Mantry is a subscription box that describes itself as “the modern man’s pantry.”
Each month they ship gourmet food items in their signature wooden crate.
Mantry sent me this box for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Mantry
The Cost: $75
The Products: Artisan foods for the modern man’s pantry.
Ships to: US only.
Check out all of our Mantry reviews and the Food Subscription Box Directory!
This month’s theme is “American Desert.”
Each box comes with a fold out card detailing the producers behind the food included and where in the country they’re based.
This box also includes a note from Mantry’s curator.
Cactus Candy (8 oz.)- $7.95
Cactus Candy is flavored with prickly pear fruit, which is something I don’t see very often here on the east coast. The flavor of the candy is delicate and delicious, and I like the soft, gummy consistency, too. The packaging is a lot of fun, but I can’t stop starting at the happy little cactus guy. Is it just me, or does he have only one eye? Cute AND a little scary!
Juniper Ridge White Sage and Wild Mint Tea (1.4 oz.)- $13
The packaging of this tea is beautiful, and White Sage and Wild Mint is exactly the kind of flavor combination I love.
Heart of the Desert Garlic and Green Chile Pistachios (8 oz.)- $5.95
I’m a fan of pistachios, and my husband is obsessed with them. We agree that these have great flavor. I love the burlap container, too.
Santa Fe Culinaria Blue Corn Pancake Mix (15 oz.)- $5.20
About once every two months, my husband and I have a “breakfast for dinner night.” Pancakes are usually the focus, so I’m going to save this mix for our next meal. Mantry recommends topping these pancakes with peaches and honey, and I think that sounds fantastic. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might even try serving them with some homemade tequila caramel sauce.
People's Choice Beef Jerky Machaca (2.5 oz.)- $4.50
The consistency of this jerky is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The meat is shredded to a fine consistency, making it kind of like the pulled pork of the jerky world. It can be eaten directly from the package, but I think it might be better incorporated into another recipe. Mantry recommends using it in Huevos con Machaca Burritos.
Santa Fe Ole Roasted New Mexico Green Chile (1 lb.)- $5.80
Chilis from the Hatch Valley have something of a cult following, and they’re widely sought after throughout the US. Apparently, the valley’s unique terroir contributes to the flavors of the chilis grown there, which sets them apart from similar crops grown elsewhere. Santa Fe Ole roasts and salts these famed chilis before zesting them with lime. I snuck a taste of this sauce, and I’m very impressed. It’s delicious!
I received this box much later than usual, and I haven’t yet had a chance to try out August’s recipes. I’ll definitely be making a couple of them when I get a chance, though. Mantry’s recipe for Wild Mint Julep Paletas looks especially tempting.
I love the idea of making a Mint Julep (popsicle, in this case) with mint tea!
Verdict: Mantry does a great job curating boxes around a theme. This American Desert box introduced me to some really fun and delicious new products, and I think they all perfectly represent the Southwestern theme. I especially like the cactus candy- what a fun and unusual treat! This month’s products have a combined value of just over $42. Mantry isn’t a high-value subscription (I don’t think I’ve ever received a box where the value of the products meets or exceeds the cost of the box), but this month’s value is even lower than usual. I hope to see the value improve next month because I think this month’s value is a bit too low to justify the $75 cost.
What do you think of this month’s box from Mantry?
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