A lot of readers were interested in knowing what was in the next (and any subsequent) snack boxes I received with my gift of a subscription to Universal Yums (original post here). I could couldn’t just sample the snacks on my own so I enlisted the help of esteemed snack judge Donna once again, and off we went to Poland (snack-aphorically speaking).
Contents of Poland box, artfully arranged by Donna
First up on the scorecard was Poland’s iconic dark chocolate-covered marshmallow bar. According to the brochure, this is Poland’s most famous confection and the name translates to “an unobtainable delicacy”. We’ll see!
That tasted exactly like you would expect. Maybe it was “unobtainable” and a “delicacy” back in 1936 when it was first created, but it seems pretty average now. Marshmallow bar sampling. Photo by Donna.
Next, we were guided to a salty snack. Pretzels are Poland’s favourite salty snack, according to the writeup on this one:
Now you’re talking! (Donna and I are both salty snack fans.) Cheese and onion flavoured aka pierogi-flavoured, apparently.
Back to sweet, for taste test #3:
Chocolate-covered gingerbread sticks. I didn’t think this would be such a good pairing.But I am happy to report that they were quite good! Poles love gingerbread – especially at Christmas time – and their favourite holiday film is Home Alone, according to the brochure. KEVIN!!!!!
Next was something that intrigued both Donna and myself:
Too cute to eat…almost! These are considered a national treasure in potato and salty-snack loving Poland.
The next item came from the “yum bag” included in the box: a hard candy – fruit yogurt flavoured.
The bag contained 4 wrapped candies. Two of each variety. Jogusie tasted good but neither of us are hard candy fans (caramels excepted, of course). Seventy three percent of Polish people list yogurt as their go-to dairy snack, and Jogusie yogurt candies were created to “get a yogurt fix on the go”, apparently.
The next sampling I hoped would be good, since I liked the chocolate-covered gingerbread sticks so much:
However, neither of us found anything delicious about this particular snack. Frederic Chopin, however, sang the praises of gingerbread, as described in the brochure. Maybe he should have kept his opinions to music only.
Again, I had high hopes for the next offering – it even had a cute wrapper.
It was a disappointment, to say the least. Kinda crispy on the outside and blah on the inside. We’ve both had better caramels and better fudge. Apparently this is Poland’s most popular candy. Can I introduce you to a little thing called “Werther’s”?
Last but not least was a milk chocolate bar with a peanut cocoa filling.
I thought it had a nice nutty flavour but Donna was kinda “meh” about this. Manufactured by the company run by Jan Wedel, the “Willy Wonka” of Poland, who also created “the unobtainable delicacy”, seen previously. Jan Wedel was also famous for being a humanitarian by producing food for hungry citizens when the Nazis seized control of Poland’s food for themselves.Donna, in her snacking judging glory.
Here’s what the finished scorecard looked like:
And here are the Poland box snacks ranked by us, from favourite snack to least favourite snack (LEFT TO RIGHT):
My rankingDonna’s ranking
And the winners are…..
Us! Because we got to have a bunch of laughs and spend time together sampling exotic snacks! Photo by Donna
Where in the world will we go next (in terms of snack boxes)? Stay tuned!
59 thoughts on “Because You Asked: A Snack Trip to Poland”
OMG! What in the heck happened to my hair in these photos??!! Hat hair plus!! I will need to pay better attention to my coif before judging again.
That aside — these snack boxes are such a blast!! I recommend them highly. 😀
I thought your hair looked rad, as it did today in the wind! I am a fan of the wild, untamed look (although I no longer have enough hair on top to pull it off myself). Expect a call when the next one gets delivered! Thanks for being an awesome judge, Donna 💕
You two rock (and your hair looks just fine, Donna… why are we so hard on ourselves?). Thanks for the “tour” of Poland. I may never get there, but at least I know that I haven’t missed some yummy snacks… which is why we travel, right?
I haven’t had Katarzynki for years – you need to watch as they have to be fresh and soft – I wonder if yours were stale? Monster Munch comes from the UK…Surprised there was no Prince Polo, a chocolate wafer biscuit.
