Tesco's New Frozen Toasties: the height of laziness?

April 16, 2018, 12:05 am

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Whilst perusing the new products in Tesco recently I came across something that made me stop in my tracks. "Really?!" I thought...people are really lazy enough to buy a FROZEN Toasted Sandwich?" It's not like they are that hard to slap together especially if you have a Toastie Maker.

The frozen delights come in classic Toastie flavours like Cheese & Ham, Tuna & Sweetcorn, BBQ Chicken, and Cheese Tomato & Spinach.

The latter even comes with wholemeal bread...mmm healthy frozen Toastie!

I imagine this range may be popular with students, although I reckon they'd opt for something shop-bought over these - too much effort!

Have you tried the new frozen Toasties from Tesco? Are they actually any good? Let me know in the comments!

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Kitkat Ruby is here (UK)!

April 16, 2018, 10:58 pm

≫ Next: Milkybar Wowsomes with 30% Less Sugar (UK)

≪ Previous: Tesco's New Frozen Toasties: the height of laziness?

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Just a quick heads up...Kitkat Riuby has now arrived on UK shelves, in Tesco! I spotted this bar for 85p in Tesco Express in the chocolate bars section. It should be available in all stores within the next week or so. Happy hunting!

If you try this bar please do let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Milkybar Wowsomes with 30% Less Sugar (UK)

April 18, 2018, 12:57 am

≫ Next: Kind Snacks Dark Chocolate Almond & Mint Bar

≪ Previous: Kitkat Ruby is here (UK)!

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Another heads up today; as well as the new Kitkat Ruby, Nestle have also launched Milkybar Wowsomes, a white chocolate product containing 30% less sugar. This is the first bar in the world to use an innovative high tech sugar reduction technique, that changes the structure of the sugar, similar to the changes that candyfloss undergoes when it's made.

The bars contain no artificial sweeteners and consist of small chocolate pieces with crispy oat centres.

There's also mixed pouches of the chocolates, which contain two types of fillings: one with milk chocolate and crispy oats whilst the other is vanilla.

The sharing bags are currently £1.50 in Morrisons, whilst the bars are 60p in Tesco.

Ingredients: Milk Powders (Skimmed and Whole) (36%), Vegetable Fats (Palm, Shea), Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Oat Crispies (6%) (Rice Flour, Oat Flour, Sugar), Dextrin (Maize Fibre), Dried Glucose, Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder, Flavourings, Butterfat (from Milk), Lactose (from Milk), Whey Powder (from Milk)

Have you tried Milkybar Wowsomes? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Kind Snacks Dark Chocolate Almond & Mint Bar

April 20, 2018, 12:48 am

≫ Next: Kind Snacks Pomegranate, Blueberry & Pistachio Bar

≪ Previous: Milkybar Wowsomes with 30% Less Sugar (UK)

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A huge thanks to Kind Snacks UK for sending me some of their new bars to review recently, which includes a Pomegrante, Blueberry & Pistachio bar plus today's review: Dark Chocolate Almond & Mint, a bit of a different flavour for a healthy snack bar!

Kind bars are all gluten free, dairy free and made with ingredients you can see and pronounce. This particular bar contains a whopping 60% nuts, a lot more than the dried fruits that most healthy snack bars are based on.

Described as a "40g Almond & Mint bar with dark chocolate mint flavoured coating", this contains cashews, almonds and honey as well as rice crisp pieces.

The bar is chunky, with the nuts looking very plentiful. The honey and glucose syrup binding it make it slightly sticky, and it's easy to split in half.

I really enjoyed the refreshing taste of the mint chocolate on this bar, it's very different but very lovely and works well with the savoury nuts. This felt like quite a treat indeed, yes there's only a drizzle of the chocolate but its enough to make it decadent whilst also being a healthy bar.

Overall, I have to say this bar is a definite win! It lives up to its healthy credentials and is slightly naughty at the same time, you can't ask for more really. I haven't compared it to other healthy snacks bars but I'm guessing the sugar content is a lot lower.

8.5 out of 10. 

