Madhouse Family Reviews

Degustabox October 2026 review : Movie Night & Sweet Treats

2026-10-21T18:58:40.515+01:00

We're in the midst of the autumn half-term holiday and we've been enjoying going for walks, kicking through piles of leaves, looking for bright orange pumpkins sitting on doorsteps and picking up the odd conker still lying on the ground. Yep, autumn is definitely here and temperatures have been dropping recently. Perfect timing for this month's Degustabox theme of Movie Night & Sweet Treats. Time to grab the fluffy blankets, a bowl of popcorn and a DVD boxset and flake out on the settee in the warm. Here's what was in this month's Degustabox to accompany our screen time, alongside lots of sweets that I can't tell you about due to HFSS laws.

Soreen Malt Lunchbox Loaves (RRP £1.80) are a great lunchbox dessert or satisfying afternoon snack. I love the soft, squishy, chewy texture and the rich, natural, fruity flavour. It's a convenient alternative to home baking and somehow retains much of the home-baked nature. They are made using real fruit and are a source of iron, making them great fuel for focus and learning. It's great to find a snack that all members of the family, whatever their age, find delicious. With five in a pack, they are great as a daily after-school treat. Available in all major supermarket chains.

When I saw the brand name, I was expecting a pouch of microwaveable rice but these pouches of microwaveable Tilda Lentils (RRP 2 x £2), this month's Product of the Month, were a great surprise. Mixed Lentils are a combination of green and beluga lentils, offering a nutty taste that can be mixed into vegetarian lasagne, bolognese or curry. Tomato & Red Pepper Lentils go great with baked potatoes, cottage pie or stuffed peppers. They both work fabulously mixed with a tin of chopped tomatoes, whatever leftover cooked veggies you have in the fridge and some spices to taste. They are high in fibre and protein, count as one of your 5-a-day portions, contain no artificial ingredients and can be eaten cold or hot, in which case they only take 45 seconds to heat. Who says making a great-tasting veggie meal is complicated ?! Available at Sainsbury's, Ocado and on the Tilda website.

Jacob's Crinklys Big Cheese & Onion (RRP £2) have the regular delicious flavour and crunchy texture of crispsp but they are oven baked, not fried, making them a healthier option. The big bag is perfect for passing along to share while watching a film, but I'd quite happily work my way through a bag all by myself (probably over a few days rather than in one sitting though !) Available in Ocado, Co op and Impulse.

Inspired by Buxton Peak Recharge (RRP £1.75) is a refreshing, great-tasting, fruity drink with added vitamins and minerals. We got the Blackberry and Açai flavour which includes magnesium and vitamin B12 which help reduce tiredness and fatigue, alongside niacin and vitamin B6 which contribute to a normal energy-yielding metabolism. Juliette loved the still water formula as she dislikes fizzy drinks and the flavour was a big hit. It's low in sugar and calories (40 calories per bottle) and uses natural flavourings. Available in Ocado, Amazon, Co op, Asda Express, WHSmith, One Stop and more.

Boost Hydration Electrolytes Powder (RRP £1) combines the benefits of rehydration with a great, full-on flavour. You just need to mix it with 500ml of water so it is quick and simple to prepare. It is formulated with key electrolytes, vitamins and minerals to replace what's lost through sweat, helping you feel refreshed after sport or if you've had an upset stomach. The tropical mango flavour got a big thumbs up. Available on Amazon.

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout.

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Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.

Degustabox September 2026 review : Family Sharing & Cooking

2026-09-19T16:29:47.748+01:00

It only seems two minutes ago that we were sweating our way through a heatwave but now, we're two weeks into the new school year and autumn definitely seems to have begun. I heard talk of an upcoming heatwave on social media last week but so far, I've been dragging out the warmer coats and jumpers to beat the chill and drizzle. Soon enough, we'll be putting the clocks back and evenings will start to draw in. I've even seen a few mad people starting to mention Christmas online. So what would be the theme for the latest Degustabox ? Hmm, family sharing and cooking. Not what I was expecting but it sounds sure to be a hit. Here's what was hiding away in this month's box.

First out of the box was Rubicon Sparkling Cherry Blast (RRP £1.29), which offers the taste of summer in a bottle. Made with real fruit, you get the perfect sweet hit of ripe cherry and juicy peach. It's very refreshing and utterly delicious, especially served straight from the fridge or over ice. Available in Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons, WHSmith and Coop.

Another drinks option was Voss Lime and Mint Sparkling (RRP 2 x £1.59), which is another summery flavour, guaranteed to quench your thirst. Zesty lime and refreshing mint really jazz up the sparkling water, offering a flavour hit as rich and refreshing as fizzy drinks but without the artificial sweeteners and unhealthy additives that they often contain. Available in Holland and Barrett, Ocado and Amazon.

Fruit Bowl Peelers (RRP £2.95) are a healthy snack option, made with real fruit so they count towards your five-a-day portions. They are high in fibre, plant based and gluten-free but best of all, they have a lovely, sweet strawberry flavour. They are perfect for stashing in your handbag, coat pocket or in the glovebox of the car for outdoor adventures. They are also ideal for putting in the kids' lunchboxes. They come in at under 100 calories each so you can snack with a smile on your face and a clear conscience. Available in all major supermarkets.

This month's Product of the Month, Paxo Golden Breadcrumbs (RRP £1.70) is a handy, versatile ingredient that can be used to add texture and crunch to meat, fish or veggies. Just dip them in flour, then a beaten egg and finally the Golden Breadcrumbs before baking, grilling or frying. We have been trying them with chicken fillets, fish nuggets and mashed potatoes mixed with minced beef, but they can also be used to thicken soups and add extra texture and flavour to burger patties. Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Asda and Ocado.

Maggi Global Kitchen Mushroom Risotto with Chicken (RRP £3 - other subscribers got Teriyaki Noodles with Chicken) is perfect for a quick and simple lunch when one of the Madhouse kids needs to eat alone because I'm stuck at work. Brown rice in a creamy mushroom sauce, seasoned with herbs, accompanied with chunks of chicken makes a satisfying meal, maybe with some carrots or broccoli on the side. Ready in just 2 minutes and achievable by even the most useless of trainee chefs, these meals are a source of protein, as well as being low in saturated fat. There are six different dishes available in the range so that will keep you going all week long ! Available at Tesco and Morrisons.

Ko-Lee Thai Sensation Instant Noodles (RRP 70p each) come in three flavours, fragrant Thai Green Curry, rich Red Curry and warming Massaman. Just add hot water for a tasty meal in minutes. The bold, aromatic flavours offer a real taste of Thailand with very little effort. The noodles are made in Thailand, are palm oil free and crafted with rice bran oil for a noodle with real credentials. Pierre loved these and is happy to gobble a pack (or two if he's really hungry) for lunch on his own. Available on Amazon and in major supermarket chains.

Homepride Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake Sauce (RRP £2.65) is a new offering from the brand, perfect for rustling up a guaranteed family favourite with very little effort. Just pour into a dish with dry pasta and water, stir and pop in the oven - that's it ! The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs is very tasty served with chicken or an alternative protein source if you want a vegetarian option. Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Iceland and B&M.

Jacob's Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar Flavour Bites (RRP £2) are generously seasoned and deliciously crunchy crackers. They have a light and crispy texture and offer a great alternative to crisps. They're very satisfying and moreish. Utterly delicious. Available in all major supermarkets.

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Children's book review : Small Monster Big Monster - Allan Sanders

2026-09-12T17:28:30.748+01:00

Phaidon recently sent us through a review copy of their new board book, Small Monster Big Monster, A Seriously Silly Book of Opposites, by Brighton-based illustrator Allan Sanders. Even before I'd got beyond the front cover, I was captivated by the exciting, detailed drawings and the bright, flashy, almost fluorescent colours. There may only be a few words to read on each page but storytime will take a while as kids will be pointing out all sorts of things that they've spotted in the pictures.

On this page for example, the monster-version of the Statue of Liberty and the New York style ferry and skyscrapers could open up a discussion on American landscapes and things to visit and explore on holidays around the world, just to start you off. Giggling young readers may also wonder why the monster, presumably fresh out of the shower with a clean towel around his waist and a hairdryer shaping his funky hairstyle, still has flippers on from swimming in the Hudson River !

The book introduces a series of opposite words, such as loud-quiet, on-off, wet-dry, inside-outside and many more. The twenty chunky pages will withstand a lot of rough-and-tumble as little hands try to turn the pages and could even cope with being chewed on, as it is targetted at readers aged 0-3 years old !

It's an enjoyable, entertaining and educational book that will appeal to children and their parents, offering multiple opportunities to share stories and describe pictures. It's exactly the kind of book that I remember reading with the Madhouse kids when they were little and bouncing up and down in their cots while we were supposed to be getting ready to sleep with a supposedly calming but generally raucous read !

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 13 Aug. 2026
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 20 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1837292116
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1837292110
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 363 g
Reading age ‏ : ‎ Baby - 3 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 17.91 x 2.22 x 17.78 cm

Disclosure : We received a copy of the book in order to share our honest opinion.

Degustabox August 2026 review : Back to School & Relaxing Evenings

2026-08-14T12:57:00.320+01:00

The August Degustabox has just arrived and its theme made me slightly sad - Back to School and Relaxing Evenings. Nooo, I don't want to think about going back to work yet, especially as we're still in the middle of a heatwave ! My smile soon came back to my lips as I started unpacking the contents though, as they were things that would appeal to the whole family. Here's what was in this month's box.

Bisto Herby Parsley Sauce (RRP £2.95) is quick and simple to prepare - just add boiling water and stir. I've already used many different Bisto products - various flavours of gravy, cheese sauce, curry sauce, peppercorn sauce, ... - so I was looking forward to adding another flavour to mealtimes. It can be incorporated into fish pie or served over salmon fillets, vegetables or pork chops. It is free from artificial colours and preservatives and is suitable for vegetarians. Available in major supermarket chains.

Jam Shed Jammy Red Wine x Cola (RRP £2.50) was the item that gave us the biggest laugh. One year at Christmas, my mum, who isn't a big drinker, turned her nose up at the taste of the red wine in her glass and added a slosh of coke to disguise the taste. She then happily finished it off while the rest of us laughed at her drink-mixing skills. Well, this can is very reminiscent of that moment as it is a mixture of the same two drinks, inspired by the Spanish classic, Calimocho. It can be enjoyed chilled or over ice. This will be definitely be passed on to my mum with a cheeky grin. It turns out she was right all those years ago !! Available at B&M, Home Bargains, Savers and Tesco.

