Degustabox: Your Monthly Surprise Food Box Review

A foodie's dream come true, Degustabox is a monthly box filled with new products to try and fall in love with before they hit supermarket shelves!

Hand over heart, I'm a bona fide foodie, the kind bad internet memes have been created to mock. My idea of a good time while on holiday, is discovering new supermarkets and food markets and marveling at the local produce and delicacies. With being in love with every aspect of food, from its origin to the ways in which its eaten, comes a true excitement for new products. When supermarket staff peddle samples of new products, I'm first in the queue for a taste.

That's why I love Degustabox--there's no need to queue! Or even to visit the shops, because they send up to 14 food items to you directly every single month. Many of those items are products that will be new to shop shelves. Degustabox satisfies my foodie curiosity of new foods and flavours while keeping my pantry stocked. It's a win-win.

The Degustabox I received was filled with a variety of delicious food and drink, from soft, sweet brioche to fruity-flavoured tipple. I was impressed by the range of products included in the box.There were goodies to snack on like new-to-the-market Mexican Dave's tortilla chips and a classic Thornton's chocolates. For the adults, a bottle of Caribbean Twist Strawberry Daiquiri was included.

Because the people at Degustabox work with established brands, there were familiar comforts in the box. For instance, Schwartz included two of their products that aren't entirely new, but that are quite popular. I personally always have their flavour shots in my cupboard, ready for a quick meal. Dr Oetker, another familiar brand, appeared in the box with a new product, edible wafer cupcake cases. I've yet to use them because I'm trying to exercise self control and not nibble them straight from the packet!

The mix of familiar and old was comforting and exciting. Sometimes with food, when it comes to new things, it can seem a bit overwhelming. But Degustabox strike a delicate balance that works.

My only issue with the box is that it can't be tailored to specific dietary requirements. (Or, if it can, the website doesn't explicitly state this.) We got lucky in that there wasn't much in this box that I couldn't or wouldn't use, but it is something that I'm concerned with and could make me less likely to purchase the box in the future.

For instance, my box contained two packs of bread--brioche and croissants. Neither of which were gluten free and as someone on a strict gluten free diet, I was unable to eat them. Luckily, my husband and son still eat gluten, and quite happily devoured them for breakfast over the course of a week and a half.

Then there's the alcohol. I'm not teetotal, but I don't really have a use for tonic water and don't have the palate for ginger beer. Fortunately, I was able to make use of these products by gifting them to a friend who's tipple of choice is a G&T.

Of course, I'm happy to share things that I can't or don't use with friends and family. As a food blogger who is regularly sent samples, they're used to be passing goodies on to them, which is nice, but you may not be able to do this; in which case, you'd end up paying for things you couldn't use each month.

Speaking of payment, a subscription to Degustabox is just £12.99 per month. Not bad for a box filled with goodies! Boxes tend to be sent out towards the end of the month, with delivery expected around the 25th of each month. If you'd ever like to cancel, you simply get in touch with Degustabox's Customer Care team sometime before the 10th of the month and they'll get you sorted.

You'll receive email notification with a tracking number so you can follow your box on its journey to you. This is extremely handy if you need to plan to be in when the box arrives, as it is quite large and will not fit through a letter box.

In every Degustabox, you'll receive a spec sheet that tells you a bit more about each item included. You'll be able to learn all you need to know about the products from which supermarkets stock them to the suggested retail price. A quick tot up of the prices and you'll notice that the value of your box far outweighs what you've paid for it, making Degustabox a nice option for saving money while still treating yourself!

With Christmas on the way, don't be a Scrooge! Treat your friends and family to a few Degustaboxes of their own. They'll make a lovely gift for those foodily inclined!  Register for your first Degustabox!