Unreal Snacks: Unlimited Chocolate as a Unique Employee Benefit

Unlimited paid time off is a well-known corporate benefit, but how about an endless supply of chocolate?

Unreal Snacks, a candy company, allows its employees to charge any amount of chocolate to the company, no matter the brand. By the start of August, staff had already ordered a whopping 1,300 pounds, and the company expects nearly 3,000 pounds of chocolate to be ordered by the end of the year by its 70 employees.

CEO Kevin McCarthy shared that the purpose of this benefit is to keep the team deeply connected to their own products as well as others available in the market. This, McCarthy explained, helps them understand their standing in the market as well as competitor strategies and product characteristics.

Operating primarily online and based in Boston, Unreal Snacks crafts treats such as chocolate-coated pretzels and peanut butter cups with up to 51% less sugar than standard brands. Their products can be found in around 35,000 stores, including big names like Whole Foods and Target.

To match the taste quality of popular candies, gaining insights into what competitors offer is essential, McCarthy noted.

Customer engagement is significantly tied to the sensory experience of the product, McCarthy asserted, highlighting that since they specialize in chocolate treats, staying attuned to their core offerings is vital.

Besides focusing on indulgence, Unreal Snacks is committed to health and wellness, providing employees with diverse benefits. These include wellness allowances applicable to various health-related services or products.

Additional perks from the company encompass professional development funding, tuition reimbursement, donation matching, support for co-working spaces, and a generous parental leave policy that includes 18 weeks of paid leave followed by a phased return to work.

Although this chocolate perk officially became part of their benefits package in 2023, it had been an unofficial option for several years.

McCarthy emphasized that understanding competitor offerings is a collective responsibility of their team, rather than being limited to individuals.

He expressed that beyond offering market insights, the chocolate perk is simply a delightful addition to the work environment.

Encouraging employees to spread the word by sharing products helps in cultivating more 'super fans,' McCarthy said, noting the importance of the network effect with friends and family.

Emphasizing their identity further, McCarthy stated: 'As a chocolate brand, one of our fundamental principles is to spread positivity.'