Ingredients: Almonds, Cashews, Dark Chocolate Flavored Coating (Palm Kernel Oil, Chicory Root Fiber, Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Salt, Peppermint Oil), Chicory Root Fiber, Honey, Glucose Syrup, Rice Flour, Unsweetened Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla, Soy Lecithin, Peppermint Extract, Sugar, Sea Salt, Peppermint Leaves.

For more info on Kind snacks see their UK website: https://www.kindsnacks.co.uk/products/

Kind Snacks Pomegranate, Blueberry & Pistachio Bar

April 22, 2018, 10:37 am

≫ Next: Iceland No Bull Vegan Burgers

≪ Previous: Kind Snacks Dark Chocolate Almond & Mint Bar

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Today it's Part 2 of my Kind bar reviews, and this time it's their new Pomegranate, Blueberry & Pistachio Bar (click here for the Dark Chocolate Almond & Mint Review).

Consisting of 55% nuts, this bar is gluten and dairy free, although not vegan since it contains honey. It's described as a "40g Pistachio, Blueberry & Pomegranates Bar" and contains cashews as well as almonds, dried fruit and rice crisps.

I have to say the combination of blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates works really well! This is a very fruity bar indeed, perfectly suited to the Summer weather. The pistachios go well with the berries, mingling to create an exotic taste. As much as I enjoyed the Dark Almond Mint variety I would say this one was even nicer - the fruits really steal the show! A delicious bar that also happens to be healthy, who'd have thought it?

Overall, this is another win from Kind Snacks, who really are shaping up to be masters in the healthy snacks market. Although not quite as prominent as Nakd Bars they are just as good, if not better in my opinon with their focus on a high percentage of nuts and less dried fruit. Check out their UK website here:

https://www.kindsnacks.co.uk/

Ingredients: Almonds, cashews, chicory root fiber, honey, glucose syrup, rice flour, pistachios, raisins, sugar, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates, soy lecithin, sea salt, natural flavor, citric acid, vitamin A (vit. A acetate), vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Other Kind reviews: Caramel, Almond & Sea Salt. Almond & Coconut/Dark Chocolate Mocha.

8.5 out of 10.

Iceland No Bull Vegan Burgers

April 24, 2018, 11:25 am

≫ Next: New Marks & Spencer Chouxnuts & Coconut Pots

≪ Previous: Kind Snacks Pomegranate, Blueberry & Pistachio Bar

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Iceland (the UK supermarket chain, not the country!) are getting in on the trend for meat-free eating and have launched a new range of "No Bull" Vegan burgers in their stores. The burgers promise the same taste and texture as real meat...to the point they even "bleed". Can I have a "EWWW?" from everyone?! Quite why a vegan would want a bleeding burger (or even why a meat eater would, for that matter) is beyond me, but apparently these come so close to the real thing they look like raw mince once cooked, thanks to the beetroot colouring used.

Are they any good? Reports suggest they taste as good as real meat although it's obvious that they aren't. Which is pretty much what one would expect, I suppose?

Have you tried  these No Bull burgers? Did you like the fleshy colours on offer? Let me know in the comments!

New Marks & Spencer Chouxnuts & Coconut Pots

April 27, 2018, 12:54 am

≫ Next: Plamil So Free Espresso Dark Chocolate

≪ Previous: Iceland No Bull Vegan Burgers

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Today's post is another Spotted In Shops (soooooo much new stuff lately!) and again it's for M&S who have been busy not just adding a new British Isles range (complete with the weird Salt & Vinegar Caramels) to their confectionery offerings, but a rather decadent looking range of pastries to their desserts. One special addition in particular is this hybrid of choux pastry and a doughnut...the chouxnut!

Available in Salted Caramel (of course), as well as...

Rhubarb and Custard Chouxnuts:

Plus there's some Strawberries and Cream Choux Buns:

And the new Ultimate Chocolate Eclairs, filled with chocolate mousse and with white chocolate icing!

Plus there's the fruity Blackcurrant Eclairs..

As well as these fancy looking White Chocolate & Blackcurrant Spheres:

Plus they're doing some new vegan dairy free vanilla Coconut Yogurt Pots...

