Final Boss Sour: A Review

I’ve experienced my fair share of letdowns with "social shopping." There’s this buzz on social media that can easily pull you in, leading to some purchases that you regret later. Take, for instance, that neck cream which turned out to be a cheap counterfeit, or the sling carrier that terrified my elderly Yorkie beyond belief. Not to mention the chili crisp that leaked during delivery, turning the mailman into my sworn enemy. However, for every flop, there’s a win. Final Boss Sour, the ultra-tangy candy crafted from genuine dried fruit that’s been all over my feeds, is definitely one of those wins.

It’s giving Super Mario world map vibes

The masterminds behind this sour treat, James Hicks and Tommy Riggs, once honed their skills at Science Inc., the venture studio known for birthing successful brands like Liquid Death and Dollar Shave Club. So, it’s no surprise that humor and retro gaming nostalgia are at the heart of their marketing strategy. But Final Boss Sour takes it up a notch with a fun narrative. It involves a cantankerous honey badger, Hank, who unintentionally releases a dormant sorcerer trapped in a jar of ancient pickles. To save the day, he teams up with a sweet quokka named Quinnie on a mission to gather the sour fruits needed to defeat the evil sour essence lurking over Gooberland. Beyond just a snack, this candy comes with an engaging backstory. Their newsletter, The Gooberland Gazette, further expands this sweet universe.

Those ominous looking clouds suggest that Level 4 and Final Boss sourness is yet to fully descend

Final Boss Sour capitalizes on video game aesthetics in its branding, packaging, and more. Sadly, there isn’t a direct 16-bit console game tie-in, but the candy experience itself is a game of its own – something more akin to Saw than Sonic. Level 1’s sour treats are ridiculously moreish with just the right amount of tang. Yet, anyone who can handle Levels 2 and 3 without flinching, clearly has nerves of steel. If you’re planning a night of board games or drinks, start with the VIP Destroyer Ultimate Sour Sampler Box. It offers a taste of all their main fruit offerings – cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries – across three increasingly intense sour levels. Turn your evening into a challenge that may leave lasting impressions (and maybe some disintegrating tooth enamel).

This candy stands out with its simplicity – just real dried fruit, cane sugar, sunflower oil, citric acid, and malic acid make up Final Boss Sour. It contains 20-22 grams of sugar per pouch, slightly less than Sour Patch Kids yet more than Sour Strips or Warheads. But while the other brands flaunt a lengthy list of synthetic ingredients, Final Boss Sour keeps it real – you can genuinely taste the zing in every bite. If you’re keen to find your personal sour threshold, these confections offer a diverse sour symphony, with Level 1 Sour Strawberries hitting the perfect harmony.

A real text exchange with my boss portends the beginning of a shared sour strawberry addiction

The allure doesn’t stop with their regular offerings. Their special, limited drops are worth keeping an eye on. Once, they sent me a box of Strawberry Kiwi Level 2, and I was sold until I realized they were already out of stock. Such releases, like Sour Strawberry Mango and Blue Raspberry Mango Dippers, becoming highly sought after. You can still grab their latest, Sour Grapes Level 4, but trust me, if you’re a fan and hate missing out, their Monthly Drop Club is your best bet.

This is what the D.A.R.E. program should have been warning us about in the 80s

Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer, a health-conscious snacker, or someone who enjoys a little discomfort, Final Boss Sour might just hit the spot. You can snag your first box free (a $20 value) with a purchase when you order directly. Just be ready – that first taste hooks you in. They’ve got a knack for drawing you back for more. Full transparency: this review is based on products provided by Final Boss Sour. However, I’ve since made quite a few purchases myself. That’s how good these are!

Rating: 9.9/10

Title: Hurts So Good

Summary: This delightful mix of real fruit and serious sour power more than lives up to the social media buzz. It fell just short of a perfect score because of a mix-up with Level 3 in a dark setting, leaving not just my taste buds, but my pride feeling the sting. The pain may be temporary, but the flavor? Unforgettable.