meal, swap chicken for tofu.

Typical values: 260kcal and 26.8g of sugar per 100g.

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Simply Cook recipe kits


Knorr Quick Soups Chicken Noodle/ Tomato/ Chicken/ Vegetable (£0.75 each) are ready in minutes. A handy pantry product for when you are short of time, or don't want to bother to cook from scratch. 

You should receive two items in your box. We received Tomato and Cream of Vegetable with Croutons packs.

No artificial colours or flavour enhancers, low in fat, no added MSG, made with sustainbly grown vegetables.

Typical values: 67 kcal, 7.3g of sugar and 1.4g of salt in tomato soup, and 75kcal and 1.6g of salt in cream of vegetables soup.

Available at ASDA.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Knorr Hairy Bikers' Chilli Stock Pot (£1.90) is a result of collaboration between Knorr and the Hairy Bikers. This stock pot will help you cook tasty dishes, packed full of flavour.

Medium on Spicy meter (two peppers), vegan, gluten free, made with sustainably sourced vegetables.

Ingredients include: tomato paste, cayenne pepper, jalapeno chilli pepper powder, red bell pepper, paprika powder, vegetable juice concentrate etc.

I haven't used the pots yet, as I suspect it would be too spicy for us, I tend to buy products with one pepper on the Spicy meter. Have you tried these pots, and what did you think?

Available at Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


This month's hot theme continues with Chipoys Fire Red Hot flavoured tortilla chips (£1.99). 

Made in Mexico, these authentic crunchy chips promise an Intense level of heat (and again, being a wimp when it comes to spicy food, I haven't tried them myself).

Typical values: 571kcal and 4g of sugar per 100g.

Available across independent and symbol convenience stores and on Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Fruitip Fruit Puree Squeeze - variety pack (£7.50) is a fresh vegan fruit puree from Jeju Island, South Korea. 

There are two flavours in this pack - Korean Orange puree with ginger and Young Tangerine puree with lemon. Consume as you want, like a dessert, add to ice cream and yogurt, make a dressing with it. 

Freeze a pouch as an ice pop, or make an ice sorbet or slush. Add to a cocktail, mocktail or smoothie. Fold into batter before baking to add an extra fruity flavour to cakes, muffins or breads.

Typical values: 38kcal and 6.72g of sugar per 25g serving (orange) or 20kcal and 3.8g of sugar (tangerine).

No artificial flavours, and pure products without water. 

For me this was the discovery of the month, as I haven't come across this product before, and it is so versatile.

Available on Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


PEPPADEW Sweet Mild Whole Piquante Peppers (£3.25 for 400g) are delicious sweet and tangy bite sized peppers, with a mild heat and lots of flavour. Their texture is firm, crisp and crunchy. 

Use in salads, pasta, on top of pizza, or in sandwiches (for example, with cream cheese and rocket, or sliced turkey and mayo). Or stuff them with ricotta cheese or cream cheese, and serve as a starter.

Nutritional information: 78kcal and 17.1g of sugar per 100g drained product; vegan, with no added preservatives.

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Very Lazy Teriyaki Paste (£2, see above) is another excellent product from the Very Lazy range, which provides maximum flavour and minimum fuss.

Teriyaki sauce and/or marinade is one of our kitchen staples, as I cook Teriyaki tofu regularly. I haven't seen Very Lazy Teriyaki paste before. It is different from our usual Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman, and as tasty.

Ingredients include soy sauce, sugar, rice wine vinegar, tomato paste, ginger puree, onion puree, cornflour, lemon juice etc. For meat eaters, add it to a chicken dish; for vegetarians, it is fab with tofu and vegetables (carrots, sweet peppers and sweetcorn).

Available at Sainsbury's, ASDA and Morrisons.


Kellogg's Coco Pops Cereal 35g, Rice Crispies Cereal 22g, Crunchy Nut Cereals 35g and Special K Cereal 35g (£0.70 each) - a handy selection of cereals to choose from.

Typical Values: 86kcal and 1.7g of sugar (rice crispies), 134kcal and 6g of sugar (coco pops), 139kcal and 12g of sugar (crunchy nut) and 118kcal and 4.5g of sugar (Special K) per pack.

Other sizes available at all major supermarkets.

You should receive four items in your box.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Aero Caramel Chocolate Melts (£1.75) are caramel flavoured smooth bubbly chocolate pieces. If you love Aero chocolate, you will enjoy these delicious melts.

Typical values: 127kcal and 13.6g of sugar per 12 sweets.

Aero chocolate contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Rainforest Alliance approved. Suitable for vegetarians.

Available at the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


LoveRaw M:lk Choc Peanut Butter Cups (£1.89) are a vegan version of a well-known branded peanut butter cups.

