Frequently Asked Questions

Chocolate

CARE & STORAGE

 

HOW SHOULD I STORE MY CHOCOLATE?

Your chocolate likes to play it just a little cooler than you do. We recommend storing our chocolate in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is 55-70 degrees F. Be sure you don’t store your chocolate in your refrigerator! Much like baking soda, chocolate is susceptible to absorbing unwanted odors. Being exposed to cold temperatures for too long can also cause your chocolate to bloom.

 

WHAT IS BLOOM?

It sounds pretty, but it can actually be pretty odd looking  Blooming is a process where the fats and sugars of the chocolate resolidify, and become visible on the outer surface of the chocolate shell. This can look like whitish “dust” on the surface of the chocolate.While this does not affect the flavor of the chocolate, it can look somewhat unappealing. But yes, you can definitely still eat it!

 

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE FOR YOUR CHOCOLATE?

Our chocolates have a shelf life ranging from 15 minutes to 12 months depending on your personal resolve and self-control.

 

 

INGREDIENTS & CERTIFICATIONS

 

ARE YOUR CHOCOLATES ALL NATURAL?

Yes, our chocolate is as natural as the smile on your face when you take your first bite. Our products are made using ingredients from all natural sources. We do not use or add any GMOs, preservatives, artificial or synthetic ingredients, flavors or colors.

 

DO YOU USE SOY IN YOUR CHOCOLATE?

Our Seattle Chocolate line does contain soy lecithin as an emulsifier to control the viscosity and keep our chocolate nice & smooth. We have great news, though! The soy lecithin we use is organic and from non-GMO sources. If you prefer to avoid soy altogether, we recommend trying our 72% Classic Dark Bar, or maybe a little something from our jcoco line, which uses sunflower lecithin instead!

 

ARE YOUR BARS/TRUFFLES GLUTEN-FREE?

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.

 

ARE SEATTLE CHOCOLATES KOSHER?

Kosher? For sure! All of our products are certified Star-D Dairy Kosher. 

 

ARE YOUR INGREDIENTS NON-GMO?

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.

 

DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT HEAVY METALS IN YOUR CHOCOLATE?

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). 

 

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 FDA, EU, and Codex Alimentarius Commission. 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 65, 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 standards:

 



Shopping

IN STORE SHOPPING

 

DOES SEATTLE CHOCOLATE HAVE A STORE?

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.

 

WHERE ELSE CAN I BUY YOUR CHOCOLATE?

Shop Seattle Chocolate right off the shelf at many of your go-to stores! Visit our store locator page for more info.



SPECIAL ORDERS

 

CAN I ORDER A CUSTOMIZED WEDDING OR CORPORATE GIFT?

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 compliment 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

 

DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL PRICING FOR BULK ORDERS?

Don’t 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*

 

SHOPPING ONLINE

 

DO YOU HAVE ANY DISCOUNTS RIGHT NOW?

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.

 

MY ORDER IS A GIFT! I DON’T WANT THE INVOICE TO BE SENT WITH THE ORDER!

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.

 

CAN I INCLUDE A GIFT MESSAGE WITH MY ORDER?

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!

 

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT ONLINE?

We’re not picky. We accept all major credit cards.

Shipping

 

WHAT ARE YOUR SHIPPING RATES?

Purchase Amount

Standard Shipping

Priority Shipping

Up to $59.99

$9.00

$16.00

$60.00 and Up

Free

Free for AZ, FL, TX

 

WHY IS SHIPPING SO EXPENSIVE?

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 allll worth it.

 

WHY CAN’T I SHIP GROUND?

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!

 

WHEN WILL MY ORDER SHIP? 

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 5 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).

 

WHAT IF IT’S WARM WHERE I AM LOCATED? IS IT SAFE TO SHIP CHOCOLATE?

We may love summer, but chocolate sure doesn’t. Sounds negative? Especially since we have a summer line. :) 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.

 

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS!

We have more answers! If you didn’t see your answer here, or if you were not 100% satisfied with your delivery, please contact Customer Service at 1.877.427.7915.

 

 

Tours

HOW DO I BOOK A TOUR?

A: Visit our Tours page.

 

HOW LONG IS THE TOUR?

Each tour lasts approximately fifty minutes. This allows plenty of time for asking questions and tasting chocolate!

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE IN EACH TOUR?

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.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE TOUR?

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.

 

CAN I TAKE MY CELL PHONE AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS ON THE TOUR?

Each guest will be given a locker to stow their personal belongings, including cell phones, before embarking on the factory portion of the tour.

 

DO YOU HAVE PARKING?

There is plenty of free parking here at the factory and across the street.

 

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK A TOUR?

Reservations may be make up to 90 days in advance. Make your reservation online here to guarantee the time and day you wish to visit. We recommend booking your tour 2-3 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays. However, we do hold a few spots for same day, walk-in reservations. If you need assistance, please contact us at (425) 264-2705.

 

CAN I TAKE PHOTOS?

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.

 

DO YOU HAVE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH WHEELCHAIRS?

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.

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Gift Note