Universal Yums

Universal Yums was founded in October 2014 by Eli Zauner and Monique Bernstein in Cincinnati, Ohio. The idea emerged three months into their relationship while eating dinner at Eli’s kitchen table. Both were working corporate jobs and wanted to do something fun together outside work, specifically, to travel the world. Unable to quit their jobs and travel full-time, they created Universal Yums to bring global snack experiences to subscribers’ doorsteps monthly.

Company Mission

Universal Yums’s mission is to make the world more accessible through food by curating authentic international snacks that provide cultural education and adventure. Each box features snacks from a different country with a detailed guidebook containing trivia, games, and cultural context, aiming to spark curiosity and connection with global traditions.

Products & Services

Universal Yums offers three subscription tiers:

• Yum Box: $20/month ($17 prepaid annually) for 5-7 snacks + 12-page booklet
• Yum Yum Box: $31/month ($26 prepaid annually) for 10-12 snacks + 16-page guidebook
• Super Yum Box: $47/month ($40 prepaid annually) for 15-18 snacks + 16-page booklet

All boxes ship free to contiguous US addresses and military bases. Each month features a new country with authentic snacks not typically available in American stores.

What Sets Them Apart

Universal Yums differentiates through educational depth and authentic sourcing. The 12-16 page booklets provide cultural trivia, games, and context that transform snacking into a learning experience for families. With over 10 million boxes shipped since 2014, they’ve built strong sourcing relationships globally. The company has been featured in Forbes, Buzzfeed, and The New York Times, and won top snack subscription box in the 2025 readers’ choice awards. However, some customers report shipping delays and customer service challenges with refunds for damaged or unshipped boxes.