How do you pronounce B.T. McElrath?

Bee-tee mick-el-rath

Are B.T. McElrath Chocolatier chocolates all natural?

Since starting the company in 1996 we have followed on the commitment to provide 100% natural chocolate products that are free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Do your chocolates contain gluten?

All of our products are manufactured in a facility which handles wheat. The specific item which has a wheat-based ingredient is the Buttered Toast chocolate bar.

Do any of your chocolates contain nuts?

All of our products are manufactured in a facility which handles peanuts and tree nuts. The specific items which contain tree nuts are the Prairie Dog chocolate bar and Prairie Dog single-serving bites which contain almonds. Our seasonal Peanut Butter Pavé filled chocolates contain peanuts.

Are any of your chocolates vegan?

Not at this time.

Do you use non-GMO ingredients?

The dairy butter, soya lecithin, and sugar used in our 70% dark chocolate and in our toffee are non-GMO.

Do you make sugar-free chocolates?

Not at this time.

Are your chocolates kosher?

Not at this time.

Are B.T. McElrath Chocolatier products organic?

Cacao trees, grown only in the tropical rainforests, are part of a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects which provide a complex, natural pest-management system. On family farms, pesticides are expensive to buy and difficult to apply to cacao trees, making most cacao farms inherently organic.

While organic certification verifies farming practices, it does not ensure the quality of the cacao and/or the fermentation of the beans, two factors that fundamentally affect the flavor of chocolate. We are ensured of the quality of our chocolate ingredients through the well established relationships with our trusted suppliers, which go back for generations.

What kind of chocolate do you use?

Our chocolate products are sourced from premier chocolate makers in the U.S., Europe, and South America.

Our proprietary 70% dark chocolate blend is made exclusively for B.T. McElrath Chocolatier by Guittard Chocolate Company of Burlingame, California, under their E. Guittard family of products. We find this relationship forwards our mutual commitment to innovation, tradition, and a sustainable global community.

Our proprietary 40% milk chocolate blend is created in our kitchens with chocolate sourced from Wilbur Chocolate Company of Lititz, PA, one of America’s oldest manufacturers of fine chocolate, as well as several European manufacturers.

What is your policy regarding socially responsible sourcing?

Our commitment to quality extends to supporting global efforts towards sustainability and partnering with suppliers who are pioneers of socially responsible business practices which match those of B.T. McElrath Chocolatier.

Our chocolate suppliers are members of the World Chocolate Foundation (WCF), Cocoa Livelihoods Program (CLP), UTZ certified, Rainforest Alliance, and are licensed by Fairtrade Labeling Organization.

Our suppliers are actively involved at origin and purchase through agents selected by the farmers and in some cases bought through direct relationships with the farmers. A premium price well over market value is paid. These are long standing relationships and we are proud to be a part of that global supply chain.

What green initiatives do you have?

We specify Sustainable Forestry Initiative Certified Chain of Custody paper products for a majority of our packaging materials. We use home compostable film for our chocolate bars and single-serving bites. We strive to use as many local vendors as possible, opting for sustainable dairy and chocolate products.

Our local Twin Cities courier, EcoXpress, operates a fleet of hybrid and high fuel-efficiency/low emission vehicles and plants one tree for every delivery we consign with them.

What are the ingredients in your single-serving chocolate Bites?

View Salty Dog Bite ingredient list, allergen statement, and nutrition table.

View Prairie Dog Bite ingredient list, allergen statement, and nutrition table.

View 70% Dark Chocolate Bite ingredient list, allergen statement, and nutrition table.

What is the shelf life of B.T.McElrath Chocolatier chocolate products?

Each product has a "best by" date printed on the packaging.

If unopened and stored properly:

• Filled chocolates (truffles, caramels, and buttercreams) have a 90 day shelf life at the time they are shipped from our facility. Please enjoy the filled chocolates within 1 week after they are opened.
• Chocolate bars and single-serving bites have a shelf life of up to 9 months (except 70% Dark Chocolate).
• 70% Dark Chocolate bars and single-serving bites have a shelf life of up to 12 months.

What are the proper storage conditions for chocolate bars and bites?

Store chocolate bars and bites between 55 - 65 °F and out of direct sunlight. Low humidity is preferable. We do not recommend refrigeration. If refrigeration is required, store in an air-tight container. Bring to room temperature or approximately 70 - 72 °F before opening the container for optimum flavor, texture, and appearance.

What are the proper storage conditions for filled chocolates (truffles, caramels, and buttercreams)?

Store filled chocolates (truffles, caramels, and buttercreams) between 55 - 65° F and out of direct sunlight. Low humidity is preferable.

We do not recommend refrigeration. If refrigeration is required, store in an air-tight container and bring to room temperature or approximately 70-72 °F before opening the container for optimum flavor, texture, and appearance. Once opened, please enjoy the filled chocolates within 1 week.

Do you offer tours?

We do not offer public tours or access to our facility due to sanitation and food safety standards.

Do you have a retail store at your facility?

We do not have a retail store at our facility. Please order on-line for direct delivery or visit one of our retail partners.

Do you offer USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate program for orders placed through the B.T. McElrath Chocolatier website?

In order to maintain the quality of our fragile and perishable food products, we have found that USPS flat rate program does do not fit our commitment to quality, service, and value.

Do you ship internationally?

Not at this time.