New Tesco Custard Cream Biscuit Spread

This Custard Cream Spread has been creating a buzz even before most of us could find it instore. I don't think I've ever had a photo on instagram or Facebook attract as much attention as the photo I posted of this spread when I spotted a jar in Tesco. I completely understand the appeal, I had a similar OMG!! moment when I saw it - it's a custard cream SPREAD for goodness sake! Complete genius on the part of Tesco to take such a classic Biscuit biscuit and turn it into a spreadable delight. I bought a jar of the Custard Cream Spread as soon as I saw it (last week in one of those massive out of town Tesco Extras) but it's taken me longer than usual to review it. I guess I needed to give it a rigorous testing!

For any overseas readers not familiar with custard cream biscuits, they are golden biscuits filled with a creamy vanilla flavoured layer. In 2007 they were named Britain's favourite biscuit by 9 out of 10 people asked! One thing I've realised about custard cream biscuits is it really doesn't matter which brand I buy, from cheap supermarket value ones to more expensive branded versions, they all pretty much taste identical. It's like there's only one factory that churns these things out. Is anyone out there loyal to a one particular brand of custard creams? 

The Tesco Custard Cream spread is described on the back as "vanilla flavour spread with biscuits". The main ingredients are; custard cream biscuits (37%), rapeseed oil, sugar, palm oil, natural vanilla flavouring, and hazelnuts (and of course the separate ingredients for the biscuits themselves). The good news about this spread is that it really does have that familiar custard cream flavour, along with an extra creamy edge to go with the biscuity taste. It's tastes just like liquidised custard cream biscuits! Unfortunately the bad news about this spread is that it has a difficult texture - it's just TOO soft. It looks okay in the jar but as soon as it meets even the slightest warm surface it becomes too runny. Even the bagel in the photo had to be practically cold before I could take the photo - and it still went gloopy. I've tried keeping the jar in the fridge but it didn't really help for serving the spread on something warm, like a waffle or toast. 

Has anyone else had this same experience? I don't think I've ever come across a spread with such a soft texture, it definitely needs to be more robust when warm. It's a shame because the spread does taste very good!

There are several other biscuit spreads available in this new range from Tesco - check out my photos at the end of this post HERE.

Grocery Gems Verdict: Tesco Custard Cream Spread

RATING: 6 out of 10 - more if I can find a colder use for it!
Buy them again?: I might try the other spreads in the range.
Nutrition (per 15g): 89 calories.
Purchased: Tesco.
Price: £1.99 (400g jar).

Limited Edition Nespresso Cubania (Intensity 13)

Earlier this week Nespresso released their latest limited edition coffee, the Cubania, with an unparallelled intensity rating of 13 - beating the previous highest intensity rating of 12 held by the limited edition Kazaar. Interestingly the Cubania is not made from Cuban coffee, which I had assumed would be the case when I first heard about it, and is actually a blend of Arabicas with an Indian Robusta steam. The idea behind the Cubania blend is that it has been inspired by the unique Cuban coffee culture and traditions, rather than the coffee itself having Cuban origins. 

Having never been to Cuba before, I can't claim to know anything about Cuban lifestyle or traditional coffee methods, but it's clear that the Nespresso Cubania is based on the idea of Café Cubano - an espresso shot brewed with demerara sugar. Indeed Nespresso is recommending that the Cubania is enjoyed with sugar and is selling special packs of brown sugar alongside the Cubania coffee pods. 

I love the swirly blue design on the coffee pods!

The Cubania Sucre Roux tube contains 16 sticks of brown sugar portions. Of course it's probably cheaper and easier to use supermarket bought sugar but I couldn't resist this special gift pack (below).

Even though I don't usually drink my coffee with sugar, I decided to give it a try as recommended - adding the brown sugar as it brews, and taken without any milk. I should also add that I was quite wary of the 13 level intensity of the Cubania as I'm wasn't a fan of the strong Kazaar - that was more my husband's cup of... coffee. However, I was delighted to find that the Cubania has a robust, well balanced and smooth flavour, without any hint of bitterness at all.

