I’ve really been enjoying doing this series of reviews on the monthly food subscription box Degustabox. I love not knowing what is going to turn up each month, and the variety of the contents requires thinking outside the box and trying new things. The May box less snack themed than some of the ones I have reviewed which means I am yet to try everything out, but I wanted to share my initial thoughts.

1. There was a definite Italian theme to the May box with pasta, passata and tomato puree as part of the contents. I’m not a big pasta eater and haven’t used this yet, but I am familiar with both brands (Cirio and Garofalo) and know they are quality products. I hope to make a bolognese bake recipe I’ve seen using these, I might share it if it’s a success!

2. The second photo shows the savoury contents of the box (and a fabulous cake release spray by Dr. Oetker which is just brilliant. I’ve used similar before but this one knocks the socks off of the competitors…HELLO hassle free baking!). The Finn Crisp crispbreads are the perfect vessel for houmus, although as a child I used to love these with just butter and a smidge of marmite. The packaging has given me a craving for smoked salmon and cream cheese so that will be my next combination. Yum! Sweet potato Kettle Chips are a crisp I’ll break my “I don’t like crisps” way of thinking for. With 50% less fat than standard fried vegetable crisps and a super tasty sweet chilli flavour these will be making their way in to my basket next time I’m in Waitrose despite the £2.49 price tag.

3. There was quite a selection of drinks in the May box, which I am yet to try with exception of the tea, which is heavenly. I do love a good fruit tea but it needs to taste like more than dirty water. This one is so not dirty water- super fruity blackcurrant enhanced by delicate elderflower. Another item I’ll be re-purchasing. The Ciders I’ll be passing on to Dad to drink as despite being from the West Country I’m not a fan of the stuff, same with the apple juice I think; as much as I am sure it’s gorgeous I just can’t bring myself to try it.

4. Last but not least we have the sweet stuff! The Elizabeth Shaw flutes were one of the first things I devoured- dark chocolate combined with crunchy cocoa nibs makes for a deliciously grown up treat which goes perfectly with an after-dinner (or breakfast, oops!) cup of coffee. The Raw energy gum is a genius invention which has aided me getting through the busiest week of the year so far. A far cry from my standard spearmint, this is full of flavour and really provides a bit of a kick!

So that’s my round up of the May box, which I believe is my last until I can afford to order some later in the year. If I’ve tempted you to try it then you can get the May box for £9.99, a £3.00 saving on the usual price when you use the code 651U1 at the checkout…let me know if you go for it and what you think!

I’m a bit late in popping up my thoughts on the April Degustabox, for no reason other than I don’t know where on earth time has got to lately! I’ve had quite a few of these boxes now- a monthly subscription box full of surprise food stuffs, far exceeding the £12.99 cost (including p&p).

I’ve been really impressed with all of the boxes I have received so far but I have to say that the April one has been the best yet! I was like a child at Christmas when it came to unpacking the goodies.

1. One of the products I was most excited to try was Miso Soup sachets from Clearspring (£1.29 each) as I love Miso soup, more as a warming and savoury drink than anything else- it’s basically flavoured hot water in terms of calories! I’m saving these to take to work, for when there is too much morning left before my actual lunch but I have super high hopes- although at the RRP I’m not sure I’d be making the purchase often myself.

2. I’m not much of a crisp fan so I passed these on to Mum, who is to share her thoughts on them. I’m not actually sure she has tried them yet as I haven’t heard any feedback from her, but she seemed quite excited when presented with the bag of Keogh’s Atlantic Sea Salt & Irish Cider Vinegar crisps (£1.00). Again, a luxury treat and not an every day kind of crisp, but I’m sure these would be lovely served with a cold glass of wine or two!

3. Another product I haven’t tried myself, these Mornflake Superfast pots look awesome! The only reason I didn’t devour these straight away is because I can’t eat nuts, but I’ve passed them on to Ben who is forever snacking on crisps and chocolate in place of breakfast or lunch! These are perfect for him to take when he is working at the studio due to their “magic milk”, meaning you only need to add cold water to get a ready made bowl of cereal. Complete with spoon these cost £1.20 each.

4. DRINKS! This month’s box contained Cawston Press apple juice with rhubarb, which is actually amazing (and I’m not much a juice fan!). The Rhubarb adds a gorgeous edge to the drink, and at £1.00 a can it’s priced in line with many other soft drinks. The box also included a bottle of Crabbie’s Raspberry alcoholic ginger beer (£2.19) which isn’t really my thing. I’ve tried but just can’t love ginger beer no matter what the taste is disguised with- Dad happily took the bottle off of my hands though! A product I’m saving to take to work with me is Go Splash Blackcurrant squash (£2.45). This little pack contains enough super concentrated squash to make 6 litres of drink and will be fabulous during my clinics when I talk my mouth dry!

5. Saving the best to last- on to the sweet stuff! I love Jaffa cakes, and I love mini rolls so these new flavours from McVitie’s (£1.30) each were well received. The Tropicool flavour were my favourite but both were super yummy- I haven’t tried out the suggestion of popping them in the freezer for a Summer treat yet though! I was also delighted to see three treat sized bars of Lindt chocolate appear in the box (£0.80 each). I’m a HUGE fan of Lindt chocolate but didn’t get to keep them to myself, sadly. I haven’t used the Dr. Oetker baking chocolate (£1.69 a bar) yet as we have an influx of birthday cake in the house right now. This however has been ear-marked for some chocolate chunk cookies, so I’ll share the recipe when those are baked!

If this post has tempted you in to trying out Degustabox then you can save yourself £3.00 off of your first box when you register by using the code CAUAT. I can’t recommend the service enough, it’s so exciting to get new ingredients delivered each month and it’s led to new creations and new favourites.