As well as Blueberry Coconut Pots...

Plus Mango & Passionfruit Coconut Pots...

There's also been more additions to their confectionery and snacks range, which I'll do a post on shortly! If you've tried any of these desserts please do let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Plamil So Free Espresso Dark Chocolate

April 28, 2018, 4:17 am

≫ Next: Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Chai Latte Bar

≪ Previous: New Marks & Spencer Chouxnuts & Coconut Pots

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Just a quick review today, and it's one for those who may be reducing or cutting out the sugar what with the news of the UK Sugar Tax coming into force. Most chocolate bars using sweeteners can often taste chemically or just "wrong", so how does Plamil's So Free Espresso bar fare?

Made with xylitol, a natural sweetener derived from birch, I found this bar in Holland and Barrett. It contains 72% cocoa solids, is gluten free, dairy free and suitable for vegans.

The bar has small segments you can break off. I went for the espresso variety simply because I was in need of an energy boost, and although the coffee only comes from flavouring I reasoned the placebo effect might still give me a boost!

And it was just what I needed for a sweet coffee hit. The chocolate gives a rich flavour, with the coffee lingering in the aftertaste whilst the xylitol makes it sweet enough to be palatable. It's not the same as sugar of course, and it does take a little getting used to, but it's pleasant and far more tolerable than a completely sugar free chocolate bar.

Overall, if you're reducing or cutting out the sugar, or even just avoiding dairy, I would recommend this bar for a sweet hit that is hopefully kinder to your health...and teeth! (xylitol apparently prevents tooth decay).

8 out of 10. 

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Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Chai Latte Bar

April 30, 2018, 9:50 am

≫ Next: Montezuma's Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla Bar

≪ Previous: Plamil So Free Espresso Dark Chocolate

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Montezumas, makers of the famous Absolute Black chocolate bar are turning 18 this year, and to celebrate their coming of age they've launched a "Festival" range...because they're going to their first festival now they're 18. Get it? These colourfully packaged bars are specially designed to help them party and were inspired by Holi, the Hindu festival which signifies the arrival of spring and has become known as the happiest festival on earth. I really do like the packaging designs, they're the sort of thing I would definitely pick up in a shop to buy!

There's three varieties in the range; today's review which is Milk Chocolate with Chai Latte, as well as Milk Chocolate with Coffee & Cocoa Nibs and Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla (reviews to follow shortly).

Containing 35% Cocoa Milk Chocolate with the addition of mixed spice, this 100g bar is suitable for vegetarians and gluten free.

The spice aroma is very evident on opening the wrapper, followed by the milk chocolate. Taking a bite, the chocolate is super creamy and smooth, just what you'd expect from higher quality chocolate. The spices are subtle yet still very evident in the taste. They bring a lovely warming chai taste that blends well without overpowering the chocolate. Think of a creamy, warm chai latte and you get the idea!

Overall, this is a lovely bar from Montezuma's and if chai spices are your thing I'd highly recommend giving it a try! Check out Montezuma's website for more info, nutrition information and where to buy.

8.5 out of 10.

Montezuma's Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla Bar

May 1, 2018, 4:03 am

≫ Next: Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Coffee & Cocoa Nibs

≪ Previous: Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Chai Latte Bar

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Following on from my review of the Montezuma's Chai Latte Milk Chocolate, today's bar from their Festival Range is one that's suitable for vegans and is dairy free, it's Dark Chocolate with added Rose Oil and Vanilla flavouring. Having tried rose flavoured chocolates before I went into tasting this with great hesitation...would it be nice or awful?!

The Festival Range of bars from Montezuma's have been launched to celebrate their 18th birthday, because they're going to their first festival now they're 18. The colourfully packaged bars are specially designed to help them party and were inspired by Holi, the Hindu festival which signifies the arrival of spring and has become known as the happiest festival on earth.

Opening the wrapper, the bar has the classic Montezuma's style of a section of breakable blocks with a thicker piece with the Montezuma's logo on below. I do like the design - it means you can have a chunkier piece of chocolate or smaller pieces if you fancy.

