Review- The Great British Porridge Co: Goji Berry & Pumpkin Seed and Blueberry & Banana

Hi-de-Hi Campers! Yes, it is me - I am back! Hands up, who missed me? Is anyone still even hanging on? I'd be surprised if you were.. It has only been over a year since my last review afterall! Sorry about that.. Life seemed to take over, something had to give and unfortunately, the Bloggy got put on the back burner. But no matter, what's everyone been up to? Been anywhere nice? Met anyone special? Anyone produced an offspring? Or are the majority of us still rocking the food baby and the food baby alone? Yes? Fantastic! On to the review*! 

Way back when in August, I was very kindly sent some Great British Porridge Co. samples to try and truth be told, up until a fortnight ago, I hadn't touched them. Despite being a massive fan of the stuff, my craving of a warm breakfast was very much amiss but with the nippier mornings now upon us, I am back on the Porridge train and in turn give to thee, Goji Berry & Pumpkin Seed and Blueberry & Banana! 

Now, there was actually a third flavour in my Porridge parcel, Strawberry & Peanut Butter** but sadly the bag must have sustained an injury in transit as the entire contents of the pouch had emptied into the package (And my dining room, I might add!) thus rendering it inedible.. But no matter, the best varieties made it to my bowl and belly!

Gluten Free, Vegan and containing no added sugar, these Instant Porridges pride themselves on being wholesome and natural, having zero in terms of artificial colours, flavouring or preservatives as well as being crammed with all the vitamins, minerals and almighty protein that our little bodies need to keep ticking over. 

As instructed, I weighed out a rather generous 55g, added 100ml of boiled water, stirred a whirl and let it rest for 30 seconds prior to digging in. 

Goji Berry & Pumpkin Seed 

 

Gluten free wholegrain oats, dates, coconut milk (90% coconut milk, 8% maltodextrin, 2% cornstarch), pumpkin seeds (10%), goji berries (7%), chia (salvia hispanica) seeds.

Having never tried an Instant Porridge previously, I wasn't really sure what to expect - I even questioned whether I had prepared my oats correctly when it came out as runny as it did! Virtually scentless, bar a hint of generic berry, the porridge was surprisingly smooth yet plenty substantial thanks to the abundance of "nutty" pumpkin seeds mixed throughout. A chew came from the ruby red, Goji Berries which also delivered a flavour which I can only describe as tangy and borderline sour. The two tastes combined with a good kick of coconut and the familiar comfort that comes hand in hand with any oats, made for one very wholesome and filling breakfast! 

So.. I was bold and took it upon myself to microwave what I had left of the above - Not suggested anywhere on the bag but rules are for breaking and I do like a thicker Porridge! A nice big old sticky clump was produced, which not only brought out a delicious "toffee like" date flavour but also provided a roasted hit to the oats. I liked it and I liked it a lot! - It's a 4 out of 5 from me!

Blueberry & Banana

Gluten free wholegrain oats, dates, sunflower seeds, coconut milk (90% coconut milk, 8% maltodextrin, 2% cornstarch), chia (salvia hispanic) seeds, banana (3%), blueberry (3%).  

Moving onto our second option and it ain't pretty, I'll say that much! Lilac hued and smelling not much in the way of banana despite the initial waft when opening the bag, this Porridge once again tasted really quite wholesome but sadly, not enough in terms of fruitiness to counteract the earthy tones. Texture wise, I found it a bit of a weird one also.. Liquid yet lumpy and a little too easy to choke upon! 

Having given it a brief zap, the aforementioned qualms were soon eliminated with a now gloriously dense although still plenty soft, feel and return of the sweetness of dates to pair with the tropical coconut element. There may have been a glimmer of the blueberries.. But the banana still proved to be as elusive as ever! It's a 3.5 out of 5 from me. 

Overall, I definitely think that The Great British Porridge Co. are onto something here. Yes, the flavours could do with a slight tweaking.. But a super speedy, nutritious base seems like a good place to start to me and chances are, you will only go and top your bowl with more fruit anyway so anything potentially lacking can easily be glossed over! 

As for the preparation method.. It does work but personal preference took over and I couldn't help but deviate! That is not to say by any means that the "slop" won't tickle your pickle though - You do you, Huns - I just love me some stodge!  

Go check out TGBPC (Cor, that's an acronym and a half!) to find out more and perhaps even treat yourself to a Porridge pouch or two! 

RRP £4.99 per 385g - Samples sent in exchange for a review. Opinions very much my own. 

*Did I do okay? I mean, I realise this ain't my first Rodeo but it's been a stretch.. Are we meant to include nutritional information now? Someone provide guidance, please!     

**Quite glad it was this flavour. Still deathly intolerant to THE PEANUT. Still avoiding it like the plague. Still hate Nestle. Still sassy.   

