Universal Yums is a snack subscription box that sends out snacks and candies from a different country each month. The contents of the boxes change each month as they highlight the best snacks from each featured country, but you can always expect a mix of flavors: salty, sweet, spicy, fruity, and more. Only authentic snacks from the featured country are included in this box. Choose from the Yum Box for $19.00 per month, the Yum Yum Box for $33.00 per month, or the Super Yum Box for $51.00 per month. (You also have the option to save by purchasing a 3,6-, or 12-month plan.)
This review is of the Yum Yum box, which is $33.00 per month.
Author's Note: This box had a price raise in recent months.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
Is anyone else blown away that April is already upon us? After another dumping of snow, the beginning of spring has been nothing but a winter wonderland. While the quote "April showers bring May flowers" may not be in my northern Minnesota cards, I can say that this month's Universal Yums was so tasty that it perked me right up! Because this box was packed with a perfect mix of sweet and savory snacks, we couldn't wait to dive in. Read below to see what we discovered from Belgium.
What's Inside the Box
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Every month we receive a fun, illustrated map that shows where our Yums are coming from. This month we received a map of Belgium packed with fun trivia. The back side hosts the usual Yum Scoreboard and scavenger hunt. Also included in this box is a helpful pamphlet that guides you through a typical day in the Belgium via trivia, recipes, photography, and activities. Delicious AND educational!
Creme Brûlée Bonbons
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Okay, so I am a lover of chocolate, but this version of bonbon has taken it to another level. With a smooth, creamy, milk chocolate shell, this baby is stuffed with a sweet cream that has a slight caramel flavor that just made my taste buds scream for more. One of the spendiest items in this month's box, it definitely is one of the most delicious. And just look at how pretty! More please!
Ham & Gouda Biscuits - Buy a pack of 3 for $5.10
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Honestly, when I first opened the bag of these gouda and ham snacks I was hit with a salmon scent. I hate fish, so this was a little off putting, but the flavor really had it going on. These crunchy cheese crackers truly had a ham flavor that paired really nicely, and I would love to incorporate this goodness onto the top of a bowl of potato soup for a spin on the traditional. Unconventional, yet really tasty, we were very pleasantly surprised at the flavor of these crackers!
Cranberry Rye Cake - Buy a pack of 4 for $4.80
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Our family eats a lot of toast for breakfast, but apparently this cranberry rye cake is eaten in exchange of toast for breakfast in Belgium. While dense, this cake is very flavorful and was quite sweet. Both of my kids were intrigued by this treat and really enjoyed it with a layer of butter on top.
Violet Gummies - Buy a pack of 2 for $4.80
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Charlie loves gummies and was ecstatic to give these violet gummies a try. His first reaction was this: "Mom, I think I am eating a flower!" And when I bit into one, I can tell you he wasn't wrong! These little sweet gummies are packed with flavor, but that more of a flower than sugar. Because I am so starved for nice weather and spring, I actually appreciated the flavor, while Charlie felt more like he was eating soap.
Andalouse Sauce Potato Chips - Out of Stock
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These Andalouse sauce potato chips must have been an all around hit, because they are actually sold out in the Yum Shop! Pre-Universal Yum box I must admit, I had no idea what andalouse sauce was, but now I'm a convert. The traditional andalouse sauce is made from mayonnaise, tomato paste, and roasted red peppers, and if that doesn't tempt you, I don't know what will. Crunchy, rippled, and tangy, these are extremely good by themselves, but are even better with some good ol' Midwestern Top the Tater!
Raspberry Dark Chocolate Bar
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One of the perks of winter is the fact that Universal Yums can send chocolate without it melting, so I guess there is another reason to love this long, drawn out season. Here we received a raspberry dark chocolate bar that was filled with creamy chocolate ganache. If the packaging doesn't catch your eye, the sweet and bitter combination of raspberry and dark chocolate just might. Beautiful in design, it is just as impactful to the tummy. My kids who don't care for dark chocolate even asked for extra, which is saying a lot!
Cheddar Biscuits
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After so many vivacious flavors stuffed into one box, my tastebuds were ready for a slower change of pace, and found it with these cheddar biscuits. Though a little broken up, the calming and comforting taste of a good old cheddar biscuit was just what I needed. Again, they were delish by themselves, but would be even more tasty tossed into a salad or paired with a hot bowl of soup.
Speculoos Spice Cookies - Buy a single pack for $5.00
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As I have mentioned before, I'm not real big on spice cookies, but I think as I get older that is changing a bit. These extra crispy cookies are a little shabby in looks, but have the best cinnamon bite that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. I found myself reaching for these more than I would like to admit, and even the kids liked them. Looks like I have start adding to my Yum Shop cart!
Melon Hard Candies - Buy a pack of 2 for $5.80
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My family is a lover of most fruits, but just haven't found much of a passion for cantaloupe or honeydew. That being said, my kids have found it most satisfying in candy form. Debuted in drop style form, these hard candies are extremely sweet with a dusting of powder. Move over Jolly Rancher, there's a Belgium version in town!
Buttercream Truffles - buy a single pack for $7.40
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Last, but definitely not least was more chocolate magnificence! Coated with a dusting of cocoa, these buttercream truffles were the perfect combination of bitter and sweet all the way around. Large in size and just utterly fantastic to eat, these pair better to a mature palette than that of my 8-year-old, but boy did I think they were good! Were they the best? You'll have to read this month's picks below!
The Verdict
Guys, Universal Yums has done it again with a fantastic curation. Featuring a perfectly balanced box of sweet and savory snacks, this month's picks were right on par. It was also very exciting to receive a box from a country we haven't visited since 2017! Overall, this box was delicious, and created an enjoyable and educational experience for my family. We already can't wait to see what's in store for May! Where do you think we will be headed next?
Scorecard Picks:
- Favorite: Creme Brûlée Bonbons
- Runner-Up: Buttercream Truffles
- Worst Yum: Violet Gummies
- Most Unusual: Ham and Gouda Biscuits
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of this review's publication, if you sign up now you can choose to receive the Belgium box.
Value Breakdown: This box is $33.00 per month (including shipping). I received 10 individually wrapped snacks which average out to $3.30 per item.
Which Universal Yums snack would you most like to try?
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