The chocolate certainly had a faint smell of rose, which didn't really excite me to be honest. Don't get me wrong I don't mind rose flavour when it's in turkish delight, but with chocolate I have rarely enjoyed it.

I took a bite. I was hit by the flowery rose taste right away, followed by the more intense dark chocolate. And quite honestly I didn't enjoy it. It's just too much when paired together, and really not the sort of thing my tastebuds enjoy. The vanilla flavouring does tone down the overpowering nature of the rose somewhat, making it more palatable, but I still found it hard to eat.

Overall, I'm going to say this is one of those "love it or hate it" marmite bars; if you like rose or floral flavourings it might be right up your street. But it's really not my thing. On the plus side, the dark chocolate is good quality, as it always is from Montezuma's.

For more info and to buy: https://www.montezumas.co.uk/bars-c1/festival-2018-bars-c74

6 out of 10. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate 99% (Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier:Soya Lecithin & natural Flavouring: Vanilla), Vanilla & Natural Flavourings: Rose Oil.

Gluten free, may contain traces of nuts and dairy. 

Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Coffee & Cocoa Nibs

May 2, 2018, 7:51 am

≫ Next: Co Op Rainbow Unicones & Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream! (Spotted In Shops)

≪ Previous: Montezuma's Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla Bar

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Today it's my third and final review from the new Festival 2018 Range from Montezuma's, which have been created to celebrate their 18th birthday. Check out my reviews of their Milk Chocolate and Chai Latte plus the Dark Chocolate with Rose & Vanilla bars.

I've saved the best (in my opinion) for last with today's review...who doesn't love a good old coffee and chocolate combo? Well, granted not everyone but it certainly rates highly in my books. Today's bar consists of 35% milk chocolate with 3% coffee and 2% cocoa nibs added. Maybe not enough caffeine to give you the shakes, but still enough to make a delicious bar.

I'll not bore you with my thoughts on the block design or the packaging today (I love both, FYI) and get right onto the taste.

Of all the various coffee flavoured chocolates I've tried over the years, from milk, to white to dark chocolate, this is perhaps the best I've tasted! It hits the right balance of creamy, flavoursome milk chocolate, rich coffee flavour that is strong enough but not too overpowering or bitter, and a nice crunchy texture from the cacao nibs. I'm pleased they didn't use coffee bean pieces and opted for cacao nibs instead, since coffee beans can taste too bitter and often spoil whatever they're added to. All three elements are executed perfectly here, and kept me coming back for another square (or two!) after I had finished my last. A very moreish and addictive bar indeed!

Overall, if you're a java lover this is definitely a bar for you. It's indulgent, creamy and will give you a nice coffee boost. Although I'd still recommend pairing it with a fresh espresso to make it a super special experience!

8.5 out of 10. 

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate 95% (Sugar, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Paste, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin & Vanilla), Coffee 3% (Contains Caffeine) & Cocoa Nibs 2%.

For more info and to buy: https://www.montezumas.co.uk/bars-c1/festival-2018-bars-c74

Co Op Rainbow Unicones & Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream! (Spotted In Shops)

May 3, 2018, 2:09 am

≫ Next: Perfect World Caramel Pecan Ice Cream

≪ Previous: Montezuma's Milk Chocolate with Coffee & Cocoa Nibs

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Today's Spotted In Shops post is a bit late, but a heads up to anyone with a Co Op nearby...they are now selling Unicorn themed ice creams called...Rainbow Uni-Cones! Yep, they've jumped on the magical unicorn highway and have created these Ice Creams complete with vanilla and raspberry ice cream, sprinkles and bizarrely, black waffle cones. Maybe to highlight the filling? Who knows!

Going further to the Dark Side, they've also created these "Twice as Ice!"Double Chocolate Waffle Cones. I can't say they appeal to me, as much as like all things chocolatey.

In fruitier ice creams, they're also doing these cool-looking Pineapple Lollies. Sounds tasty!

They're also doing this lovely sounding Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream, complete with almond flavour ice cream, cherry sauce and digestive biscuit. Yum!

Plus a Coconut & Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream, complete with butter enriched coconut biscuit and a truffle centre.