Carr's Garlic & Herb Table Water Crackers (RRP £1.70) are crisp, crunchy crackers just waiting to be topped with cheese and chutney, ham and pickle, soft cheese and chives or pâté. The garlic and herb flavour give them an extra savoury topnote to add extra depth to the flavour of your snack. In this heat, you could actually create an entire meal made of cold cracker combinations ! Available in Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

Rubicon Twist Mango Mist (RRP £1.15) is a big hit with Juliette as she doesn't like fizzy drinks. It is a mixture of still spring water, natural flavours and real fruit extract, which provide an authentic fruity flavour and a really refreshing experience. Each serving contains 0g of sugar and just 3 calories. It can be served chilled or over ice. Also available in Peach Punch, Berry Blast or Tropical Burst flavours. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, WHSmith and independent retailers.

Sharwood's Medium Noodles (RRP £1.95) are quick and simple to prepare, just throw them in your stir-fry for two minutes with meat and vegetables and stir in your favourite sauce. They are made with quality wheat flour and no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are soft, springy and slightly firm and I love the fact that they don't stick together when cooking. They are great for using up the leftover meat and vegetables after a Sunday roast or for adding lots of fresh vegetables to your meal. Available in Tesco.

Seabrook Garlic & Herb Crinkle Cut Crisps (RRP £1.50) have been crafted in Yorkshire since 1946. They have a fabulously crunchy texture and we loved the garlic & herb flavour, which is back by popular demand. They are delicious on their own as a snack or served alongside salads and barbecued meat for the ultimate taste of summer. There are six individual packs which are perfect for outdoor snacks or picnics. Available in Asda.

Starbucks Rich Black Coffee Craft (RRP £3.99) offers a totally simple way to create flavourful iced coffee at home - just add 30ml of concentrate to a glass of ice and 150ml of milk. Juliette and Pierre were both excited to try this and both loved it. It is made with 100% Arabica beans and offers the rcih flavour that is reminiscent of Starbucks coffee shops. Available in all major supermarkets.

This month's Product of the Month, Tilda Tomato & Basil Basmati Rice (RRP £1.25) is a new (to us) flavour in the quick and convenient microwaveable rice range. Just rip the top of the pack open and microwave it for two minutes and it's good to go, making it perfect when you need a meal in a hurry or are trying to beat the heat. Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil offer a Mediterranean flavour that is perfect to accompany meat, fish or vegetable dishes. Available in all major retailers and on tilda.com

UFIT Toasted Oats and Chocolate Protein Granola (RRP £3) is a tasty breakfast option that instantly appealed to Pierre. Each serving contains 15g of protein, which is upped to 20g if served with semi-skimmed milk. It is low in salt, a source of fibre and made with natural flavours. Pierre thought it tasted great too. Available in Tesco and Asda.

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Film release : Chickenhare and the Secret of the Groundhog

2026-07-25T12:52:31.773+01:00

With temperatures soaring and the kids already grumbling about being bored and not knowing what to do, how about a trip to a cool, dark cinema to escape the sun? This week sees the release of Chickenhare and the Secret of the Groundhog, a fun-filled family adventure exploring friendship, courage, family, and the journey of discovering who you truly are.

From the acclaimed studio behind The Queen's Corgi, Bigfoot Family, Sammy's Adventure and Fly Me to the Moon comes an action-packed adventure bursting with fun. Joined by Abe the Tortoise, Meg the Skunk, and Pig Squeak, Chickenhare races against time to rescue his family, while outsmarting the power-hungry Crolloq and her troublesome chameleon minions, whose antics lead to chaos at every turn. Chickenhare and his friends go on an epic adventure to find the mysterious groundhog with the power to reverse time to save the entire harechicken clan. It's a fun, enjoyable film that will appeal to the whole family.

Chickenhare And The Secret Of The Groundhog will be in UK & Irish Cinemas from 24th July. The film runs for 88 minutes and has a PG certificate.

Disclosure : I received some film merch in exchange for sharing information about the film release.

Degustabox July 2026 review : Summer Gatherings

2026-07-25T12:19:53.834+01:00

As Glenn Frey once sang, the heat is on ! It's been incredibly sunny and searingly hot since the start of the month so this month's Degustabox theme of Summer Gatherings seemed perfectly adapted to the weather. The contents included refreshing drinks and snacks to nibble on out on the patio, which were just what the doctor ordered. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be featured by bloggers so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are six products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value.

Kelloggs Crunchy Nut Crunchies Caramelised Biscuit Flavour (RRP £3.50) are this month's product of the month. Crafted from maize, wholegrain oat and wholewheat flour then coated in rich caramelised biscuit flavour, they offer a tasty and totally moreish breakfast option or they can just be nibbled on straight from the box as a snack. I think they would be great crushed and incorporated into a cheesecake base too. We are all big fans of the flavour. Available in all major supermarkets.

Jimmy's Original Iced Coffee (RRP £2) is a no frills, straight-up iced coffee that will appeal to serious coffee drinkers who don't want all the extra flavours and ingredients offered by most modern coffee shops. Made with single-origin Rainforest Alliance coffee and semi-skimmed milk, it is refreshing when chilled in the fridge. The taste is smooth and balanced and it will perk you up when you need a little mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Available in all major supermarkets and online.

Buldak Hot Sauce Original and Hot Sauce Carbonara Flavour (RRP 2 x £3.50 - subscribers received one or the other) are Korean sauces that will appeal to lovers of hot and spicy food. Just drizzle a few drops over whatever you are eating to add a distinct kick that will set your taste buds on fire ! Buldak say : "Just add Buldak sauce to bread, burgers, burritos, chicken, dips, dumpling, egg rolls, fries, hotdog, hot pot, meats, nachos, noodles, nuggets, pasta, pho, pizza, rice, satay, shrimp, sliders, soup, spring rolls, steaks, stews, stir-fry, tacos." It was too intense for me but I was brave enough to add literally one or two drops to family-sized meals such as casseroles, soups and stir fries. Take it easy though or you will blow your head off ! Available in major supermarkets.

Kettle Mature Cheddar and Red Onion Tortillas (RRP £2.65) are gourmet chips made with nothing artificial. Made of white corn, red quinoa, onion, and herbs, finished with a rich mature cheddar and red onion seasoning, they are totally delicious and moreish. The flavour is intense and satisfying and the crunchy texture is perfect. The ideal accompaniment to picnics in the park (or just for munching on in front of the telly if you prefer !) Available at Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Morrisons.

For Goodness Shakes White Chocolate Protein Shake (RRP £2.50) is a simple and tasty way of getting 35g of protein into your body. Made with only four ingredients (skimmed milk concentrate, natural flavour, sweetener (sucralose) and lactase), there's no added sugar, it's fat free, high in calcium, lactose free, gluten free and only 211 calories. Whether you're serious about your sport and diet or just want something tasty to drink, it's sure to appeal. Available in all major supermarkets, Ocado, Amazon and online.

Gaea Kalamata Olives Spread (RRP £2.50 - other Degustaboxers received Sweet Red Pepper Spread) is a delicious take on classic Greek meze recipes, such as olive tapenade. Crafted from premium ingredients, it offers the rich, vibrant taste that is reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine. It can be enjoyed on bread, stirred through pasta or alongside breadsticks as the perfect summery snack. Available in local convenience stores.

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Peperami x Doritos BBQ Sweet Tang review

2026-07-12T16:37:13.681+01:00

Right now, finding fun snacks for the kids is big on my mind. Not only are we heading into the long summer holidays where they will be constantly grazing on whatever is in the fridge or the snackbox but we are also in the middle of a heatwave in which anything chocolatey will instantly melt. Luckily, Peperami have just launched a brand new, limited edition flavour which is bound to be a big hit - Peperami and Doritos BBQ Sweet Tang flavour.

I knew we were on to a good thing as soon as I saw the Doritos name. They are another product range that the kids always love so combining that with the chewy pork stick format that the kids like, whether nibbling at home or sticking them in their pockets or packed lunches for eating when on the go, was bound to get a thumbs up.

We received some samples to try and the kids loved the chewy texture of the meat and also the BBQ flavour, which offers a great taste without too much spiciness. They have been enjoyed straight from the pack, wrapped in bread (I'm not sure a Peperami sandwich is a thing but why not ?!) or even chopped into pieces to liven up a lunchtime salad. Pierre even thought they could work well as a special pizza or nachos topping, which sounds like it could be tasty.

The individual wrappers make them great for eating at picnics or as snacks on the go. Each stick contains 100 calories and we like the fact that they are a good source of protein. Available for a limited time only, the new range will be available from all supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide, in three convenient formats: Peperami BBQ Sweet Tang 5 pack (5 x 20g RRP £3), Peperami BBQ Sweet Tang Minis Pack (10 x 10g RRP £3) and Peperami BBQ Sweet Tang Singles Pack (28g RRP £1.25).

Disclosure : We received some samples in order to share our honest review.

Craft Buddy x Harry Potter review : Wizarding World At Your Fingertips

2026-07-07T14:23:10.011+01:00

Instead of planning a big holiday abroad this year, we've decided to go for two smaller trips over the summer, taking in a weekend at Disneyland Paris and another in London, to go to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio. Juliette in particular is a big Harry Potter fan and has seen all the films and even read the books so she's very excited. When the opportunity came up to review Craft Buddy's latest Harry Potter Crystal Art collection, I knew she'd be excited about that too. I wasn't wrong !

The first product that we discovered was from the Harry Potter Crystal Art Bag Charms range. Craft Buddy have recently added two new designs to their collection of sparkling bag charms, featuring Harry Potter's beloved snowy owl, Hedwig, delivering mail or the popular young wizard himself, zooming around on his flying broomstick.

We got the Harry Potter design which Juliette was very impressed with. The bag charms are perfect for attaching to backpacks, handbags or bunches of keys, making them harder to lose and rendering them instantly recognisable.

Inside the pack, you get a Crystal Art Bag Charm with an adhesive template, a pick up pen, a tray, Jelly Wax, a clip-on hanger, bags of crystals and ziplock bags for the storage of spare crystals. I thought this would be fiddly and complicated to use but Juliette jumped straight in and found it very simple. You just need to stick the tiny resin rhinestones in place following the painting-by-numbers technique. The instructions say that it is suitable for fans aged 6 and over, with adult supervision, so this would be perfect for keeping crafty little fingers busy over the summer holidays. The £4.99 price tag is pocket money friendly too.

The second product that we got to try out was the Crystal Art Pin Badge kit. These come as blind bags so you have no idea which kit you will receive, adding some extra excitement. There are 16 characters available, so you could end up with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Hedwig, Hogwarts Crest, Lightning Bolt, Golden Snitch, Ravenclaw Badge, Slytherin Badge, Gryffindor Badge, Hufflepuff Badge, Harry Potter Name Badge, Hermione Grainger Name Badge or Ron Weasley Name Badge. Juliette thought they all looked good and she would have been happy with any of them.

