If there is one thing you should know about Faded Spring is that I am a sucker for food. Hell last night I was even dreaming about a creamy tiramisu, that is how food obsessed I am. I dream of a world run-not by money- but donuts, soft circles of delicious goodness that dance alongside cheesecake and chickpea curries. To be fair all I think about is food, how hungry I am, when is lunch, what will I eat on the weekend and although I love buying clothes, eating out at restaurants and trying new foods would come a close second. I often surprise spectators that pass by who see me tucking into huge portions of food, wondering how on earth I can eat it all. Let me tell you this, they don’t call me dustbin for nothing. So naturally this hungry food lover couldn’t wait to get stuck into Degustabox, a subscription service that costs only £5.99 with my code 0V84X instead of £12.99.
You probably saw me revealing the box and its contents on Instagram (shameless plug) , where I got ridiculously excited about receiving so many glorious snacks and drinks. In fact I might have got a little ‘insta story happy’ and I am pretty sure I might have bored myself with the amount of pictures of food I was taking! FYI if you don’t follow me then shame on you, I command you to follow me now! Haha just kidding, but I digress, let us commence with ye food review immediately!
The Contents
Yushoi Snapea rice sticks (Coconut & Chilli)
I adore spice and I count Thai and Indian Cuisine as my two favourite culinary delights, so naturally the coconut and chilli rice sticks piqued my interest. The texture was grainy but melted smoothly in my mouth with one crunch, while the distinct taste of coconut cleansed my palette. It was a rather unusual taste as it reminded me of Thai Green curry-but in snack form- and at first I was unsure as to whether I liked the merger between ‘snack’ and ‘dinner’ palettes, before deciding (after finishing the whole bag) that I quite liked it. What would have made the rice sticks better though was if there was more of a distinctive ‘chilli’ flavour as the coconut overpowered the slight chilli taste and made it ‘sweeter’ than it should have been. Overall though a pleasant combination of flavours and for £1.79 not a bad price either.
Would I purchase it again?
Although I liked the rice sticks, it can get a bit sickly and I would have preferred more of a kick with the flavour. If it is on special offer then I would most likely buy it again but other than that most likely not. Still in small portions it is quite palatable.
Popchips crazy hot
Available in ‘Crazy Hot’ or Bacon, I was pleased that Degustabox had sent me the ‘crazy hot’ packet, especially since they tasted excuse my French so F***ING good. It was quite literally the most heavenly riot of spice and chilli that sent my taste buds tingling and even made me sweat a little. The satisfying crunch of the popchip vs the strong taste of hot chillis and paprika, had the texture of a poppadom and the ‘hotness’ of an Indian Curry, which in my eyes equates to absolute perfection. There was honestly no words as I tucked into the bag of popchips and all I could hear was the satisfying crunch that it made when entering my mouth. Delicious on its on or with a ‘salsa dip’, the popchips are a versatile snack for all the family.
Would I purchase it again?
At £1.99 it is on the pricier side but when snacks taste that good, I don’t mind paying more. After all I am a self-confessed spice-aholic and while my stomach issues/acid reflux/IBS are aggravated by too much spice, I believe in eating what you love in moderation. So in answer to your question, Yes I would but maybe I should not eat it in one sitting! OOPS.
Finn Crisp seeds & sea salt snacks
Finn’s crisps reminded me of Ryvita thins and were a simple but delicious snack. As someone who suffers from daily bouts of intense nausea, sometimes I have to keep my diet plain -even if I really love spice- and these sea salt snacks are gentle enough on the stomach to digest. Plus because of the seeds and high fibre content they act as a natural digestion aid, which considering my digestive issues is a godsend. I would have liked a stronger taste of ‘sea salt’ as I am a huge fan of seasoning but nevertheless I was still pleasantly surprised by its taste.
Would I purchase again?
At £1.89, again a little pricey but when it acts like a natural laxative and you don’t have to drink any nasty medicine to go to the toilet, you can guarantee it will be in my basket again!
Natvia Natural Sweetener
I love drinking sweet cups of decaf coffee and tea but too much sugar is bad for you and can elevate fatigue, which due to my anemia does effect my energy levels. Because I can’t have caffeine, I rely on ‘bad sugars’ to give me energy, naturally causing a ‘sugar crash’. Thankfully the natural sweeteners seem to have less of an impact on my energy levels and does not even have a strong aftertaste, which I found many sweeteners to have previously.
Would I purchase again?