I wonder too – it was not delicious at all! Monster Munch might come from the UK, but according to the box deets, it is a beloved made-in-Poland snack. I hope this doesn’t start a war 😉. Thanks 💕
Chocolate covered gingerbread sticks sound awesome. I have to say, I didn’t see any of those things when the Polish Embassy had an open day here. This is fun, Deb, even if we can’t join you and Donna.
We do have Monster Munch here in the UK, but they look different to those (they’re in the shape of paws). I suspect the Polish ones taste different too, from my – albeit limited – experience of such cultural overlaps. I suspect they and the pretzels would’ve been my go-tos from that selection box. What a shame about the gingerbread cookies – they’re normally not only reliable but oh so moreish. Looking forward to next month’s box already 😀
I am so surprised to read people singing the praises of that terrible cookie! There must have been something wrong with it. Donna and I were NOT fans. Thank you, Debs 💕
Being the consummate snack judging professionals that we are 😉🤣, we approach this similar to a wine-tasting. No, we don’t spit the snack out after tasting…but we do only take a tiny sampling and then move on to the next. Then the snacks get wrapped up and put away and we head outdoors for a hike. Because we don’t want to fill up on snacks and ruin our apres-hike lunch! At least, that is how we have managed it so far…Thanks, Rivergirl 💕
Monster Crunch is my jam! That one, and the pretzels were retained for home consumption and DID NOT…I repeat…DID NOT get passed on to my family, for their snacking pleasure…hehehe! Thanks, Joanne 💕
I don’t know about the little ones, Deborah…not only do I have no little ones to pass them on to, I didn’t pass any on to the big ‘uns either. They were so tasty I decided they were MINE ALL MINE, and enjoyed the rest of them later, in the evening 🤣. Thanks 💕
I totally love the editorial scratch-off style of this post! Donna – you look relaxed and comfortable – which is wonderful! I love ginger and chocolate so those sticks look amazing. Perhaps I’ll need to make some…thanks for sharing!
Those sticks were mighty good. Chocolate and gingerbread together are not a pairing I was familiar with, prior to receiving this box. The sticks won me over…the cookie not so much. Thanks, Janet 💕
Them IS a lotta snacks! I did share the wealth though, after the sampling. My discards…ahem…the leftovers…made it to my daughter and son-in-law 😉. Thanks, Kate 💕
What a great gift! I had heard of subscription boxes before, but did not know you could get one for snacks of the world. I am having so much fun with this one. Thanks, Sarah 💕
First, you need to be in close proximity to the snack box. Virtual judging is not a thing in this sport. I don’t make the rules. Should you ever come to the island though, you can definitely be Our Extra Special Guest Judge 😉. Thanks, Suz 💕
Hi Deb, Your post reminds me of Polish Deli’s in Vancouver. My Dad used to shop in them and come home with interesting food. The chocolate-covered gingerbread sticks are intriguing. You remind me of the “Weiss” German gingerbread cookies around Christmas. Ha, ha…scoring card. 😀You and Donna are a hoot. You remind me of children at Halloween checking out their stash. 💕
Yes, there was! The chocolate bar had a lovely peanut flavour and said it had peanut butter as well as peanuts in it. Give Poland another chance, Suzanne! 😉😁
You got me with gingerbread sticks. Those look and sound delicious to me. I’m thrilled that you’ve been able to rope Donna into trying your snacks with you. You two have that bestie vibe going on.
Those gingerbread sticks were surprisingly delicious (to me…everyone else seemed to know they’d be great) and it was a bit of a struggle for me to pass them on to another household, after sampling. Thank you, Ally 💕 Donna and I are having lots of fun doing this!
What a fun post. I’m enjoying all the little side stories about the snacks and their creators. A wonder what they send to the rest of the world to represent the U.S.A.
