What is the shelf life of your candy?
We use no preservatives in the production of our candy so it is best enjoyed soon after being received. Please keep the candy in a cool, dry place. Chocolate is sensitive to light and heat, and may discolor, but still is fine to eat. However, direct sunlight can cause chocolate to melt, so should be avoided. The shelf life of Butternut Munch is about 2 months, Fudge and Penuche, about 3 months and Chocolate, up to 4 months. Chocolate Fudge, Penuche and Butternut Munch may be frozen to make them last if you're not planning to eat them for a while. The consistency might change but this should not affect the taste.
Are your candies gluten-free?
As far as contents of our candy are concerned, our products are gluten free. However we are not certified as such because we are unable to verify the status of our providers who furnish us with the goods necessary to make our candy. We will be happy to provide you with a list of our ingredients. Please email your information requests to info@trappistinecandy.com.
Is your non-nut candy safe for persons with nut allergies?
For someone who has any allergy to nuts please know that our candy is produced in a facility that handles hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts. Although our milk and dark chocolate squares contain no nuts, we pump chocolate in the same area in which we make almond bark. We also package both types of candy in the same area. Not wanting persons to take unnecessary risks, and for the sake of health and well-being, we strongly advise that you not purchase our candy products.
What is the cocoa content of your milk & dark chocolate?
The percentage of cacao solids in our milk chocolate is 32.7%. In our dark chocolate it is 54.5%.
Is your chocolate fair-trade chocolate?
We are very interested in fair trade, but thus far one area that has been appeared problematic for us is that the cocoa content for our products is too high and the volume provision cannot meet our needs at this time. We have more research to do in this respect. We purchase our chocolate from a company named Barry Callebaut which is a Belgian based company that also manufactures chocolate in the US & Canada. To the best of our knowledge the company has never been cited as a company that is associated with human rights violations. At the same time they care very much for the providers of cacao beans. You can review their philosophy and examine their philanthropy at www.barry-callebaut.com/csr . We are happy that your concern and desire to support third world farmers is important to you. .
Do you still make caramels?
Sorry, we no longer make caramels at our Abbey. A number of years ago, we needed to choose what was best for the community insofar as work was concerned and decided to reduce our product line. However the good news is that our daughter house at Our Lady of the Mississippi is the home of Trappistine Creamy Caramels. We sent them our equipment and their caramels are delicious. Their web site is Trappistine.com. Enjoy!.
What are the ingredients in Drizzzle topping?
We asked our monks at Mepkin Abbey who created Drizzzle, a unique, fruity and tasty topping, to reveal the ingredients. We received this response: "It is a secret recipe between the monks and God and the monks aren't telling."
Do you make or can you provide us with monastery fruitcakes?
Since we are solely candy makers, we are unable to offer you fruitcake at this time. However you are welcome to contact the following Abbeys who do produce these items. Each Abbey has its own particular blend of additives. We expect that you will be able to discover those ingredients that best suit your preferences: Assumption Abbey, Ava, MO, Holy Cross Abbey, Berryville, VA, Gethsemani Abbey, Trappist, KY, Our Lady of the Genesee Abbey, Piffard, NY, Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey, Lafayette, OR.
Why purchase Trappistine Quality Candy?
Firstly, for the enjoyment of eating and the joy of giving! In addition, purchasing Trappistine Quality Candy contributes to the support of the Sisters of Mount Saint Mary's Abbey. Being sustained temporally allows us to continue our life of prayer, prayer for you and all the peoples of our world.
