The best snack subscriptions
Whether it’s a craving for kettle corn, shrimp crackers or Japanese candy, getting snacks delivered to your doorstep requires nothing more than a mouse click and a credit card — thanks to an explosion of new snack subscription services, each with a specific snacking audience in mind.
Responding to a huge spike in snacking — online data shows an 85% jump in searches for “snack delivery” and “snack subscriptions” in 2020 — dozens of companies are offering to satisfy cravings.
Those snack boxes come in every style imaginable, including paleo, gluten-free, keto, vegan, raw, high-protein and kosher. There are boxes for healthy eaters, fitness buffs or would-be world travelers, and boxes for those who love meat, nuts or candy. As you might guess, boxes range in size, price and quality. In general, $10-$15 buys a box with six to eight snacks; larger boxes are roughly double the price.
Curious to find out why these boxes are so popular, we checked out four options. While they all have merit, we’re most impressed with the subscription boxes that feature not only tasty, artisanal snacks, but some unexpected flavors and unfamiliar brands. Less impressive: boxes of ordinary, common or boring snacks.
Here’s the scoop on the best snack subscription boxes — and the merely meh.
AP Munch
Snackers who love the experience of trying unusual and artisanal snacks found only online or in gourmet markets should check out this box stuffed with generous-sized packs of tasty, nutritious and unexpected snacks from brands including Shrooms, b’cuz, Vegan Rob’s and Love Corn. Offerings include dried mushrooms, a raw hazelnut butter bar, cherry pistachio bites, a quinoa pineapple bar and crunchy nuggets of toasted corn that are similar to corn nuts, but so much better. Nearly every snack was a delicious surprise. Snackers can choose between kosher, vegan, paleo, keto, gluten-free or “the best-seller.” Plans start at $18. apmunch.com ★★★★
Universal Yums
If you’re up for a global snack experience, this is the box for you. Each month features a stash of snacks from a different country. The box we tried spotlighted the United Kingdom with a dozen snacks, including some oddly yummy bites such as Johnny’s Pickled Onion Rings and Bristow’s Clotted Cream Fudge. Cheesy chips and rhubarb custard bonbons also got a thumbsup, but the Taylor’s Lamb & Mint Chips were greasy and over-seasoned, and the crumbly Toffee Flapjack was tooth-achingly sweet. Part of the fun of this box is the booklet that offers details and cultural trivia about where the goodies come from, and an invitation to vote on the best and worst snacks in the box. Note that the boxes are not customizable for those with allergies or special diets. A box of six snacks is $13.75; 12 snacks is $23. universalyums.com ★★★★
American Natural Theme Boxes
Fun theme boxes such as “Movie Night” and “Summer Camp” are tempting, but we opted for a gluten-free box curated by Bay Area cookbook author Amanda Haas. It was jammed with primarily sweet, semi-healthy bites, including Tate’s chocolate chip cookies, Dang Coconut Chips, two brands of dark chocolate-coated almonds, extra-tart dried mango, popcorn and some familiar snack bars. This box is a good choice for those who like to nosh on high-end snacks that are not too exotic. Most of the brands in this box can be found at upscale grocery stores. Boxes start at $25; Amanda Haas box is $35. www.americannaturaleats.com ★★★
Snack Sack
A modest selection of mainstream salty and sweet snacks make for a nice snack break that’s satisfying, if lacking adventure — most of these munchies can be purchased at Costco. Brands such as Made Good, Boom Chicka Pop, Popchips and Enjoy Life are likely to please picky eaters and those who prefer familiar flavors, but they are basically ho-hum and forgettable. Each box comes with a fun muslin snack bag for those who like to take their snacks on the road. Boxes start at $24 and are slightly customizable; options include classic, vegan and gluten-free. www.snacksack.com ★★★