They are gluten free, use no palm oil or artificial ingredients. There is an oat powder, which I guess is the milk substitute. I would like the vegan brands to stop using coy words as m:lk, m!lk, m&lk etc. Be proud of what you are doing and name the products accordingly. 

These peanut butter cups are smooth and creamy, with a mildly powdery aftertaste. 

Typical values: 100kcal and 4.2g of sugar per peanut butter cup.

Available at Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado, Amazon, Loveraw.com and selected independents.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Caleño Drinks Passion Fruit Martini/ Pineapple Pina Colada (£2.50) are tropical non-alcoholic pre-mixed cocktails.

Choose between a spritzy twist on the passion fruit martini, or a tropical pina colada spritz. They are fruity, refreshing and full of flavour.

Typical values: 42kcal and 4g of sugar per 100ml (passion fruit martini), or 45kcal and 4.2g of sugar (pina colada). No artificial flavourings, suitable for vegans and allergen free.

Best enjoyed chilled.

Available on calenodrinks.com and Amazon.

You should receive two items in your box.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

What is your favourite product from the latest Degustabox?

Tuesday, 6 December 2022

Degustabox November'22

 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 November Degustabox box?


Chez Maximka, food subscription box


The Jelly Bean Factory 36 Big Flavours (£1.50 for a 113g pouch) is a new mix of bold flavours. These gourmet jelly beans have a cripsy shell with a softer chewy core. Dip in the bag, and try to guess the flavour of your beans.

It has natural flavours, and is gelatine free.

Nutritional information: 375kcal and 76g of sugar per 100g.

Available on Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Bett'r Peanut Butter Cups (£2.99) is a new vegan and gluten-free alternative to chocolate butter cups like Reese's etc.

They are organic, guilt free, vegan.

Nutritional values: 79kcal and 3,5g of sugar per one cup (13g). 

Despite having not that much sugar per cup, they are very sweet. I would have also liked a slightly salty peanut butter to counter-balance the sweetness.

Available in major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Halo's Chocolate and Orange flavoured mini donuts (£1.50 for a pack of seven) are a lovely teatime treat. Mini donuts are orange-flavoured and coated in chocolate, with bronze sugar sprinkles.

These donuts are steam baked rather than fried for a lighter calorie intake. My family scored them highly, I haven't had a chance to try even one, as they were gone in 60 seconds.

Available in major supermarket chains.



Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Heinz Made For Veggiez Miso & Chilli (£2.50) was my personal product of the month, and a discovery that promises to become one of our favourites.

Heinz Made for Veggiez is a new range of expertly crafted sauces, inspired by cuisines around the world. Add to the vegetables of your choice to jazz up your veggie dishes.

Coat and cook or use as a dip.

Ingredients include rice vinegar, white miso paste, rapeseed oil, Bramley apple puree, maple syrup, red chilli puree, ginger puree, coriander and more. This spicy, umami sauce is inspired by the cuisine of Japan.

Nutritional values: 117kcal and 4.3g of sugar per 100ml.

Available at Morrisons and Ocado.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

I used it to coat slices of sweet peppers and aubergines, which I roasted to serve with poached fish. It was just beautiful with vegetables.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Filippo Berio Tomato & Ricotta Pesto/Truffle Pesto (£2.75/4.99) is a delicious pasta sauce. The range includes seven different pesto varieties, all made with only the finest ingredients. 

Made in Liguria, the birthplace and the brand founder and home of pesto. These versatile sauces will enhance a variety of dishes, from pasta bakes to panini.

You should receive 1 of 2 items in your box. We got Truffle Pesto, which is an aromatic and tasty pesto sauce, with the rich flavour of summer truffles. You don't need anything else - just stir in a big pan of freshly cooked pasta, adding a little bit of water from the drained pasta to create a creamy suace. A few shavings of Parmesan cheese, and it is a feast.

Ingredients include: cashew nuts, sunflower oil, Grana Padano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, summer truffle, pine nuts etc. 
This is a non-vegetarian sauce as Grana Padano PDO is not vegetarian.

Available at Ocado, Tesco & Filippo Berio.


Pot Noodle Fusions Katsu Curry/Chilli Chicken/Thai Green Curry (£1.39)  is a pot noodle with big flavours. 
You should receive one of three flavours in your box. We got Chilli Chicken (but we did try the other flavours before).
This is a vegan noodle, quite hot and spicy (three peppers labelling).

Typical values: 444kcal and 7.9g of sugar per pot.

Available in all major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


TEA REX Lemon, Turmeric & Ginger/Turmeric & Black Pepper/Rhubarb & Redcurrant/The Real Earl Grey/Rooibos & Blood Orange (£3.85) is a new inspiring range of fresh infusions, made with just fresh fruit, roots and leaves. 
Make a hot or cold brew, just squeeze and infuse. It has 4x more fruit and roots than a standard tea bag.
Caffeine-free, no sugar, 100% natural. 