Inside the pack, you get a metal pin badge with an adhesive template, a detachable metal badge stand, 2 removable pin backs, a sealed paper wallet with a tool kit, a pick up tool, Jelly Wax, bags of coded crystals and ziplock bags for spare crystals. The enclosed tool is simple to use and allows you to precisely stick each little resin rhinestone in place following the lettered guide.

The completed 6cm-tall pin badge can be attached to jackets, bags, pencil cases, hats and accessories or displayed on the little strut stand on your bedroom desk or shelf. Priced at £7.99, they are perfect as gifts, party treats or stocking fillers, but they can also be swapped and shared to help you complete the full mystical set.

Both of these products provide a fun, creative and easily achievable project that children (and even grown-up fans) would be proud to show off or put on display. As everything needed is included in the kit and nothing messy like glitter or glue is needed, they would be ideal for tucking into mum's handbag or a child's backpack for using at a pyjama party, a visit to granny's house or a play date or even for keeping the kids busy during a weekend away or a summer holiday.

The new Harry Potter releases will be available at craftbuddyshop.com and join the successful and hugely popular Craft Buddy range, which has over 40 different products to date.

Disclosure : We received the products in order to share our honest review.

Degustabox June 2026 review : Picnic & On The Go

2026-06-30T16:52:45.725+01:00

The current heatwave has left us scratching our heads for things to eat that wouldn't make us feel even hotter. Fruit and ice poles seem to have featured heavily on the menus lately but I still needed to find something nutritious but heat-busting to keep our tummies filled. I was hoping the current Degustabox would help me out with quick and simple meal ideas and it ticked all the right boxes. I'll show you what was in the box in a second. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are two products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value.

Fragata Marinated Stoneless Olives with Olive Oil & Lemon (RRP £1.70 - other Degustaboxers got the Olive Oil & Hot Chili variety) are perfect for nibbling on with a drink or for adding to salads, taboulé, olive and chorizo cake or omelettes. The lemon adds zinginess and freshness that can help lift the flavour of salads and other dishes, adding a citrus zing reminiscent of summertime and Mediterranean cookery. Very tasty. Available in local convenience stores.

Tilda Jamaican Spiced Pumpkin Rice (RRP £1.25) is this month's product of the month. This new limited edition recipe was developed in collaboration with Original Flava and the rice is mixed with pumpkin, thyme, scotch bonnet and fragrant spices. It can be eaten on its own as a light meal, incorporated into a Jamaican rice bowl or used to accompany Brown Chicken Stew or Jerk Chicken. I found this a bit too spicy but Sophie loved it, despite the heat. Available in major supermarkets and at Tilda.com.

Jacob's Cream Crackers (RRP £1.70) are a product that have been around for donkey's years - I remember nibbling on them when I was a kid - but I haven't eaten them for years. The smooth, crispy, flaky texture can be paired with all sorts of toppings - a simple slice of cheddar, maybe with a dollop of pickle or a sliced cherry tomato, is a classic choice but we've also tried them with tuna and mayonnaise, ham and cheese, pesto chicken, BBQ chicken, smoked salmon and pâté. The kids even wanted to try them with Nutella and banana but I wasn't so sure about sweet toppings. They may be on to something though ! We've enjoyed using these as a light lunch in place of our usual sandwiches during the hot weather. Available in all major supermarkets.

Ambrosia Devon Custard and Ambrosia Chocolate Flavour Devon Custard (RRP £1 per pot) is a thick, rich, creamy custard perfect for spooning over apple pie, apple and blackberry crumble, bananas in custard or many other desserts. I usually make custard from powder but these ready-to-eat versions are so quick and simple to use plus they avoid the risk of burning the custard. (One of my saucepans burns custard every time I make it so I greatly appreciate the ready to use version.) The custard is made in a Devon creamery with West Country milk using no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. This was our first time trying the Chocolate Devon Custard and we were all fans. We liked it cold but it can be warmed up and poured over sponge cake or chocolate brownies too. As the advert says, Devon knows how they make it so creamy ! Available in all major supermarkets.

Mission Sourdough Wraps and Mission High Fibre Wraps (RRP £1.80) are two new varieties in the range. Each pack contains four wraps, which is the perfect quantity for us and saves waste. They can be eaten with hot or cold fillings, turned into fajitas, burritos or enchiladas if you're planning on a Mexican feast. Each of the High Fibre Wraps contains 10g of fibre and they both taste great and offer a soft, sturdy texture. Available in Sainsbury's, Asda and Ocado, plus Tesco for the Sourdough wraps.

Nescafé Espresso Concentrated Iced Mocha and Iced Decaf (RRP 2 x £5 - subscribers received one or the other) is a liquid, high-strength coffee designed for making 16 servings of instant, barista- style iced coffees (lattes, americanos) at home without machines. It's available in a range of varieties: Classic, Caramel, and Vanilla, alongside these new flavours, Mocha and Decaf. Simply mix 30ml of the concentrate with milk or water to create your perfect iced coffee in seconds. I'm not a coffee drinker but I passed these on to Juliette who was very chuffed. Available in the supermarket coffee aisles.

Kallo Beetroot & Balsamic Veggie Cakes (RRP £1.40) are light, crunchy veggie cakes, made from lentil and pea puffed crackers, which are high in protein and fibre. They are gluten-free, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are low in calories, making them a guilt-free snack. I have to be honest, I wasn't convinced, but Sophie was happy to try them, topping them with a dollop of houmous or cream cheese. She gave me a taste and they were better than I expected. Sophie loved them and polished them off. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Harry Bromptons Peach Iced Tea (RRP £1.80) is a lovely, refreshing, summery drink that the girls adored. Brewed with the finest organic Kenyan tea ethically sourced from the Great Rift Valley and infused with the juice of ripe peaches, it is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. It contains only 70 calories and is vegan, gluten free and a Great Taste Award winner. The girls much preferred it to their usual big brand iced tea drinks because they thought it tasted more natural. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Rio Mare Insalatissime Mexican Style Tuna Salad (RRP £2.99) is lovely as a simple meal when the temperatures soar. Tuna is combined with red beans, sweetcorn, peppers and spices and can be enjoyed on its own, with bread or mixed in to rice. The can doesn't contain the water or oil that is often found in tinned tuna so it is ready to eat in a second. Perfect when you want something to eat with minimum effort. It is also free from added preservatives. Available in Waitrose, Morrison's, Asda, Ocado and Amazon.

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Degustabox May 2026 review : BBQ & Garden Party

2026-06-05T13:12:00.000+01:00

The temperatures have soared over the last couple of weeks so we've been feeling much less tempted to cook and eat big meals. Sandwiches and salads have featured heavily on the menus lately, so when the latest Degustabox arrived, I was intrigued to see if anything would tickle our fancy. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are four products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was tucked away inside this month's box.

Get More Vits Mango & Passionfruit Vitamin D drink (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, refreshing drink that offers more than just a fresh, fruity flavour. Natural flavours of juicy mango are combined with tropical passionfruit that give you a natural boost when you're flagging in the heat. Unless it's not the flavour that zips you up - it could be the 200% of your daily vitamin D and 15% of your calcium needs that helps give you a boost. Whatever it is, it tastes great so it's perfect for quenching your thirst with some extra health benefits. It's available in 500ml or 1 litre bottles, in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op, Ocado, WH Smiths and Booths.

Maggi Global Kitchen Spaghetti Bolognese with Beef (RRP £3) is one of a new range of ready meals that can be prepared in just 2 minutes, making them perfect for Pierre when he's home alone and needs something simple to prepare for lunch. Each recipe is high in protein and fibre and low in saturated fat. I wasn't overly impressed with spaghetti bolognese as a global kitchen option, as it is something regularly cooked in the UK even without trying to be exotic, but there are other dishes available in the product range, including tikka masala, chickpea korma, mushroom risotto, teriyaki noodles and sweet and sour chicken, so there is something to appeal to everyone. Available in Morrisons.

Mornflake Mighty Oats Organic Porridge Oats (RRP £3) are made from 100% wholegrain British oats grown on organic farms with nature in mind. They are naturally high in fibre, a source of protein, vegan-friendly and heart-smart, helping to lower cholesterol as part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. I love porridge as a filling, wholesome breakfast or warming snack in the winter but it's not something that comes up high on my list of favourite summer food. A quick look on the Mornflake website gave me lots of hot weather options though, including Raspberry and White Chocolate Oat Cookies, Hong Kong Style French Toast, Tiramisu Cake and Pear and Ginger Oat Crumble. I'm sure they'd go down well whatever the temperature ! Available at Co-op, Asda, Ocado, Nisa, Booths, Grape Tree, Amazon and the Mornflake website.

Bisto Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce (RRP £2.95) is just as simple to prepare as gravy. Just put four tablespoons of granules in a bowl or gravy boat, add boiling water and stir - that's it ! You get a rich, tasty sauce perfect for adding to potato wedges, roast chops, beefburgers, sausages or any BBQ leftovers and rice for a quick and simple meal that even the kids could prepare. You get 19 servings in a pack, depending on how thick you make it, so it's perfect for experimenting with over the summer. Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland and Ocado.

Fragata Manzanilla Olives Filled with Manchego Cheese (RRP £2) are perfect for nibbling on as a snack in front of the telly or with pre-dinner drinks. They have a firm texture and offer a very Spanish-inspired taste.We love sharing a bowl of olives, particularly as Sophie finds that they can be useful for helping to lower her blood sugar levels when her diabetes is playing up. (This is just something she has found works for her though and may have no medical basis whatsoever !) We also like serving some of the olives with cherry tomatoes, red pepper strips and quiche for a heat-busting lunch in the summer. Available in Morrisons.

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Book review : A Change In Plans - Mike Martin

2026-06-03T15:38:32.717+01:00

Settling down with a new Sgt Windflower mystery always feels like sharing a hug with a well-loved family member that you haven't seen for a while or sitting down for a natter with a long-lost friend. Despite constantly finding himself in dangerous situations and scary crime scenes, Winston Windflower's home life is a reassuring bubble of good food, family discussions, looking after the pets and cheeky childish mischief. It was a bit of a shock to see that his two daughters, Stella and Amelia Louise, are approaching the pre-teen years, with Stella starting to put in her moody demands for her first telephone ! Time has flown but this is book 17 in the series so it's hardly surprising that they are growing up.

In this book, Winston is dragged into a case involving a hit-and-run accident that, as often happens in Grand Bank and Marystown, turns out to be something deeper and darker. As a murder investigation is launched, Winston and his team of Mounties join forces with the police in Southern Ontario to take down an international drug-smuggling ring. Things don't really go to plan and an undercover Mountie, Fil Romano, is kidnapped. As always, Winston depends on his family, his friends and his departed loved ones through his dreams, to help give him the strength to fight on and help keep his beloved Newfoundland a safe place to live.

