Degustabox February Review: Surprise Foodie Box & £7 Discount Code

The February Degustabox arrived at the end of the month and as always it was super fun opening up the gorgeous box to find out what's inside! Last month's box (read here - Degustabox January Review) was filled with an ecclectic variety of snacks and drinks and I was pleased to find that February was just as mixed. Overall, it's a great selection of groceries and once again there are several which are new to me.

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

www.degustabox.com/en

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

Blossom Hill Fruit Bloom: Hello! A full bottle of fresh and fruity Blossom Hill Fruit Bloom in Elderflower flavour (there's also a Summer Fruits flavour available). I love elderflower flavoured drinks so this is very appealing. 

Koko Dairy Free: I don't drink cows milk so I'm quite familiar with all the dairy free brands out there. I usually go for almond or oat based milks so this alternative milk made with freshly pressed coconut makes a nice change. It's creamy tasting and works well in tea and coffee.

Willy Chase's Popcorn: This Apple Cider Vinegar flavoured popcorn from Willy Chase's was one of my favourite products in the Degustabox. I enjoyed the grown-up flavour which had just the right amount of tangy vinegar. Also pictured is a free sample of Willy's Apple Cider Vinegar which was included as an added extra in the Degustabox.

Kabuto Noodles: This Vegetable Laksa flavour is inspired by the warm coconut dishes of Malaysia. It's gluten free, suitable for vegetarians and free from additives or preservatives. The flavour is a lot fresher and more natural tasting compared to other dried noodles pots out there.

Coldpress Fruity Greens Juice: Coldpress juices are, rather obviously given the name, cold pressed rather than heated, which preserves more of the flavour and vitamins. This Fruity Greens juice is a 100% fruit and vegetable juice made with apple juice and puree, celery, banana puree, kiwi fruit puree, kale juice and spinach. The balance of flavours is spot on with the fruity sweetness not being overwhelmed by the vegetable juices. It's lovely and sweet overall.

Heinz: Two single serving cans of Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz. These are made with 50% less sugar but still have the same great taste. I like the hand little serving sizes too.

Maui & Sons: I'm already a fan of the Maui & Sons Coconut Chips so I was excited to find the Banana Chips in the Degustabox. They're dark chocolate coated banana chips that are suitable for vegans. I enjoyed these but I would have liked the banana flavour to be a bit stronger. However, I'm looking forward to try the suggestion of using these as a yogurt or ice cream topping! 

New York Delhi's Americanos: New York Delhi's are known for their snacks and flavoured peanuts. Their Americanos are quite different, made of Guatemalan coffee beans that are roasted and covered in dark chocolate. This is not really my thing to be honest. I don't like chocolate and coffee combinations at all but especially not coffee beans. These are very much for lovers of intense coffee flavours!

Just Bee Honey Water: This is a new one to me, I've certainly never tried honey water before. It's a simple combination of spring water with a drop of honey and flavoured with blueberry puree. The drink is 91% water so it's very refreshing and light. The blueberry flavour comes through strongly as does the sweetness from the honey.

Diablo: A no added sugar chocolate coated wafer. It's made with the sweetener Maltitol instead of sugar. The brand it available at Holland & Barrett and it's a tasty treat for anyone needing to cut down on their sugar consumption.

Peppersmith: A pack each of Peppersmith Dental Mints and Dental Chewing Gum. They're made with xylitold to protect the teeth and keep your mouth fresh. I especially liked the chewing gum which has a fresh and zingy mint flavour.

Bebeto: The Degustabox Product of the Month is Bebeto and it's fun candy shapes. There are two packs in the February Degustabox; the Bebeto Candy Crush Gummy Mix and the Bebeto Cheese Cake Gummies. It's a cute selection!

Overall I was pleased with this month's surprise selection from Degustabox. I especially enjoyed the Willy Chase's Popcorn, Maui & Sons, Bebeto and Coldpress juice. 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: New Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Peanut Butter Flavour & Mint Flavour

It's been ages since I last reviewed a chocolate bar but believe me it's not because I don't eat them anymore. No, it's simply that I haven't found anything new recently that appealed enough to me to review. That is until I spied these new Oreo flavours from Cadbury Dairy Milk. As a fan of the original - see my review from all the way back in 2012 of the Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo - I knew I had to give these new varieties a try. Also, peanut butter and mint are two of my favourite flavours anyway (not together obviously!).

Fun spoiler alert: This is a split review - I loved one bar and hated the other. Can you guess which?

Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Peanut Butter Flavour Review: This one is simply described on the packaging as a 'milk chocolate with a peanut butter flavour filling'. In fact it's so much more than that as it's also jam packed full of crunchy Oreo pieces. As soon as I opened the packaging I could immediately tell this was a peanut butter flavoured bar, the scent is immediately very peanutty. I liked the familiar creamy and crunchy texture here, which is just like the original Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bar but that's just about the only good thing I can say about this one. 

Unfortunately, the actual peanut butter flavour didn't work for me or live up to the promise of that initial opening. Peanut butter is a fairly simple flavour in my mind to get right and this just doesn't capture it at all. Instead the flavour that I'm getting is a bitter peanut one with a hint of salt and a weird aftertaste of coffee. In fact I'm getting queasy just thinking about it. I could only eat a few pieces of this one and it will never darken my tastebuds again. I'm sorry Cadbury, but don't worry there's much better news below!

Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Mint Flavour Review: Have I ever mentioned before how much I like a mint flavoured chocolate? Especially when it's not a classy dark chocolate affair but just a crazy sweet milk chocolate like the Aero Mint Bubbles. Luckily for my taste buds they were much happier after trying the Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Mint. It has all the crunchiness from the Oreo pieces coupled with a smooth and deliciously creamy mint filling. It's not going to break any boundaries for flavour innovation but it's a solidly tasty chocolate. Taste buds rejoice!

Grocery Gems Review:Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Peanut Butter Flavour & Mint Flavour

RATING: Peanut Butter - 3 out of 10, Mint - 8 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Peanut Butter - No, Mint - Yes.
Nutrition:  84 calories per 3 chunks.
Vegetarian: Suitable for Vegetarians.
Purchased: Co-Op.
Price: £1.00p each 120g bar.

Review: Nespresso Selection Vintage 2014 - Limited Edition

The latest limited edition from Nespresso sees the release of it's first 'aged' coffee. Using Arabica coffee beans from the Colombian Highlands that were harvested three years ago, Nespresso pioneered a new method to store and the beans and allow them to mature. The result is described as a new taste experience with an extra mellowness and woody flavour.

The packaging is very striking and captures the 'aged vintage' theme well. There is obviously a strong visual reference to wine with the cork pattern and colouring.

The coffee itself is rich and smooth but with a unique flavour profile. The initial taste is intense and strong but soon mellows out to a slightly milder flavour. I don't know if the vintage theme played tricks on me but I could also taste a little hint of fruitiness in there that reminded me of grapes and wine. The overall flavour is very different to my usual Nespresso choices and it won't be replacing the wonderful Cafezinho do Brasil as my favourite ever limited edition. However, it's easy to appreciate the richness of the flavour in the Selection Vintage and I've already been back to the Nespresso store for more.

Grocery Gems Review: Nespresso Cafezinho do Brasil

RATING: 7 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Yes.
Purchased: Nespresso store.

Degustabox January Review: Surprise Foodie Box & £7 Discount Code

January's Degustabox arrived full of foodie treats and with plenty of healthier products too. It contained an interesting mix of returning favourites and some new brands that I couldn't wait to try. It's always exciting opening up the Degustabox each month which makes it a wonderful present for the foodie in your life.

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

www.degustabox.com/en

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

Yushoi Snapea Rice Sticks: Yushoi snacks are made using green peas and are baked not fried, making them high in fibre and a good source of protein. I reviewed four of the flavours when they were first released - Yushoi Review. I really enjoyed these snacks and I was excited to find the new flavour Coconut & Chilli flavour in the Degustabox. The latest flavour has a creamy coconut taste, with a mild chilli heat that is not too strong.

Popchips: On the other side of the snacking spectrum are these Popchips Ridges Crazy Hot. These new Popchips Ridges are popped not fried, gluten free, vegetarian and under 100 calories per serving. These Popchips certainly live up to their Crazy Hot name with an intense chilli flavour and burning aftertaste. I'm possibly a chilli lightweight because these were not for me at all. In fact I only had half a Popchip before I was done. I think this is a snack that calls for a cold beer at the same time.

Finn Crisp: These Finn Crisp Snacks are much more to my taste! They have all the crunchy flavour of the famous Finn Crisp crispbreads but are shaped like tortilla crisps. The added seeds and a touch of sea salt makes them extra delicious and moreish. I absolutely loved these dipped in humous. Such a delicious, healthier tasting snack, and I'll definitely be looking out for them in the supermarket.

