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Try the World Box Review + Coupon – December 2017

Taryn Lowman
ByTaryn LowmanJan 2, 2018 | 8 comments

Try The World Box December 2017 - Box

Try The World
3.4 overall rating
56 Ratings | 64 Reviews

Try The World is a monthly food subscription box that sends you chef-selected local and authentic gourmet foods from different countries. Try The World offers their signature Pantry Box, a smaller Snack Box,  and a Countries Box that features a new country each month.

Try The World Box December 2017 - Box Open Try The World Box December 2017 - Box Inside

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.

This review is of the Try The World Countries, $39 a month, box. 

Try The World Box December 2017 - Box Contents

The Subscription Box: Try The World Countries

The Cost: Choose from three subscription options: Monthly ($39/box + free shipping), Pay Every 3 Months ($35/box + free shipping), Pay Every 6 Months ($33/box + free shipping), Pay Every 12 Months ($29/box + free shipping)

LIMITED TIME DEAL: While supplies last, when you sign up for a new subscription, your first shipment will include one free box! Your first box will be the Journey The World Box and you will receive a free box! No coupon needed – just use this link!

The Products: Each monthly box includes 7-8 authentic, chef-curated gourmet delicacies

Ships to: US

Check out all of our Try The World reviews and the Food Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

Try The World Box December 2017 - Card Try The World Box December 2017 - Card 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Card 3 Try The World Box December 2017 - Card 4

Here is the monthly fold-out that includes a very detailed product section with a photo of each piece of food featured in your box. This was super helpful to use while navigating through each item. This month's box doesn't seem to have a theme. Instead, there is a unique curation of products from all over the world! We will go from Indonesia to Greece to the UK and so much more! 

Try The World Box December 2017 - Wine Voucher

Try The World Box December 2017 - HelloFresh Coupon Try The World Box December 2017 - HelloFresh

Try The World Box December 2017 - Socks Voucher

I also received a coupon for my first HelloFresh box! Check out our Hello Fresh reviews for more information about this meal kit and to save $30 off your first box! Plus a wine voucher to Naked Wines and a coupon for Sock Fancy. So fun! 

Try The World Box December 2017 - Jarlsberg Cheese Crisps Try The World Box December 2017 - Jarlsberg Cheese Crisps 2

Jarlsberg Cheese Crisps: Rosemary & Olive Oil, 4 oz. - Buy a 3 pack for $19.99

These little crisps come from Norway. A fun fact from the information card is that Jarlsberg was first created in the 19th century when cheesemakers were searching for a way to make a domestic version of "Swiss Cheese." Jarlsberg cheese is on the mild side so you aren't getting a super bold flavor in these crisps. I loved the rosemary and olive oil flavors that were added to each crisp. I am going to pair these with some hummus and olives for a delicious appetizer on New Year's Eve! 

Try The World Box December 2017 - GU Energy Try The World Box December 2017 - GU Energy 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - GU Energy 3

GU Energy Stroopwafel: Gingerade, 1.1 oz. - Retail Value $2.00

This snack is a unique take on a Dutch treat that is two layers of baked dough with a caramel syrup filling. GU Energy is a much healthier version of this snack and is filled with amino acids and electrolytes. You can eat this treat on the go or warm it over a hot cup of coffee or tea. I tried mine warm and it so was delicious, you would have no idea it was healthy for you! The biscuit is so soft that it melts in your mouth, warming it is the way to go. While I don't normally love ginger flavors, this was a subtle taste that was such a delightful treat.

Try The World Box December 2017 - Lavle Try The World Box December 2017 - Lavle 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Lavle 3

Lavle Dark Chocolate, 0.35 oz. - Buy a 5.28 oz. bag for $20.27

This dark chocolate comes to us from Belgium. Lavle uses a special process that preserves 80% of the naturally occurring cocoa flavanols making this chocolate filled with vitamins and minerals. The packaging recommends eating one of these a day for extra energy and vitamins. I typically love dark chocolate but this was so strong for such a small piece of chocolate! The flavors were extremely bitter with little to no sweetness. I for sure felt like I was eating something that was meant to be healthy, which sometimes I like, but other times I just want a piece of chocolate. I gave this to my husband who absolutely loved the bittersweetness!