Adding sugar really helps to enhance the complex notes within the coffee. Without the sugar, the Cubania is pleasant enough, but with the sugar, it takes on a whole new level of intense and creamy flavours. The flavour profile reminds me of my favourite Nespresso blend, the Arpeggio, with it's complex combination of dark roast and sweeter cocoa notes. I can imagine that anyone who likes the Arpeggio will also enjoy the Cubania and I think this will be a very popular limited edition.  

Overall I enjoyed the Cubania just as much as my husband did, and I'll probably go back soon to buy a few more packs. 

New Maltesers Teasers Chocolate Spread

There are quite a few new chocolate and biscuit spreads on the supermarket shelves this month but the one that appealed to me the most was this Maltesers Teasers with Malty Crunchy Pieces spread. 

The spread has a great appearance - it looks very thick and is packed full of the malted honeycomb pieces. Unlike the other Mars branded chocolate spreads, Galaxy and Milky Way, that were released last year in squeezy plastic tubes (see review HERE), the Maltesers Teasers spread comes in a reusable glass pot.

I really enjoyed the texture of this spread, the generous amount of malt pieces provides that recognisable crunch that gives way to a slightly chewier feel, just like the Maltesers Teasers chocolate bar. The chocolate itself has a very sweet flavour that reminds me of previous Mars spreads I've tried. The actual malt flavour from the crunchy pieces is quite subtle, it's not as distinct a flavour as within a Malteser itself, but it's still very delicious. Overall, the Maltesers Teasers Chocolate Spread is an enjoyable and unique product and I know this jar will not last long at all. Mr. Grocery Gems suggested we use it to decorate chocolate cupcakes - with a few extra Maltesers on top too! 

Grocery Gems Verdict: Maltesers Teasers Spread

RATING: 7 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Yes.
Nutrition (per 20g): 108 calories.
Purchased: Sainsbury's.
Price: £1.99 (200g jar).

Walkers Ranch Raccoon Crisps (Do Us A Flavour)

The last of my reviews for the new Walker's Do Us A Flavour promotion. There are six flavours in total in this range, all vying for the public vote to win their flavour creator a massive £1million prize. Without a doubt the wackiest of all the flavours that made the final 6 (and also by far the least appealing to me) is this Ranch Raccoon. 

In fact this review is going to be a very short one. I couldn't eat more than one or two of these crisps - the flavour literally made me feel sick. They're disgusting! Of course, no one else in my family had this extreme reaction, although none of them liked the flavour very much either. The Ranch Raccoon crisps have a strong meaty flavour which I can only describe as tasting like over-boiled chicken, mixed with an equally horrible, heavy sour cream sauce background. The combination of the two is just retch-inducing. Perhaps it's just the idea of being raccoon flavoured which is putting me off, but since I know these are actually suitable for vegetarians, I don't think it's that. I simply couldn't get on with this flavour at all. 

If anyone could stomach this flavour then please feel free to add to my limited review by leaving your own thoughts below - thanks!

Grocery Gems Verdict: Walkers Ranch Raccoon

RATING: 3 out of 10 (would be 0 but rest of family don't think they're as bad as I do).
Buy them again?: Never again.
Nutrition: (per 25g bag) 132 calories.
Vegetarian: Suitable for Vegetarians.
Purchased: Asda.

Price: £1.00p (for a 6 pack Multipack with different flavours from the range).

Degustabox August - Surprise Foodie Box & Discount Code

The August Degustabox arrived a few days ago, and as it's the summer holiday, the whole family was at home when I opened up the box - it's funny how eager we all were to take a peek inside! This month's box includes an interesting mix of some of Degustabox's favourite brands; Lindt, Dr. Oetker, and Schwartz, aswell as a few new brands and drinks. This Degustabox also sees the first Degustabox Fridge envelope which contains a voucher for a fresh grocery product.

About Degustabox & Discount Code: 6LB9N

Degustabox is a monthly subscription service that sends out a large parcel filled with a surprise selection of full sized grocery products. The service originally began in Spain (the name comes from "degusta" which means to try or to taste) and was then launched in the UK and Germany. I've been receiving boxes for a few months now and you can check back on my previous Degustabox posts HERE).