As well as this lovely British Strawberry & Clotted Cream Ice Cream, rippled with strawberry compote and hidden pieces of scone!

In alcoholic treats, they're doing Peach Bellini Ice Popsicles. Not for anyone under 18 as they contain real alcohol! Suitable for vegetarians.

They're also doing these special limited edition, hand cooked Gourmet Burger Crinkle Cut Crisps. What makes them gourmet, I hear you ask? Well it's the Aberdeen Angus beef, Monterary Jack cheese and Dill Pickle of course! These do sound yummy I have to say...sadly they're not vegetarian for anyone who may be wondering.

Last but not least, they're doing this fab sounding Triple Chocolate Cookie Pudding, with chocolate cookie dough, white and milk chocolate chunks and chocolate sauce. Sounds like sugar heaven!

Well, that's all for today's Spotted In Shops! If you've tried any of these Co Op treats do let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Perfect World Caramel Pecan Ice Cream

May 4, 2018, 5:57 am

≫ Next: Perfect World Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

≪ Previous: Co Op Rainbow Unicones & Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream! (Spotted In Shops)

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Today's review (and upcoming reviews) are specially thanks to the makers of Perfect World ice creams, a company specializing in vegan, sugar and gluten free ice creams that are suitable for pretty much any dietary needs. I first reviewed the brand a few years ago with the Taste Of Carrot Cake Ice Cream, and since then they have totally revamped their range, removing egg from the ingredients and adding new flavours such as Raspberry Ripple, Mint Choc Chip, Sweet Espresso, Pistachio, Double Chocolate Chip and this...the delightful Caramel Pecan!

With only 4.7g of natural sugars and 423 calories in a tub, this ice cream is completely vegan and dairy free and made with a mixture of coconut milk, cashew nuts, vegetable fibre and the sweeteners xylitol, erythritol and stevia. It's also high in 12 vitamins and minerals, making it a truly healthy ice cream indeed! As impressive as all that is though it would mean nothing if it didn't taste good...so does it?

I would shout this out loud if I could...but that's a resounding YES! This ice cream is bloody amazing! I started with the Caramel Pecan because it was hands down my favourite of the range (which isn't to say the others aren't great too) and I would urge anyone who is vegan or avoiding dairy/sugar to seek out a tub immediately - you won't regret it!

The melt of the ice cream is great, it's lighter than luxury ice creams which is to be expected, and is somewhere between a sorbet and whipped ice cream. It's super creamy and has a delicious authentic caramel flavour. I honestly couldn't tell it didn't have real sugar in, because it allowed the toasty flavour of the pecans to shine, without overpowering them. It was so, so moreish! I must admit that I got a bit greedy and nearly ate the whole tub...probably because I have missed out on ice cream like this for ages!

If you're vegan, avoiding dairy or just avoiding sugar, then this is the icecream for you! Seriously, you can't find anything better currently in UK supermarkets in my opinion.

9 out of 10. 

Available from Ocado.com and Tesco.

More info: http://www.perfectworldicecream.co.uk/

Ingredients: Water, Sweeteners (Erythritol, Xylitol, Steviol Glycosides), Coconut Milk, Soluble Gluco Fibre, Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Glycerine, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum), Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Natural Flavours, Natural Colours, Salt, Vitamins (D, E, B1 Thiamine, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacin, B5 Pantothenic Acid, B7 Biotin, B12), Minerals (Chromium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc).

Suitable for Vegans; No Added Sugar.

Nutrition (per 100ml): 85 Calories, 5.23g Fat, 11.1g Carbohydrates, 0.83g Sugars, 4.03g Fibre, 2.1g Protein.

Perfect World Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

May 6, 2018, 2:17 am

≫ Next: Perfect World Pistachio Ice Cream

≪ Previous: Perfect World Caramel Pecan Ice Cream

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After reviewing the delicious Perfect World Caramel Pecan Ice Cream yesterday I thought I'd follow it up with another one of my favourites from their newly revamped range - Raspberry Ripple. If you've never heard of Perfect World before they are a company making vegan, dairy free, gluten free and sugar free ice creams that are available from ocado.com and Tesco. They contain 12 vitamins and minerals per tub and this particular flavour has 334 calories and only 5.4g of natural sugars. Pretty good going for an indulgent dessert!

Unlike some vegan and dairy free ice creams I like the fact this doesn't contain soya and thickeners like carageenan, as those can be allergenic in themselves (I'm personally sensitive to carageenan). The sweeteners used instead of sugar are tooth-friendly xylitol, erythritol and stevia which are derived from natural sources.

Removing the lid, the ice cream had a lovely pink swirled effect from the raspberry sauce and looked very inviting indeed.

I really loved the taste of this one - the raspberry sauce is zingy and refreshing and blends well with the plain ice cream section. The main problem was there was just too much of the plain part...I wanted more raspberry! Still it was nice to have the contrast of the two. The melt was perfect and the texture just right - a cross between sorbet and a whipped ice cream. It's very creamy and makes for a lovely sweet dessert that isn't overpowering or sickly.

Overall, this is another win from Perfect World, and most certainly a flavour I would buy in shops! I do hope this range becomes widely available from the larger supermarket chains because it's ideal for anyone with allergies or who is avoiding sugar.

8 out of 10.

Ingredients: Water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, steviol glycosides), coconut milk, soluble gluco fibre, raspberry puree, almonds, cashews, concentrtaed raspberry juice, tapioca starch, vegetable glycerine, stabilisers (guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum), mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, natural flavours, salt, vitamins (D, E, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc).

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 67 Calories, 3.29g Fat, 11.8g Carbohydrates, 0.95g Sugars, 4.06g Fibre, 1.8g Protein. 

More info: http://www.perfectworldicecream.co.uk/

Perfect World Pistachio Ice Cream

May 7, 2018, 3:05 am

≫ Next: Perfect World Sweet Espresso Ice Cream

≪ Previous: Perfect World Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream

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Following my reviews of Perfect World Caramel and Pecan and Raspberry Ripple Ice Creams today's is another from their newly revamped vegan, sugar free and gluten free range in a rather delicious flavour indeed...Pistachio! Containing only 5.2g of natural sugars and 390 calories per tub this also boasts 12 vitamins and minerals too. Not bad for an indulgent treat!

The ice cream is made with a blend of coconut milk, almond, cashew and pistachio nut paste as well as the sweeteners xylitol, erythritol and stevia. Opening the lid, it had a lovely green hue and inviting pistachio aroma. There's little pistachio pieces mixed into the ice cream.

Taste wise it was lovely, a super creamy and inviting pistachio flavour that melted in the mouth beautifully. The crunchy pieces add a nice bit of bite without it being too much. This is most definitely one for pistachio lovers, it's so nutty and moreish! I liked the fact that it's not sickly sweet like some dairy-based ice creams can be.

Overall, this is yet another win from Perfect World, proving that you really don't need dairy or sugar to make a nice icy treat. If you're vegan or avoiding sugar these are a must try...keep an eye out for them on Ocado.com and in Tesco stores! The more requests they get the more likely they are to stock them locally :)

8.5 out of 10.

Ingredients: Water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, stevia), coconut milk, solubo gluco fibre, pistachio paste, almonds, cashews, tapioca starch, vegetable glycerine, pistachio pieces, stabilisers (guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum), mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, natural flavours, natural colours, salt, vitamins (D, E, B1 Thiamin, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc). 

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 78 Calories, 4.45g Fat, 11.1g Carbohydrates, 0.92g Sugars, 3.93g Fibre, 2.16g Protein.

More info: http://www.perfectworldicecream.co.uk/

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Perfect World Sweet Espresso Ice Cream

May 8, 2018, 12:08 am

≫ Next: Perfect World Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream

≪ Previous: Perfect World Pistachio Ice Cream

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Another ice cream review today, and this time it's for Perfect World's new Sweet Espresso variety, which is part of their newly revamped range alongside the existing Caramel and Pecan, the new Raspberry Ripple, Pistachio, Mint Choc Chip and Double Choc Chip. All of Perfect World's ice creams are suitable for vegans, gluten and dairy free and sugar free. They're made with a blend of xylitol, stevia and erythritol and contain coconut milk plus nut paste. The range is available from www.ocado.com and some Tesco's (if it isn't stocked locally please do request they sell it).

As well as being free from most allergens this ice cream is also high in 12 vitamins and minerals, and contains only 4.1g natural sugars and 396 calories per tub. Pretty healthy! It's described as a "non dairy coffee flavoured ice cream with espresso concentrate and sweeteners".

Coffee ice cream can be a bit hit and miss I find, in that it's usually too weak in flavour but that certainly wasn't the case here! The flavour is strong and potent and tastes exactly like a sweet espresso. The texture of the ice cream is kind of like a gelato or sorbet, creamy and melt in the mouth but not too heavy. It's pleasant and works well for a coffee ice cream.

Overall, this is another tasty and healthy treat from Perfect World, perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding the sugar, plus it gives you a nice little coffee hit to boot. Recommended!

8 out of 10. 

Ingredients: water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, steviol glycosides), coconut milk, soluble gluco fibre, almonds, cashews, tapioca starch, vegetable glycerine, espresso concentrate, stabilisers (guar gum, carob bean gum, xanthan gum), mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, salt, vitamins (D, E, B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc).

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 68 Calories, 3.56 Fat, 11.1g Carbohydrates, 0.77g Sugars, 3.83g Fibre, 1.95g Protein.

Perfect World Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream

May 11, 2018, 1:02 am

≫ Next: Co Op Truly Irresistible Dark Chocolate with Raspberry

≪ Previous: Perfect World Sweet Espresso Ice Cream

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The hot weather continues, and with it my ice cream reviews for Perfect World's sugar free treats. So far we've had Caramel and Pecan, Raspberry Ripple, Sweet Espresso and Pistachio, all of them tasty in their own right, but today's is for a more simple, classic flavour that is always a favourite during the Summer months - Mint Choc Chip!

Unlike your regular dairy and sugar filled versions, this one contains only 4.2g natural sugars and 396 calories per tub. It's made with a blend of coconut milk, cashew nuts and almonds, and the sweeteners xylitol, erythritol and stevia.

Opening the lid things looked promising right away, it has the classic minty green colour plus there were some cheeky dark choc chips poking their way through.

I scooped some into a bowl and allowed it to soften a little. Like the other flavours the texture is perfectly creamy; it's light and melts nicely without feeling too heavy.

The taste is spot on! There's the subtle, gentle mintyness you'd expect, nicely broken up by the chocolate chips. The base ice cream is very good for a dairy free variety, it's just sweet enough and doesn't taste of artificial sweetener. I certainly couldn't tell I wasn't eating real sugar.

Overall, for a light minty Summer treat this fits the bill perfectly. I bet it would be great in a Vegan/Gluten Free ice cream cone!

8 out of 10. 

Ingredients: Water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, steviol glycosides), coconut milk, soluble gluco fibre, almonds, cashews, chocolate chips (cocoa mass, sweetener xylitol, cocoa butter, emulsiufier sunflower lecithin), tapioca starch, stabilisers (guar gum, xanthan gum, carob bean gum), vegetable glycerine, natural colours, natural flavours, mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, salt, vitamins (D, E, B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, B12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc). 

Nutrition Information (100ml): 79 Calories, 4.61g Fat, 11.5g Carbohydrates, 0.74g Sugars, 4g Fibre, 1.99g Protein.

Co Op Truly Irresistible Dark Chocolate with Raspberry

May 12, 2018, 1:25 am

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I do love The Co Op. They're always bringing out new and interesting products, such as the Rhubarb and Custard Milk last year, and more recently Unicorn Themed Ice Creams. As well as those they've also launched this new limited edition Truly Irresistible Dark Chocolate with Raspberry, a Single Origin Fairtrade bar. Containing 54% cocoa solids and described as "rich and fruity with sweet raspberry pieces, made with carefully selected Peruvian cocoa" it contains 2% freeze dried raspberries and costs just over £1.50.

