The kids and I recently had the opportunity to test a new product called "UNREAL(TM)Candy," which is basically candy, minus anything that is unnatural. No artificial flavors, colors....products in general.
This was a really good review for us to do, because since the beginning of the year we have been trying to "unjunk" (to use one of the Unreal's key phrases) our lives. We have cut out as much processed, or preserved foods as possible. Basically, we by only buy fresh (and occasionally frozen) fruits and vegetables. There are very few exceptions to this rule at this point. And while this works for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - snacks are more tricky. Granted, that is not saying Unreal Candy is "good" for you...it's still a snack food, and as we all know, snack food is a sometimes food - not an everyday food.
Okay, kindergarten lesson over.
So I get coupons in the mail, and need to hunt down the Unreal Candy...simple right? Eh, not extremely simple. I went to one store that was listed as a seller (at least I
think it was), but needless to say, no Unreal Candy. I was a little bummed out. So a couple days later I hit another store. At first I thought I was going to strike 2, because the candy wasn't where I was expecting it, but meandering the store a little bit I struck gold! Here you can see the display I found:
So, looking for Unreal Candy at this point in the game, you're probably not going to find it in a "typical" spot, it seems as though they (the sellers) are trying to make you stumble upon it and pick it up as an impulse buy. Or appeal to kids shopping for school supplies?? Hopefully in the near future the Unreal Candy can be found in....THE CANDY AISLE...(novel idea, right?) So my thoughts on product placement - needs work. But this is hardly the candy's fault.
Here's what I decided on (basically all they had to offer except candy covered chocolate with peanuts):
What you see here, the two red "bars" are like caramel bars, the purple is caramel, peanuts and chocolate. The bag is candy coated chocolate, and the last (blue) is peanut butter and chocolate. (I purposefully tried not to mention the candy these are trying to replicate, unfortunately, if you watch the video of my kids, they aren't so polite...they call it as they see it! =) )
So I tried one of the caramel bars for myself, and honestly I was under impressed. I think it just reminded me of one of those protein supplement bars, they aren't my favorite. I also was expecting a hard cookie base, I think THAT might have been the biggest disappointment for me. I'm not exactly sure what the base was, seemed kind of milky...kind of like what is in that candy bar with "milk" in the name...yeah, kind of like that. BUT, don't let my first impression deter you. You must have a more extensive research panel. So I recruited three unbias kids, who just see candy as candy...who cares if it's all natural? IT'S CANDY!!
The judges:
(They aren't excited or anything)
The candy:
And I will let these "judges" speak for themselves in a moment, but first let me give you my opinion. First I'd like to point out the candy covered chocolates - notice their colors aren't near as vibrant and pretty as the other brand?? Do you think the kids gave a lick about that? NO WAY, they scarfed them down just like any other candy. And I will say, they tasted less - well fake. After eating these I can tell how much of the dye I could taste on THE OTHER candy.
Second, the chocolate covered peanut butter - I saved this for last because I thought it would be my favorite. It was eh, okay. Pretty good, but not what I was hoping for. I think I must be really addicted to the million tons of sugar they put in the original of this.
Last, but absolutely the best - the chocolate covered nuts with caramel. YUM YUM. This was my favorite, and Azalyah agreed. This was her favorite too. I'm not sure Elijah or Abigail actually attempted to
have a favorite. They were more interested in getting to eat candy!! Anyway, this candy bar didn't taste JUST like the original, but I think you can never go wrong with the chocolate, caramel nut combination. It tastes good all on it's own regardless. And if I were to crave anything - it would be THIS one.
(The kids enjoying their candy)
So in conclusion, would I buy Unreal Candy again? Yes, I would. If I'm craving chocolate and looking for a fix, just knowing that this product is doing their best to try and leave the junk out of their food - I would go for this candy first and foremost. Not only do I believe in what they are doing, but the price is comparable. And while I may not have been over excited about a few of the items, they were still very yummy. (Except for the caramel bar...I think that one needs something fixed...)
The Video
