Welcome to my first Degustabox review of 2016! It’s only fitting that the first box of the New Year was packed full of healthier treats to help keep those good intentions in check. It’s pretty safe to say I’ve fallen off the healthy eating wagon several times over by now but that hasn’t stopped me enjoying the goodness I found inside the box.

I love something sweet with a cup of tea in the afternoons and these bars from The Fabulous Bakers hit the spot nicely. Packed full of tropical flavour, real oats and plenty of fibre these are a no nonsense snack to tide you over until dinner. They went rather nicely with the bonus box inclusion of a skinny chai latte from Drink Me chai.

How cute is this smoothie pouch from Happy Monkey smoothies? I’m not that much of a smoothie drinker as a rule but I really enjoyed this strawberry and banana one. Made with 100% fruit and no preservatives/additives these might be targeted at kids but I’m pretty sure I’ll be purchasing these for myself as a pick me up at work. I was also pretty happy to see the inclusion of Koko dairy free milk in the box. Not that I think there’s anything wrong with cow’s milk, far from it! I just personally don’t enjoy the taste and prefer coconut and almond milk as an alternative especially when fortified with calcium for that all important bone health.

I took this alcohol free wine along to a gathering at a colleague’s house for the drivers and those partaking in dry January. I myself am not much of a drinker and don’t always wanted to be limited to a diet coke or feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. This tasted just like a glass of cold white wine but didn’t leave me with a sore head the next day and it meant I could enjoy more than one glass without getting all giggly (yes, I’m a terrible lightweight!)

I was really intrigued by the Beatavivo pouches. Essentially they are a crispy oat cereal (aptly in the shape of a heart) and can help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. I really liked the taste of these, especially mixed in with some fruit and yoghurt for a healthy breakfast or bed time snack. One daily serving of these will go a long way to help your health! I can’t say I was as much of a fan of the compete energy bites- it was probably the lemon flavour that marred them for me, I just don’t like citrus much but they are a good energy hit for anyone studying hard for exams or doing a lot of exercise and they won’t add too many calories to your day either, coming in at 42 per bite.

A favourite from this month’s box was the Hip Pops- a healthier alternative to crisps. Available in 6 flavours (4 of which are gluten free) I was equally in love with both the barbeque and the sea salt & black pepper ones. I also found them more satisfying than crisps and I’m seeking out the rest of the flavours to try asap!

The product of the month from Degustabox was a pasta and sauce duo from Barilla. The whole-wheat pasta is a super tasty and quick way to get 20% of your daily fibre intake and served with the mediterranean pasta sauce makes for a speedy and delicious healthy dinner. No more ready meals for me after a long day at work!

I loved these freeze dried fruit snacks from Nothing But. I didn’t expect to be blown away by them at all but they were a really tasty hit of sweetness and light, perfect for some guilt free snacking action. I’ve tried a few of their products before but the pineapple and grape pack was new to me and a real winner. So tasty, low in calories for those on a diet and one of your five a day in one handy pack.

If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £6 off of your first box by entering the code BLDEG15 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand one and off over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.