Snackmas Day 2- McDonald's UK Festive Selection

They say the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Usually I would concur.. But other sorts of spreads work too. Festive Fast Food ones from McDonald's for example - It's time, as promised, for The FFF! 

And what a selection the chain has put out for Christmas 2016 - There's the NEW Festive Cheese Feast Burger and Cheese Melt Dippers on the savoury side and a Terry's Chocolate Orange McFlurry and Chocolatey Banoffee Pie for those who want something a bit sweeter. Naturally, I wanted it all so got it all. 

Festive Cheese Feast

A 100% British and Irish beef burger with cheese, Beechwood smoked bacon, a cheese sauce, seasoned grilled onions, tomato ketchup and lettuce, all in a toasted bun. 

The McDonald's elves must have been in good spirits the day I purchased my burger for £4.49 as it looked like it had been put together with love.. And by someone who really likes lettuce - I've never seen so much of the green stuff on one thing, ever. 

I am not sure this picture really reflects the reality of the size of the Burger but believe you, me, it was massive! Starting with the bun itself, it was wonderful - Soft, fresh and plenty robust enough for the plethora of fillings. Munching my way through, the first flavour to come across was beef from the ridiculously moist and juicy patty. As expected, this went well with the double hit of creamy cheese which was relatively mellow and not likely to offend anyone. The onions were cooked to perfection and of just the right quantity with an injection of smokiness as well as a bit of a salty edge from the porky bacon rashers. Finishing things off nicely was a squirt of ketchup which I didn't think added much taste wise but did enhance the squidgy factor even further, and of course, an entire lettuce making for a fresh crunch. A 4.5 out of 5 from me! 

Cheese Melt Dippers

Four breaded cheese dippers, made with camembert and served with a Festive Tomato dip. 

Moving onto the modestly priced, £1.59 Dippers which felt mighty toasty in the bag! Cooked to a golden perfect, the decently sized circles were crisp and crunchy on the outside with a contrasting, satisfyingly soft interior of just set Camembert - Nothing runny or sloppy here! Similarly to above, the potency of cheese wasn't too strong but instead creamy and went well with the Tomato dip.. Even if it was a tad on the sweet and borderline, artificial side. It's a 4 out of 5! 

Terry's Chocolate Orange McFlurry

Soft dairy ice cream swirled with Terry's Chocolate Orange pieces and chocolate orange sauce. 

So I can't say this one looked anything like the promo picture.. Granted, I did have to get it home but even when it was passed through the drive-thru window, it didn't look much more attractive. It's a good job that it's all in the taste as this one was a beaut! An abundance of chocolate orange pieces were distributed throughout the signature soft and sweet McDonald's ice cream which combined with the splodge of runny sauce, made for a chocolate orange lovers dream! My only real qualm was that the difference in quality between the aforementioned and Terry's nibs was only to apparent.. But overall, didn't ruin things - Another 4 out of 5 from me and £1.39 well spent! 

Chocolatey Banoffee Pie

A hot crispy pie filled with a thick Banoffee and Chocolatey sauce.  

Last up and the one I expect many Folk are excited for.. The Chocolatey Banoffee Pie, priced at £1.19. I like to think I saved this little fella from a sad Christmas fate - It was due to be disposed of at 12.33pm and I gave it a home in my belly at 12.15pm! For something so close to the mark, I have to say it was pretty darn good! The pie was hot, plenty crisp with the usual almost, greasy fritter feel. A generous strip of both Banoffee filling and ooey-gooey chocolate ran up the inside, packing a bit of a flavour sensation - Nothing but sweet banana paired with not exactly the highest quality but plausible cocoa tones. Almost Banoffee as I tasted no actual toffee but still yummy - A final 4 out of 5. 

Well, well, well, McDonald's you merry old bunch of mistletoe - This little lot is a complete winner and there is absolutely nothing here to let down anyone looking for a festive fix. I highly recommend you get yourself down to your local chain, order everything and embrace your rotund, Christmas pudding, post Fast Food state.. I won't be far behind! 

Spicy Chicken Winter Melt

Aaaaaand then MSW and the Spicy Chicken Winter Melt happened - A return from last year but a new one for us.

Succulent chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating with an Emmental cheese slice, fire roasted pepper sauce, slivered onions, a cool mayo and lettuce. 

Good god. Seriously, who is manning the lettuce station at my McDonald's and why the heck are they so heavy handed? I realise the likes of these Burgers aren't exactly healthy but I hardly think forcing that amount of leaf upon us is going to counteract the "bad".. Someone have a word. 

MSW did well in not losing the whole lot when taking a big bite - As you can see, it was really quite loaded! The bun was up to par with that of the Festive Cheese Feast in being just as bouncy, fresh and containing a generously sized piece of chicken. As succulent as suggested with a satisfying crisp coating, the fillet was second to none and tasted delicious with the warmth from the pepper sauce and abundance of raw onion. The cheese once again added some creamy and mellow tones with the squirt of mayo cooling things even further. Seasonally spicy - A 4 out of 5! 