I always love the way that Windflower fully represents both sides of his life, taking out the bad guys and protecting the innocent civilians and colleagues of Newfoundland with a bullet-proof vest and a gun in his hand, but also taking his beloved dog on coastal walks, picking wild blueberries and discovering new music passed on by his friend Herb Stoodley.

As always, Sgt Windflower does it again. There is no need to lose any sleep as Grand Bank is in safe hands !

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £17.95

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 18 April 2026
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896391
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896392

Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.

Degustabox April 2026 review : Snacking & New Recipes

2026-04-25T15:17:00.000+01:00

Another Degustabox has arrived at the Madhouse and this month's theme is Snacking & New Recipes. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are five products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was tucked away inside this month's box.

I was surprised by the packaging of the Eisberg Be Free 0.0% Sparkling White (RRP £2) as it comes in a can rather than a bottle, making it easier and safer for packing and transporting for picnics or outdoor eating. The can was created with artist Samuel Thomas to create a design that evokes sun, sea, sky and freedom - perfect for alfresco dining and summer parties. The fresh and fruity wine has flavours of peach and citrus and it's 0.0% alcohol-free so anyone, even drivers and teetotallers, can enjoy a can. Available on Amazon.

Seabrooks Tomato Ketchup Flavour Crinkle Cut Crisps (RRP £1.50) have been crafted in Yorkshire since 1945. Back as a limited edition, the sweet, sharp and savoury Tomato Ketchup flavour is very moreish and the crinkle cut texture gives the crisps extra crunch in every bite. I was surprised to see that these products managed to avoid the HFSS regulations (see the introduction for more details) but I investigated and discovered that they are made using sunflower oil, as well as being reformulated to avoid MSG, all e-numbers and unnecessary artificial ingredients. Available in all major supermarkets.

Angel Delight Bubble Jelly (RRP £2.85) is a new product that combines the joyful jigglyness of jelly, with a Bubble Tea inspired twist - delicious popping boba pearls – so there's a burst of flavour in every bite. We received Lemonade Jelly with Strawberry Boba but there are two other flavour combinations available : Strawberry Jelly with Strawberry Boba and Mango Jelly with Passionfruit Boba. I was expecting this to be horribly sweet but it has a tart, tangy taste that I really enjoyed. The boba pearls are fun and add an intense burst of flavour. It's a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults and, as it comes in at under 100 calories, it is perfect for lunchboxes or snacking, either straight from the cupboard or chilled in the fridge. Available at Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Ocado.

Whitworths Nutty Kitchen Italian Supermince (RRP £3.20 - also available in Mexican or Original flavours) is a 100% natural product that won Meat-Free Product of the Year 2026. Made from nothing but chopped walnuts, lentils and quinoa, it can be used in place of mince for anything from lasagne and bolognese to chilli and cottage pie. I was dubious but it actually tasted better than I expected. Sophie is keen to cut out meat and include more vegetarian options in her meals so she was a big fan. Available on Ocado and the Whitworths website.

Namdong Kimchi Jjigae K-Noodles Pot (RRP £1.60) are designed to provide Korean flavours but include a separate chilli sachet so you can choose the spiciness level that suits your palate. Jiggae means stew in Korean and, alongside the noodles, the pot includes Savoy cabbage, spring onions and spices. The Kimchi flavour noodles are vegan-friendly but the pots are also available in Chicken or Beef varieties. Available in all major supermarkets.

Alpen Original Muesli (RRP £2.99) is a product that I haven't eaten for about twenty years and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it tastes just as I remember it. It is a mixture of toasted wheat flakes, creamy oats, juicy raisins and crunchy nuts. It's high in fibre, wholegrain and 100% natural ingredients. It's delicious with milk for breakfast, sprinkled over yogurt for a quick and healthy snack or dessert or it can be incorporated into flapjacks and cookies. It's a tasty way to start the day. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, Amazon, Ocado and Co-op.

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Children's book review : Formula Fast : Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing - Matt Ralphs

2026-04-06T15:19:00.002+01:00

Formula Fast from Phaidon, by Matt Ralphs with illustrations by Dragan Kordic, is an illustrated guide to Formula One racing, exploring the world's fastest sport through superhuman drivers, legendary tracks and cutting-edge cars. I used to vaguely follow Formula One about forty years ago and my daughter Juliette is a big fan now, so I was pleased to see that the book includes names that we are both familiar with : Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Desiré Wilson but also Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

The book is an exciting, eye-catching look at the sport that will appeal to readers aged 8 and upwards. Each page is bright and colourful with simple to follow, short texts that even beginner readers will be able to deal with.

The book cleverly combines fascinating facts, detailed illustrations and technical insights to give an overview of the engineering, strategy and human skill behind Formula One. From record-breaking pit stops and high-tech steering wheels to the training that helps drivers withstand extreme G-forces, readers will discover how teams prepare for race day, how car design has evolved and how safety, diversity and sustainability are shaping modern F1.

The book includes a timeline of key developments that charts the sport's global rise and a glossary of terms that clearly explains the sport's essential technical vocabulary. Whether you are a big fan of the sport or just have your interest piqued by the title, everything is clear to understand and makes the sport more impressive. It is also educational, linking Formula One to STEM learning through real-world examples of physics, engineering and design.

Here are just a few of the fascinating facts to whet your whistle :

- The world record for the fastest pit stop is 1.8 seconds.

- Drivers can lose up to 3kg in sweat during a single race.

- Formula One cars act like upside-down airplane wings to "stick" to the track.

- Races take place on every continent except Antarctica.

- The first F1 drivers raced without helmets or seatbelts.

There are plenty more facts and figures inside the book that your kids will love to share with you !

RRP : £16.95

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Jan. 2026
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1837290164
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1837290161
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 740 g
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25 x 1.2 x 30.5 cm

Formula Fast is available on amazon or in all good bookstores.

Disclosure : We received a review copy of the book in order to share our honest opinion.

Degustabox March 2026 review : Hello Spring & Ready for Easter

2026-03-29T13:13:00.008+01:00

The latest Degustabox recently arrived, with the theme Hello Spring & Ready for Easter. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are four products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was hiding inside this month's box.

Urban Noodle Soba Noodle (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Ramen Noodles or Udon Noodles) are Japanese style noodles, designed for rich broths and hearty bowls. They are made with quality ingredients and are free from artificial flavours, offering a satisfying texture and authentic nutty taste. They are ready to eat in 3-5 minutes and are simple to prepare. Soba noodles can be incorporated into hot soups or refreshing cold dishes, paired with a rich broth or light soy-based dipping sauce. I have a couple of Japanese-inspired recipes using soba noodles on my blog that you might like to try out : Pork Yakisoba and Teriyaki Duck with Soba Noodles. Available on Amazon.

Kanzen Meal Japanese Curry Rice (RRP £3.50) is designed as a healthy, nutritionally-balanced meal option with a healthy colour scheme on the traffic light labelling. Each meal contains more than 20 g of protein, 26 types of vitamins and minerals and controls the amount of fat, sugar, saturated fatty acids and salt that are of concern. It is quick and simple to prepare by just adding hot water. The meal is a rich, full-bodied and spicy curry, packed with the concentrated flavours of beef, the savoury sweetness of onions and tomatoes and a blend of spices such as red chilli, cumin and coriander. Available online.

Sweet Freedom Fizz Pineapple & Coconut (RRP £1.50 - other subscribers received Lime & Mint, Raspberry & Cranberry or Mango & Mandarin) is a low calorie drink containing no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavours and no refined sugar. They are sparkling waters with a hint of natural flavour rather than a full-on, sweetened drinks flavour but they are quite refreshing. Their other plus point is that they contain carefully selected ingredients to support your wellbeing. Lime & Mint contains kola nuts and guarana, both natural sources of caffeine to help you feel energetic and alert. Pineapple & Coconut contains dandelion leaf and baobab which support good digestion, gut health and general wellbeing. Raspberry & Cranberry contains acerola fruit which is rich in Vitamin C, supporting immunity, skin health and digestion. Mango & Mandarin contains schisandra berry (also known as the ‘wonder berry’) which supports nervous system functioning, helping to deal with stress. The drinks are sweetened with a brand-new-to-the-UK-market natural sweetener, cocoa juice, which is sweet with tropical notes. Available on www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and amazon.

Nescafé Espresso Concentrated (RRP £4.99) is the ultimate iced coffee hack, guaranteeing a great tasting drink using the milk of your choice in seconds. It is comparable to the iced coffee you can buy in coffee shops, made with no fuss in your own home. I'm not a coffee drinker but the girls are excited to try this out. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Paxo Quick Cook Sage & Red Onion Stuffing Mix (RRP £2.65) is a great new way of making the nation's favourite roast dinner accompaniment. Just 13 minutes in the air fryer or 18 minutes in the oven are all that are required for great tasting stuffing that is crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The flavours are rich and satisfying, perfect for adding some extra oomph to your Sunday roast dinner. Available at Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.

Bisto Signature Chicken Ready To Use Gravy (RRP £3.50) is another updated way of providing the perfect roast dinner accompaniment. Slowly simmered with succulent meat juices and natural ingredients, the result is a rich gravy with maximum flavour. Just pour it into a jug and warm in the microwave or heat on the hob. It's more expensive but delivers a smoother texture and richer flavour that the regular gravy made from granules. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

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What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan 28/2/26

2026-02-27T15:44:00.000+00:00

I haven't posted a menu plan for almost a year. We went on to buying Too Good To Go bags which make it hard to plan meals in advance but this week, we stocked up the fridge when we got back from visiting the family so I decided to try to use up some of the spices and seasoning sachets that are taking up space in the cupboard. Many of them came in Degustaboxes so they aren't necessarily things we would have bought but let's see what I can manage to use up. Here's the plan for the coming week.

Saturday

lunch- cheesy courgette gratin with chicken gyros

dinner- meatballs with Ikea meatball sauce and mash

Sunday

lunch- pork filet mignon with roast potatoes, stuffing balls, green beans and gravy

dinner - Nadiya's Punchy Chicken and Rice One Pan (with red peppers, onions, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes)

Monday

lunch- school canteen for me (Sophie and Pierre will be going to get his braces changed)

dinner - noodles with chicken, veggies and sweet chilli sauce (supposed to be for sweet chilli halloumi but we don't fancy saucy halloumi)

Tuesday

lunch- risotto with bacon, onions, mushrooms

dinner- couscous (sausages, chickpeas, onions, red peppers, carrots and couscous)

Wednesday

lunch- smoked sausages and onions with pasta

dinner- cheeseburgers with garlic and herb wedges and coleslaw

Thursday

lunch- school canteen for me (leftovers for Sophie and Pierre)

dinner- slow cooked pork for pulled pork with rice (needs to be set off before I go to work in the morning)

Friday

lunch- pasta carbonara

dinner - chicken burgers with rösti (potato fritters)

Saturday

lunch- takeaway or leftovers

dinner- croziflette (tartiflette made with crozets pasta)

Sunday

lunch- roast chicken dinner

dinner - breaded fish with homemade chips and green beans

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

Degustabox February 2026 review

2026-02-25T13:34:00.002+00:00

The latest Degustabox recently arrived and we excitedly pulled out the contents to see what was hiding inside. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are seven products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value.

