Why organic and fair trade ingredients?

It’s about doing a little bit better, socially, environmentally, and for our health. Organic farming improves soil quality, biodiversity, and resiliency to climate change. The nutrient densitiy of foods is increased while also reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Fair trade means fair wages and working conditions for farmers and workers; we can help people to live a better life through our purchases. It can also help farmers adapt to climate change by providing access to finance and expertise.

Are you chocolates gluten free?

Little Loves does not use gluten containing ingredients in any products. Great care is taken and chocolates are made in a dedicated workspace. However, there is the possibility of cross contamination at both the supplier and kitchen levels.

Are your chocolates allergy friendly?

Food sensitivity is at the heart of Little Loves. That’s why it all began! Minimal ingredients, minimal processing, and a whole foods approach are all key factors. Although great care is taken in handmaking each one of Little Loves chocolates, at this point in the journey, cross-contamination of all potential allergens is possible at the supply and kitchen levels.

Are your chocolates vegan?

Yes!

Where are Little Loves chocolates made?

Currently, in my home kitchen on beautiful Gabriola Island. A dedicated workspace, tools, and ingredients are used. No sharsies! But, this is not a commercially licenced facility, as reflected by product availability.

Can I order chocolates and have them shipped to me?

Not at this time. Little Loves is currently a home-based business and permitted to sell at Farmer’s Markets within BC. Remote purchasing and shipping within BC under this context may become available in the future.

Can I buy a mixed variety box of chocolates?

At this point that’s not something on offer. I’m open to comments, suggestions, and hearing about all your deepest vegan chocolate desires. It’s only just begun!

Is your packaging recyclable?

Yes! Little Loves boxes, labels, and candy cups are all recyclable paper products. In addition, as much as possible, our packaging is sourced locally. Running a business with as little environmental impact as possible is always top of mind!

Why do you use whole, real foods in your chocolates?

As a holistic nutritionist by training, and a food sensitivity expert through experience, it’s only natural! When your food life is so reduced that you can eat only a few foods off the grocery store shelf or in a restaurant, you learn to really go back to the basics. Whole, natural, organic foods. A minimalist approach. No additivies, no preservatives, nothing artificial. You discover how wonderful this is for your body, your mind, and your taste buds! Why not extend this food philosophy to treats? Like great chocolates?!

Whole foods contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. They support a healthy microbiome, which benefits your immune system, mental-wellbeing, and beyond. They are free of ingredients such as corn syrup solids, vegetable oils, aritifical flavours, colours, and chemical preservatives which can be harmful to your health.

You can take a real orange, squeeze it’s juice, and naurally produce a vibrant, nutrient packed punch of the most orangey-orange flavour that will wow your taste buds AND make your body say “hey, thanks!”. Or, you can use a cheap, artificial version of this flavour, made from various combinations and permutations of chemicals in a lab. The choice seems clear! And, side note, do not be fooled by the term “natural flavours”. Although the original source of the flavour must be from plant or animal material, they can be highly processed and contain many chemical additives, including preservatives, solvents, and other substances.

Chocolates, for sure, are a sweet treat to be consumed in moderation. That said, they can provide some great nutrition, too! In addition to the nutrients and phytonutrients provided by whole, organic fruits, herbs, and spices, dark chocolate contains flavanols and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. In addition, golden cane sugar provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to its phytochemicals and polyphenols. Way to go, chocolate! Yum!