Try The World Box December 2017 - Plum Sauce Try The World Box December 2017 - Plum Sauce 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Plum Sauce 3

Lee Kum Kee Plum Sauce, 9.2 oz. - Retail Value $4.93

Lee Kum Kee was founded in 1888 in Hong Kong. The original invention was an oyster sauce recipe, but this month's box features the delicious plum sauce. I have to say, this tasted a lot like the honey dip that they used to serve at McDonald's. I'm not sure if they still make it, but I used to love dipping my fries into it! This tastes like a much healthier and fresh version. The sauce is made with Chinese plums, ginger, and chilis. The monthly card recommends using this as a seasoning on duck or chicken. I am planning on marinating chicken in this incredible plum sauce for a stirfry dish.

Try The World Box December 2017 - Prince of Peace Ginger Chews Try The World Box December 2017 - Prince of Peace Ginger Chews 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Prince of Peace Ginger Chews 3

Prince of Peace Ginger Chews, 4.4 oz. - Retail Value $1.99

I have received this ginger chews in a few other boxes, and I always love to mention how I used to eat these during my first trimester! Ginger is great for your digestive stomach and can really help with morning sickness or if you are just feeling sick to the stomach. I am stocking up on these for the next time I am pregnant because I swore by them! This brand comes from Indonesia and uses traditional Eastern recipes. These ginger chews are filled with natural therapeutic benefits that everyone can benefit from.

Try The World Box December 2017 - Smashmallow Try The World Box December 2017 - Smashmallow 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Smashmallow 3

Smashmallow Cinnamon Churro, 4.5 oz. - Retail Value $3.99 

OMG, these are dangerous! They are so sweet, so much sugar, so much cinnamon, and so good! Smashmallow comes from California and each bag is made with organic sugar and non-GMO ingredients. The batter is whipped to make these fluffy marshmallows. The monthly card notes that these would be great to top on hot chocolate or to make rice crispy treats. I can't even imagine how good these would as a rice crispy! The fluffy marshmallow mixed with the incredible cinnamon toppings make this really taste like a churro!

Try The World Box December 2017 - Tea Pigs Try The World Box December 2017 - Tea Pigs 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Tea Pigs 3

Tea Pigs: Licorice & Peppermint, 1 bag, 0.10 oz. - Buy 2 bags for $2.50

Teapigs started in 2006 in Brentford, UK. Their mission was to get the nation drinking real tea again! Each tea is made with whole leaves of herbs and flowers, ensuring the flavor in every sip. The tea bag smelled incredible, so bright and fresh, perfect for a cold winter morning. Unfortunately, I do not like the flavor of licorice at all. Lucky for me, my husband is obsessed with licorice! He drank this tea the other morning and said it was so refreshing, and gave him energy from the bold flavors.

Try The World Box December 2017 - Veggicopia Olives 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Veggicopia Olives 3

VeggiCopia Olives, 2 bags, 1 oz. - Buy a pack of 12 for $14.99

I was so surprised to see that this was in fact olives in a bag! Coming from Greece, VeggiCopia is focused on promoting healthier living. Each packet is made without food coloring or preservatives, containing only 50 calories per serving. This is such a great way to take a delicious snack on the go! I love eating olives, but I would never take a glass container of them out with me. This would allow you to pack them quickly and safely for a snack on the go or for a bold lunch in the office. The olives were so juicy and bold, and I loved that they came pitted!

Try The World Box December 2017 - Nightfood Try The World Box December 2017 - Nightfood 2 Try The World Box December 2017 - Nightfood 3

Nightfood: Midnight Chocolate Crunch, 1.4 oz. - Buy a pack of 12 for $23.99

This snack was not listed on the monthly information card so I am not sure where this comes from or if I was meant to receive it. The snack itself is a healthier chocolate bar that could be used as a meal replacement or a great way to curb your sweet tooth! This chocolate crunch tasted like an Oreo cookie, which I loved! It was super chewy and delicious.

Verdict: This Try The World box was interesting because there wasn't an overall theme. Each product came from different areas all over the world! It was so fun looking through the information card to see where each product came from. While I did enjoy this box, I do love an overall location theme, it allows me to learn a bit more about that area of the world. This monthly card lacked a bit of what I loved from last month, really detailed information about the location that was featured that month. That being said, the products featured in this month's box were still extremely delicious, and I am still dreaming about those Smashmallows! 

To Wrap Up:

Can I still get this box if I sign up today? All orders are shipped out within 30 days. If you place an order today you will receive the January box.