You should receive one of five flavours in your box. We got Turmeric & Black Pepper, which is a combination of chopped turmeric root with crushed root ginger and cracked black pepper.

I confess I am not the biggest fan of turmeric in drinks, I much prefer to add it as a spice to savoury dishes, Indian-inspired. I did try it in chai latte, with added honey. 

Save £4, if you shop at www.tearex.co.uk - Get a Tea Rex infuser for £1 when you buy 3+ tubes. Add an infuser to your basket and then use £1Infuser at checkout.

I would love to try The Real Earl Grey and Rooibos & Blood Orange too.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Nando's Flavour Shaker Lemon & Herb/Garlic & Herb/Flavour/Peri-Peri Shaker Medium (£2) is a new range of savoury seasoning blends. 

You should receive one of theree flavours. We got Peri-Peri seasoning, which is a combination of African Bird's Eye Chilli, smoked paprika, black pepper, nutmeg, sea salt, dried red bell pepper, parsley, coriander and more.

Shake and sprinkle over your food to add a bit of heat and lots of flavour.

Try it with garlic bread, pasta, roasted vegetabls, stir frys and tacos.

Available at ASDA, Sainsbury's and Iceland (only Medium).




Heineken Silver (£1 per can or £6 per multipack) is an extra refreshing lager, with a clean crips taste, and low bitterness. Great to enjoy with friends and family at gatherings, or on Netflix and pizza nights.

Heineken is a well-known name in the world of international brewers. It is faous for its high quality beer.

Heineken Silver is brewed using an ice-cold lagering process and natural ingredients, thus creating a unique and distinct flavour of the 4% premium lager.

Nutritional values: 35kcal and 0 sugar per 100ml.

You will receive two cans in your box.

Available at Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-Op and across convenience stores.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Double Dutch Drinks Double Lemon (£1.20) is a zingy taste of summer. Combining a mic-drop blend of lemon, lime and quassia, Double Dutch is fine on its own, and will enhance many a cocktail, with Pimm's, vodka or gin.

Quassia adds a more piquant note than traditional quinine, and is supposed to help digestion.

Double Dutch mixers are made with natural ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, and are low in calories and sugar.

Nutritional information: 21kcal and 4.9g of sugar per 100ml.

Available in major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Green Sour Cherry/Orangeade (£0.99) is a healthier soft drink. Green drinks are low/no sugar and low calorie. 

Crafted using the finest ingredients, including natural, plant-based Stevia, and bursting with real fruit, these drinks are zesty and refreshing. Sour Cherry is my favourite of the two flavours.

You should receive 2 items in your box.

Nutritional values: 17kcal and 3.3g of sugar (Sour Cherry) and 23kcal and 4.6g of sugar (orangeade)

Available at Sainsbury's, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, and online on Amazon, with free delivery for Prime customers.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


What is your favourite product from the last Degustabox?





Thursday, 2 December 2021

Party & Feeling Festive Degustabox

 There is less than a month to go until Christmas, and the time will fly fast. The shops are already packed full with customers, and I imagine it will be carnage closer to the festive days. The town does look festive, now that the Christmas lights have been switched on, and many shops have colourful seasonal window displays. I might not be attending any parties, but I can certainly enjoy the festive mood, especially if I have some lovely treats to look forward to.

Party & Feeling Festive is the theme of the latest 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.

Let's have a look at what we got in the Party & Feeling Festive box.

Chez Maximka, food subscription box


McVitie's Chocolate Digestives The Fully Coated One/Chocolate Hobnobs The Fully Coated One (£1.79) is the Product of the Month. Chocoholics rejoice, the classic McVitie's chocolate digestives and chocolate hobnobs will make you double happy, being completely coated in chocolate.  You get the iconic golden-baked biscuits, but with extra chocolate. That's a truly special experience.

You should receive 1 of 2 items in your box (as a reviewer I got both items). 

Available in all major supermarket stores.

Party & Feeling festive Degustabox, Chez Maximka

Nutritional information: each McVitie's The Fully Coated One Hobnob biscuit contains 127kcal, 6.4g of fat and 9g of sugar, as opposed to 79kcal, 3.7g of fat, and 6.1g of sugar per one chocolate Hobnob (so quite an increase).
McVities The Fully Coated One Digestives: 130kcal, 6,9g of fat and 9,5g of sugar per biscuit.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Mr Filberts Sea Salt & Hern Mixed Nuts (£1.50) is an ultimate party snack. These mixed nuts - peanuts, almonds and cashews - are roasted to perfection, then tumbled in a sweet basil, oregano and sea salt mix to produce the delightful savoury snack.

Nutritional information: 589kcal and 1.4g of salt per 100g.

