Irie Mon Box Caribbean Subscription Box Review + Coupon – September 2015

Irie Mon Box is a monthly Caribbean “flavor” box – from food to the sounds, smells, and feels of the islands! Every month is an experience in “EVERYTING NICE” and you’ll get 6-8 products curated from the Caribbean Islands sent right to your door every month.

The box is packaged nicely with a bright sleeve in the colors of the Rastafari flag, and everything was packed carefully inside.

Everything in the Box.  There were a few nice mood setting items and several great food items, including mixes/marinades, condiments, and ready-to-eat snacks.

The card details the items in the box, providing some suggestions for proper enjoyment.

Maco Caribbean Living ($7.95):  This colorful magazine highlights some great cultural happenings, new party spots and retreats, and fine dining and high-living throughout the Caribbean.

MACO x Putomayo Caribbean Sampler: This is a promo sampler, but it’s Putumayo, which is really awesome.

Ortanique Citrus Candle ($8?) This candle is hand-poured in Jamaica and their only online presence is a Facebook page! Ortanique is a Jamaican citrus fruit that’s a natural cross between an orange and tangerine.

The music sampler draws from across the region to provide some pan-Caribbean mood-setting.

Walkers World Spicy Jamaican Jerk Marinade ($10.99)  Jerk is not an insult in Jamaica.  The most celebrated flavor of the Nation is bottled and ready for use on chicken, fish, steak, veggies… whatever.  Made in Jamaica, this big bottle can season a big batch of jerk.

Grace Scotch Bonnet Hot Pepper Sauce ($7.99) Another Jamaican product, this fiery sauce features the prototypical Jamaican hot pepper, the Scotch Bonnet, bringing intense heat to liven up any dish.

Eaton’s West Indian Mango Jam ($5.87)  Also made in Jamaica, this sweet fruit jam comes in a large (12 oz) jar.

Grace Johnny Cake Caribbean Homemade Mix ($4.50)  Johnny cake is a little different in the Caribbean.  This Jamaican recipe is packaged in Canada, but it is not the cornmeal cakes that go by the moniker Johnny cake up north.  These are fried wheat flour dumplings that can be served for any meal and go with just about anything — from ackee and saltfish (the national dish), to mango jam.

St. Mary’s Kettle Cooked Plantain Chips with Sea Salt.  Made from green plantains, these have a mellow, savory taste that becomes quite addicting.

Cocoflake Coconut Gizzarda.  Like a cross between a coconut macaroon and a kolache, these tarts have a pie-crust exterior filled with a cinnamon sugary, moist coconut melange.  If you are not familiar with kolache, think unfrosted cinnamon sugar PopTart.  This is a really unique treat.

Irie Mon is the first Jamaican themed subscription box we’ve seen.  Though it has some Pan-Caribbean flavor to it (the music, magazine, and plantains are not solely Jamaican), it had some truly Jamaican items that were made in Jamaica and presented uniquely Jamaican flavors and sensibilities.  The products were well-chosen as representatives of the spirit of the island, and they were provided in nice quantity and size.  We estimate it is probably over $50 for the items in this box, which is a fantastic value, given the free shipping.  This box has me wanting to light the candle, put on the music, and eat ALL the food.

Visit Irie Mon Box to subscribe or find out more!