The first product comes from a big brand that we are big fans of : Bisto Smooth Peppercorn Sauce (RRP £2.95). I love the taste and convenience of their gravy granules so I was keen to see what we'd think. Well, it was a big hit. We love the taste and the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce which can be made in minutes to accompany steak and burgers or sausages, chicken and pork chops. You just need to add boiling water and stir so it requires minimal effort and really perks up your plateful. It is free from artificial colours and preservatives and each tub contains 19 individual servings. Available in all major supermarkets.

Snyders of Hanover Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Pieces (RRP £2) are a deliciously crunchy snack bursting with a sweet and savoury flavour that we all loved. Created by America's number one pretzel brand, they are also available in Hot Buffalo Wings, Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño flavours. They would be a great addition to packed lunches or can be enjoyed in front of a movie on the sofa. Available on amazon, in Ocado and in quality convenience stores.

Filippo Berio Squeezable Olive Oil (RRP £7.99 each) offers a convenient new format for the popular olive oil range. The easy pour cap and squeezable plastic bottle make pouring, squeezing and drizzling simple and mess-free. We already knew and loved the fresh taste of the Classico oil, perfect for cooking on a daily basis (I use it in a frying pan with sausages, steaks, pork chops, chicken or whatever else needs cooking but also drizzled over potatoes in the oven for perfect roasties) but we also discovered their Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Finishing and Hot & Fiery Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil which is great for perking up meat, vegetables and chilli con carne. Available on amazon or the Filippo Berio website.

Truly Nuts Buck Naked Whole and Raw Brazil Nuts (RRP £3.99) are sustainably sourced Amazon-harvested nuts, offering wholesome nutrition (including high selenium and healthy fats) and a positive environmental mission. We loved the crunchy, almost creamy texture and fresh taste. Other subscribers received Deep Thoughts Dark Chocolate and Sweet Talk Milk Chocolate varieties, which also sound very tasty. Available in WH Smiths.

Wagamama Firecracker Curry Sauce (RRP £2.75) is a simple and cheaper way of recreating some of your favourite in-restaurant meals. The Firecracker sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce with sriracha and chilli, perfect for recreating prawn, chicken or tofu firecracker curry. The jar contains 2-3 servings and has a hot three-chilli rating. Other subscribers received Coconut and Lemongrass Curry Sauce. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Tuk-In Lime Pickle Bombay Trail Mix (RRP £1.50) ofers the zesty, acidic flavour that you would expect of lime pickle. The ingredients include a range of superfoods. Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and the packs are high in fibre, a source of magnesium and vitamin E, with 7g of protein in every bag. I'm not keen on the taste of lime pickle but the kids enjoyed the zesty flavour and crunchy texture.

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Degustabox January 2026 review : Breakfast and Brunch

2026-01-28T19:14:00.003+00:00

The latest Degustabox arrived a couple of weeks ago, the first one of 2026. With the recent cold spell (we've managed to avoid all the snow which I'm happy about), I was hoping for lots of winter warmers and snacks to nibble on tucked up under a quilt on the settee in front of the telly. I was also wondering if it would be packed full of healthy options with New Year's Resolutions in mind. In the end, it was a happy balance of the two. Here's what was tucked away in the January box, which had the theme Breakfast and Brunch.

The first product that I pulled out of the box would be ideal for anyone on a bit of a new year's health kick and trying to up their protein intake : Up & Go Protein Chocolate (other Degustaboxers got Vanilla flavour - RRP £2.50). Packed with 35g of protein, essential vitamins and minerals, this is designed as a convenient breakfast drink to fuel your busy mornings. Pierre loved the taste and the smooth texture, as well as the fact that it is ready to drink and requires no faffing about mixing or blending ingredients. If you're looking for a mess and fuss-free way to increase your protein intake, this is a simple solution. Available at Tesco and Co-op.

Sharwood's Chef's Special Tikka Masala Curry Kit (RRP £2.80) is a great compromise between store bought and home made curry. The two step kit consists of a garlic and ginger paste to cook with your chicken or vegetables and a creamy tomato tikka sauce to simmer the ingredients for a richly-flavoured dish. Quality Indian ingredients are used and the sauce is cooked in small batches in stages to deliver layers of flavour, as if you were cooking from scratch. We all enjoyed the rich, fragrant flavours and the mild spice rating appealed to the whole family. Available at Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.

Pip Organic Pineapple & Mango Organic Fruit Smoothies (RRP 2 x £1.50) are utterly delicious and easily transportable, perfect for popping into a pocket or a handbag for an after-school trip to the park. The brightly coloured packaging with fun fruit characters will appeal to kids, while parents will love the fact that they are made with 100% organic fruit. Each carton contains 1.5 apples, 1/4 of an banana, 1/4 of an pineapple, a chunk of mango and a dash of squeezed orange. Even better, they avoid all fossil fuel derived fertilisers and synthetic pesticides. They're not just for kids though. We all loved them. Available at Ocado, Abel & Cole and on the Pip Organic website.

Mission Carb Balance Original Wraps (RRP £1.80) are Sophie's favourite wraps as they are better for her diabetes. They contain just 9g of carbs per wrap (66% less than Mission Original Wraps) but are still high in fibre and have a lovely soft texture. We all think they taste just the same as the regular wraps so it's a no-brainer - lower carbs for everyone ! Available in all major supermarkets.

Nakd Blueberry Muffin Raw Fruit & Nut Bar (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Cocoa Orange flavour) is the perfect vegan & gluten free option for convenient on the go healthy snacking. All ultra-processing, added sugar and artificial additives are banished so nothing but natural ingredients and their recognisable, appealing flavours are used. It even counts as one of your 5-a-day. They taste lovely and you have a real feeling that you are being kind to your body and giving it what it needs, unlike many snacks and sweet bars. Available in major supermarket chains.

Linwoods Chocolate Flavour Protein Overnight Oats (RRP £4 - other Degustaboxers received Strawberry, Vanilla or Original flavour) are a blend of oats, plant protein and chia seeds that are a source of protein, fibre and omega-3, helping provide sustained energy throughout the day. Just add milk and pop them in the fridge overnight and they'll be ready to eat in the morning. We liked the chocolate flavour but weren't overly keen on the chia seeds. Available at major supermarkets, health food stores and on the Linwoods website.

Cirio Passata Rustico (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, versatile sauce that can be used as a pasta sauce, a pizza base or with chicken or vegetable sautés. It is made with 100% Italian tomatoes and offers a rustic, chunky texture and rich, sun-ripened flavour. Just mix in with leftovers from a Sunday roast dinner and you'll have Monday's dinner on the table literally in minutes ! Available at Ocado, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.

This month's Product of the Month is Bisto Creamy Cheese Sauce (RRP £2.95), a real timesaver in the kitchen. Just add four level tablespoons of cheese sauce mix to 250ml of boiling water and stir until smooth and creamy. I used this for making cauliflower cheese and we all loved it. The flavour is just as good as homemade and it is so much easier than making it from scratch. It could also be used in pasta bakes, lasagne or macaroni cheese. It contains no artificial colours or preservatives and each tub contains 19 servings. Available in all major supermarkets.

Clearspring Organic Tofu (RRP £1.89) is the same award winning, velvety-smooth Organic Japanese Silken Tofu, now in a single serve 200g size, which is perfect if you are catering for one vegetarian in the family. You can make all sorts of things with tofu, scrambling it for breakfast, slicing it into fresh tofu sashimi, stirring it into a warming miso soup or blending it into a creamy dessert. It's great to keep in the fridge to fall back on if you need a veggie option in a rush. Available in health stores, on clearspring.co.uk, at Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic.

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Degustabox December 2025 review : Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments

2025-12-14T10:52:00.000+00:00

Festive food is big news at the moment, as everyone is making sure they've bought the biggest turkey possible, made (or quite possibly bought) everything from Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings to mince pies and pannetone. When the December Degustabox was delivered last week, I was quite pleased to see that this month's theme - Winter Pleasures & Enjoyable Moments - suggests an end to the festive overeating and a welcome return to simple suppers and snacks. Here's what was in this month's box.

Nothing says comfort food better than a tin of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup (RRP £1.60). The iconic brand was born in 1897 and immortalised by Andy Warhol in the 1960's. Its thick, creamy consistency and rich flavour are perfect when you need something quick and filling and it always makes me feel like it's a hug in a bowl. It's lovely on its own, maybe with some dried onions and paprika sprinkled over the top and a slice of toast on the side to dip into it, but it is also very useful as an ingredient in more complex dishes. Over Christmas, it would be ideal mixed in with leftover turkey and vegetables then transformed into a pie, a curry or a pasta bake. Available in all major grocery stores.

Bonne Maman Madeleines (RRP £3.15) are beautifully flavoured, soft, buttery cakes that are made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Perfect as a mid-morning snack with a hot drink, they can also be enjoyed straight from the pack in front of the TV or whenever you feel like one. I've even been led to believe that they are a particular favourite of Father Christmas, so make sure you tell the kids to leave one out on Christmas Eve ! The lovely festive scene on the packaging makes them the perfect Christmas nibble. Available in all major supermarkets, while stocks last for the special Christmas packaging.

Nestlé Very Berry Cheerios (RRP £3.50) are a delicious new cereal option that contain berries (blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and strawberries) for a great new flavour at breakfast time. They are high in fibre and contain 7 vitamins, calcium and iron . They are made from a combination of oats, wheat and barley, and we all loved the flavour and the crunchiness. The kids love a bowlful when they get in from school and I'm happy to scoff a bowlful every morning before heading off to work. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Ocado, Waitrose and Morrisons.

Double Dutch Double Lemon (RRP £24.99 for a case of 24) is a zesty mixer with a refreshing blend of lemon, lime and a touch of quassia bitterness. Quassia adds more piquancy than traditional quinine, not only improving the flavour but also reputedly aiding digestion. It can be paired with vodka, sloe or bramble gin or you could add it to your own festive cocktail creations. Available on doubledutchdrinks.com - you can save 20% on a case with the code DEGUSTA20 until 31st December.

Garofalo Stortini Pasta (RRP £2.60) is a small curved pasta, bronze-drawn for a slightly rough texture that is ideal for absorbing sauce. It takes just five minutes to cook until it is al dente, ready to accompany creamy or tomato-based sauces. Its small shape makes it great for kids but adults will also love it. Very tasty. Available on amazon.