Available at https://mrfilberts.com, on Amazon, Ocado, in Independent Farm shops and delis.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

We had this tasty snack as part of the cheeseboard, and let me tell you, these mixed nuts were gone in 60 seconds.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Nairn's Cheese Oatcakes (£1.50) are versatile delicious oatcakes, made with mature Cheddar cheese, wholegrain oats and very little else. Nairn's oatcakes are a real winner. As a big cheese fan, I often buy Nairn's oatcakes, they are great with any cheese really, hard, soft, blue. Very moreish.

Available in all major supermarkets.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

For me a perfect cheeseboard must include oatcakes.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

The English Provender Co. Caramelised Red Onion Chutney (£2) is made of sweet red onions, and is a fabulous addition to any cheeseboard or charcuterie. Also great on hot cheese toasties. It will elevate any sandwich, whether for meat eaters or vegetarians.

It's not a new product, and it's been around for a while, in fact I checked my blog, and found a post about this chutney, which I wrote in 2012. As mentioned then, I still make mini open tarts with the caramelised red onion chutney and brie.

Available at Waitrose and on Ocado.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Peppadew Sweet Piquante Peppers Hot Whole 400g (£3) is a great addition to a party table or buffet. Add them to the antispasti platters, top up pizza or salad, or add to a cheese sandwich. These bit sized peppers retain their firm and crunchy texture. They are a bit on the hot side, and will jazz up many dishes. Suitable for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Nutritional values: 91kcal and 18.9g of sugar per 100g.

Available at Tesco, Waitrose, on Ocado and Amazon.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Knorr Chilli & Smoked Paprika/Mushroom & Italian Herbs seasoning (£1.80) will help you create a delicious, no added salt meals. Perfect for all those soups and stews in the cold weather. Knorr Seasoning Blends join the Knorr Veggie Cook's Essentials range with all the falvour.

Knorr Chilli & Smoked Paprika is a mix of chilli, paprika, green pepper, smoked paprika powder and sunflower seed oil. No added salt, 100% natural ingredients, no artificial colours or preservatives, no added MSG. Ideal for chillis, salsa, stir fried veg.

You should receive one of two items in your box.
Available at Tesco.

Hellmann's Sour Cream & Chive Squeeze 250 ml (£1.20) is the new addition to the range, great for a variety of dishes, from nachos to fajitas, from jacket potatoes to topping burgers, from chips to salads.
If you offer a selection of crisps and tortilla chips as part of the buffet, don't forget the Sour Cream & Chive sauce as one of the dips.

This is a gluten-free, vegetarian sauce, which comes in a fully recyclable bottle.
Nutritional values: 317kcal and 32g of fat in 100g.

Available at Waitroose, Iceland, and on Ocado.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Inés Rosales Orange Sweet Olive Oil Tortas (£2.50) is considered to be Spain's favourite pastry snack since 1910. Each torta is a unique, flakey tempting treat. 
All tortas are hand-made using all natural ingredients from the Mediterranean Diet. They are dairy-free, vegan, and contain no artificial colours or flavours. 
Nutritional values: 149kcal and 4.4g of sugar per torta.

Available in Waitrose, and selected gourmet stores.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Menier Swiss Milk Chocolate with Salted Caramel (£1.99) will please the chocolate fans. Menier have been producing the finest cooking chocolate since 1816. This Salted Caramel milk chocolate is a work of beauty. 
This gourmet chocolate is sweet and creamy smooth, with a definite salty note. It is rather sophisticated and glamorous.

Nutritional values: 85kcal and 9.4g of sugar per portion/row. The cocoa in this chocolate is Rainforest certified. It is also Vegetarian Society approved.

Available at WH Smith's and on Amazon.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Passoa Passion Fruit Liqueur (£13 for the full size bottle, and £1.6 for the sample size bottle).
Passoa is the passion fruit liqueur, an essential ingredient for an exotic cocktail.

I am yet to try this tempting treat. We'll have it in cocktails closer to Christmas time.

Try at home: 40ml Passoa, 40ml vanilla vodka, 15ml lime juice. Shake and fine strain into a martini glass. Garnish with passion fruit and prosecco shot optional.

The full size bottle is available at Tecso, Waitrose, ASDA, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. The sample size bottles are not currently available.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

Radnor Infusions Raspberry and Black Cherry (£1.50) is an unsweetened flavoured Welsh sparkling spring water. It has zero sugar, sweeteners and almost zero calories (0.3kcal per 100ml). 
Infusions is crafted in the ancient county of Radnorshire using their own spring water with a gentle sparkle, delicately infused with all natural flavours and extracts.
Made with cherry and British raspberry extracts, preservative free, it's a beautiful refershing drink.

Available at Sainsbury's, on Ocado, Amazon, and RadnorHill.co.uk/shop.

Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

All in all, another corker from Degustabox!