Each Degustabox cost £12.99 a month, which includes delivery, and there is no fixed contract involved. But don't forget you can use the following Discount Code for £3.00 off your next Degustabox bringing the cost to £9.99 delivered. Enter the code - 6LB9N 

www.degustabox.com

Here's a closer look at the contents inside the August Degustabox:

Mexican Dave's  - Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips that are made using the best ingredients at a great value price. The ingredients are all free from any artificial colours, flavours or MSG. I've reviewed these previously HERE. The range is now available in Tesco stores.

Schwartz Flavour Shots - I've tried a few of the Schwartz Flavour Shots before, after they were included in previous a Degustabox, and they are very useful for making quick family meals. I was pleased to see the Mexican Fajitas and Spanish Smoked Paprika Chicken Flavour Shots included this month as we've never tried these before but I know they are both meals that will appeal to my family. There are 8 flavours available in this range and they are available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Waitrose.

Dr. Oetker Edible Wafer Cupcake Cases - I love baking so I was thrilled to find these new edible cupcake cases. I'd heard about these on Twitter but hadn't found them instore yet. My kids are so excited to try these out - imagine being able to eat the whole cupcake, case and all. I'm reminded of that scene from Groundhog Day where Bill Murray's character stuffs a whole cake in his mouth in one go! 

Lindt Hello Just For You Heart Chocolate Tin - I'm a big fan of the Lindt Hello range (I recently gave their new Salted Caramel bar a 10 out of 10 rating) and this little heart shaped tin looks like another lovely addition to the range. It contains 10 delicious Lindt milk chocolate hearts in a black and pink tin.  

Brioche Pasquier - The Pasquier family began baking brioche in 1936 in a small bakery in the West of France. The Pain au Lait are made using a traditional recipe to create a light, airy, most brioche roll that can be enjoyed with your favourite filling. I've got quite a few new chocolate spreads that I'll be testing out in these! The Pain au Chocolat are made with a brioche dough that is worked into a light pastry and then filled with dark chocolate. I like the fact that these are individually wrapped and they'll be very useful for work and school.

Berry White - There are quite a few drinks included in the August Degustabox. The Berry White Peach & Goji Berry with Echinacea and White Tea Extract, is part of a range of organic drinks that are made with an emphasis on superfruits and healthy extracts. Berry White drinks are made from premium organic ingredients with no added sugar, fruit sugars and no artificial preservatives. The range is available at selected Waitrose stores and includes four flavour combinations including; Cranberry & Guava with Elderberry, Guarana and White Tea Extra, Lemon & Ginger with Acai Berry, Yerba Mate and White Tea Extract, and Pomegranate and Blueberry with White Tea Extract.

Cawston Press Kids' Blend Apple & Pear - These are specially blended for tiny taste buds with a mix of pressed juice with 40% water for a lighter juice drink. As with the rest of the Cawston Press juice range, the juice used is never from concentrate and there's no added sugar or anything artificial.

Caribbean Twist Strawberry Daiquiri - A ready to drink Caribbean style alcoholic cocktail containing 7.5% fruit juice. Summer might be coming to an end but this drink will no doubt extend that summery feeling for a bit longer! This is available in the alcohol option Degustabox. Caribbean Twist can be found in Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Iceland, Savers and will be coming to Morrisons in September too.

Fever Tree - The no alcohol option of the Degustabox includes two bottles from the Fever Tree tonic water range. These are made with the highest ingredients sourced from small specialist producers around the world, resulting in a cleaner and more balanced taste. They're a popular choice in many of the worlds' top restaurants.

Degustabox Fridge - Also included in this months Degustabox is an envelope with a voucher for a fresh fridge product. This month it's a voucher for a Moma! Bircher Muesli multipack, a blend of wholegrain oats, fruit and yogurt. I loved the Moma! porridge pots included in the Degustabox a few months ago so I'm looking forward to giving these muesli yogurts a try.

Overall I was pleased with the selection I received from Degustabox, they are all products that will be useful to have in my store cupboard and I'm looking forward to trying some of the new products too. This month, I'm especially excited to try out the Berry White drink and the Dr. Oetker Wafer cases. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this months Degustabox in the comments below.

For more details:
Degustabox website: www.degustabox.com

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I received a Degustabox in order to provide an honest review.