Review: Sour – The Ultimate Challenge

I’ve had my own misadventures in the world of “social shopping,” getting sucked into the whirlwind of trends on social media only to land with a bunch of duds. From a neck cream that was nothing but a phony, to a sling carrier that gave my senior Yorkie a scare he won’t soon forget, and even a chili crisp that left me feuding with the mailman after it leaked all over. Yet, for every flop, there’s a treasure waiting to be found. The latest jewel? Final Boss Sour—the super sour candy crafted from real dried fruit that’s been taking over my social feeds, and I’m delighted to report, it truly lives up to the hype.

Imagine a world map straight out of a Super Mario game—that’s the vibe it gives off.

Before they shook up the world of sour snacks, the brains behind the brand, James Hicks and Tommy Riggs, were busy at Science Inc., a venture studio known for launching names like Liquid Death and Dollar Shave Club. So, naturally, humor and retro gaming nostalgia are woven into their content. But with Final Boss Sour, they’re not just having fun; they’re diving into a full-blown narrative. Meet Hank, the grumpy honey badger who unknowingly released the sour spirit trapped in a jar of old pickles and now has to rally with Quinnie, an upbeat quokka, to gather sour fruits, amp up their sour stamina, and rescue Gooberland. There’s a whole backstory for every mini-boss, detailed even more in their email newsletter, The Gooberland Gazette, adding layers to this flavorful saga. It’s not just a snack; it’s a candy-adventure combo with lore to boot.

Those ominous clouds suggest that Level 4’s ultimate sourness is lying in wait.

The game-like theme runs through everything, from the brand’s fantastic packaging to its unique marketing. There might not be a 16-bit video game tie-in, sadly, but there’s a challenge, and it’s more of a trial à la Saw than your typical Sonic romp. Level 1 is a breeze, with fruit flavor and just the right hint of sour to keep things interesting. But those who can down Levels 2 and 3 without so much as a flinch? Simply put—they’re a breed apart. For a board game night or a gathering centered on drinks (or better yet, both), I highly recommend starting with the VIP Destroyer Ultimate Sour Sampler Box. It covers all the bases by providing all three of their staple fruit versions—cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries—in varying levels of sour intensity. Playing all nine levels at home will leave you and your friends with a bond born from the shared challenge of these tart treats.

Sporting no artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or preservatives, Final Boss Sour offers something appealing for the health-minded among us, but don’t let that fool you—this is still a treat. With 20 to 22 grams of sugar per pouch, it finds itself nestled between Sour Patch Kids at 24 grams and Sour Strips at 16 grams per serving. Yet, its list of components is short and sweet: real dried fruit, cane sugar, sunflower oil, citric acid, and malic acid—ingredients you can actually pronounce. Trust me, you’ll taste that tanginess loud and clear. If you’re curious about your sour threshold, a taste test is a must. Balancing sweet with sour is an art, and in my book, Level 1 Sour Strawberries hit the high notes in a flavor symphony.

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

Let’s not forget the special limited editions. I got my hands on a Strawberry Kiwi Level 2 box that was so good it left me coyly dismissing the Level 1 Strawberries—until they quickly sold out. Limited releases are a trend with these candies, featuring tantalizing flavors like Sour Strawberry Mango Level 2, Blue Raspberry Mango Dippers Level 3, and even Chocolate Covered Sour Cherries. It’s the only way to savor their sourest selections, such as Sour Yuzu Pineapple Level 4 and a unique collaboration with Friday Beers that added more zing with a Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Lemon Lime Level 4 mix. If scarcity makes you nervous, never fear! They’ve just introduced a Monthly Drop Club.

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

For those with a fondness for retro gaming, wholesome snacking, or just a hint of self-inflicted challenge, Final Boss Sour is a must-try. They’re even offering your first box free with purchase when you order Direct from Boss. Just bear in mind, this first taste? It’s on the house.

I should confess here: this review is based on a product provided by Final Boss Sour, but I’ve already made three purchases of my own since then. Not doing much to shake off those comparisons to addictive substances…

Review Score: 9.9/10

Hurts So Good

Once again, the near-magical algorithms show they know me better than I know myself. This medley of genuine fruit, natural sweetness, and potent sourness lives up to all the online buzz. It came close to earning a perfect score, but just fell shy, losing 0.1 points after I mistakenly consumed Level 3 Blueberries during a pitch-black movie night. It was only after enduring a third of the pack did my sister point out, “You know these are Level 3, right?” Though the physical sting has faded, the psychological scars linger.