It is a little pricey considering I pay less than £1 for sugar and priced at £4.99 it might break the bank a little but as a one off, I would consider purchasing again. After all something that ‘sweetens my drinks’ but does not cause me to crash, is a win in my eyes!
Fruittella 30% less sugar
Oh how these remind me of my childhood, we used to eat these huddled in the playground enjoying the delicious taste of sugary goodness. I remember I had a thing for the green ones and definitely did like sharing those green Fruittella’s with anyone! This time round they have gone all health conscious on us and made them with 30% less sugar. But don’t worry they still taste just as delicious as they did the first time round.
Would I purchase again?
Absolutely. Although I was sent the strawberry Fruitellas, they were still delicious and at £1.25 they are not too expensive either. Less sugar, more to scoff? Yes please!
– Who doesn’t love a nice sweet? Even better when they are low in sugar. Tasty and fun. Ours were strawberry flavour. RRP £1.25
Little’s instant vanilla coffee –
As I can’t have caffeine, I asked my photographer to review the vanilla coffee instead.
‘As a self-confessed coffee lover, I often need caffeine to get through my day and as Ana knows, I drink at least three cups, sometimes more if I am working. The rich taste of vanilla gave an unexpected boost to my morning cup of coffee and paired with Belgian buns was a heavenly treat that made me want to get up and dance’
Would I purchase again?
Unfortunately I am allergic to caffeine but if I was to purchase for someone else it would be yes, especially because it is quite cheap at £2.69, which for flavored coffee is a bargain.
Chia Shots
Super foodies might know Chia as a staple in many ‘healthy living diets’ but unlike many ‘fads’ is A. cheap and B. delicious. After seeing a recipe for ‘chia mocha’ in my Degustabox, I mixed the chia shots with coconut milk, decaf gold blonde coffee and some cocoa dusting which tasted absolutely divine. I am a huge fan of (decaf) mocha’s and the chia’s blended well with the coconut milk and coffee.
Would I purchase again?
Not only did I receive two shots priced at 66 p each but the versatility of Chia makes it a product that is worth purchasing again and again
Quinola Mothergrain
I am not normally a fan of express pouches and as someone who is not overly keen on Quinoa I was not looking forward to trying it out. However my basmati rice had run out and I fancied making a Quorn Chicken Thai Green Curry, so I used the express pouch of Quinoa and mixed in some garlic, red peppers and stock. In all fairness it actually tasted really nice and was a lot kinder on my stomach than rice, which can make me feel bloated.
Would I purchase again?
For an express pouch, I do think that £2.49 is a little steep but it does make you feel full and I did enjoy it. For that reason alone I see myself purchasing it on an irregular basis, when I have more money and fancy a change from rice.
Pip’s Real Hot Chocolate Co
At first I thought I had been sent some chocolate but after reading the cute little note, I realized that it was a chocolate coin that you melted in the pan. Mixing it with full fat milk, chia and double cream, the hot chocolate tasted so good and was a nice change from my usual decaf latte. The taste of chocolate was strong but unlike many ‘good’ quality hot chocolates it was not bitter and had the perfect blend of sweetness to get me dancing.
Would I purchase again?
Is that even a valid question? Of course I would, it tasted bloody amazing and whats more with a stamp card you get rewards. How cool is that? Visit Pips for more information.
Aspire drinks x 2 –
I was really looking forward to trying these aspire drinks out, especially because there was a cranberry and mango lemonade flavour available. Unfortunately due to the green tea extract-which contains natural sources of caffeine- I had to give it over to my guinea pig aka my photographer to try it. Here is what he said…
The Cranberry One- I loved how strong the cranberry was and it reminded me of a ‘steroid version’ of cranberry juice. I loved how fizzy it was and the fact that it had zero calories and zero sugar but still managed to taste amazing was a miracle.
The Mango Lemonade – I preferred the cranberry but I really love how this reminded me of summer and as someone who hates the cold it was a welcome distraction. I would love this with my native vodka, I think it would make a good mixer.
Would I purchase again?
For me no as I cannot drink it but for anyone else at £1.45 I think it is a reasonable price.
Protein Boost (Chocolate)
I was finally excited to find a drink inside my box that I could drink and as someone who needs more protein in her diet I was all revved to give good feedback. The taste is acquired, the chocolate tastes very much like a ‘protein shake’ but luckily for me I don’t mind the taste of protein at all. I did not find that it boosted my energy levels but I did find that it made me feel fuller for longer which was a plus. It has 20 g of protein so if you are working out, then I feel like it would be a good supplement.
