Frequently Asked Questions:
What are your hours of operation?
The Lake Champlain Chocolates offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM EST. We will be closed for business on the following holidays:
New Year's Day Holiday - Monday, January 2, 2024
Memorial Day - Monday, May 27, 2024
LCC Day - Friday, June 21, 2024
Independence Day - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Labor Day - Monday, September 2, 2024
Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28, 2024
Christmas Holiday - Wednesday, December 25, 2024
What is the shelf life of a product?
Lake Champlain Chocolates are all natural and made without preservatives, shelf extenders, or other additives. What makes LCC chocolates so unique also makes them particularly sensitive to aging. LCC makes all products in small batches so they’re at the peak of freshness when they leave the factory. We rely on our retailers to help maintain this exceptional attention to quality. For more information please refer to the specific product page.
What is the proper way to read batch codes and rotate stock?
It’s very important to rotate stock by always keeping the oldest products at the front of displays and storage areas (“first in, first out”). Be aware that LCC truffles & filled pieces, and the gift boxes that contain them, are more sensitive to aging than solid chocolates. All of our products show an open date code: “BEST BY MM/DD/YR” or “Best IF USED BY MM/DD/YEAR”.
What is the best way to store my chocolates?
Chocolate is sensitive to changes in heat, humidity, and light. Always store chocolate in a cool, dry place between 65º - 70º F, and with a humidity level between 45% - 55%. Do not refrigerate chocolate, as it will cause condensation and bloom. Keep chocolate away from floors & walls (for air circulation), strong odors (which can change the taste); dry goods like cereals and grains (which might encourage insects); and display lights and sunny windows (which give off heat).
What is chocolate “bloom”?
When chocolate is subjected to changes in temperature (refrigeration or heat) it can “bloom.” Fat bloom is a white discoloration caused when the cocoa butter rises to the surface of the chocolate and leaves behind a fat residue. Sugar bloom is a similar white deposit made by unwanted crystallization of the sugar. To avoid bloom, keep chocolate at a consistent 65º - 70º F.
Are any of your products vegan?
Our dark chocolate is made without dairy, containing only cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter (which is vegan), soy lecithin, and vanilla. Please note that these items are all manufactured in the same factory and with the same equipment as our products which contain milk products. Equipment is cleaned between products, but we cannot guarantee that any product is entirely free of traces of dairy.
Do your chocolates have allergens in them such as soy, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and gluten?
Most of our chocolates contain soy lecithin. Our Hot Chocolates and Organic Chocolate Bars have no soy added, with the exception of our Peanut Butter Bar (milk and dark), and Maple Caramel Bar.
Some of our products contain peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, wheat, and/or gluten; it varies by product, and we cannot guarantee that any are entirely free of trace amounts of these ingredients. All of our chocolates are manufactured in the same factory with the same equipment, which could pose the risk of cross-contamination.
Granola Five Star Bars®, and Hazelnut Five Star Bars® all contain gluten.
Are your products non-GMO?
Yes. Beginning in early 2012, Lake Champlain Chocolates started making a conscious transition away from genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. Since then, our pillars of sourcing new ingredients included mandatory Non-GMO status. We have worked diligently to eliminate GE materials and/or confirm Non-GMO compliance throughout our raw material supply chain. You can be assured that all Lake Champlain Chocolates offered to you, through our wholesale distribution channel, do not contain ingredients made with genetic engineering.
Are your products Organic?
Here at Lake Champlain Chocolates we are committed to sourcing non-GMO ingredients and strive to use organic ingredients whenever possible. We currently offer a full line of organic chocolate bars and bite-sized squares as well as an increasing number of organic seasonal products. Our portfolio includes over 125 organic certified products.
Are your products fair trade certified?
Sourcing matters, because that is how we create incredibly delicious chocolates. 100% of the chocolate we use is fair trade certified by FLO-CERT of Fair Trade International and we offer a variety of Fair Trade USA certified products. To learn more about our on-going dedication increased transparency and to social and fair trade principles please click here.
What are your Quality Assurance Policies?
Lake Champlain Chocolates is proud be Level 2 SQF certified. We have established HACCP (Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines. In addition, we have pest control and sensory tasting programs in place. GMP’s are guidelines established by the Federal and State agencies to assure that food products are manufactured and stored under safe and sanitary conditions. GMP guidelines are established to satisfy regulatory requirements as well as maintain the high quality standards and consistent quality of our products.
What trade shows do you attend?
Stay tuned for our future trade show schedule.