FAQ
While we do utilize an inclusion (confetti sprinkles) that is made with Palm Oil, we have verified that the Palm Oil used in this ingredient is sustainably sourced, gathered from resources that do not contribute to deforestation or other impact concerns from standard providers.
With only a couple of exceptions, our chocolate is gluten-free - just check the back of the box or bar for the GF label. Our rigorous allergen cross-contact prevention program includes cleaning and detecting gluten on all machines before manufacturing a new product batch. The FDA states that products with a Gluten-Free claim must contain less than 20 gluten parts per million. Our test is even more sensitive, detecting as low as 10 parts per million. We only run products after the gluten test result is negative.
We use 100% non-GMO ingredients in our core line of Seattle Chocolates bars and truffles. Each bar includes information on the back that lists non-GMO, Gluten-free, vegan, etc.
The well-being of our consumers is always at the forefront of our minds, and we have rigorous processes and testing in place to ensure the safest (and most delicious!) possible product for you.
Cadmium and lead can be found in the soil in regions where cacao is grown, and may enter cacao via the tree’s roots (cadmium) or by adhering to the shells of cacao beans during fermentation (lead)1.
We recently resubmitted our highest percent cacao products for testing at a lab, and we’re happy to report that they all fall far under the daily standards for lead and cadmium set forth by the FDA2, EU3, and Codex Alimentarius Commission4. These bars can be used as a baseline for the remainder of our product offerings, as they have the highest cacao content.
While we have full trust in these standards, if you would prefer to adhere to those set forth by California’s Prop 655, you can also view those below.
If you are concerned about your heavy metal intake, it’s important to evaluate your entire diet - foods like cereal, rice, fish, roots, mushrooms, etc. can also be sources of heavy metals.
Please see the recommended amount you should consume to adhere to each set of standards6:
1 SOURCE
2 The FDA (Food and Drug Administration)is the United States’ centralized federal system for food regulation, inspection and examination. The FDA is accountable for the majority of food products in the country.
3 For the 27 European countries in the EU, the food standards laws are all streamlined into one governing body: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA is responsible for EU food safety regulations and standards; mandatory for all the member countries.
4 Codex Alimentarius is a joint inter-governmental FAO/WHO food standards program with over 170 member countries (including the US). Codex Alimentarius standards are based off internationally accepted scientific and technological standards, and the goal of Codex Alimentarius is to develop international food standards, guidelines and recommendations to protect the health of consumers and to ensure fair practices in the food trade.
5 Prop65 is a California law adopted by direct voter initiative in 1986 as a “Safe Drinking Water” measure to address concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. It is officially known as the Safe Drinking water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Prop65 requires warning labels on packages of “listed chemicals” when they exceed “Maximum Allowable Dose Limits” or MADL provided by the law for more than 1,000 chemicals, many of which include natural minerals found in soil.
6 FDA, EU and Codex standards are based on a per oz basis
Read all about it in our email newsletters! When you sign up for your email subscription, you’ll receive 15% off your first order. To be the first to find out about new releases, sneak peeks, and upcoming events, sign up for our e-newsletter at www.seattlechocolate.com. We also post flash sales and promotions on our social media channels so follow along ASAP.
We consider all chocolate a gift. Therefore, no orders are ever sent out from our factory with any invoicing or pricing details. Our orders are shipped out with copies of their picklist. This includes all of the order’s information (order number, date placed, items ordered etc.), and a personal gift message to your recipient, should you choose to include one.
Chocolate says it all, but sometimes you just need to say a little more. When placing your order, there is an opportunity to include a gift message while on the shopping cart screen. You will find a button “Add a Gift Message” at the bottom of the page, just above the checkout button. When clicked, it will drop down to a Gift Message box. Be sure to include your name in the body of the message, as the billing address does not display on the packing list!
We’re not picky. We accept all major credit cards.
Everyday orders are processed within two business days or less. After that, your shipping method and location will determine how soon you can treat yourself! If your order is over $500, it may take up to 10 business days to process prior to shipping. We may not ship a package on Thursday or Friday to avoid our chocolate melting over the weekend. Please see the timelines below for further details.
Large/Special Orders: All online orders totaling $500 or more require a two-week processing time before shipping Please feel free to contact us at info@seattlechocolate.com with any questions.
Standard: Place your order before 11am PST Monday-Wednesday (except for holidays) and we’ll ship in 1-2 business days, to arrive 3-7 business days after order placement. Orders placed after 11am Wednesday will ship the following Monday.
Priority: Place your order before 11am PST Monday-Wednesday (except for holidays) and we’ll ship in 1-2 business days, to arrive 3-4 business days after order placement. Orders placed after 11am Wednesday will ship the following Monday.