Would I purchase again?
When focusing on my fitness the protein boost would be a welcome addition to my workout and at £1.29 is very cheap. You might note that pricing plays a big factor on purchasing and that is because I am trying to save money.
Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer
I have to confess this was the one product that I was really not keen on and that is because the combination of ginger, raspberry and beer was too sickly for my liking. My photographer however loved it and got to keep the rest of the drink to himself.
Here is what he said ‘ I am a big fan of ginger beer and found the inclusion of raspberries to be a delicious alternative, especially because of its sweet taste, which I loved!’
Would I purchase again?
At £1.39 it is not a bad price but I wont be purchasing again as the taste was not for me.
Propercorn Rock Salt
I have been a fan of Propercorn ever since it helped me get through uni, so I was excited to try its ‘Crunch Corn’. Similar to the texture and taste of nuts, I liked the crunch and how it varied from traditional popcorn. The subtle rock salt flavouring lended a nice neutral flavour and made a great snack bag when binge watching shows on Netflix and Channel 4. Described as ‘half popped pocorn’ it is not too dissimilar to popcorn kernels.
Would I Purchase again?
I loved it, especially as salted popcorn is my favourite flavour. For £1.99 it does run on the pricier side but would be perfect for any movie night!
Also included was a ‘The Collective’ yoghurt RRP £2.00 voucher, which I am yet to try
Overall Degustabox Rating : 7.5/10
Best Product: Pop Chips in Crazy Hot
Have You Tried DegustaBox before?
I don’t do any subscription boxes, but this one sounds great. I sometimes have dreams about food too haha x
Haha so glad I am not the only one! My friends always think I am mad! What food do you dream about?
now this is a good box! i really want to try those pop chips. i love the original range
I keep hearing about this box and it always looks like it’s filled with delicious treats! I love that you got propercorn – my fave! xo
Wow you get SO much! I have seen this on quite a few different blogs lately and admittedly it does look good. 🙂
I LOVE POP CHIPS! Lol. I think this box is worth it, especially since it contains so many awesome items and they’re all healthy too. I love trying out different treats!
I haven’t heard of this subscription box before. It looks like a great box. I’m obsessed with anything chips and the Fruit-Tella looks yummy!
This looks like a great box to subscribe to, and full of great things even if you did have to miss out on some of them. I got super weirdly excited to see the PopChips though, as I recently had PopChips for the first time. I got some in a VoxBox so that I could try them, and they are literally the best, most delicious chip I’ve ever had. I think mine were cheddar and sour cream (also the ridges ones), but I think I’d love to try the ones you got too.
I love subscription boxes .. it’s like Christmas .. you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get! I’m with you .. a complete sucker for chips and anything spicy.
first of all, I am green with envy that you don’t gain weight despite loving food so much. I wish I had the same metabolism as yours.
This subscription box seems to be a great deal considering that it is only less than 5 pounds with your discount and it came with a lot of stuff! is the 5 pounds for a one time delivery or for the whole year? I’ve never done subscription boxes before so I have no idea how it actually works. but they look kind of fun. it is like a monthly surprise thing to look forward to.
Aren’t these subscription boxes awesome! I love trying out different snacks especially if they fit my whole 30 diet! These all sound great!
This box sounds like it’s right up my ally because I love food and drinks so much! I love love love PopChips, they are my favorite snack right now. I haven’t had the ‘Crazy Hot’ version yet, so I think that’s next on my list to try. I don’t think I would like the raspberry ginger beer, that just seems like a stomach ache to me. I’m glad your photographer liked it though.
It seems as though this box was a mix of good, ok and not so good products which I usually find to be true of most boxes. Usually if you are lucky the good and ok outweigh the not so good.
Oh I’ve tried the Yushoi Snapea rice sticks, Popchips and the Mothergrain Quinoa. So good to see them in this box, you get SOOO much within these boxes, spoilt for choice. x
Fabulous selection and that hot chocolate sounds delicious, the best bit is melting real chocolate like that. It’s a bit hot for that here at the moment but I never can resist a good hot chocolate.
Looks like you received so many awesome things in the box, I need to give degustabox another try x
Lots of nice food goodies in this pack you got. My favourite was the Finn crisps as they would suit me and my digestion problems best. I also adore seeds and natural seasoning. I noticed that many of the products are GF which is always a plus.
