29 Dec 2017

Review: Toblerone Vs Twin Peaks (Poundland)


After some dispute with the makers of Toblerone, and a few changes to the design and colour scheme, Poundland were finally able to release their Twin Peaks chocolate bar. Instead of taking it's inspiration from Swiss mountains, the Twin Peaks bar is a much more British affair that is 'inspired by the Wrekin & Ercall Hills'. Of course since they are both comprised of milk chocolate with almonds and honey nougat, I thought they deserved a side by side comparative review.

Whatever it's origins, the Twin Peaks bar is definitely good value for money at 180g compared to the Toblerone at 150g. There are bigger Toblerone bars available but this is the nearest in value. Ironically enough I actually bought this Toblerone in a Poundland too.


The Twin Peaks looks solid and chunky next to the longer and slimmer Toblerone. This is my first time seeing the new design of the Toblerone, with it's bigger spaces in between each triangle, and it doesn't look as ridiculous as I had thought it would. The Toblerone's outer packaging of cardboard and inner foil still makes it look more expensive compared to the Twin Peaks single plastic wrapper.

Left: Toblerone   Right: Twin Peaks
The chocolate itself has visible differences. The Twin Peaks chocolate (on the right) is very impressive looking with it's darker colouring and larger chunks of nougat throughout. The Toblerone has a creamier complexion with much smaller bits of nougat. Taste wise it was a close win for the Toblerone amongst my family of taste testers. The creamier and smoother chocolate of the Toblerone gave it a more enjoyable edge. As much as I hate to admit it, the larger spaces between chunks made the Toblerone simpler to eat, with each piece snapping off with ease. The Twin Peaks felt much harder to bite into, and whilst the flavour is satisfying enough, it's slightly sweeter and grittier than the Toblerone.

Grocery Gems Verdict: Toblerone Vs Twin Peaks Poundland

WINNER: Toblerone - but the Twin Peaks is still worth a try.
Buy it again?: Maybe.
Purchased: Poundland.
Price: £1.00p each.



18 Dec 2017

Fine Coffee Club Gingerbread Cookie Flavoured Espresso (Nespresso Compatible)


A very quick review of this limited edition flavour from the Fine Coffee Club. I've tried their Nespresso compatible pods before (see original review - Fine Coffee Club Review) but I haven't ordered them again in a long time. However, I couldn't resist when I saw this gorgeous looking new festive flavour - Gingerbread Cookie. 

I have to admit I've been very disappointed in the official holiday flavours from Nespresso this year - so much so that I haven't even reviewed them yet. I always review the latest flavours from Nesperesso but I just can't muster the enthusiasm this year.


Anyway onto the Gingerbread Cookie flavoured espresso from Fine Coffee Club. These were thankfully just what I was hoping for. The coffee flavour itself is good, it's strong without any bitterness. The Gingerbread Cookie flavour is delicious - there's just enough ginger and biscuity hints coming through to make the coffee interesting but not too much to make it cloying. It's the perfect balance.

I'll be keeping an eye on any future flavoured coffees from the Fine Coffee Club and I definitely want to try their Earl Grey Tea and Hot Chocolate pods for the Nespresso machines next! If you've tried any of these let me know what you thought in the comments below!

Grocery Gems Verdict: Fine Coffee Club

RATING: 8 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Yes.
Purchased: Online www.finecoffeeclub.co.uk
Price: From £2.80p per box of 10 pods.

Degustabox November Box Review & Discount Code!


The November Degustabox arrived with a festive theme for the Christmas holidays. I'm posting this review quite late and it's only a few days until the next Degustabox is due to arrive! As always, the November box was packed full of groceries and treats but the Christmas theme made it even more exciting to open up and discover what was inside.

About Degustabox & Discount Code8TL75

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 


Here's a quick round up of all the products I received in the latest Degustabox:


Weetabix Additions Apple & Raisin: I enjoyed the Coconut & Raisin Weetabix Additions from a previous Degustabox ( see Review - Degustabox August Review). The Apple & Raisin flavour was also a hit, the lovely hint of cinnamon with the apple is just perfect for this time of year. 


Planters Fruity Chocolate Crunch: This large sharing bag is perfect for the festive season (if it lasts that long because let's face it I've already started on my Christmas snack stash!). The Planters Chocolate Crunch is made with peanuts, cranberries, jumbo raisins and milk chocolate buttons. It's a great mix of sweet and salty flavours.


Cadbury Picnic Bites: I'll be honest - I haven't had a Picnic bar since I was a kid but I used to really like them. These Cadbury sharing bags contain mini versions which are great for snacking. I always make sure we have a bag or two for any Christmas movies we go to see (or watch at home!). Most of my family declared they don't like Picnic bars so I kept this bag all for myself.


The English Provender - Caramelised Red Onion Chutney: I was really excited to find this in the November Degustabox. I always try to find a few jars of 'posh' chutney for the Christmas period. This one is quite unusual because it's made with caramelised red onions. It's ideal for serving with cheeses or to add flavour to sandwiches.



Subscribers will receive one of three Filippo Berio products; a jar of classic Pesto, a bag of Fennel & Garlic Crostini or a tin of Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil. 

Filippo Berio Fennel & Garlic Crostini: Made with extra virgin olive oil and perfect for serving with cheese and the above chutney!

Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil: Made with the best quality tuna caught using Pole & Line methods. The tuna is canned with olive oil giving it a gorgeous Italian flavour.


Alo Light Cucumber & Cantalope: It's been a few years since I've reviewed an Aloe Vera juice drink on this blog. These drinks come with added pulp which gives it a unique texture that I really enjoy. The flavour here is very refreshing - I loved the strong melon flavour and crisp cucumber finish.


Dalston's Fizzy Apple: A fizzy apple soda made with Jonagold, Idared and Bramley Apples from farms in Kent. This had a unique apple flavour - it's tart and flavourful, almost earthy, and not too sweet. 


Kallo Organic Stock Pots: Available in three flavours - chicken, beef and vegetable. These little pots are super easy to use as they can be stirred into any dish. I love how they dissolve so much quicker than standard cubes.


Taylors of Harrogate - Cacao Superior Columbia: A single origin ground coffee from Columbia with sweet undertones of chocolate, malt and berries. It's a very smooth tasting coffee without any bitterness - ideal as a morning cup. 


The Jelly Bean Factory Super Sours: Each pack contains 9 different flavours such as Sour Lemon, Sour Cola and Sour Grape. The Jelly Bean Factory sweets are made using natural flavours and colours and are also gelatine free, gluten free and nut free (although they do contain beeswax so are suitable for vegetarians but not vegans).


Ryvita Multigrain Rye Cakes: It's nice to find a healthier snack in this month's Degustabox. I'm a fan of Ryvita crackers but I'd never tried these Rye Cakes before. The texture is a bit like rice cakes but the multigrains make them more flavourful.


Propercorn Perfectly Sweet Popcorn: I'm already a big fan of Propercorn popcorn so this was a very welcome addition to the Degustabox. My favourite flavour is always Sweet & Salty but this Perfectly Sweet is a close second. This smaller bag is a great size for portion control too.


Overall, my whole family enjoyed this months Degustabox, it had a good mix of treats (Cadbury and Planters), aswell as useful groceries (Weetabix, Ryvita). My favourites this month were the Rio Mare Tuna, Propercorn and Taylor's coffee. If you received the November Degustabox then I'd love to know what you thought of it in the comments below! 

For more details:
Degustabox website: www.degustabox.com
I received a Degustabox in order to provide an honest review.




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