What you are seeing is a process called blooming (sugar or fat). These are not harmful to the chocolate or to you but are a result of some process in the storage, handling or merchandising of the product that can alter the physical characteristics of the chocolate. We found this story in Popular Science that explains it better than we can – check it out here, https://www.popsci.com/science/why-chocolate-turns-white/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
No, we never use fumigation with toxic propylene oxide (PPO) gas. The use of PPO is fundamentally against our core values. California state law indicates that all almonds from California must be pasteurized. Every California almond we pasteurize, organic and all natural, is steam treated only.
In addition to a ‘best by’ date that you’ll see on our packaged items, we use a Julian date code to manage bulk and track the lots of our packaged items. This is a 7 digit code you will find on the back of your bag or box to help you identify when it was produced.
The first 3 digits tell you on what day of the year the bag or box was produced. The next 2 digits indicate the year, and the final 2 digits are our SunRidge lot number. For example, the code “0152243” means that it was packaged on the 15th day of the year 2022 (January 15, 2022) Here is a handy guide you can use to help you translate the code.
This is a result of the raw cacao processors adding a ‘contain milk’ statement to their specifications. Since we manufacture the consumer facing product and it’s possible that traces of milk may be found in dark chocolate, it is thus listed as an ingredient. If you have a milk allergy, we advise that you avoid dark chocolates. A FDA study found milk in over 50% of dark chocolate bars tested. Read more about this on the FDA website here.
To the best of our ability, yes – we make every effort to source oils that are both environmentally friendly and grown on existing farms where sustainable agriculture is practiced. Socially and economically responsible small grower programs benefit the communities.
SunRidge Farms’ organic and natural yogurt, peanut butter and carob confection and energy chews utilize fractionated palm oils. Our oils are vastly superior to the more commonly used, less expensive hydrogenated oils containing trans fats. Our organic and natural fractionated palm kernel oils are environmentally sustainable ingredients, whenever possible, and they provide important health benefits too. Fractionated palm kernel oil is high in antioxidants, medium chain triglycerides, and mono-unsaturated fats. SunRidge Farms organic and natural fractionated palm kernel oils are vegan, contain no trans fats, and come from Non-GMO palm kernels. They are a healthier option we are pleased to offer our customers.