The snacks and drinks look very good. Would love to try some of them.
These sound like awesome picks! A wide range of products. Also – allergic to caffeine!? I don’t know how you do it, girl!
Xo,
Megan at Lush to Blush
I have never tried (or even heard of in fact) DegustaBox before. But it sounds great. Don’t worry, I’ve had plenty of dreams about food, haha!
I’ve not tried this box before but I love the idea of a food subscription box x
I love Natvia. Yes, it is more pricey than sugar but it is not sugar 🙂 I use it in baking all the time.
I haven’t heard of this box yet but look at all those goodies. I love Pop Chips so pass the bag!!
Great post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially since I’m a foodie as well!
I’ve tried the propercorn crunch corn and really liked it and also the snapea snacks- you can get salt and vinegar ones that are quite nice- that’s the only flavour I have tried.
Love the idea of a food subscription. I’m a sucker for popcorn, crisps and snacks! Yum
We’ve heard great things about this subscription box! My folks are massive fans of rice snacks x
Those pop chips do sound yummy. I’m not usually one for subscription boxes but love the contents of yours so it may be one to investigate
This looks like a great box, it’s made me feel hungry. I can only eat spicy food in moderation so the snacks would last me for ages.
i’ve never heard about such box… i loved the pop chips.. wanna try them someday
This box looks great! It looks like you’re definitely not alone when it comes to dreaming about food!
Honestly I liked the sound of most of this snacks- the spicy and rice treats has to be my favorite. I would eat it all in a day! I am a bad snacker 😀
I too am food obsessed! A lot of these sound yummy! I’d feel like it was Christmas if I received one of those boxes!
I absolutely LOVED this box, especially the fruitellas! They were so nice and better than the full sugar ones in my opinion!! xxx
This is a good box and I really like the sound of the Coconut and Chilli Yushoi Snapea rice sticks x
I love this review and how you state whether you would buy each product or not. Great post. Kaz 🙂
These all look interesting. I think I’d love those spicy pop chips–I’m a big fan of spicy foods. I’d also want to try that rock salt popcorn. I’m intrigued!
I always dream about food, food is life best pleasure well after sex.
This subscription box has so many goodies that I can totally see myself eating around 2-3am. That coffee thought seems pretty good, would love to try it, hope you some left haha. xxxx
The native sweetener would be perfect for me right now because obviously with gestational diabetes all sugar is out- sweeteners aren’t banned though 😉
The Vanilla coffee sounds lovely, that’s such a good price for a flavoured coffee as well! 🙂
I love subscription boxes and have heard great things about Degustabox. Sadly I dont think I’d honestly like many of these products, I’m very fussy! But I do love the sound of the Hot Chocolate!
This is a great post 🙂 I have never had a subscription box because they are a little too pricey at the moment. I love that this box gives you a wide variety of things to try.
I’ve not tried the Degustabox yet, though I keep reading about it and meaning to try it. Everything in them always looks so nice.
I’m allergic to caffeine too, it’s nice to find someone else that is…and who understands the need for the sugar boost instead!
I admit that I had never heard of a subscription box before today. Sounds like a cool thing. Loved all your descriptions and your evaluation.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this box. I am a big fan of those pea snacks – I always have a bag in m cupboard for late evening snacking! 🙂
Wow there was so much in this box. I love the hot chips. They sound so good and anything spicy is a winner in my book. I love the fruit-tella candies. Used to eat them in Europe a lot. I have a terrible sweet tooth 😉 On another note, your makeup is always so gorgeous in all your pictures. Just wanted to let you know that it’s not going unnoticed.
They all sound interesting. Fruit-Tella looks yummy and i am fond of spicy chips. I will try for them for sure.
I don’t do subscription boxes but heard/seen a lot. Love the products you got in yours – looks like some really tasty bits!
It’s great to learn about food subscription boxes in the UK. I think that you got a lot of goodies for a very low price. I am actually a fan of quinoa pouches and I would love to try the split peas one that you got in the box. The Aspire drinks sound good as well. I have never tried infused coffee before, that sounds intriguing for me, as a coffee lover.
lol i am like that too food is heaven! This looks like a fun box to try!
I have always fancied trying one of these boxes out. Lots of yummy surprises inside! Beautiful pictures Ana 🙂 I would love the protein drink for after the gym.
I got this box. I thought a lot of the items were quite pricey, but I loved the Crabbies ginger bear and the rice sticks!