Get More Vits Summer Fruits Multivitamin Squash (RRP £2.50) is a delicious fruity squash, made with 20% fruit juice and with no added sugar. Just one serving contains 25% of a child's daily dose of 8 vitamins, including vitamins C, D and B12. If you want to mix up the flavours, it is also available in Apple & Blackcurrant and Orange, Mango and Passionfruit. Available in Tesco and Morrison's.

Ritter Sport Orange (RRP £1.89) comes from a brand that has been around for a whole century but I have yet to sample any of their products. The Orange bar is a zesty, fresh orange creme covered in rich, indulgent dark chocolate. I usually prefer milk chocolate but the two flavours and textures work well together and I'd definitely buy this again. Available at Waitrose, on amazon and in convenience stores.

Teapigs Mao Feng Green Tea (RRP £5.49) are high quality (I would call them posh !) tea bags (or "plant-based tea temples", in teapigs language) filled with whole leaves to provide a clear, pale green brew, completely unlike the murky brown of standard green teas. Teapigs evoke a delicate taste of fresh summer air, peaches and apricots but unfortunately, they weren't a hit here at The Madhouse. I will pass them on to a tea loving friend and I'm sure they will get a much warmer reception. Available in major supermarkets.

Finally, this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Spicy Mexican Rice (RRP £1.54), now made with a new look and a new recipe, is a spicy, two chilli-rated dish, perfect for using up some of the leftover festive turkey and veggies. It contains black beans, sweetcorn and red peppers along with chipotle and jalapeno chillis. It is gluten free and takes just two minutes in the microwave or three minutes on the hob. It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians if you avoid adding Christmas leftovers too ! Available in all major supermarket chains.

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Book review : Christmas in Newfoundland 3 : Sgt. Windflower Holiday Tales - Mike Martin

2025-12-12T11:15:00.000+00:00

Certain things instantly make me feel Christmassy. The smell of a warm mince pie, the glimpse of a string of fairy lights flashing in a window, the sound of a children's choir singing Christmas carols under the Christmas tree in the middle of town, ... For the last few years, there has been a new festive trigger, helping to get me into a Christmassy mood - reading a couple of chapters of the latest Christmas in Newfoundland book.

This third instalment arrives like a perfectly gift-wrapped present. Instead of a sparkly bow and well-chosen wrapping paper, the book is tucked away inside a feel-good festive cover. Complete with snowy streets, front doors festooned with holly wreaths, passers-by, wrapped in thick coats and scarves, walking dogs and children, a lighthouse and old-fashioned street light reflected in the icy water and a frosty moon and stars highlighting Santa and his sleigh flying over the town. It's a festive work-of-art !

The book itself is equally heartwarming, looking at Christmas traditions in Newfoundland past and present. While Winston Windflower gets tied up in his usual policing, his family and friends get gaily involved in festive pastimes. Many of them reminded me of my own childhood memories - festive baking, preparing pies and cookies to leave out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve (and to munch on ourselves in front of the TV), visiting friends and family to exchange presents, ... Other traditions are more local to the Newfoundland setting, such as mummering, where people dress up to hide their identities then visit from house to house, singing, dancing and telling tales, before eating Christmas fayre and waiting to see if their hosts can guess their identities.

Whether the book reminds you of things from your own Christmas memories or shows you a glimpse of festive traditions in other parts of the world, this sneaky peek into the lives of the familiar characters from Grand Bank will leave you reflecting on the most important things at this time of year : family, togetherness and little moments of fun and laughter to look back on throughout the coming year.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £19.95

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 27 Oct. 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 152 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896340
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896347
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 286 g
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 0.97 x 22.86 cm
Book 3 of 3 ‏ : ‎ A Sgt. Windflower Christmas Mystery

Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.

Degustabox November 2025 review : Feeling Festive

2025-11-19T15:52:00.004+00:00

I've just been out to eat with a friend in town and I felt decidedly warm-hearted seeing all the tinsel, flashing fairy lights and Christmas decorations set up around the restaurant. I said to my friend that it was all making me feel decidedly Christmassy and we both pointed out that the big day is only just over a month away. Perfect timing for this month's Feeling Festive-themed Degsutabox to arrive then. Here's what was hiding away in this month's box.

Waterdrop Microdrink Blackberry (RRP £7.99) is the trendy way to stay hydrated. Each small, sugar-free cube dissolves into your water and adds flavour and functionality. You need 400-600ml of still or sparkling water and you're good to go. It provides vitamins C, B9 and B12 and we loved the fruity blackberry flavour. Each pack contains enough for 12 servings. We thought it was quite pricey but it works out cheaper than buying twelve cans or bottles and cuts down on plastic usage. Available in major supermarket chains and online.

Silver Spoon Zesty Lemon Flavour Icing Sugar (RRP £1.80) can be mixed into butter, margarine or water to create quick and simple cupcake icing that your kids (or maybe yourself) will love to use. The icing sugar is made with natural ingredients and offers a strong, delicious lemon flavour. Also available in Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Fudge flavours. Perfect for all the festive baking you may have on the cards. Also perfect for whiling away a cold and/or rainy winter afternoon. Available at Tesco and Asda.

One Living Brain Health Shot (RRP £2 - other Degstaboxers received Beauty Health Shot) is a cherry apple flavoured shot to help aid brain performance, keeping you focused and calm. It contains 20 super ingredients, including fruits, ferments, vitamins and minerals that work together and amplify each other. The full ingredients list contains Water Kefir, Apple Juice (30%), Cherry juice (15%), Chicory Root Fibre (3.4%), Raspberry purée (3%), Lemon juice, Trimagnesium Dicitrate, Ashwagandha root infusion, Lavender extract, Vitamins (B6, E, B12, B1, D3), Natural Flavourings, Chamomile Extract, Baobab Fruit Pulp, Inanimate Cultures (Kluyveromyces marxianus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae mineral yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii), Zinc Sulphate. Some of that sounds a bit confusing but it is all natural with nothing artificial. It is designed to support mental function, reduce fatigue, help relaxation, and provide polyphenols that act like antioxidants. They taste great and hopefully provide a little boost.

Wicked Poppets! Toffee (RRP 60p each) are a real step back in time as I remember eating these in my own childhood. The great news is, they taste just as good as I remember. Sweet, smooth chewy toffee encased in delicious chocolate. They have been brought bang up to date thanks to their new packaging featuring Elphaba & Glinda to celebrate Wicked 2: For Good.

Noisy Snacks Chip Shop Curry Flavour Coated Chickpeas (RRP £1.50) have been set aside for Sophie as she loves them and usually makes her own in the Airfryer. These have the added bonus of requiring zero effort and providing the great chip shop curry sauce flavour (another of Sophie's favourites so it's a double win !). As well as tasting great, they are packed with protein, full of fibre and made from all natural ingredients. Healthier snacking has never tasted so good ! Available in Tesco Express.

Leon Brazilian Black Beans (RRP £2.50) is a ready meal inspired by the Leon restaurant menu. Cooked black beans are mixed with carrot, onion, tomato and celery, along with chipotle seasoning paste and smoked paprika. The company suggests eating it with coconut yoghurt, spring onions, red chilli and a sprinkle of parsley to provide a balanced meal that packs a flavour punch. I love the convenience and the idea of providing a great meal within minutes. Available in Sainsbury's.

Maggi Air Fryer Crispy Coatings (RRP 2 x 99p) are a convenient way of providing a delicious dinner with very little effort. The seasoned panko crumbs are designed to deliver delicious, crunchy chicken in under 15 minutes. Just coat the chicken, pop in the Air Fryer and in the time it takes you to prepare, rice, coleslaw or chips to serve with it, it will be good to go. Whether you opt for the classic KFC-style Southern Style or the slightly more exotic Korean BBQ Style, they will be a big hit with the whole family. Available in major supermarkets and discounter chains.

Brain Blasterz Sour Boltz (RRP £2) are another variety from the brand featured in last month's Degustabox. This pack has a sour scale rating of three so it is halfway up the scale, offering the zingy flavour that kids love while not completely removing the upper layer of your tongue ! The lightning bolt-shaped sweets come in four flavours : cherry, blue raspberry, pineapple and apple. They are vegan friendly and I think they are tasty, but I can only eat about two of them at a time !

For Goodness Shakes Glow Collagen Protein Shakes (RRP 2 x £2.50) are new shakes packed with protein, calcium and collagen, designed to help support healthy skin, hair and nails. Lactose-free, fat-free and with no added sugar, they each contain 150 calories and their indulgent flavours (white chocolate or iced latte) make them a fairly healthy option when you are after a satisfying sweet treat. Available at Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Hilltop Blossom Honey (RRP £1.85) is a sweet, tasty and fairly neutral honey, made from a mix of global blossoms, that is delicious poured over porridge or pancakes, eaten on toast, stirred into tea or sipped from a spoon if you're trying to soothe a sore throat. You might also want to use some in your Christmas baking, maybe making honey cake or honey and cranberry cookies, for an extra touch of festive appeal.

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Degustabox October 2025 review : Movie Night & Halloween

2025-10-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

It doesn't seem five minutes ago that that we were complaining about the summer heat and living constantly within reach of a fan trying to cool down. Now, we're constantly scrunching through piles of golden leaves and thinking about Halloween and Bonfire Night. We've been eating baked potatoes and casseroles, moving onto winter warmers and more filling dishes. So would the latest Degustabox represent these new themes? Time to find out !

Fuel 10K Red Berry Crunch Multigrain Flakes (RRP £3.69) is one of the products I remember seeing on the shelf when looking out for high-protein products for Pierre. Inside the box, you will find crunchy wholegrain wheat flakes, spelt and barley flakes, mixed in with delicious, zingy freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries. As well as being high in protein, it is also high in fibre, offering you a tasty and satisfying start to the day. Pierre is also happy to tuck into a bowl as an after-school snack. Available at Tesco, Morrisons, Ocado and Amazon.

Galipette Cidre Brut 4.5% (RRP £2.50) is where it all began, the first cider from the orchards near the river Rance in northern Brittany's Côtes-d'Armor. From the first sip, I could imagine myself sitting in a cafe in Brittany sampling the local brew while visiting the Breton in-laws. The producers promise a cider that strikes a perfect balance between acidity and tannins, dryness and sweetness, and between ciders old and new and it has a pleasant, rich flavour in your mouth. They say that they "follow the character of the pure fruit using wild, slow fermentation, striving for minimal intervention in nature's work and always respecting her ways". It tastes like a rustic, homemade kind of cider, big on taste and very enjoyable. Available in Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, Whole Foods and Booths.

Mission Carb Balance Original Wraps (RRP £1.80) are a new product that we tried back in the June 2025 Degustabox. Sophie loves them, as with just 9g of carbs per wrap (66% less than the original wraps), they are perfect for helping to control her diabetes. Everyone else loves them too, filled with hot or cold fillings, for their great taste and soft texture. To be honest, I couldn't really tell any difference from the regular version and will quite happily use them for ham and salad wraps for lunch or fajitas for dinner. Pierre pointed out that they would be perfect for making homemade French tacos too. Available in Sainsbury's.