Coupon - While supplies last, when you sign up for a new subscription, your first shipment will include one free box! Your first box will be the Journey The World Box and you will receive a free box! No coupon needed – just use this link!

Value Breakdown: The monthly cost of this box is $39, including shipping. I received a total of nine products in this month's box which averages out to a value of $4.34 per item. I did receive an extra item that was not listed on the information card, but overall I think the value comes in a bit short. Many of the products come in below the $4.34 value, even counting in the extra snack. I would love to see the overall value increase a bit with larger products or maybe a few more that come in at a higher price point.

What did you think of Try The World

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This monthly subscription box brings you chef-curated international foods, plus recipes in which to use them.

Each month, you'll receive 7-8 products from a new country. You'll also receive a "Culture Guide" to help you learn about the featured country.

If you like this box, check... read more.

Taryn Lowman
Taryn Lowman
Taryn's passion for subscription boxes started when she was gifted a monthly Birchbox. She is excited to discover more Mom and baby boxes to share with her family!

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8 comments

Catherine

I really wonder how / why TTW listed Prince of Peace as being Indonesian. That company exists to help fund PoP’s Chinese Christian ministry (hence the name) and its related charities. The founder is Teochew Chinese and is one of the biggest supporters of that community in SF’s Chinatown. I hope TTW is not going to rip them off.

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Emma

If you look closely at the back of the package, it says “Made in Indonesia,” so I’m guessing that’s why the review says that.

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Catherine

Yeah, I agree, probably because the chews were made in Indonesia. The company Prince of Peace is actually American with HK roots. The guy who runs it also imports Tiger Balm (which ranks up there with Salon Pas as medicinal stuff stereotypical Asian moms buy, my mom included). Anybody from SF, NY, or any other place with a Chinatown is going to look at this box and LOL at the utterly not special LKK plum sauce and “Indonesian Snack” ginger chews.

Deborah

My understanding is that this was actually the November box which was a one time departure from their normal country theme. They were really late sending it, but my box that arrived said NOV 17 on it and customer service confirmed it was November’s box. I did just finally also receive my October box (South Africa) which came last week. The October box didn’t have recipes and just otherwise just felt light to me.

I haven’t received a December box and their ‘magazine’ seems to be down where they typically announce the countries to be featured in the monthly boxes (they also haven’t announced any new destinations on social media as far as I can see). I have been really trying to give them the benefit of the doubt on all of these shipping delays and they’re very apologetic when I contact them for updates, but these delays are more and more troubling. I have credit leftover from Hampton’s Lane so would plan to renew to use my credit, but I may just decide I have to say goodbye to TTW.

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Catherine

The departure from the single country theme is permanent. They burned so many suppliers, they probably can’t get enough goods from a single country anymore. TTW is framing it as an “upgrade”.

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Tamara

I’ve been subbing to Try the World for about a year and it was one of our favorite boxes. Note I said WAS. We discovered SO many great food items that have become staples for us and we loved their store since it allowed us to easily repurchase those items (and their rewards program was really helpful for that, too!) We never had a problem with shipping or breakage or customer service. And those beautiful boxes were great!

Then around the time they bought out that other box (blanking on the name), everything went downhill. The shipping went completely wonky, the store is gone, and so are the gorgeous boxes. And what happened to the monthly country theme?? I just skipped the last few months instead of cancelling on the hopes that they get their act back together, but I am losing hope.

So bummed.

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Catherine

This box was such a joke. These are items you can find in a Safeway or at most, a Whole Foods. Some of the subscribers received expired / moldy olives. I wish MSA would stop featuring this box, as they are basically committing fraud at this point, but I appreciate that you at least did a per-item cost breakdown (price for LKK plum sauce should be lower, though). And seriously, there is absolutely nothing special about LKK plum sauce or PoP ginger chews. PoP is NOT Indonesian — holy crap that is serious misinformation, even if the chews may have been produced there. They mostly make ginseng tea and the like — the stuff they sell to local Asian American markets is quite different from what they sell to non-Asians — Prince of Peace are based in the US but have HK Chinese roots. Anyway, there are soooo many better choices they could have made if they wanted to include items from HK companies. What’s next, a package of Tasty Bite being touted as some “exotic food from India”? SMH.

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Taryn Lowman

I’m so sorry to hear that. Hopefully things will improve soon. Thanks for your post!

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