It's Back! TRIO Toffee Chocolate Biscuit Bar

Trio was a very popular chocolate biscuit back in the 1980's, which was probably better known for the shouty "I want a Triiiioo and I want one NOW' adverts than for it's flavour. Seeing as I'm slightly *ahem* older than most snack bloggers out there, I can vouch for just how iconic and memorable those adverts were. 

Along with the 54321 chocolate biscuit bar, the Trio was one of my favourite chocolate treats as a young child. Although, I didn't actually realise that the Trio was still around until as late as 2003, I thought this brand had disappeared much earlier than that. 

I like the fact the the new Trio bars are wrapped in gold foil with an outer red paper wrapper, rather than plastic. It enhances the retro and nostalgic feel of the experience and it's certainly how I remember the Trio from back in the day.

The Trio is so named because it's made up of three elements; chocolate, biscuit and a toffee flavour cream layer. It also consists of three distinctive and chunky segments. The best part of the original Trio for me was just how thick the outer chocolate layer was and I'm pleased to see that's still the case here. In fact the whole thing instantly brought back memories of eating these as a kid. The inner layers are both really tasty, with a light and crunchy biscuit base and a caramel leaning toffee flavour, but it's the thick chocolate that makes these so memorable for me. 

I do remember the toffee as being a bit lighter in colour and creamier then it is here, but I'm not sure my memory can be relied on after all this time! Regardless, the Trio is still a delicious biscuit bar and one that I'm very glad to see return. I hope this is a limited edition that will be around for a little while longer! 

Grocery Gems Review: Trio Chocolate Biscuit Bar

RATING: 9 out of 10.

Buy them again?: Yes!
Nutrition: 124 calories each.
Purchased: Asda.
Price: £1.00p for six 23.6g biscuit bars.

McCain Crispy Sweet Potato Fries & Back to Normality Campaign

I was recently invited to join the McCain 'Back to Normal' campaign. McCain have launched the campaign to help families get back into the full swing of the school routines and mid-week dinners during term-time. 

Holly Bell has created lots of interesting recipes using McCain frozen products on her blog Recipes From A Normal Mum which provided lots of inspiration. Check out this inventive Baked Tortilla made using McCain Home Chips. I make a chorizo and egg tortilla quite often but I would never have thought to use chunky chips instead of potatoes - I'll be trying this out for sure!

McCain Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: I actually had no idea that McCain made sweet potato fries and I couldn't wait to give these a go, especially as my kids are big fans of baked sweet potatoes. Luckily I found the McCain Sweet Potato Fries easily in my local Iceland. They're easy to make too. After 18 minutes they were ready, with a light crispy coating but still very soft inside.

After looking through the recipes I knew I had to try the Garlic, Lemon &  Sweet Chilli Chicken with McCain Sweet Potato Fries. This recipe is so quick to make and is really flavourful for such a quick recipe. It was a complete hit with all the family and they've already asked me to make it again soon! 

McCain Home Chips: As well as the McCain Sweet Potato Fries I also gave the McCain Home Chips a try for those busy midweek meals. My kids enjoyed a soft taco with home made beef chilli, fresh tomato salsa, carrot spaghetti and some chunky McCain Home Chips. Very filling after a busy day!

McCain Ready Baked Jackets: Even though I was skeptical of this product when it was first released it's quickly become a mainstay in my freezer. It's the ultimate healthier fast food when I'm pushed for time. Another quick mid-week meal sorted - leftover chilli with McCain Jacket Potato and salad. Super tasty and ready in no time at all. 

Thank you to McCain for their Back To Normal pack which included some fab kitchen items! 

Grocery Gems Review: McCain Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

RATING: 9 out of 10.

Buy them again?: Yes - already have!
Purchased: Iceland.
Price: £2.00p for 500g.

PR samples. 

Review: Rachel's Organic Greek Style Banana & Dulce de Leche and 0% Fat Greek Style Yogurts

Rachel's Organic have recently launched a delicious new Greek Style Banana & Dulce de Leche yogurt. It's an indulgent tasting treat, perfect as an after dinner dessert, and is made with organic ingredients and fruit. There's also a new range of 0% Fat Greek Style Yogurts in three flavours; Blueberry, Peach & Passion Fruit and a Lemon & Ginger. These fruity flavours are all made with 0% fat organic yogurt with no artificial colourings, flavours or preservatives.

Rachel's Organic Greek Style Banana & Dulce de Leche: This yogurt flavour is so appealing to me - it's just a dream combination. I love banana yogurts (and ice icream!) but I've never had it paired with Dulce de Leche - the gorgeously buttery caramelised sauce from South America. As expected, the combination is just divine in a yogurt, with a deliciously fruity banana taste and a sweet and mellow caramel flavour. The consistency of the yogurt is just wonderful too, it's super creamy and thick, with extra texture from the addition of small banana pieces. I've been enjoying this yogurt with some sliced banana and cinnamon and it makes a really delicious, dessert-tasting treat.

I also found two of the new Rachel's Organic 0% Fat Greek Style Yogurts. I'll have a review of the  third flavour, Lemon & Ginger, later this week hopefully. 

Rachel's Organic 0% Fat Greek Style Peach & Passion Fruit: This has a surprisingly creamy texture and flavour for a fat free yogurt. The fruity flavour is very peachy but with a tropical twist from the passion fruit. It's a classic yogurt flavour but it works wonderfully with the creamy organic yogurt base. This flavour is especially delicious and filling in the morning with granola or cereal instead of milk. 

Rachel's Organic 0% Fat Greek Style Blueberry: This yogurt is filled with small blueberry pieces and has the same creamy texture as the Peach & Passion Fruit (although neither is as thick as the Banana & Dulce de Leche!). Blueberry is not a yogurt flavour I usually go for but it's one of Mr. Grocery Gems favourites and he really enjoyed this one. The flavour was spot on for him, very fruity and not overly sweet. 

Overall, I'll definitely be buying these new Greek Style Yogurts from Rachel's Organic again in the future. The whole family enjoyed the different fruity flavours and creamy textures. The Greek Style Banana & Dulce de Leche is my favourite in terms of flavour but I would probably buy the 0% Fat Greek Style yogurts more often as a healthier breakfast alternative. 

Grocery Gems Review: Rachel's Organic Greek Style Yogurts

RATING: 9 out of 10.

Buy them again?: Yes.
Purchased: Waitrose.
Price: £1.49p for 450g (special offer - usually £1.99p).

PR samples. 

New Instore: Butterkist Hot Cross Bun Popcorn

A big thank you to Richard W. who sent me this photo via Twitter.

Butterkist Limited Edition Hot Cross Bun Popcorn: Butterkist released a Gingerbread Popcorn at Christmas (which I have to admit I never got around to trying) and have followed it up with this cheerful Easter edition. It's a limited edition so give it a try while you can! Purchased at the Cadbury outlet in Braintree, Essex but should be in supermarkets soon!

If you spot this one instores then let us know where it's available in the comments below. Also, if you've tried it then I'd love to know whether you whether you enjoyed it. Thank you :) 

New Instore: Pyjamas at Primark - Reese's Peanut Butter & Pringles!

Not quite an official grocery gem but I couldn't resist posting this fun lounge wear from Primark. So far I've spotted Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and Pringles styles. I was almost tempted by the Reese's ones!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pyjamas at Primark - T-shirt £5.00p and Bottoms £8.00p.

The Pringles design is not quite as cute as the Reese's, but I do prefer the longer sleeves. Besides, who wouldn't want to sit around eating Pringles whilst also looking like a Pringle? 

Pringles pyjamas at Primark - Top £7.00p and Bottoms £8.00p.