Overnight: Place your order before 11am PST Monday-Thursday (except for holidays) and we’ll ship in 1-2 business days, to arrive 2-3 business days after order placement. Orders placed after 11am Thursday will ship the following Monday.
We get it; shipping can get a little pricey. However, just like making excellent chocolate requires a little extra care and consideration, shipping excellent chocolate also requires a little extra care and consideration, especially in warmer months and locations, when we pack with things like dry ice and gel packs to keep your chocolate from melting! We always try to provide our customers with the most affordable shipping rates available, for the best possible quality of service and speed. Your final shipping total is the result of all of these considerations, and we hope you’ll find it’s all worth it.
If ground shipping isn’t available for your area, that means you live somewhere too hot for ground shipping to handle. We check weather conditions for every destination to ensure your chocolate arrives in tip-top condition. Chocolate is very sensitive to warm temperatures, so in warm areas and during warm months, we pack with gel packs and dry ice and ship 2-3 day to make sure your package arrives safely. We are unable to ship ground to most states during the warmer months. Please note, unless your package is taking a short trip around the Pacific Northwest, we typically ship ground Monday-Wednesday only to ensure your chocolate isn't sitting unattended over a weekend. We don’t want it to melt on you!
We know you just can’t wait for your chocolate to arrive. Everyday orders are processed within two business days or less. After that, your shipping method and location will determine how soon you can treat yourself! If your order is over $500, it may take up to 10 business days to process prior to shipping.
Overnight Shipping: Arrives one business day after your chocolate’s departure from our factory. One and done!
Priority Shipping: Chocolate time commences in t-minus three… two… You will see your chocolate in two to three business days once it ships out.
Ground: Within two to five business days, there will be chocolate at your door. We can’t wait either!
Due to year-round warm temperatures, or special shipping requirements, certain states will always require priority shipping (AK, AZ, FL, HI, and TX, we’re looking at you).
We keep our cool! During the summer months, or as the weather requires, we may need to wrap our chocolate in dry ice and gel packs to ensure the safety of your shipment. Due to year-round warm temperatures, or special shipping requirements, certain states will always require priority shipping (AK, AZ, FL, HI, TX).
Please make sure that you, or the lucky recipient, will be available at the specified shipping address when the goodies are expected to arrive. We don’t want melted chocolate on your doorstep!
We may not ship a package on Thursday or Friday to avoid our chocolate melting over the weekend.
Yes! Come shop at our Flagship Store, located at our factory in Tukwila, WA. Click here to plan your visit!
1180 Andover Park West
Tukwila, WA 98188
425.264.2705
We can't wait to see you there!
As a matter of fact, we have two! Visit our Where-To-Buy page for more information about the Seattle Chocolate Factory & Flagship Store, and our SeaTac Airport Store location.
Look, sometimes we just wanna feel extra-special. So let’s make your order specially tailored to your event! We create custom chocolate favors boxes for those looking to color coordinate for a special occasion. Choose any of our colorful truffles and a satin ribbon to complement your colors. Minimum order: 25 favors. Please allow 1-2 weeks for order fulfillment prior to shipment. We also offer a corporate gift program, capable of addressing all your gift needs. For more information on corporate gift, please email us at concierge@seattlechocolates.com.
Never risk running out of chocolate. We offer the following volume discounts:
5% off orders $500+
10% off orders $1,000+
15% off orders $2,500+
Your shopping cart will automatically apply these discounts when the appropriate amount has been reached. *Cannot be combined with other offers*
We are always looking for new creators to collaborate with. Please email us at info@seattlechocolate.com with a link to your website, portfolio, or other examples of your work.
Visit our Tours page to make a booking.
Each tour accommodates up to 16 people. If you're interested in booking a tour for a larger group, please give us a ring at (425) 264-2705.
There is a fair amount of walking involved during our guided tour. Stairs up to the viewing platform and walkway may pose a difficulty to persons with mobility restrictions. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and no dangling jewelry. Because we are a food plant, you will also be given a hairnet to wear inside the factory. The temperature in the warehouse is a little chilly. You may consider bringing a sweater or light jacket.
With our rigorous safety and quality standards, we cannot allow glass in our plant. Each guest will be given a locker to stow their personal belongings, including cell phones, before embarking on the factory portion of the tour.
You are welcome to take as many photos and videos as you like in the retail area and classrooms. Because glass is strictly prohibited in our food plant, cell phones and cameras are not permitted on the walkway. You will be assigned a locker with a personal number code to stow your items safely while you are on the tour.
We do! Because tours are conducted during production, we can accommodate only one wheelchair (plus companion) or other mobility restriction at a time. Please contact us at (425) 264-2705 or tours@seattlechocolates.com to schedule your visit.