REVIEW / Sour: The Ultimate Challenge

I’ve had my fair share of social shopping mishaps, let me tell you. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype on social media, only to be let down by reality. Like that neck cream which turned out to be a cheap imitation, or the sling carrier that terrified my elderly Yorkie. Let’s not even talk about the chili crisp that leaked out of its package and earned me a glaring look from my mailman. Yet, for every dud, there’s a gem. Final Boss Sour is one of those rare hits, and it’s been popping up all over my feeds. It’s this intensely sour candy, made from real dried fruit, and it’s definitely worth the hype.

Stepping into the world of Final Boss Sour feels a bit like wandering into a retro video game. The co-founders, James Hicks and Tommy Riggs, cut their teeth at Science Inc., the venture studio known for building brands like Liquid Death and Dollar Shave Club. Consequently, their content is steeped in humor and a loving nod to nostalgic gaming. But this isn’t just a candy; it’s an experience, complete with its own storyline. Picture this: a grumpy honey badger named Hank, who accidentally unleashes an ancient sour sorcerer by stumbling upon a jar of pickles. To save the world, he teams up with a sweet quokka named Quinnie. They venture through Gooberland, collecting sour fruits to curb the sorcerer’s power. This delightful backstory extends through all the way down to the mini-bosses, each with their own tales of why they’ve sided with the villain. If that sounds intriguing, check out The Gooberland Gazette newsletter that further fleshes out this quirky universe.

Final Boss Sour doesn’t stop at great branding. While there isn’t a video game tie-in, the experience is akin to munching your way through a game level. It’s ludicrous how anyone can down Level 2’s or 3’s without wincing. But if you love a tangy challenge, their VIP Destroyer Ultimate Sour Sampler Box is a must-have. There’s also the smaller VIP Sour Sampler Box, available through their TikTok shop, offering cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries each in three levels of sourness. Trust me, mix these into your next game night or party, and it becomes an experience your taste buds won’t easily forget.

When it comes to ingredients, Final Boss Sour keeps it simple: dried fruit, cane sugar, sunflower oil, citric acid, and malic acid. It has an earnest commitment to authenticity, using real fruit and eschewing the synthetic additives present in many rival products. The sugar content stands at a reasonable 20-22 grams per pouch, a bit less than your average pack of Sour Patch Kids, but slightly more than other sour favorites. But that real fruit kick gives it an edge you can taste. For my money, the Level 1 Sour Strawberries are a match made in heaven, perfectly balancing sweet and sour in a way that’s nothing short of angelic.

Moreover, they occasionally release limited edition flavors that turn heads, like the Strawberry Kiwi Level 2 which vanished before I could get more. There’s something addictive about these specials, which makes their Monthly Drop Club a tempting idea if you fear missing out on these sour masterpieces.

Whether you’re drawn in by nostalgia, enjoy a health-conscious treat, or just love testing your sour tolerance, there’s likely something in Final Boss Sour’s offering for you. Plus, when you order directly from them, your first box is complimentary—a $20 value. Just make sure you’re prepared for the habit forming potential. Consider this a warning from someone who’s been convinced three separate times already.

Full disclosure: Final Boss Sour sent me some of their retail products, but since then, I’ve willingly splurged on my own. So, you know, these things aren’t helping me shake the comparison to addictive substances… but they really are that good. Final score? A tantalizing 9.9 out of 10. I might have given it a full score, but there was that one movie night incident where I accidentally grabbed the wrong level blueberries and was in silent sour agony until my sister pointed out my mistake. The physical pain faded quickly, but the shame lingers.