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
I am a sucker for romantic comedies, so when I discovered the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" in 2003, I was obsessed. Because of that glorious movie, I put Italy at the top of my "travel list" but have still yet to go. With the beautiful architecture, delicious food, and romanticism, I still have high hopes of traveling there, but a trip via snacks through Universal Yums will suffice for now. Read below to see what we discovered while touring Italy.
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, our brightly colored map features Italy and includes a variety of trivia. The backside hosts the usual Yum Scoreboard and scavenger hunt. Also included in this box is a helpful pamphlet that guides you through each country via trivia, recipes, photography, and activities. Yummy AND educational!
Amarettini Almond Cookies - Buy a pack of 2 for $5.80
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Interestingly enough, our family's thoughts were split on these Amarettini Almond Cookies. Bite sized, crunchy, and sweet, Hank loved these almond flavored treats, while I found the almond extract flavor way too potent. The tale behind these cookies dates back to 1719, and included a cardinal offering wedding blessings because he found these treats so tasty. Looks like Hank is in line with the cardinal's opinion, so I lovingly gifted him the rest of the bag.
Pizza Flavored Corn Rings - Buy a pack of of 2 for $5.00
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Because I had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago, pizza sauce sometimes triggers some acid reflux symptoms for me, and that's exactly what happened when I tried these pizza flavored corn rings. Based on the original Italian recipe, they are tangy and crunchy, something similar to Funyuns, but dipped in marinara. While I found the flavor okay, I definitely couldn't eat more than a couple due to my health reasons, but the kids thought they were pretty darn good.
Paprika Potato Chips - Buy a pack of 3 for $4.80
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Salty snacks are some of my favorites, and because of my love of paprika chicken, I couldn't wait to get my hands on these paprika flavored potato chips. Similar to a Lay's original chip, these bad boys are crispy and oily, but with a spicy paprika-flavored kick. A nice change of pace from our American flavors, the smokiness of the seasoning paired perfectly, and with a bit of "Top the Tater", my kids were begging for more!
Chocolate Tiramisu Cream Cake - Buy a pack of 3 for $4.50
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Because I have only recently started drinking coffee, I honestly don't have a ton of experience with tiramisu, but did enjoy this chocolate cake. Soft and chewy with a coffee flavored center, it hit a lot of the dessert flavors I enjoy, but my kids gave it a thumbs down. More for mama!
Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Bar - Buy a pack of 2 for $4.80
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This was definitely my favorite item in the Italy box because it includes two of my favorite flavors: chocolate and hazelnut. Not only does this delicious bar taste like a Ferrero Rocher truffle, but there are 3 squares AND the chocolate is so soft it literally melts in your mouth. Mhm Mhm Mhm!
Italian Fruit Jellies - Buy a single pack for $6.50
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While chocolate may by my true love of desserts, I do enjoy fruit gummies as well, so my kids and I were excited for this full-sized inclusion. Wrapped in individual packages, we were greeted with a variety of fruit jellies. Covered in sugar, these little morsels are super sweet and chewy - perfect for an after lunch snack, or immersed in a glass of bubbly for a little flavor addition!
Milk Chocolate Popcorn Bites - Buy a single pack for $6.70
More chocolate!! And this time, it is smothering a popcorn center! Truffles rule, and while I've tried a variety throughout the years of Universal Yums reviews, I have only experienced popcorn flavored truffles one or two other times. Crunchy, salty, and sweet, these little balls of joy are absolutely fantastic.
Italian Fruit Chews - Buy a single pack for $7.50
Was it just me, or did these fruit chews have an interesting texture? I'm not sure what I was fully expecting, but when I saw "Toffe" spelled out on the packaging I was imagining a chewy caramel with fruit filling, but this treat broke apart at first bite, and wasn't real creamy tasting. I like the lime version the best, but I would definitely rather have had extra popcorn truffles!
Garlic & Parsley Bruschetta Bites - Buy a single pack for $6.40
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When I think of Universal Yums, I think of items like chips and candy, so I was pleasantly surprised to see a bag of bruschetta bites included in this month's box. Pairing perfectly with a pan of lasagna, my kids were excited for the welcomed change, and enjoyed the crunchiness it added to our ooey-gooey cheesy meal. Sprinkled with garlic and parsley, we all had some pretty potent breath after dinner, but it was really worth it!
Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate - Buy a pack of 2 for $4.80
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You can bet I was squealing with delight when I took out the second chocolate bar this month, and for good reason - it contained salted caramel! Similar to a Carmello, this creamy chocolate paired perfectly with the caramel center, adding just the slightest amount of salt to really round out this treat. If only the 3 squares would have lasted longer.....Yum shop, here I come!
Cranberry & Sesame Cookies - Buy a pack of 4 for $4.40
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The last treat of the month was another snack that my family was torn on. I enjoyed the simplistic flavor and pop of cranberry, while my son thought these were bland and gross. Looking like mini waffles, I would happily try these crunchy cookies again, but Hank and Charlie said I could keep 'em!
The Verdict
Sticking with the promise of not duplicating country visits for two years, we have not received a box from Italy since November 2020. This month my family found all of the treats tasty, and absolutely nothing went to waste. The curation was well thought out, and we love, love, loved the inclusion of all of the chocolate. Pairing the deliciousness of this box with the educational experience, this is a fun-filled experience, and we already can't wait for December! Do you think Universal Yums will stick with tradition and visit a variety of places for the holiday box, or change it up?
Scorecard Picks:
- Favorite: Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Bar
- Runner-Up: Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate
- Worst Yum: Pizza Flavored Corn Rings
- Most Unusual: Milk Chocolate Popcorn Bites
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, sign up now and you can choose to receive the Spain, South Korea, South America, India, or Italy box.
Value Breakdown: This box is $33.00 per month (including shipping). I received 17 individually wrapped snacks which average out to $1.94 per item.
Which Universal Yums snack would you most like to try?
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