I wonder too, about Canada. I was thinking, when my subscription is done, if I haven’t already received a Canada-themed box, that I would create one myself and blog about it! So far I am thinking it will contain ketchup-flavoured potato chips and butter tarts. Maybe hickory sticks too. Thanks, Jean 💕
Hi Erica – I have to say … they didn’t inspire me … but am glad you enjoyed the pretzels, and the gingerbread sticks – they did look good. But I do love the post and seeing you and Donna operate your postings and completing the questionnaire … so please keep it up. It’ll be fascinating to see which countries are included in the themed boxes … cheers Hilary
I’m flattered you keep confusing me with Erica, Hilary 🥰. I wasn’t all that impressed with the Poland box either. Donna and I definitely look forward to the next and subsequent boxes in this subscription! Thank you 💕
OMG! What in the heck happened to my hair in these photos??!! Hat hair plus!! I will need to pay better attention to my coif before judging again.
That aside — these snack boxes are such a blast!! I recommend them highly. 😀
I thought your hair looked rad, as it did today in the wind! I am a fan of the wild, untamed look (although I no longer have enough hair on top to pull it off myself). Expect a call when the next one gets delivered! Thanks for being an awesome judge, Donna 💕
You two rock (and your hair looks just fine, Donna… why are we so hard on ourselves?). Thanks for the “tour” of Poland. I may never get there, but at least I know that I haven’t missed some yummy snacks… which is why we travel, right?
When you can’t go to the snacks, at least the snacks can still come to you 😁. Thanks, Janis 💕
I haven’t had Katarzynki for years – you need to watch as they have to be fresh and soft – I wonder if yours were stale? Monster Munch comes from the UK…Surprised there was no Prince Polo, a chocolate wafer biscuit.
I wonder too – it was not delicious at all! Monster Munch might come from the UK, but according to the box deets, it is a beloved made-in-Poland snack. I hope this doesn’t start a war 😉. Thanks 💕
Chocolate covered gingerbread sticks sound awesome. I have to say, I didn’t see any of those things when the Polish Embassy had an open day here. This is fun, Deb, even if we can’t join you and Donna.
Thank you, AJ 💕 We are having a lot of fun doing this!
We do have Monster Munch here in the UK, but they look different to those (they’re in the shape of paws). I suspect the Polish ones taste different too, from my – albeit limited – experience of such cultural overlaps. I suspect they and the pretzels would’ve been my go-tos from that selection box. What a shame about the gingerbread cookies – they’re normally not only reliable but oh so moreish. Looking forward to next month’s box already 😀
I am so surprised to read people singing the praises of that terrible cookie! There must have been something wrong with it. Donna and I were NOT fans. Thank you, Debs 💕
How fun! But that’s a lot of junk food to consume in one sitting. Kudos to your iron stomachs!
Being the consummate snack judging professionals that we are 😉🤣, we approach this similar to a wine-tasting. No, we don’t spit the snack out after tasting…but we do only take a tiny sampling and then move on to the next. Then the snacks get wrapped up and put away and we head outdoors for a hike. Because we don’t want to fill up on snacks and ruin our apres-hike lunch! At least, that is how we have managed it so far…Thanks, Rivergirl 💕
This just might be my new favourite blog series 🙂 Very cool to have a visual of the wrappers from winners to losers.
The Monster Crunch caught my eye on the 1st photo. I’m glad to hear they scored to so high. There’s even a ghosty-face on them! Adorable!
Monster Crunch is my jam! That one, and the pretzels were retained for home consumption and DID NOT…I repeat…DID NOT get passed on to my family, for their snacking pleasure…hehehe! Thanks, Joanne 💕
😆
Donna looks great! This was a fun box too! Sweet and salty two of my favorites. I bet the Monster crisps are a hit with the little ones the most.
Rock on ladies!! 😀
I don’t know about the little ones, Deborah…not only do I have no little ones to pass them on to, I didn’t pass any on to the big ‘uns either. They were so tasty I decided they were MINE ALL MINE, and enjoyed the rest of them later, in the evening 🤣. Thanks 💕
😂 That’s a fabulous review right there!!
😁💕
👍
🙏💕
I totally love the editorial scratch-off style of this post! Donna – you look relaxed and comfortable – which is wonderful! I love ginger and chocolate so those sticks look amazing. Perhaps I’ll need to make some…thanks for sharing!
