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Universal Yums “France” Review – February 2020

Becca Peterson
ByBecca PetersonFeb 20, 2020 | 53 comments

Universal Yums
4.3 overall rating
43 Ratings | 33 Reviews

Universal Yums is a snack subscription box that sends out snacks and candies from a different country each month. Choose from the Yum Box for $15 a month, the Yum Yum Box for $25 a month, or the Super Yum Box for $39 a month.

This review is of the Yum Yum box, which is $25 a month.

This month’s box takes us to France. Let's dive in and discover what France has to offer!

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

About Universal Yums

The Subscription Box: Universal Yums

The Cost: $25 a month + free US shipping

The Products: The contents of the boxes change each month as they highlight the best snacks from each featured country. However, you can always expect a mix of flavors: salty, sweet, spicy, fruity, and more. Only authentic snacks from the featured country.

Ships to: The U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and Israel

Universal Yums “France” February 2020 Review

Universal Yums is such a wonderful experience! I love how they make this into such a learning experience for my family. Not only do we get to eat new and fun treats, but we also get to learn all about a new country. We adore this box and look forward to it arriving each and every month!

Side note: Because I have adapted to a low-carb lifestyle, my husband and 2 sons tasted all of these treats and shared their opinions with me for review purposes, but I did try a nibble here and there...

Upon opening the box, you are greeted with a bright, fun, animated sheet that welcomes us to the wonderful country of France! On the backside, they include "The Official Yum Awards." This ballot is where you can cast your vote for your favorite and not so favorite snacks in the box. If you post your ballot on social media, you could win more of your favorite snacks, and who doesn't want that?!

 

Next, we have a detailed pamphlet that is packed with information about this month's snacks, trivia, a matching game, a recipe, and a clue to next month's box!

 

Bret's Au Fromage du Jura

Did you know there is a floral cheese? I did not, so I was very interested to give these chips a nibble. These deliciously crunchy ripple chips are immersed in a coating of comte- a sweet, floral cheese, from the Franche-Comte province in eastern France. While I'm not sure I noticed a "floral" note, they were so tasty that my kids and husband gobbled the entire bag in mere seconds, which I take to mean two thumbs up!

 

Truffles Bar by Mathez - Buy a similar bar here for $2.49

These creamy, decadent truffles have all the texture you could want out of a truffle, plus they are dusted in a lovely bitter cocoa powder to offset the sweet milk chocolate ganache inside. My kids weren't the biggest fans of these morsels, and neither was my husband, saying they were too bitter and too rich, but my nibble thought they were very tasty, and it was hard for me to stop at just a taste!

 

Les Sables de La Mère Poulard - Buy an 8 oz package here for $5.99

I love buttery cookies, and these butter biscuits are heavenly! I just had a teensy taste, but in that small bit, I can tell you these are so yummy! The light shortbread flavor is wrapped in a slightly crunchy, pretty little biscuit. My youngest son, who doesn't have a huge sweet tooth, really enjoyed these, while my older son found them a bit boring. I suggested that we dip the remaining biscuits in melted chocolate and add sprinkles as a special treat for the weekend and they both were all for that!

 

Sibell Chips Saveur Vinaigre

Out of all of the flavors in the world, I was a little bummed to receive vinegar flavored potato chips, because the name just doesn't sound appetizing to me. Upon opening the package, the smell of vinegar wafted into the air, and I turned up my nose. My 4 year old tried one first and said, "mom, you have to try these!" Of course, I couldn't resist his sweet little face so I did, and guess what...I really really liked them!! The tangy flavor of vinegar with the saltiness of the potato chip was more potent than the traditional Lays salt and vinegar flavor (according to my husband) but even better!

 

Raspberry Mini Roll

I've always heard France is known for its desserts, and this little roll is proof they know what they are doing! This fluffy, soft cake is filled with sweet and flavorful raspberry jam. I am not a fan of imitation fruits, and you can definitely tell this roll contains real raspberries which was wonderful! The tartness of the berries and the sweetness of the cake is the perfect combination! My kids and husband devoured this roll!

 

Sibell Tube a Grignoter Fromage

These cheese flavored tube snacks reminded me a lot of tube-shaped Bugles. These crunchy, savory tubes are slightly ridged and have a lovely light cheese flavor which everyone is sure to enjoy. My kids thought they were pretty good, and my husband didn't mind them. While they weren't our favorite item in this month's box, they certainly weren't the worst either!

 

Cé Moi Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Crystals

Before I started my low carb diet, I HATED dark chocolate. I found it much too bitter, and would rather skip dessert than eat anything with it. Now that I have been low carb for a couple of months now, I had to try a little bit since my kids and husband didn't care for it. Well, let's just say, my little bite turned into an entire square because this chocolate with the gourmet French sea salt is AMAZING! The bitterness of the dark chocolate paired with the extra saltiness of the fleur de sel is delicious! I plan on giving the rest of the squares to my grandma who adores dark chocolate just so I don't blow my diet!

 

Fraisoo' Bool

My kids were so excited to see this package in the box, and couldn't wait to get their hands on it! They love strawberry candies and were hoping they would be as tasty as they look. The verdict: they LOVED them! These small round, pink candies are chewy and juicy, the perfect sweet! My husband even found himself asking for seconds.

 

Jacquot Almond Truffles - Similar flavor found here for $11.53

Like I have shared before, I LOVE receiving big fancy boxes of candy in this subscription, except when I don't like that said candy. Sadly, our family did not care for these truffles. While they were beautiful, and the ganache inside was creamy and tasty, we found the almond to be too strong, and almost fake tasting. Better luck next time!

Tetes Brulees

The first item in this month's "Yum Bag" were 4 of these flavorful chews with sour filling. We received 3 peach tea and 1 cola version of these treats. I have to say these are very interesting. My kids found them way too sour, so naturally, I had to give them a whirl. I found the peach tea to explode sourness but in a good way! They were very sweet and surprising, and kind of delightful! The cola one was also surprisingly tasty, and interesting!

Caramels con Fleur de Sel

Oh salted caramels, how I love thee! These caramels are delicious, smooth, and creamy and I had to send them with my husband to work so I wouldn't be tempted to eat more than a bite! He thoroughly enjoyed them as well and was happy to have them all to himself!

Tetes Brulees Gout Cola

Because we received the cola-flavored candy chew above, I was excited to try this sour cola bar by the same company. Like the filled chews, these were also really sour and interesting tasting. I like cola, but not enough to want it as a candy, though these might have changed my mind. I should note that the kids did NOT like these, but my husband did.

The Verdict: We love Universal Yums, and this month was a lot of fun! Each and every month my family waits for this box and is thoroughly impressed. We love the fact we get to learn about faraway countries and try their snacks, all while home in our pajamas! We have discovered some really great snacks via this box, and it always leads to fun conversations! We can't wait to see where the March box will be from. Our clue is this: "Next month, an expedition is in store! Down the rio, we'll search from shore to shore. Not for critters - for something even more rare: Chilis, passionfruit...and Yums beyond compare!" I've got a guess! Do you? 

Scorecard picks:

  • Best Yum: Cemoi Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Crystals
  • Runner-up: Fraisoo' Bool
  • Worst Yum: Jacquot Almond Truffles
  • Most Unusual: Tetes Brulees Gout Cola

To Wrap Up:

Can I still get this box if I sign up today? No. Each month they ship your box no later than the 15th day of the month. The first month you will receive a box varies based on availability and may depend on the size that you order.

Value Breakdown: This box is $25.00 a month (including shipping). I received 21 individually wrapped snacks, which averages out to $0.84 per item.

Check out all of our Universal Yums reviews and the best snack subscription boxes!

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

Which Universal Yums snack would you most like to try? 

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Universal Yums is a monthly snack subscription box that delivers a variety of international snacks from all around the world. Each delivery brings an unforgettable experience that mixes the fun of food, travel, and learning in one tasty box!

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Becca Peterson
Becca Peterson

I am a wild and crazy mom of 2 boys and work in the public education system as an Indigenous Support Advocate. I love all things outdoors, beauty, crafts, and food. Living the simple life in the country, we spend a lot of time hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Oh, and I absolutely adore my high school sweetheart aka my husband of almost 17 years!


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53 comments

sara

I just finished reading everyone’s comments so far. I knew something had happened when I saw the number of comments for the post!

So, here’s my opinion on the special diet of the reviewer/how the diet affects the review question:

It is likely that when there are a number of references in a food box review about the reviewer’s own special dietary needs that limit the sampling of the items, the ‘tone’ of the review can become less about enjoyment and more about abstaining or refraining from enjoyment.

I think readers understand and respect dietary restrictions, in general. However, in a review about a food box that itself does not focus on dietary restrictions, it is perhaps better to match the box to a reviewer who also has no dietary restrictions.

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Melanie

I think I’m the only one who really liked the truffles lol. (But I love both cocoa powder and amaretto/almond flavor). The sour cola was one of my favs too. I get the Super Yum Box and the only things I did not like were the Mushroom Flavored Potato Chips and the Raspberry Cakes (only bc I don’t like mushrooms or raspberries).
I think next month will be Brazil bc of Rio de Janeiro and passion fruit originates from Brazil. Hope everyone enjoys their goodies!!!!

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sara

I loved the truffles! They are a more traditional, European taste with the dusting of powdered unsweet cocoa. Yummy!

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Sss

I must be the only one who enjoyed those truffles, but I love amaretto.

Becca, you’re one of my favorite reviewers on here. But I have to agree with the people saying that if you can’t have any of the food, and are unable/unwilling to compromise your special diet, it may be best for someone else to review this box. These reviews are starting to feel a bit odd to read, because instead of getting a good sense of the product, instead what’s being emphasized (unintentionally imo) is that you can’t have any of it. I finish the review knowing more about your diet than the Universal Yums.

Now, with that out of the way, how can I be the only one who loved those truffles 🙁

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sara

You’re not, Hon! Me too!! Plus a few others : ) It’s a more traditional Euro taste, which may be offputting to some people who are used to more American milk chocolate.

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Doreen

I’m thinking next month in Chile, any thoughts?

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Lily

References Rio and a few other things which make me believe we’re going to Brazil again. 🙂

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Leigh

I didn’t love the truffles by themselves, but I happened to have a carton of strawberries in the fridge and they played very well with the truffles! The sweetness and juiciness of the strawberries offset the bitter/dusty cocoa layer, and the almond flavor was diluted enough to become pleasant while the dark chocolate flavor was intensified by the strawberries. It was like a low-effort chocolate dipped strawberries experience and I was there for it!

For anyone who gets the Super Yum version, weren’t those mushroom-flavored chips REALLY good? They were the best thing in the box for me!

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texastango2

I hate mushroom and truffle anything and so does my DH, so they were thrown away. SS. I am NOT a chip person anyway.

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Mary

Oh wait…now I wish we could delete or edit comments because I look like an idiot. Just noticed that your comment was about chips in the Super Yum box and not the truffles everyone else was talking about. So sorry!!

Mary

These were chocolate truffles, not mushroom truffles. 🙂

Jody

Becca, I would have never guessed the dark chocolate bar with the sea salt would be so heavenly! Oh my goodness. Simply divine!
My favorite chips are salt and vinegar and I was amazed at the uniqueness of the vinegar flavor. I loved them and really need a giant box of them to satisfy. I loved those pink chewy balls of candy too. That is all I sampled so far.
These boxes make me want to visit the country that is represented.

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Aimee

Wow, some of these comments are so mean. My goodness. A nibble, a bite or a full-on snarfing, who cares what size bite it was?!? Leave the woman alone!
Loved reading your review Becca, and appreciate that you shared your husband and kids’ thoughts on the snacks as well.

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Angela

I don’t think the issue is with the language (ie nibble) as much as it is about the lack of a real review. If I’m vegan, I won’t review steakhouses. Respectfully, a reviewer with dietary concerns should reconsider reviewing snack boxes.

Having said that, I purchased this box based on the country and Becca’s past reviews. I was excited to open the box, everything was so carefully packed. Unfortunately, perhaps because I live in Florida, all the chocolate had melted. The truffles in the box were congealed, the truffles in the bar had melted and reset. It took a lot away from the experience. Otherwise, I loved all the rest.

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Joy

Angela, thanks for mentioning that your chocolates didn’t make it, something to keep in mind if you live in a warm climate and are considering subscribing to this box.
I think your feedback on the review was respectful. I have to agree with those here saying they’d prefer that MSA select a reviewer who is excited about and fully able to enjoy the contents of this box. Becca, I’m sorry you’re not able to do that right now but thank you for doing the best you felt you can do with your current restrictions.

Aimee

I thought it was a real review. And the fact that you live in Florida has absolutely nothing to do with the review, my post or the box itself.
Her entire family reviewed the box. My guess is the nasty comments have nothing to do with the review itself and more to do with taking out your own bad feelings behind the safety of your screens. I’m sick of internet bullies, and I know I’m not alone in saying that. Grow up. It’s a review on a free site. You don’t like it, don’t follow it. Don’t bash a woman you don’t know.

Francis

What does a “nibble” mean? Can you really taste the whole product when it’s less than a bite? I want a reviewer who actually eats the food that I’m interested in buying!

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sherry

my kids absolutely love this box, they have such a fun time together reading the booklet and trying everything and rating their favorites. funny, they loved the almond truffles in the fancy box, they want me to order more lol 😉 that dark chocolate bar was the BOMB.

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Jenn

Becca, everytime I read your review for this box I am in awe of your will power! I could never take “just a nibble” of something delicious without following up with the rest of the treat which is why you will be a mermaid this summer and i will be a beluga whale lol

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Anita

I agree, I have no willpower when it comes to something delicious. lol Which is why I had to cancel the box but still love reading the reviews. I’m living through you Becca!

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Lily

I just wanted to share that I almost died a few times from anorexia nervosa, and I gave up years of healthy eating with my family, who are now dead, and with my friends, who now live hundreds of miles away because I moved. Not to mention what it did to my body, it did hurt the people I loved and who wanted to share the ritual of eating with me.

30 years later, and I still cannot sit down for a true meal. This snack box is a great way for me to feel full with one treat at a time, but not to feel like I’ve almost been forced to eat what my spouse thinks I should eat at one sitting.

So, for the relatively small, usually just maybe 2 adult serving sizes per item in the Family box ( which I prefer for the variety, not the size LOL) it helps me not starve my body. It helps me stay in the ” habit” of eating… and that leads to better nutrition with regular, non-snack foods.

I hope this is a positive spin on the nibbling aspect. ONE snack of most of the snacks Universal Yums packs is very generous sized. Nothing about any snack in any box has caused a trigger for me because there are no drawings or photos of people— it’s size neutral, as we all should try to be.

I hope all who would like either a teeny taste every now and then of a new or slightly exotic treat, snack, or a whole bag of potato chips ( I find the boxes to be VERY heavy on chips most months) while watching a movie, well, indulge. You paid for your box!! <3 <3

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Katherine

I loved everything in this box except for the boxed truffles. They tasted like a straight up shot of amaretto liqueur! I usually don’t like anything sour, but those little sour candies were awesome! I plan to order more of them.

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Kelly

I didnt care for the truffles either which was disappointing considering how many we recieved.

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Becca

Thanks for commenting Katherine! Weren’t those sour candies fun? I loved how they almost “popped” when you bite into them!

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Stacy

Not to be rude, but could someone that actually eats more than a taste review these? Or at least don’t spend so much time talking about how you only had a nibble.
I just find it very off-putting. “Oh, I’m going to eat all these fancy foods, and be sure to over emphasize how GOOD I am because I barely try them.”
More descriptions of the food taste and texture, and less on the congratulating yourself for not indulging.

(As someone with an eating disorder, I found these reviews very triggering)

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SashaC

I almost commented this last month, but refrained. Glad to hear I’m not alone. It’s a snack box and should be reviewed by someone who is willing to really eat all of items and give us a firsthand perspective, not that of their spouse or children. I used to look forward to this review so much, but now it’s simply annoying. This should be passed along to someone else at MSA.

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Ashley.C

I understand how this could be bothersome to anyone with an eating disorder, and I am sorry for anyone that has to battle that. I’m also sorry to hear that you have health-related diet requirements, Becca. But the thing is, we (at least I) enjoy MSA reviews because they are made by individual people. We don’t want reviews by puppets with all the same tastes and opinions, the personal differences are what makes MSA real and relatable for all of us.
I’m not dieting but I know I don’t need to eat all of those goodies, so I can relate to not overindulging while still wanting to enjoy the tastes.
Again, I’m sorry for anyone that has battled eating disorders. As a (recovered and sober) alcoholic, I don’t read wine reviews and then get offended by them. And if I did, that wouldn’t be the fault of the reviewer. I should either not read reviews that would bother me or understand that others don’t have the same issues as me.

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Mary

I love Becca’s reviews and didn’t find her tone off-putting. However, I do tend to agree that it might be better to have this box reviewed by someone who is able to eat everything in it. (Please don’t take this comment personally Becca, and I’m so sorry to hear you have to contend with health issues. 🙁 )

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Victoria

I was a little perplexed by only having a nibble here or there. It’s nothing towards you Becca as you are a great reviewer and you deserve to follow your goals to healthiness! It’s just that since this isn’t a low-carb box, it probably shouldn’t be reviewed by someone trying to stay under the carb threshold. I didn’t think it was self-indulgent, but I just think we expect a food box to be reviewed by someone who can actually enjoy (or not) the whole food. I think you tried to do a great job, but maybe there’s a reviewer that can do this without compromising their diet? Hugs!

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Becca

I’m sorry Stacy, I didn’t mean to sound like that at all. In the future I will definitely give more description of taste and texture. Thank you for your comments.

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Tiff

I had the exact same reaction—this review was so off-putting and self indulgent that it made me not want to try a box I otherwise would have.

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Becca

I’m sorry Tiff. I didn’t mean to sound self indulgent, the truth is, I don’t want to be on the diet I am, But have to for health reasons. Next month I will focus on the taste and texture and give you a better review. I truly apologize.

Lily

I thought it was a great box, but do agree that the truffles in the pretty box were SAD. I thought the cocoa dusting on mine was too bitter, and also that there was not an authentic flavor overall.

I got one other chocolate bar in addition to the caramel sea salt bar, as I buy the Super Yums box. It was just my style. It was milk chocolate, very good quality as I expect from France, and inside were teeny bursts of frambios jam- like soft bits here and there. It was very lovely and fun. My favorite in the box next to the butter cookies, which could have been better if they’d been Hedidard from Paris. Love love love their signature cookies, always buy them in Paris, but they are expensive…

Next month: Brazil, maybe?

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Becca

Thanks for commenting Lily! That milk chocolate bar and those cookies you mentioned sound amazing! I was thinking Brazil as well! ❤️

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Doreen

My thoughts is Chile! Could be wrong… but maybe?

Laura

Why do you expect Brazil? This box sounds great and if you could know in advance the country, that would be even better! Thanks

Janelle

I used to subscribe to this box and loved it, but ended up cancelling for dietary purposes and to thin out my subs. I wish I’d known about this one, my boyfriend and I just booked our tickets to spend a couple weeks in France and this would have been fun. I still get their emails, but I think they could benefit from advertising in an obvious way. I missed this box because it sounded like just a Valentine’s Day sale when it dropped in my inbox, so I ignored it.

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Becca

That is so cool Janelle! I’m so jealous of your trip! That will be awesome! Have fun and thank you so much for commenting!

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Marion

Loling at “Têtes Brûlées”! I guess they realllllllly wanted to be a Warheads knockoff!

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