This week we were out and about and decided to stop into CVS for a little treat. Yes, even we eat junk from time to time. While at CVS, we came across these candy bars that looked a little futurist and I had to take a look. They were called Unjunked by UNREAL. They claim no GMOs, no artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives and less sugar. I was thinking to myself, ya but they probably taste like CRAP. But I was in an adventurous mood so I decided to give them a try. They were on sale for 2 for $2 so a little pricier than regular junk. Here is what I got {unjunked M&Ms, Snickers and Reeces PB Cups}:
As you can imagine, I couldn’t wait to rip open the packages, but for the blog’s sake I was gentle in case I wanted to take more pictures of the packaging. But here is what the Unjunked candy looked like out of the packages:
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that the Unjunked candy actually tasted really good and close to the original junk version. For the price, I’d go with the UNREAL 8 {Snickers} and UNREAL 88 {Reeces} as those were the best value.
The story behind the UNREAL brand is pretty neat too. Basically, a dad confiscated most of his son’s candy one Halloween, which of course caused an uproar. But the kid decided to show his dad that candy wasn’t bad, so he searched the internet. The kid ended up finding out the candy was actually full of bad things and so the dad was right! But they decided together that there has to be a better a way and so they went on a search to find the solution. Corn syrup? Out. Partially hydrogenated oils? Out. GMOs? Out. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives? Out. Reduced sugar by over 40% per serving on average? Check. They also decided key ingredients needed to be responsibly sourced, supporting farming communities and preventing destruction of the rain forests. All ingredients needed to be non GMO. Dairy needed to come from pasture raised cows with no antibiotics or added hormones. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do for people and the planet.
Sample comparison {from UNREAL’s website}:
Here is a sample ingredient list:
I have to say overall I was pretty impressed, especially when I read the story. So for now, we’ll buy this Unjunked version of our favorite treats – on occasion! Keep in mind this is still CANDY, with sugar, so it doesn’t give you cart blanch to go hog wild…..but if you are going to have a treat hear and there why not choose an alternative without the GMOs, HFCS, artificial flavors, colors & sweeteners – just my opinion of course!
