The Mission to "Unjunk" Candy
The story behind UNREAL candy is rooted in a childhood challenge. Founders Nicky and Kris Bronner were told by their parents to avoid traditional candy because of its artificial ingredients and excessive sugar. Instead of giving up their favorite treats, they embarked on a mission to "unjunk" them. The result is a line of chocolates that mimic beloved classics but are made with ingredients people can actually pronounce. This foundational mission has guided the brand ever since, focusing on creating better-for-you indulgences without compromising on taste.
The All-Natural Advantage: Better Ingredients, Better Taste
One of the primary reasons people find UNREAL so appealing is its ingredient list. The company proudly uses simple, real ingredients and avoids artificial additives that are common in mass-produced candy. For example, UNREAL's chocolate is made with organic cacao, while colorings for their chocolate-covered gems come from vegetable extracts like spirulina and beets, not chemical dyes. This focus on natural components means a cleaner, more authentic flavor profile that isn't masked by artificial flavors or overly sweet sugar.
A closer look at UNREAL's clean ingredient promises:
- No artificial colors or dyes: Vibrant gems are colored naturally with real vegetables.
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers: The taste comes from the pure, high-quality ingredients.
- No sugar alcohols or soy ingredients: UNREAL uses real cane sugar, just less of it, to achieve the right sweetness.
- Fair trade and sustainable sourcing: The company is committed to ethical practices and fair wages for its cocoa farmers.
Less Sugar, More Satisfaction
Conventional candy is notoriously high in sugar, but UNREAL offers a refreshing alternative. Many of their products contain significantly less sugar than their leading competitors. The Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, for instance, boast 51% less sugar than the leading brand on an equal weight basis, with just 3 grams of sugar per bar. This approach allows for a satisfying sweet treat without the sickly-sweet, overpowering taste that comes with excessive sugar. By using organic cane sugar or organic cassava syrup sparingly, UNREAL proves that less is indeed more.
Comparing UNREAL to Conventional Candy Brands
To truly understand what sets UNREAL apart, a side-by-side comparison is essential. Let's look at how UNREAL stacks up against traditional candy brands in terms of ingredients and nutritional content.
| Feature | UNREAL Candy | Conventional Candy Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Simple, clean, often organic: organic coconut, dark chocolate, real cane sugar | Complex, often with artificial ingredients: corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors |
| Sugar Content | Significantly less sugar (up to 51% less in some products) | Often high in added sugars and corn syrup |
| Coloring | Naturally colored with vegetable extracts like spirulina and beets | Uses artificial dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 40 |
| Certifications | Fair Trade, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free, often Vegan | Typically lacks ethical or clean-ingredient certifications |
| Sourcing | Sustainable and fair trade cocoa sourcing | Sourcing practices often less transparent or sustainable |
The Taste is Unmistakable
Beyond the ingredients and health benefits, the true success of UNREAL candy lies in its taste. Many reviews highlight that UNREAL's products offer a more refined and authentic flavor experience. The dark chocolate provides a rich, bittersweet foundation that pairs perfectly with other elements, like the chewy coconut or roasted peanuts. This focus on a premium flavor profile is what convinces many to switch for good, proving that you can have a better-for-you treat without sacrificing the indulgent, nostalgic taste of classic candy.
Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
UNREAL's commitment extends beyond just what's inside the package. The company prioritizes ethical and sustainable sourcing for its ingredients, particularly its cocoa. By using Fair Trade Certified cocoa, UNREAL ensures that farmers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions, supporting sustainable agriculture and transparent supply chains. This socially conscious approach is another factor that makes UNREAL a compelling choice for modern consumers who care about the origins of their food.
The Final Indulgence
Ultimately, UNREAL candy offers the best of both worlds: the decadent, nostalgic taste of classic treats combined with a transparent, clean ingredient list. From their low sugar content and natural colors to their ethical sourcing practices, UNREAL has successfully 'unjunked' the candy aisle. For anyone seeking a guilt-free indulgence that doesn't feel like a compromise, UNREAL offers a sweet, simple, and satisfying solution. You can find a detailed list of their product offerings and mission statement on their official website.