Review- Nomadic NEW Apple & Banana Yogurt & Oats Drink

It may have taken me a month shy of a year but I have finally found another flavour from Nomadic to try. This time, it's a Yogurt & Oats Drink in Apple & Banana which I thought was a bit of a strange combo.. But it was branded NEW and I was sucked in!

Rise and shine with our delicious and filling signature yogurt made from the finest milk and blended with crisp, juicy apples and healthy oats. 

Tesco is where I picked up the 275g bottle for £1.50 - Not the cheapest but no doubt healthier than a Frijj or Milkshake equivalent. Made in Ireland using low fat yogurt, apples and oats, the drink is suitable for vegetarians and can be kept in the fridge for 2 days once opened, if you fancy prolonging things.. I know I would struggle having that much dairy in one go come a morning! 

Cracking into the bottle and pouring some into a tumbler, I expected the scent of banana to be much more apparent, instead it was mainly an acidic aroma and not much like any fruit at all. This reflected in the taste completely with the flavour of yogurt being very much at the forefront with a real tang yet creaminess and a further zing from what I can only assume was meant to be apple.. Although you wouldn't really know it! An aftertaste of banana may have lingered after one mouthful but then again, it was so vague, I could have quite easily imagined it. Texture wise, things were equally as strange - Smooth and silky combined with the somewhat off-putting and "bitty" pieces of oats. Very bizarre. 

Overall, I can't say this Nomadic NEW Apple & Banana Yogurt & Oats Drink has wooed me. It isn't unpleasant by any means but the flavours are whack with a dodgy texture to match and at the end of the day, not what it says on the bottle. I'm going back to the Lassi! It's a 2.5 out of 5 from me. 

Review- The Chocolate Smith's Ice Cream Sandwich Bizarre

Not to long ago I received a surprise package in the post from my dear old buddy chum and the Hand Snack Selfie King, Kevvie! It is safe to say I was giddy with excitement, especially since he had been teasing me with the prospect of summer goodies heading my way for about 2 months previous!

Is there anything that says "British Summertime" more than a trip to the seaside, or fairground? (Aside for the rain, we mean!). We can bring you the beach and the sun with this tropical ice cream sandwich! Coconut, banana, crispy wafer and creamy vanilla in Belgian white chocolate. Enjoy this limited edition Bizarre while you can!

Inside was this Ice Cream Sandwich Bizarre Bar by The Chocolate Smith's which I have to admit, I had been pleading for him to get me - If you ever want some of their wacky flavours, Butty is your man.. Although beware, he's a Bacon Chocolate pusher!

Unwrapping the bar, the smell of white chocolate was very much apparent with super sweet, vanilla tones.. No coconut or banana though as I expected! Not a glimpse of wafer was visible upon the first snap of the bar either - Perhaps the action was in the centre? Well, yes, the aforementioned did make a brief appearance, mainly causing the chocolate either side to go everywhere despite not being in abundance. Flavour wise, no banana was distinguishable bar a vague whiff in one chunk with the coconut aspect being just as MIA. The only real flavour was the pure sugary hit of white chocolate which I could have sworn to be MilkyBar - Creamy and enjoyable but hardly high quality! The wafer itself added a "wafer" ice cream cone flavour along with a slight crunch.. And that was it.

So, this Ice Cream Sandwich Bizarre is just a bar of white chocolate.. One which I don't even think is as nice as the what the Easter Egg Custard presented! It wasn't repulsive by any means but I can't quite fathom why The Chocolate Smith's have labelled it as coconut or banana - It oozes nothing of the sort! Absolutely zilch! Who's doing the taste testing to give the whole lack of flavouring the get-go? We need answers! Thanks Kev, Sorry Kev! It's a 2 out of 5 from me.

Review- M&S NEW Banoffee Tartlets

Does anyone not like Banana? I'm thinking not.. I love it despite having been left struggling to breath multiple times when eating it! The on-off allergy is no match for my admiration which is exactly why I wasn't not going to pick up todays treat.. M&S NEW Banoffee Tartlets! 

The 195g, very Banana-esque box of 6 tarts cost £2.50 although they are included in a 2 for £4 deal across all sorts of cakey items, if you're looking to go big. They are also suitable for Vegetarians but not for freezing.. Please someone enlighten me to as why one would have the desire to freeze them. 

All butter (17%) pastry tartlets filled with caramel (28%), topped with a banana (1%) flavoured buttercream, decorated with a sweetened dried banana slice and finished with crumbled biscuit. 

How adorable! I loved the look of the weighty, 33g treat and especially the kiss of buttercream!

As you can see, cutting the Tart in half was easy and very precise - No cracks or crumbling. Short and crisp in texture, the pastry was perfect with a lovely buttery flavour making for the best base to what sat above.. The toffee! A pure hit of sweetness came from this thick, yet soft and chewy golden layer which tasted a lot like Werthers and was generally bloomin' delicious! Things only got better with the doubly dense piping of pale yellow buttercream which delivered a pure hit of banana goodness, pairing up well with the caramel as expected and was just on the right side of artificial. The dried slice on top added a solid crunch although didn't really do all that much in terms of flavour.. Not that it mattered as the Tart couldn't have been any more banana-ry! 

Well these NEW Banoffee Tartlets are amazing.. And I didn't die when eating them - It's a double winner! If you like Banana or Toffee or Pastry or Buttercream or anything really, you need them - Get yourselves down to M&S pronto. I can find no fault - It's a 5 out of 5 from me! 

Review- Asda NEW Puds: Carrot Cake, Banoffee Bombs and Rhubarb Jumbles

Something crazy seems to have happened to Asda's Fresh Dessert section - It's over run with Puds! No word of a lie, there are about a dozen+ NEW additions.. From fruity, St Clement, Passionfruit and Coconut to Millionaires and Mocha with Gingerbread Latte, Afternoon Tea, Apple Betty and a Blueberry Pancake number thrown in along the American way for good measure.. And that's just to name a few!  

After much umming and ahhing, I decided on the Carrot Cake, Banoffee Bombs and Rhubarb Jumbles which all cost £2 each with the latter weighing in slightly less at 96g per pot rather than the 100g seen in the Carrot and the 135g with the Banoffee. I'm going to assume this theme runs throughout all the NEW Desserts as they come in variety of different size pots.. Just to boggle everyone a bit. 

Carrot Cake

Cream cheese flavour mousse, carrot cake flavour compote and mixed spice sponge pieces.

Oo look at the gooey, ooeyness. The Pud smelt amazing and surprisingly like Cream Cheese - I half expected it to be nondescript! Digging all the way down to the bottom to ensure I got all three elements, I took a big mouthful and was immediately in heaven! The super smooth compote was the first thing to hit with its relatively spicey kick of cinnamon and ginger - Something we all know to be key with a good Carrot Cake. This was only complimented by the sponge which was soft enough and once again, packed full of those signature mixed spice flavours as well as proving to be a decent contrast in texture to all the soft. As for the pillowy mousse which was generously topping the lot, it was creamy and sweet with a good tang that was only to easy to identify as being Cream Cheese. Delicious - 4 out of 5 from me!

Banoffee Bombs

Banana mousse with fudge and toffee flavour sauces, sponge pieces and toffee chips. 

Moving onto the Banoffee Bomb and the one I was the most apprehensive about.. I love the flavour combination but in recent years have acquired an on-off banana allergy but figured I would risk these given my general wild ways and the fact the content of said fruit was only at 2.4%. This may seem not a lot but boy, did these pack a punch! The mousse was full on banana and nothing but with the balance of being "real" and artificial, perfectly paired. Super smooth and sticky, the toffee flavour was the next element to show itself which I would liken to the buttery taste of Werthers Original. The odd bit of sponge came to light but wasn't any where as near apparent or abundant as the Carrot Cake, above. A sprinkling of crunchy chips on the top was the delicious finishing touch which heightened the Toffee even further as well as complimented the lingering, banana aftertaste! It's a 4.5 out of 5 from me! 

Rhubarb Jumbles

Vanilla flavour mousse, cheesecake batter, rhubarb compote and flapjack pieces. 

Finally, the Rhubarb Jumbles which were bought in mind of MSW who can't get enough of the pink stalked stuff! As seen with the previous Puds, the mousse was whipped a treat with a lovely texture but this time didn't deliver in terms of taste - It was bland with no real vanilla flavour and all a bit claggy! The Cheesecake batter was also a let down as I couldn't even distinguish such a thing, let alone taste it. A very subtle tang came from the measly portion of Rhubarb at the bottom which was certainly way more chunky than a compote should ever be. As for the flapjack pieces, they were buttery and soft with a good chewy, oaty texture but unfortunately, couldn't save the thing from being almost tasteless overall. A disappointing 2 out of 5 from me. 

Well, minus the Rhubarb Jumbles, I am quite pleased I picked up these NEW Desserts - Both the Carrot Cake and Banoffee Bombs have some serious flavour and make for very luxurious, indulgent Puds that would go down a treat with anyone and everyone! I would definitely buy both again, if not, try some of the others flavours from the never ending list. One thing that I can't not mention though is the absence of a Red Velvet option - Why Asda have covered classic American Desserts here but failed to include the best of the lot, is beyond me.. Someone sort it out, please!