Conscious Box May 2014 Review + 50% Discount Code!

If you read my last Conscious Box review, you might be aware that I'm struggling with this one. The concept is to promote healthier living by allowing you to sample natural non-GMO products in the food, household and personal care categories. (GMO means "genetically modified organism"; GMO free foods in particular have been an increasing focus of many subscription boxes over the past couple of years.)

There has been a lot of customer criticism of Conscious Box for sending so many tiny samples, coupons and brochures in their boxes with less actual product substance. Conscious Box listened and said they would be making significant improvements starting in May.

Since this was only my second box, I can't really compare over the long run but judging from comments I've read, reactions are mixed.  It is obvious that people receive different things in the same month.  Some subscribers did notice significant improvement in May but many others continue to complain about tiny samples, too many coupons and repeat items. 

My May box was attractively packaged and was permeated with a wonderful coffee scent when I opened it.  I'm not a big coffee drinker but I love that smell!

A single serving pod of San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee - French Roast was responsible for the intoxicating smell of this box.  These pods are compatible with several popular coffee makers, including various Keurig and Mr. Coffee models. Unfortunately, I don't have one of those machines so will probably attempt some unorthodox drip method!

The paper in the May box includes a card advertising several features on the Conscious Box site, a brochure from Crystal Body Deodorant, a Dr. Hauschka card with a 25% code that expires less than two weeks from the receipt date of the box (boo!) and another coupon for Barbara's Cereal or Snackimals Cookies.  Sorry to say, nothing of real substance here.

There is an 11 oz. container of Pure Coconut Water from Vita Coco.  I'm not sure I'd drink this on its own but I've heard that it's a really good addition to smoothies, so that's how I will try it.  This is 100% natural and loaded with electrolytes and potassium.

A package of two automatic dishwasher tablets by ECover was included.  These are phosphate and chlorine free; not an exciting inclusion but definitely one that will get used.

There was a BioBag, which is "Certified Compostable", again not exciting, but useful. These are biodegradable and meant for the collection of organic waste.  Already set up in my kitchen!  Also included is a single serving of Spatone PurAbsorb Iron.  This is a liquid that can be consumed by itself or diluted in fruit juice or water.  The goal is gentler and easier absorbtion.  

Next are three foil pack samples, a Crystal Body Deodorant Towelette (these have come in SO many sub boxes), Vegan Bone Maximizer, a dietary supplement to enhance bone strength and density and a biodegradable Wipe 'N Clear lens wipe by Flents.  Glad to have that last one but would have liked a dozen of them! 

Another tiny foil pack sample is Dr. Hauschka Firming Mask which is a 20 minute treatment that claims to have great anti-aging properties for the face. Unfortunately, this sample is so small (.08 oz.), there's just not enough to give it a serious trial run. 

And there are still more foil pack samples.  There is an Oat Replenishing Shampoo & Conditioner from Weleda.  Weleda makes great hair products but again, there's just not much here. (Are you sensing a trend yet?)

The first thing that I actually used/consumed from the May box was the Clif Kid ZBar, a baked whole grain energy bar in the Chocolate Brownie flavor.  This was not great, but tolerable and did give me a little energy boost.

There is a single serve package of Barbara's Puffins Honey Rice Cereal, a gluten free whole grain with brown rice cereal.  I don't remember getting a cereal sample in a sub box before so am interested to try this.

The last item is a small Super Squares grain & seed chewy bar in "Vanilla Apple with Almond" from Cascadian Farm.  This looks pretty good, but with 7g of fat, it's not exactly a low fat item...one of my requirements for a food to qualify as "healthy".

So, as you can see, I'm still pretty lukewarm about Conscious Box.  The hardcore healthy living types will probably stay loyal but for those who just want to be exposed to new products, I'm not sure the value is really there yet.

If you'd like to try Conscious Box, they do have a great promotion.  Use the code TAKEHALF to get 50% off your first box.  You can also get the Taster box (the smaller size) for free using the code FREENOW...just pay $4.95 for shipping.

If you've tried Conscious Box, I'd really like to know what you think.  As mentioned above (and is apparent on their site), there is a LOT of variation among their monthly boxes, so I'd like to hear what others received.  Please comment below and add to the discussion!

Thanks so much for reading,

Cheryl