Leon Katsu Curry Beans (RRP £2.50) look like one of the typical weird and wonderful-looking concoctions that Sophie loves to try and, sure enough, she let out a squeal of excitement when I showed them to her. They are perfect for rustling up a quick meal in the microwave - just a couple of minutes and you're ready to tuck in. Each pouch is packed with plant-based protein, fibre and plenty of flavour from herbs and spices, inspired by the food you can buy in their restaurants. Sophie was happy to eat them over rice but Leon suggest taking the beans to the next level by adding ribbons of cucumber and carrot, topped with crushed salted peanuts. Available in Sainsbury's, Ocado and Wholefoods.

Good4U Kids Pasta Boost (RRP £2.50 - other subscribers received Kids Breakfast Boost or Kids Everyday Boost) are a new 100% natural, functional meal boost range for children aged 3 yrs+. They are a blend of 10 plants including seeds, berries, Irish Vitamin D and Atlantic seaweed, providing key nutrients to support immunity, digestion, bone health and cognitive function. I can remember when the Madhouse kids were younger and it was sometimes hard to get them to eat healthy food containing lots of vegetables, so this would be easy to stir into pasta sauce as a hidden source of nutrients. Available in Tesco and Good4U.co

Bear Real Fruit Yoyos (RRP 2 x 70p) were a real blast from the past as the Madhouse kids used to love eating these. Made with 100% fruit and no added sugar, they nevertheless have a fabulously sweet and fruity flavour. The kids always used to love unwinding the yoyos around their tongues. In the pink pack is the classic Scrumptious Strawberry Yoyo and on the left is the Xtreme Yoyo, with a twist of sour lemon for a Super Sour Strawberry flavour. The kids loved both of them equally. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's , Morrisons, Asda and Ocado.

The second product from this brand, Fuel 10K Multigrain Hoops (RRP £3.49) is another high protein breakfast option that appeals to Pierre. A blend of oats and wheat, the cereal is fortified with 8 vitamins to create a deliciously crunchy and satisfying breakfast. As well as being high in protein, the cereal is high in fibre and contains 30% less sugar. It is slightly bland so Pierre likes it topped with chopped banana or blueberries. Available in Sainsbury’s, Asda and Amazon.

Brain Blasterz Sour Candy Mix (RRP £2) instantly appealed to me as a Halloween option, until the Madhouse kids gaily scoffed the lot ! The bag contains four different types of mini Brain Blasterz sour candy from sour level 1 to 3, leading the Madhouse kids to lay them out in order to see who could be the hardest and eat them all (Spoiler : all of them !) There are a mix of Sour Lollipops, Sour Gunk, Brain Bitz Chew Bars and Sour Chew Balls, which all sound appealingly disgusting to any teenager ! Available on Brain Blasterz TikTok Shop.

Fruit Bowl Fruit Goals (RRP £2.45) are a sweet treat that are as healthy as they are appealing. Each of the five little bags, perfect for snacks or on-the-go nibbles, contains raisins coated in yogurt, then coloured with natural blue, red or white colourings. The raisins are plump and juicy and the coating is creamy and delicious - the Madhouse kids first thought it was chocolate which shows how good it tastes !

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Degustabox September 2025 review : Family Sharing & Cooking

2025-09-17T16:29:00.003+01:00

Over the last week or two, I have noticed a definite move from summer into autumn. The heat and sunshine have given way to rain and strong winds, I've switched over from my light denim jacket to my mid-season coat as temperatures have dropped and we've been keeping ourselves busy inside rather than heading out into the dodgy weather. We have even started talking about Halloween and Christmas - I blame it on the numerous friends and followers sharing "only 100 days to Christmas" posts on Facebook ! - but it's too early to go there yet ! This month's Degustabox seemed to follow our lead into the kitchen and onto the sofa with a movie with a theme of Family Sharing & Cooking. Here's what was hiding in this month's box.

First out of the box was this month's Product of the Month, Tilda Hearty Meals Madras Bean Curry and Tilda Easy Meals Vegetable Paella (RRP 2 x £2.50), both of which are a quick and simple way of providing a tasty winter (or autumn) warmer. These can be knocked up in just two minutes in the microwave, making them perfect as a quick lunch at home or at the office. The Vegetable Paella is a tasty mix of long grain rice and carrots, red peppers and green beans. Made with 24% vegetables, it counts as 1 of your 5 a day and comes in under 350 calories. The Madras Bean Curry with lentils and pinto beans is a lovely, warming meal that is a great source of protein and fibre. Both meal options are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are great if you are home alone and can't be bothered to cook a big meal. Available in Sainsbury's and at Tilda.com.

Sunfly Sunflower Seed Butter (RRP 90p) is a squeeze pouch containing a nut-free, top 14-allergen free seed butter that is deemed the ultimate on-the-go snack. It can be enjoyed in smoothies or straight from the pack after a workout. High protein and entirely plant-based, it is perfect for those following a vegan diet. I passed this on to Pierre to take to the gym with him. Available on amazon and at Ocado.

Slooow Crispy Multigrain Rolls (RRP £2.80) are organic and 100% natural rolls topped with delicious grains, seeds and kernels. Prepared with sourdough, these are delicious fresh out of the oven then filled with smoked salmon and cucumber. They are also lovely served with hot food, for example, dipped in the Madras Bean Curry that I mentioned earlier. It tastes like fresh bread, still warm, straight from the baker's oven. Available at Ocado, Dunnes Stores and Booths.

Indie Bay Lightly Salted Pretzel Thins (RRP 2 x £1.50) are thin, crispy pretzels that are perfect to nibble on in front of the telly. Baked, never fried, they contain less fat and calories than most other snacks, making them the ultimate feel-good taste-good snack. A winner of the Great Taste Award, they are a source of fibre and contain 70% less fat than crisps.

If you prefer a sweet snack, you might be more tempted by the Rice Krispies Honeycomb & Chocolate Squares (RRP 79p) which remind me of a snack we used to make in cookery class at school back in the eighties. They are a delicious blend of Rice Krispies cereal, combined with a honeycomb flavoured coating and a chocolate flavoured drizzle. These really appealed to the kids but I loved them too. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Munchies Sharing Bag (RRP £1.65) are little squares of tasty crunchiness, made of rich caramel and a crunchy biscuit centre, all coated in a smooth milk chocolate shell. They are utterly delicious and reminiscent of my mum's favourite sweet treat all the way back in the 1970's. I haven't eaten them since and while they don't taste quite the same, they are still very enjoyable. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Mutti Peeled Tomatoes (RRP £1.60) are 100% Italian tomatoes, harvested at the perfect stage of ripeness, then peeled and immersed in a delicious, velvety passata. They have a firm and fleshy texture and taste great mixed into bolognese sauce or chilli con carne. They have a richer, more robust flavour than the cheaper supermarket own brand tomatoes and add some real oomph to your meal. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Goodrays CBD Infused Sparkling Elderflower & Yuzu Drink (RRP £2.29) combines the dry, zesty citrus flavours of the Japanese Yuzu with the distinctly sweet floral notes of British Elderflower. In terms of flavour, I liked it but I was put off by the CBD content. Sophie explained to me however that, while it may help to relax you, CBD will not make you high. I think this is something that will be more accepted as it becomes more widely available. This drink contains 30mg of premium sun-grown CBD, as well as being high in Vitamin D. It contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and is 100% vegan. Available in all major supermarkets.

Cheez-It Cheese & Chilli (RRP £1) are tasty, crispy, thin snacks that are made with real cheese and baked, not fried. They are utterly delicious and, since discovering them on our holiday to Alaska, the kids absolutely love them. We find the Cheese and Chilli flavour to be too hot for our tastes, but if you like spicy snacks, you'll love them. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Brewdog Elvis Juice Hot Sauce (RRP £2.50) is a great-looking, American-style sauce that promises a spicy and citrussy flavour. Inspired by the beer of the same name, it contains chilli pepper puree and lime juice. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, it would be perfect for halloumi but also chicken and tacos. While the idea appeals to me, it has a three chilli rating so I knew it would be too spicy for our tastes. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Fruit Bowl Fruit Goals (RRP £2.45) are juicy raisins coated in multi-coloured yogurt, making them appeal to kids visually as well as in terms of taste. The whole Fruit Bowl range offers delicious, fruit snacks, made with real fruit, using natural colours & flavours. They're suitable for vegetarians and gluten free. Ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks. Available in all major supermarkets.

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Bonny Bite snacks review

2025-09-01T10:57:00.000+01:00

With the kids going back to school (and parents going back to work), it is the perfect time for looking out for new and preferably healthy snacks to keep everyone going throughout the day. When I was given the chance to try out a new range of fruity snacks from Pravera Ltd, my instant reaction was "oh, I thought they were into health and beauty products". Well, it turns out, I was right. Last year I reviewed some Ben & Anna Natural Care Bath Salts which are also distributed by Pravera. Learning that they had moved into organic and sustainable food products, I was keen to see what we would think.

So let me introduce you to Bonny Bite, a range of dried and puffed organic fruit and vegetable snacks that appeal as much to kids as grown ups. Clean and simple to transport and eat, they offer the nutritional benefit and natural sweetness of the fruit without any added sugars, preservatives or artificial flavours.

As you can see in the picture, the snacks are gently dried and puffed, withholding their vibrant colours as well as their intense flavours and essential nutrients. The distinct natural fruit shapes - such as these apple rings or the berries and kiwi slices below - allow you to instantly recognise what you are eating and help young children to associate the sweet fruity flavours with the kinds of fruit that they are eating. These apple rings, for example, are beautifully sweet, slightly tart, crunchy and crispy then melt in your mouth to create a soft, intensely appley mouthful. The taste reminds me of fresh apple juice and is very refreshing and enjoyable.

The Crunchy and Puffed Strawberries are equally tasty. The soft, airy texture almost dissolves in your mouth, giving a fresh natural burst of sweetness that reminds me of eating a spoonful of strawberry jam, minus the added sugar. You get the great taste of jam while feeling wholesome and virtuous for eating nothing but natural fruit - that definitely sounds like a win-win situation to me !

I was keen to see what we would think of the kiwi version, as it is a fruit that is less common in dried form. Despite being labelled as Dried Kiwi, I found the fruit to be deliciously moist and chewy, packed with a sweet but tart flavour that we all loved. I particularly enjoyed the combination of the soft, chewy fruit with the occasional crunch of the seeds popping between my teeth.