Those sticks were mighty good. Chocolate and gingerbread together are not a pairing I was familiar with, prior to receiving this box. The sticks won me over…the cookie not so much. Thanks, Janet 💕
You guys are so cute and what a delightful subscription box. Next time our Cheese of the Month comes, I’ll write a post and tag you.
I would love to see what comes in a cheese of the month box! Thanks, Anna 💕
Your faces are so good in these posts.
Thank you, Kari 💕 They are our snacky-faces, I suppose 🤣
Snacky faces, LOVE IT.
I love Donna’s hair! I love hair with a mind of it’s own. Them’s a lotta snacks!
Them IS a lotta snacks! I did share the wealth though, after the sampling. My discards…ahem…the leftovers…made it to my daughter and son-in-law 😉. Thanks, Kate 💕
I enjoyed this. My sister gave a year’s worth of theses boxes to our brother and nephew for the year.
What a great gift! I had heard of subscription boxes before, but did not know you could get one for snacks of the world. I am having so much fun with this one. Thanks, Sarah 💕
The choc covered marshmallow looked the yummiest 😋
It was decent. Thanks, Alison 💕
🙂
Great review! Looking forward to the next one 😊
Thank you, Sis 💕
You two are a riot. When you do wine boxes, I will be booking my flight.
Wine boxes??? 🤔😁 Now, there’s an idea! Thanks, Bernadette 💕
Thank you both sooo much for continuing the snacks around the world series! So educational and entertaining! 💕
You are most welcome, Del! Thanks 💕
How fun is this? VERY FUN.
How does one get the title position of Snack Judge? Sign me up.
First, you need to be in close proximity to the snack box. Virtual judging is not a thing in this sport. I don’t make the rules. Should you ever come to the island though, you can definitely be Our Extra Special Guest Judge 😉. Thanks, Suz 💕
I’ll keep that in mind.
Hi Deb, Your post reminds me of Polish Deli’s in Vancouver. My Dad used to shop in them and come home with interesting food. The chocolate-covered gingerbread sticks are intriguing. You remind me of the “Weiss” German gingerbread cookies around Christmas. Ha, ha…scoring card. 😀You and Donna are a hoot. You remind me of children at Halloween checking out their stash. 💕
Thank you, Erica 💕 YES! Kids at Halloween checking out the stash – very apt description 😁
Well, that settles it. I’m never going to Poland.
Oh my! Writing off an entire country because of their snacks? I’m curious. Was it the box in general or any one snack in particular, Suzanne? 💕
There wasn’t a single peanut butter snack. Can’t live without peanut butter!
Yes, there was! The chocolate bar had a lovely peanut flavour and said it had peanut butter as well as peanuts in it. Give Poland another chance, Suzanne! 😉😁
Doesn’t count.
🤣
You got me with gingerbread sticks. Those look and sound delicious to me. I’m thrilled that you’ve been able to rope Donna into trying your snacks with you. You two have that bestie vibe going on.
Those gingerbread sticks were surprisingly delicious (to me…everyone else seemed to know they’d be great) and it was a bit of a struggle for me to pass them on to another household, after sampling. Thank you, Ally 💕 Donna and I are having lots of fun doing this!
What a fun post. I’m enjoying all the little side stories about the snacks and their creators. A wonder what they send to the rest of the world to represent the U.S.A.
I wonder too, about Canada. I was thinking, when my subscription is done, if I haven’t already received a Canada-themed box, that I would create one myself and blog about it! So far I am thinking it will contain ketchup-flavoured potato chips and butter tarts. Maybe hickory sticks too. Thanks, Jean 💕
Hi Erica – I have to say … they didn’t inspire me … but am glad you enjoyed the pretzels, and the gingerbread sticks – they did look good. But I do love the post and seeing you and Donna operate your postings and completing the questionnaire … so please keep it up. It’ll be fascinating to see which countries are included in the themed boxes … cheers Hilary
I’m flattered you keep confusing me with Erica, Hilary 🥰. I wasn’t all that impressed with the Poland box either. Donna and I definitely look forward to the next and subsequent boxes in this subscription! Thank you 💕
Oh crumbs Deb – I’d better make a larger than life written note to myself! – thanks for being so understanding!! Cheers H