Universal Yums vs. SnackCrate

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Universal Yums and SnackCrate both send full-size international snacks from a new country every month. Universal Yums aims to help subscribers "snack like a local," and SnackCrate sends "hand-picked, hand-packed snacks from around the world." Either way, you're sure to receive a surprising selection of treats and new flavors you're unlikely to find in your local grocery store.

The Snacks

So what types of snacks can you expect from each of these subscriptions? Let's take a look at some of the items that have been featured in past boxes.

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Since Universal Yums hops around the world and features snacks from a different country every month, boxes can vary pretty widely depending on what part of the world the snacks are being sourced from. Boxes contain both sweet and savory snacks (though some months seem to be more sweets-heavy than others), and you can expect to see chocolate, hard candy, chips, crackers, and all sorts of other delicious surprises and national specialties. According to our reviewers and readers, snacks from some countries, like Russia, have been tastier than others, like the Netherlands (it seems licorice is very divisive), but it's pretty clear that every month is a fun adventure. Here are some of the countries that have been featured in Universal Yums:

• Italy
• Ukraine
• "Everywhere"
• Egypt
• Brazil
• Thailand

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SnackCrate is a very similar subscription service. In fact, SnackCrate is nearly identical to Universal Yums. Every box features snacks from a different part of the world, and a new destination is featured every month, so it really becomes necessary to look at the itty bitty details in order to figure out what sets these subscriptions apart. One interesting thing to note is that SnackCrate allows you to indicate whether you prefer sweet snacks, savory treats, or both. Signing up for a mix is recommended; however, if, for example, you hate chocolate (is such a thing possible?), you'll likely appreciate this customization option. Want to eat AND drink your way around the world? You can add a beverage to every box for $5.00. SnackCrate also offers a really exciting bonus every month in the form of "adventure ticket entries." One lucky subscriber each month will find a Golden Adventure Ticket in their box and will win a trip to the month's featured country. For a chance to win, simply subscribe to either the original box (one entry) or the family-size box (three entries). Here are some of the places that have been featured in recent shipments:

• Switzerland
• Hawaii
• Japan
• India
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

What kind of snacks will I receive? 

With both Universal Yums and SnackCrate, you can expect to receive a wide range of goodies from all over the world. Both subscriptions send boxes that feature snacks from a different country every month, so snacks and flavor profiles will vary. Most boxes from Universal Yums contain a mix of candy, chocolate, and savory snacks; if your snacking preferences lean more towards the sweet or the salty, SnackCrate allows you to indicate that preference at signup.

How many treats are in each box? 

Universal Yums offers three different sizes to choose from. The largest, the Super Yum Box, contains 18-20 snacks per month, the medium-sized Yum Yum Box contains 10-12 items per month, and you can expect 5-7 in the smallest box, the Yum Box. SnackCrate also offers three different boxes: family size (18-20+ snacks), original (10-12 snacks), and mini (5-6 snacks).

Can I pick out my own snacks?

You won't be able to handpick your snacks with either Universal Yums or SnackCrate; however, SnackCrate does offer some customization. When you sign up for a subscription, you'll be able to choose which country is featured in your first box. You're also welcome to indicate whether you prefer salty snacks, sweet snacks, or a mix of both.

Are the snacks kid-friendly?

Yes! Our reviewer, Becca, regularly evaluates her Universal Yums boxes with help from her whole family, and while her little ones aren't always gung-ho about every single treat, the box is absolutely kid-friendly! Likewise, SnackCrate sends treats that are perfect for sampling with the whole family.

The Info

Universal Yums and SnackCrate each send some printed information to accompany each box. Let's take a closer look:

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Universal Yums sends an illustrated map that spotlights the point of origin of all the "yums." Subscribers can also expect to receive a very thorough pamphlet that includes traditional recipes, trivia, tidbits about every treat included in the box, nutritional information, and even activities.

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Included with your SnackCrate box, you'll find a large card that outlines the snacks included.

Pricing

Image from our review.

Universal Yums Pricing

The Cost: 

• The Yum Box- $16.00 per month + free U.S. shipping
• The Yum Yum Box- $27.00 per month + free U.S. shipping
• The Super Yum Box- $41.00 per month + free U.S. shipping

Note that savings are available with longer, pre-paid subscriptions.

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

Image from our review.

SnackCrate Pricing

The Cost: 

• Mini- $14.99 per month + free U.S. shipping
• Original- $26.99 per month + free U.S. shipping
• Family Size- $49.99 per month + free U.S. shipping

You can add a drink to any subscription for an additional $5.00 per month. Note that savings are available with longer, pre-paid subscriptions.

ACTIVE DEAL: Get your first "original" size box for $5 No coupon needed - just use this link.  

Shipping: Ships to the U.S., as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Malta.

How to Cancel

It's easy to cancel both Universal Yums and SnackCrate online. Simply sign in to your account, navigate to the section that outlines your subscription details, and look for the button to cancel. Cancelling won't refund any pre-paid boxes, but you will no longer be charged at the recurring subscription rate.

The Final Verdict

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If you want to travel the world without leaving home, both of these monthly subscription boxes promise to take you on a voyage of world discovery one snack at a time. Since they're so similar, figuring out which box is the right one for you might be tricky. Let's split some hairs and take one final look at what sets these boxes apart:

Price? Both Universal Yums and SnackCrate offer 3 different monthly box sizes. Let's compare them:

• Small: $16.00 per month (Universal Yums) vs. $14.99 per month (SnackCrate)
• Medium: $27.00 per month (Universal Yums) vs. $26.99 per month (SnackCrate)
• Large: $41.00 per month (Universal Yums) vs. $49.99 per month (SnackCrate)

Shipping is free for all boxes being sent to the U.S., and you'll receive roughly the same number of snacks from each company. So how do the prices compare? Well, if you're looking for a small box, you'll save about $1.00 per month with SnackCrate, if you want a medium-sized box, it's a wash, and if you subscribe to the largest size, Universal Yums will save you about $9.00 per month.

Snacks? Want to eat your way around the world without leaving your kitchen? Universal Yums and SnackCrate both send snacks from a different country every month. With Universal Yums, expect to see a variety of snacks: chocolate, candy, salty snacks, potato chips, jerky, Kit Kats, gummies, and all sorts of other national specialties. If you prefer to receive only sweet or salty snacks, you'll likely appreciate that SnackCrate allows you to indicate this preference at signup. Do you also want to try some international beverages? With SnackCrate, you can add a drink to your box for an additional $5.00 per month.

Taste? Both of these subscriptions send snacks that are super tasty, but they're both probably best suited for adventurous snackers who won't be upset if they don't love every single treat. (Part of the fun of these subscriptions is trying unfamiliar goodies that might push you outside your snacking comfort zone.)

Ready to give one of these boxes a try? 

Universal Yums 

SnackCrate ACTIVE DEAL: Get your first "original" size box for $5 No coupon needed - just use this link.

Want to learn about even more snack subscriptions? Check out our list of the best snack subscription boxes to look at other popular boxes (like MunchPak, Bokksu, Vegancuts, FitSnack, and Try the World).

What do you think of these two snack subscriptions? Do you have a favorite? Share your experience in the comments!