My daughter was keen to try out the Veg Medley too, so we all had a nibble. This limited edition pack is made up of crunchy and puffed onion, sweet capia pepper and cherry tomatoes and was a surprising (to me) hit. The peppers and tomatoes offer just as much sweetness as the fruit options and the onions add a savoury tang that made me feel like I was eating pizza. Definitely a game changer if you want a healthy, lower calorie and lower fat snack to put a smile on your face with no sense of going without.

Grown, picked, dried and packed in Türkiye, the Bonny Bite snacks are organic, gluten free and vegan. The fruity packs provide fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, while the Vegetable Medley also offers vitamins A, K, B6, lycopene, potassium and folate. Also in the range are Organic Dried Watermelon, Organic Crunchy and Puffed Melon and Organic Dried Melon, which give you a great way of enjoying the flavours of these summer fruits throughout the whole year. They're delicious and I thoroughly recommend them.

RRP : £2.95

for more information : Bonny Bite | Discover Healthy Fruit Snacks Today

Disclosure : We received the product in order to share our honest review.

Degustabox August 2025 review : Back to School & Relaxing Evenings

2025-08-14T11:23:00.000+01:00

Another month has spun around and it was time for the postman to drop off this month's Degustabox. This month's selection covers all bases, with breakfast options, drinks, snacks and ingredients for main meals. The latest theme is Back to School (not something I want to think about yet, thank you !) and Relaxing Evenings (ooh sounds hopeful for indulgent snacks). Here's what was tucked away in this month's box.

The first product was Bold Bean Co Queen Cannellini Beans (RRP £3.25 - other Degustaboxers got Queen Chickpeas or Smoky Chilli Baked Beans) which are cooked to perfection using high quality ingredients sourced from where they grow best. The product write-up suggested eating them straight from the jar, adding them to salads or spooning them over toasted sourdough. I didn't fancy eating them cold though so I put them in a pan with chopped tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and bacon pieces, topped with spices then served with rice, which was delicious. They would also work well in soups and casseroles. Very tasty. Available at Tesco's, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, major independents and directly from boldbeanco.com

Double Dutch Pomegranate and Basil (RRP £1.50 - only available in a case of 24) is a complex, intriguing mixer. It starts with a herby punch that gives way to a hint of sweetness then a piquant finish. The bold balance of fruitiness and herbiness is great mixed with fruit juice in a mocktail or champagne or white wine as a refreshing cocktail. It's perfect if you're looking for something different to sip on. Available on Amazon and Ocado.

Seabrook Waffle Bites Maple Bacon Flavour (RRP £1.50) are a delicious crunchy but soft snack that the whole family gobbled up. We loved the texture and also the maple bacon flavour that is the perfect blend of salty savouriness and slight sweetness. Despite the bacon flavour, they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They are also gluten-free and are perfect for packed lunches or cheeky snacks. Available in Asda, Morrisons and Ocado.

Tilda Soy & Ginger Sticky Rice (RRP £1.54) is the first part of this month's Product of the Month. Part of the range of microwavable pouches, we love the flavour options and convenience of these products. We have already tried the basic Sticky Rice in a previous Degustabox, using it to make sushi, but we loved the additions to the flavour of this version. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the rice needs just 2 minutes in the microwave or 3 minutes on the hob and it's ready to eat. Available at Sainsbury's or on Tilda.com.

Tilda Chinese Special Fried Rice (RRP £1.54) is the second part of this month's Product of the Month and I was instantly won over by the flavour, as it reminded me of one of my favourite Chinese takeaway items. Mushrooms, carrot, peas, Chinese spices and soy sauce give the rice a delicious oriental flavour and while the pack suggests using it with pork or tofu, it also tastes great with chicken. Available at Sainsbury's or on Tilda.com.

Mentos Pure Fresh Strawberry Gum (RRP £2) is a sugar free gum that comes in a handy tub containing 35 pieces of gum. The unique selling point is the gum's intensely fruity, liquid centre which adds a really refreshing burst of flavour when you start chewing. Delicious ! Available at Tesco.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Premium Instant Coffee (RRP £3) uses the same high quality 100% Arabica beans as in the chain's coffeehouses. Expertly blended together with dairy milk and the celebrated flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers the warming, seasonal flavours of autumn to enjoy at home. Juliette instantly let out a squeal of appreciation and sneaked them into her bag, but she tells me they are very nice. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Sacla Creamy Pesto Pasta Pot (RRP £2) is a tasty pot of food that needs just 5 minutes to prepare. Combining short-cut tagliatelle, fragrant basil and cheese sauce, it tastes better than it sounds. I was expecting a heap of soggy mush but it actually stays al dente and has a nice taste. It is made in Italy, contains no nasties and is a source of protein. Perfect as a quick snack or simple lunch, it's also easy to stuff in your work bag and make up using just the kettle in the kitchen. Available in larger Asda and Morrisons stores, on Amazon, Ocado, at sacla.co.uk and in the Sacla Tik Tok shop.

Activit Sparkling Vitamin Water (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, sugar-free, 3-calorie drink with added vitamins including B6, B12, C and D. We got Lemon and Lime flavour, which was quite tart and refreshing, but other Degustaboxers received Blackcurrant & Raspberry or Tropical. It's a pleasant, thirst-quenching drink that has the extra bonus of the added vitamins. Great as a little pick-me-up on a hot day. Available in the major supermarket chains.

Forest Feast Honey & Sea Salt Cashews & Peanuts (RRP £1.50) are a totally scrumptious snack that we gobbled up in minutes. A mixture of Colossal Cashews and Jumbo Peanuts, glazed with the golden nectar of Scottish Heather Honey and roasted with hand-harvested Sea Salt, they are the perfect sweet and salty blend that everyone loved. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Kellogg's Bluey Multigrain Cereal (RRP £3.50) is a new breakfast option that is sure to delight young children. Even the Madhouse kids (who are now well beyond the target age range) loved the flavour, the crunchy texture and the fun shapes. They are high in fibre, with no artificial colours or flavours. Available in all major supermarket chains.

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Degustabox July 2025 review : Summer & Get Outdoors

2025-08-01T16:31:00.000+01:00

We've just come back from our summer holiday in Morocco - we spent two weeks soaking up the sun, getting friendly with the camels and sweltering in the manic heat in Marrakesh - and the cupboards were decidedly bare so we grabbed hold of the Degustabox that was waiting for us to see what would be inside. With a theme of Summer and Get Outdoors, we were thinking refreshing snacks, picnicky bits and bobs and cooling drinks. Would we be right ? Let's find out !

The first product out of the box was Nescafé Iced Classic Espresso Concentrate (RRP £4.99) which is described as the ultimate iced coffee hack, giving you a rich iced coffee within seconds just by mixing it with the liquid of your choice. It is convenient, easy to use and gives you café quality coffee at your fingertips. We're not coffee fans but I will be passing this on to Juliette to play with. Available in major supermarkets.

Get More Vits Pineapple & Grapefruit (RRP £1.25) is a new flavour in the range of sparkling vitamin-enhanced drinks. The Pineapple and Grapefruit flavour offers the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and refreshing tartness. As well as being a tasty drink, it offers support for healthy bones and immunity. I also love the fact that it is sugar free and contains just five calories. Other Degustaboxers got to try the other new variety, Raspberry and Pomegranate (helps support healthy bones and immunity) and it is also available in Mango and Passionfruit (supports healthy bones). Available in multipacks from Tesco.

Acti-Snack Buffalo BBQ Keto Trail Mix (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Peanut Butter Energy Trail Mix) are part of a range of snacks designed to offer a punch of protein to deliver lean muscle mass. Pierre has just started going to the gym and wants to bulk up so he is big on protein at the moment. As I suspected, he loved this and devoured the pack in one go ! A mixture of almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds with a spice mix combining smoky heat and sweetness, the trail mix provides magnesium, potassium and iron to fight muscle fatigue so you can push yourself farther and faster at the gym. Above all that, it tastes great. Hand-crafted and baked never fried, only natural ingredients are used - they promise there is nothing artificial and definitely no gut-busting sweeteners ! Available at Morrisons and anti-snack.com.

Swizzels Squashies Tropical (RRP £1.25 - other Degustaboxers got Squashies Sour Shooting Stars) is a new product in the Squashies range, that just happens to be Juliette's favourite sweet range. The shapes are tropical - they are a mixture of parrots, pineapples and watermelons - and so are the flavours - mango & passionfruit, pineapple and watermelon. They are the perfect addition to the range and seem summer-inspired. Delicious ! Available in major supermarket chains.

Oxo Succulent Chicken Stock Pots (RRP £1.85) are the perfect way to add a dose of flavour to anything from soups and casseroles to curries and chillis. I always have a box of the original square Oxo chicken stock cubes in my kitchen but these are like a souped up version that avoid all the annoying bits like trying to find a corner to rip open and avoiding getting stock cube particles under your nails when you crush it up. These stock pots just need to be plopped into your dish straight from the pack, where they will slowly dissolve revealing all their rich flavour. They are made with real chicken juices, herbs and seasoning and they are gluten-free, containing only natural colours and flavourings. Available in major supermarket chains.

Milliways Plastic Free Gum (RRP 20p) is a plastic-free (both in terms of the packaging and the gum itself) and chemical-free gum, unlike many others, so it helps look after your health and the planet. It combines the natural flavours of Mentha Peperita and Mentha Arvensis to provide a sensation of ice cold arctic breeze. Guaranteed to freshen up your mouth and, as an added bonus, it's sugar free. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Amazon, Whole Foods, Costa Coffee, Ocado and WHSmith.

Just Spices Vegetable All Rounder (RRP £3.99) can be sprinkled over veggies before roasting them, stirred through mashed potatoes or mixed with vegetable oil to create a delicious marinade. It's a blend of sea salt, black Tellicherry pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, lemon peel and chilli peppers. It's great as a time-saving blend that doesn't need time and energy spent deciding which spices to pluck off the spice rack. I love it sprinkled over a baked potato with butter or a plate full of plain pasta when you want something quick as an easy meal. Available in the major supermarket chains.

Hi-Chew Strawberry and Green Apple (RRP 2 x £1.25) is Japan's number one selling sweet, now available in the UK. The unique double-layer structure is designed to recreate the experience of eating fruit, giving you the strong freshness of the first bite followed by the spreading sweetness or sourness of the fruit's flesh in your mouth. It's pleasant and the flavours and textures were both a big hit with the Madhouse kids. Available in major supermarket chains and on TikTok Shop.

Finally Blanco Niño Chilli & Lime Tortilla Chips (RRP £3 - other Degustaboxers got Smoky Chipotle or Creamy Jalapeño) are delicious, crunchy snacks that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped into guacamole or sour cream. They are made with simple, quality ingredients, crafted using an ancient cooking method known as nixtamalisation (I investigated, it's a maize processing method that involves boiling corn kernels in water with lime) and each batch takes three days to make. It's worth it though and you can taste the difference. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Co op, Ocado and Amazon.

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Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK