22 May 2017

Review: New Costa Coffee Banoffee Frostino


I was excited to hear about this new Coffee Banoffee Frostino at Costa Coffee. I still miss the delicious (and sadly limited edition) Coffee, Oats, & Banana Smoothie that they launched earlier this year - see my review here : Costa Coffee Oats & Banana Smoothie Review.


The Costa Coffee Banoffee Frostino is a creamy iced drink made with fresh banana, espresso, milk, ice and topped with a caramel drizzel and fudge pieces. I've had this drink twice now and both times it's been made with lots of ice which gives it a very thick texture that slowly becomes easier to drink. I would prefer it with slightly less blended ice and a bit more coffee but it's still a very refreshing (and sweet!) drink for these warmer days. The whole thing is not as delicious as their previous banana smoothie, that one had a bit more of a banana and coffee hit, but it's definitely one I'll be buying again this summer. 

If you've tried this drink then I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Grocery Gems Review: Costa Coffee Banoffee Frostino

RATING: 8 out of 10
Buy them again?: Yes.
Purchased: Costa Coffee.
Price: £3.50p.


10 May 2017

Degustabox April Box Review: Surprise Foodie Box & Discount Code!


The April Degustabox arrived last week packed full of new foodie treats and surprises. I was especially pleased to find plenty of full sized groceries such as cereal and pasta included in this months box.

Discount Code - £7 off: 8TL75

Degustabox is a monthly foodie subscription service that sends out a range of specially selected foodie products. There's always a great mix of new products that I haven't tried before, as well as plenty of treats from more established brands. Each Degustabox costs £12.99, delivery costs are included in the price, and there is no fixed contract involved - you can cancel at any time.

The discount code is a massive £7 off, making the first box only £5.99 delivered! Check out the Degustabox website below and enter the new discount code: 8TL75

The selection of products can vary but here's a quick round up of all the products I received in the April Degustabox:


Dorset Cereal Ultimate Adventures: I've been a fan of Dorset Cereals ever since I first reviewed their muesli - see my post here Dorset Cereals Muesli Review. I like the idea of this new Ultimate Adventures range of muesli which is inspired by travels around the world. There are two varieties available in the Degustabox; the inca trail inspired Machu Picchu flavour and the Route 66 inspired American Road Trip Muesli. I received the latter which is a blend of cranberries, almonds and orange zest. It's a great tasting combination and I've been enjoying this zesty flavour every morning with yogurt.


There are two types of Degustabox alcohol or non-alcohol. Depending on which box you choose you would have received one of these drinks.

Fentimans Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water: This is a botanically brewed, pink grapefruit flavoured tonic water that is ideal for mixing with Gin or Vodka. I might try this with a fruit juice for a non-alcholic version.

Celia Organic Lager: This 100% organic Czech lager is brewed using just three ingredients. It's very refreshing and is also gluten free.



Nothing But.: Two snack packs of freeze dried fruits and vegetables containing nothing bu 100% wholesome ingredients. They're suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets. I received the Strawberry & Banana Snack and the Pea & Sweetcorn Snack. I've previously tried the fruity flavour and enjoyed it so I was more curious to try the peas and sweetcorn! Freeze drying the vegetables certainly gives them a unique texture, they honestly felt quite papery and dry. However, the flavour was good and surprisingly sweet.


Garafalo Whole Wheat Penne Pasta: I've reviewed Garofalo before in a previous Degustabox and I was delighted to find more from this brand. Garofalo pasta always gives great results and the whole wheat variety is very tasty too. 


Good Hemp: These Hemp Seed Hearts are high in protein, fibre and Omega-3. They're useful for sprinkling on cereal, yogurts and even salads and stir fries. I've seen some suggestions for adding these to overnight oats instead of chia seeds so I'll definitely be giving that a go.



VIP Nuts Hot Chilli: This is NOT one of those hot chilli snacks with only a hint of chill. Guard your tastebuds because these little peanuts have a full on intense chilli flavour with a serious heat. Unfortunately these are not for me as I found them far too hot - definitely one for fans of a proper chilli kick only!



Seabrook Lattice: The shape of these crisps is very impressive and is designed to hold even more flavour. I enjoyed the deliciously simple combination of the sea salt and black pepper which created a very moreish snack.


Whitworths Full of Super: These Vanilla Maca-Roons are so good! They're crammed with almonds, flakes of coconut and golden flax seeds. I loved the natural tasting coconut flavour with the nuts and seeds. The texture is great too and the whole thing is very filling and satisfying.



Doisy & Dam's Quinoa, Smoked Tea, & Vanilla Chocolate: This is an unusual new find in a very unqiue flavour - Quinoa, Smoked Tea & Vanilla Chocolate. It's made with Bolivian popped quinoa and organic Dominican 39% milk chocolate. I wasn't sure at first about this one but the flavour is surprisingly good. The quinoa pieces reminded me of puffed rice cereal in it's texture. The smoked tea is unusual and comes through in an initial smokey hint that soon reveals the subtle tea flavour. It's all very lightly done and creates a very tasty chocolate.


POLO Sugar Free Pot: A handy and convenient version of the classic mint that usually comes in paper wrapped tubes. I like the thought of this sealed pots as it's probably less likely to fall apart at the bottom of my bag!


Overall I was pleased with this month's surprise selection from Degustabox. I especially enjoyed the Seabrook Lattice Crisps, Dorset Cereals and Whitworths Vanilla Maca-Roons. If you're a subscriber then I'd love to hear your thoughts on this months Degustabox selection in the comments below.

For more details:
Degustabox website: www.degustabox.com
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DegustaboxUK
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DegustaboxUK

PR Samples.

Review: Fab Birthday Cake Flavour Ice Lollies


Now that the weather is turning warmer it's time to finally look at all the new ice creams instore (I don't really enjoy ice cream during the colder months!).  Fab have released a new festive birthday cake flavour for their 50th anniversary. 50 years is an amazing achievement for an ice cream brand and it's certainly enduring well - it's one of my kids favourite ice lollies.


The Birthday Cake Fab is described as a raspberry flavoured ice with a sponge cake and vanilla flavoured coating and sugar strands toppings. Compared to the regular Fab, this limited edition has a yellowish colouring and delicious cake-like scent. I couldn't wait to get stuck in! The best part of the Fab is of course the top part where crunchy the sugar strands meet both the creamy ice cream and sweet raspberry inner layers. The cake flavoured ice cream actually comes through, with a creamy, almost biscuity flavour. Combined with the raspberry flavour of the ice lolly it did create the flavour of a cake - even if it's more jam roly poly than birthday cake.

This is definitely one the kids will enjoy, grab a pack while they're still around! 

Grocery Gems Review: Fab Birthday Cake Flavour Review

RATING: 8 out of 10.
Buy it again?: Yes.
Nutrition: 76 calories.
Purchased: Sainsbury's.
Price: £2.20p for 6 - although currently on offer for £1 in Iceland.

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