Quinola Mothergrain: A pouch of ready cooked fairtrade Pearl Quinoa with Split Peas that is super easy to heat up in the microwave. It's certified 100% organic and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I'm not the biggest fan of quinoa but I enjoyed this as an accompaniment to a quick salad.

Fruit-tella 30% Less Sugar: These sweets are made with extra fruit juice and have 30% less sugar than standard strawberry Fruit-tella. There is no added artificial sweetener to make up for the reduced sugar just extra fruit juice. I enjoyed just how fruity these tasted. The strawberry flavour is really strong, very sweet at first but with a tart, fruity finish.

Aspire Drinks: Two cans of Aspire health drinks; a Mango Lemonade and a Cranberry. Aspire is a calorie free, sugar free drink that contains green tea and extracts such as ginger, guarana and vitamins. The addition of Green Tea extract apparently contributes to weight loss and body fat reduction and the drinks even have 'Reduce Body Fat' printed on the front. Even though I like the idea of a vitamin enriched drink I didn't enjoy the Mango Lemonade flavour as I found the aftertaste too sour. The Cranberry flavour was more enjoyable and had a lighter, fruity taste.

Crabbie's Scottish Raspberries: A can of the UK's most popular brand of alcoholic ginger beer. Crabbie's Ginger Beer is made with real ginger and spices. The Scottish raspberries gives it a fruity sweetness whilst retaining a hint of warming ginger. 

Protein Boost: There is 20g of protein in this handy little bottle. Mr. Grocery Gems often buys ready made protein drinks and the prices can be quite eyewatering. Protein Boost is one of the better value ones and he especially likes their chocolate flavour. 

Natvia: I've been a fan of Natvia ever since I received it in a previous Degustabox. It's a 100% natural sweetener made from the stevia plant and natural nectar. There are no artificial nasties and it's diabetic friendly. I've used this when baking and it always works well. 

Chosan Hibiscus Drink: I was a bit worried about the 'Fiery Ginger' name of this one but it's actually very refreshing and easy to drink. Chosan drinks use all natural, organic ingredients and are low in calories and sugar.

Little's Coffee: A heavenly vanilla flavoured coffee made with natural extracts. The flavour is spot on, the vanilla is not too strong or overpowering. I've never been a fan of flavoured instant coffee granules (such as Beanies) as I find them too artificial tasting and cloying. This Little's French Vanilla Coffee is different and I was won over by the creamy vanilla flavour. I can't wait to try more from their range, especially the Island Coconut flavour.

Pip's Real Hot Chocolate Co: An added little bonus in my Degustabox was this solid hot chocolate from Pip's. It's easy to make on the hob just by melting the pod in a little milk. I had to give this to my youngest son as he's the main hot chocolate fan in this household. He loved this hot chocolate, it was rich and creamy and super chocolately. No weak chocolate flavour here - unlike most of the instant hot chocolate out there! I would love to know if there's a stockist near me because this is worth buying again as a treat.

Chia Shots: Chia seeds are high in fibre, omega 3 and protein. These handy little sachets are great for sprinkling on oats and yogurt. I've reviewed more from the Chia Co range here - Chia Pod Review.

Overall I was pleased with the selection I received from Degustabox, especially the variety of different snacks and drinks. This month, I was especially pleased with the Yushoi Snacks, Little's Coffe and Finn Crisp Snacks. 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: Kellogg's Disney Moana Cereal

A quick review of Kellogg's Disney Moana cereal. It's great to see Kellogg's making a cereal for the latest Disney movie Moana - it makes a change from all the Frozen/Star Wars themed products.

This cereal is described as a 'honey flavoured multigrain cereal'. It certainly looks appealing and my kids loved the whirly design. Initially they were quite excited as they thought the cereal looked like little cinnamon whirls and assumed it would be cinnamon flavoured. Unfortunately the flavour here is quite plain. It's quite similar to the flavour in Kellogg's Multigrain shapes but less sweet. The texture is very light and puffy with a light crunch. It's a nice enough cereal, and my kids did enjoy it, but I think the flavour could have been a little more adventurous.

Just like the Kellogg's Star Wars cereal, the Kellogg's Moana box has a great design with a fun double sided box.

Have you tried this cereal yet? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

Grocery Gems Review: Kellogg's Disney Moana Cereal

RATING: 7 out of 10,
Nutrition:  113 calories (per 30g serving).

Vegetarian: Yes.
Purchased: Co-Op.
Price: £2.00p (370g box).

PR Sample sent for an honest review but I also bought another box from Co-Op.