I love the look of these! I’m a complete foodie (and newly vegan) and I love trying new brands. Signing up!
I do love the look of this subscription box, and really must subscribe to it, my Daughter loves her hot chocolate and would love the one featured x
Great reviews! What a shame you can’t drink coffee. I had 2 flavours from that brand: coconut and maple walnut and they were both delicious:).
You definitely get a lot for the price you pay! I love how it’s all snack too because I’m always on the look out for healthy snacks, definitely want to get some of those fruitella!
As I’ve just started a diet, and trying to look after myself better, posts like this are becoming invaluable as I have no idea what is good to eat/drink, and what isn’t… So thanks for the help, haha.
i’ve always wanted to find a sub box that would suit me and this looks like it would lol. i’m not really in to my beauty but FOOD! Yes. Please.
You get so many things to try in this box! I’ve found a few new products that I didn’t know about before now.
I keep meaning to try Degustabox. I see so many bloggers reviewing them and they just look so good!
Send your caffeinated products to me next time!
Ha me too, absolute sucker food! Thanks for this fab read, I especially the part where you say would I buy it again, very interesting.
I’ve never heard of that box before. I didn’t realize they made ones for snacks and food. I may have to look into that. I hope they ship to the states!
Who doesn’t love food? These are great snacks. As I am also conscious of my health, I have to check for its nutritional value first but thanks for sharing.
there looks to be some rather nice treats in there the last time i tried something from there it was vegetable crisps and i actually really enjoyed them x
I have never tried Desgusto box before but this box looks amazing, you get so much for an affordable price too
I love Pop Chips, but I really didn’t find those ones spicy. When something says really spicy, I expect it to be razy spicy.
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I really love your layout of this review. I find some reviews so all over the place but yours was a pleasant/easy read. I would definitely try the Finn Crisp.
Lots of great items in the Degustabox, I would love to try the fruit-tella with less sugar! 🙂
Everything looks so tasty, would love to buy it all as well! I’m crazy about anything spicy myself, so the hot chips sound like heaven to me.
I haven’t tried these yet and I think the boxes can be a bit hit and miss with the types of foods included. I would consider trying the hot chocolate and the flavoured coffee but nothing else unfortunately.
I’d love to try a degusta box, so yummy x
Oh wow! I’ve never heard of this box but i love whats in it! I love popchips and had no idea there was this flavor, i also love spicy so i must find them! 🙂 chia seeds I love too we make chocolate pudding with them, coconut and almond milk and cacao, the hot chocolate sounds amazing too!
Although some of the products are not to my taste, you really get a lot of stuff for your money!!!!
I tried this subscription box a while back but felt that the contents were too random for my liking
What a great post this is! I’m obsessed with pop chips, so I don’t know how I haven’t yet had the crinkle cut ones!
I love food subcription boxes, great way to find new favourites!
Wow there is a lot in the box! I am not sure about the hot stuff, but I like the sea salt items!!
You sound just like me – obsessed with food!
I’ve always wanted to try the degustabox. I’ve read do many great reviews c
I love this review – honesty always is very important! Protein boost – I definitely choosing this solution!
Self confessed food-aholic here, too! What a fantastic bundle of goodies you were sent – the popchips sound divine!
Wow, that’s great value on the box! That French Vanilla coffee looks terrific. We have a brand selling something similar and it’s fantastic.
I like the chia shots, and the chips, this very informative post, subscription box is big market In 2017 because everyone wants things to delivered to their doors
Wow, you got a lot of great snacks there. They all look and sound good. I watching what I eat but there is nothing wrong with having a snack here and there 🙂
Thanks for sharing 🙂
what a great selection of snacks, not so sure about the drinks. Love Natvia Natural Sweetener it’s good for baking too. Quinoa – we are fans!
I have to admit I have never done subscription boxes but I am really intrigued at the selection one gets. WHat I am loving about your breakdown is the “What I purchase it again?” An honest opinion. Thank you!
I think about food a lot too! In fact when I think about my trip to London in a few weeks, I’m excited for more of a variety of food! I’m sure you’ll have some good places to take me to and recommend! I love the variety of these foods. Quinoa is one thing I love because you can pair it with so much!
I think this is a well balanced box this month, with lots of things worth trying out.
Reading this it seemed like the box that kept on giving:-)
I too am a big foodie and love this post. Detailed text and images with honest opinions too 🙂 x
Interesting selection, thanks for sharing your honest reviews of each one