Opening the sleeve the chocolate was foil-wrapped, which is always a good thing in my book! The blocks looked smooth and glossy with The Co Op's Truly Irresistble logo printed on each piece.

Snapping a piece off, the freeze dried raspberries were very evident embedded in the chocolate, and certainly looked more plentiful than the 2% listed in the ingredients.

Turning the block over they were very visible on the underside of the bar, too; so it's safe to say this wasn't going to skimp on raspberry flavour.

And it certainly didn't - this is a very fruity bar indeed and I absolutely loved it! I'm generally a fan of The Co Op's dark chocolate anyway, it has a nicer flavour profile compared to Lindt or Green & Blacks in my opinion, and their Dark Chocolate Orange bar is far superior to Lindt's Orange Intense (plus is dairy free!). It's the perfect rich chocolate to pair with tart raspberries - every square of this was delightful, and went down a real treat with a cup of coffee. It's just the right level of sweetness, anything darker would have been too much and anything sweeter would overshadow the raspberries.

Overall, this is a fantastic limited edition bar from The Co Op and I do hope it sticks around for longer than just Summer! I think it could be improved even further by adding some other berries and thus making it a "Summer Fruits" bar...now that would be a treat indeed. But that's just my wishful thinking for ya! ;)

If you're dairy free or vegan do seek these treats out, although, if you're highly sensitive to dairy please be aware that it's made in a factory that handles milk ingredients.

9 out of 10.

Ingredients: Cane sugar, Peruvian cocoa mass, cocoa butter, freeze dried raspberries (2%), emulsifier (soya lecithins), flavouring. 

Nutrition Information (2 squares): 108 Calories, 6.5g Fat, 11g Carbohydrates, 9.6g Sugars, 1.3g Fibre, 1g Protein. 

Perfect World Double Choc Chip Ice Cream

May 14, 2018, 8:39 am

≫ Next: Tesco Frozen Porridge Madness!

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It's the last of my Perfect World Ice Cream reviews today (boo!) and it's for Double Choc Chip, a combination of chocolate flavoured sugar free icecream and sugar free chocolate chips. It's also vegan and dairy free, and contains only 4.1g natural sugars and 396 calories per tub. It's made with a blend of coconut milk, cashew and almond paste, and the sweeteners xylitol, erythritol and stevia.

Opening the lid it looked like a classic chocolate ice cream and smelled very chocolatey indeed. I was super excited to get stuck in!

It tasted very good indeed! It was a lot more chocolatey than I was expecting and had a deep rich flavour, with the chocolate chips adding a nice crunch. It felt somewhat indulgent despite being sugar free, and the texture was perfect - it melts in the mouth nicely whilst also being quite light.

Overall, this is another great variety from Perfect World, and perhaps one of the best - I like the simple combination of chocolate and chocolate chips, if you're a chocolate lover you certainly won't be disappointed!

Available from ocado.com.

8.5 out of 10.

Ingredients: water, sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, steviol glycosides), coconut milk, soluble gluco fibre, almonds, cashews, cocoa powder, chocolate chips (cocoa mass, sweetener xylitol, cocoa butter, emulsifier sunflower lecithin), tapioca starch, stabilisers (guar gum, xanthan gum, carob bean gum), vegetable glycerine, mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, salt, vitamins (D, E, B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B5 pantothetic acid, B7 biotin, b12), minerals (chromium, manganese, copper, zinc).

Nutrition Information (per 100ml): 79 Calories, 4.45g Fat, 11.2g Carbohydrates, 0.72g Sugars, 7.8g Fibre, 2.14g Protein.

Tesco Frozen Porridge Madness!

May 15, 2018, 7:46 am

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If I thought the new Tesco Frozen Toasted Sandwiches were a bit silly recently, even they didn't quite prepare me for Tesco's next ridiculous frozen product...Frozen Porridge!

Quite why anyone would want to eat reheated porridge from frozen is beyond me...can't porridge be made in the microwave anyway? I suppose if you're someone who doesn't happen to have milk in the fridge these may be handy, but who doesn't have milk in the fridge? Odd!

Would you buy this Tesco Frozen Porridge? Do you think it's a good idea? Let me know in the comments!