Universal Yums is an international snack subscription box. Every month they send a mix of snacks from one country or region. (A different country or region is featured each month.)
This month’s snacks are from Great Britain! I’m very impressed with the tissue paper flag in this box. Way to go, Universal Yums!
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Universal Yums
The Cost: $13/month for the Yum Box (6+ snacks) and $25/month for the Yum Yum Box (13+ snacks). (Note that this is a review of the Yum Yum Box.)
The Products: A selection of unique snacks from a different country each month.
Ships to: US & Canada (Canadian shipping is extra.)
Check out all of our reviews of Universal Yums!
Universal Yums includes a booklet that lists all of the items in the box!
They also detail the ingredients of each item on their website.
I lived in Britain for several years (and my husband is British), so December’s box was a joy to unpack. Many of the items elicited shrieks of delight and excited hand clapping. This was the first item we pulled from the box, and I don’t think a British food box would be complete without at least one packet of crisps! The Brits are famous for the odd chip flavors, and Tomato Ketchup is probably one of their tamer flavors. (Many chips have meaty or seafood flavors.) I like to dip my chips in ketchup (a habit my husband despises), so this flavor was always a favorite of mine. I claimed them immediately.
Hula Hoops, on the other hand, are one of my husband’s all-time favorite snack foods. They’re crunchy, circular, potato-y rings, and they come in a number of different flavors.
Salt and vinegar is one of his favorites!
Cheese & Onion is a popular flavor combination in Britain, and it’s really delicious. The onion flavor is a little stronger than our sour cream & onion chips, though, so be wary about eating them before an important meeting or a big date!
KP Skips Tingly Prawn Cocktail
Prawn Cocktail is another flavor commonly found in British snacks, and my husband goes nuts for it. Skips are like miniature Prawn Crackers- crunchy and with a flavor that’s more “savory” than “fishy.”
KP Meanies Pickled Onion
KP Meanies are new to me. Universal Yums describes them as having a “slightly sour pickled flavor and a strong onion taste,” so they’re not exactly for the faint of heart. You’ve got to admit that Brits are killing it in the salty snack department. Their range of unique flavors never ceases to amaze me!
I LOVE rose-flavored candy, so Turkish Delight has always been a favorite treat of mine. This version from Fry’s is covered in chocolate (whereas real Turkish delight isn’t), but I think it’s a tasty addition.
According to Universal Yums, in Britain, Jammie Dodgers are the #1 selling biscuit for kids. They’re made up sweet raspberry jam that’s sandwiched between two shortbread cookies. Fun fact: they’re also one of Dr. Who's favorite snacks!
Jaffa Cakes are spongy treats that are topped with orange jelly and covered in melted chocolate. Back in 1991, Jaffa Cakes went to court to defend their classification as a “cake” over a “cookie.” Apparently, chocolate covered cookies in Britain are subject to an extra tax, while cakes aren’t. After a heated legal battle, Jaffa Cakes won the case. So, don’t call them cookies lol!
Nestle Caramac Bars look just like regular chocolate bars, except that they’re made entirely of caramel! As someone who prefers non-chocolate treats, I think this is a genius invention! It’s sweet, smooth, and creamy.
This chewy bar is flavored with milk and raspberries, so it’s creamy, sweet, and a little chewy. It’s delicious!
It’s funny that certain countries have different default flavors for different colored candies. For example, in the US purple candy is almost always flavored with grape, whereas in Britain purple candies are typically blackcurrant. Grape was always one of my least favorite candy flavors, so bring on the blackcurrant, I say! Chew-It’s remind me a little of Starburst. I’m a big fan.
Walkers Nonsuch English Creamy Toffees
Treacle Toffees are made with whole milk, butter, and molasses, and I think they’re great. The flavor is rich and creamy.
These drops are made by the oldest candy manufacturer in Ireland, and the clove flavor has a bit of an old-fashioned appeal. It’s strong and unusual and, as Universal Yums points out, a great way to banish bad breath.
On the back of the information card, Universal Yums provides a clue to the next month’s destination. What do you think about the clue? I’m thinking Turkey!
Verdict: This box from Universal Yums was an absolute delight. It was so much fun getting a box full of British snacks, and, for my husband, kind of like getting a care package from home! I think Universal Yums does a great job of curating treats from a different country each month, and I have so much fun discovering new foods from around the world. I’m looking forward to next month’s box- I have no idea what what to expect from Turkish snacks. It’ll be fun to see what’s included!
What do you think of this month’s Universal Yums box? Did you enjoy your box of British snacks?
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