Lindt Frequently Asked Questions

Is there gluten or barley malt in Lindt chocolate?

Gluten can be found in several premium chocolate products that Lindt & Sprüngli produces; either as a cereal ingredient or as a barley component. When barley malt extract is the only gluten-containing cereal ingredient in the ingredient list, the quantity used in the recipe is very low therefore gluten level is below 20 mg/kg (which is "gluten-free" according to EU regulations and Codex Alimentarius).

For consumers who are sensitive to gluten, we do offer certain premium high cocoa content products that are manufactured without any cereal or barley malt. These offerings include four products from our EXCELLENCE range - 70%, 85%, 90%, 99% and 100%. However, please note, that the Excellence 70% and 85% bars are produced on the same line as products that do contain barley malt extract, so there is a potential for cross contamination. Further we also have Lindt Excellence a Touch of Vanilla white chocolate bar, Lindor Strawberries and Cream truffles, Lindor white chocolate truffles and Lindor white chocolate bars which do not contain any gluten containing ingredient in the recipe or as traces from cross contact and is suitable for consumers sensitive to gluten. Please always refer to the ingredient list on the product’s packaging for definitive advice.

We are sensitive to the fact that there are consumers who are unable to enjoy all of our chocolate at this time, and we hope that in the future we will be able to extend more product offerings to accommodate our consumers with varying dietary requirements.

Are Lindt products nut allergen safe?

Unfortunately, no Lindt product is 100% guaranteed nut allergen safe. All our Lindt production sites globally are peanut free since 2016. The "may contain nuts" warning informs you that the product may contain minute traces of nuts because they are produced on the same production lines. Traces of almond, hazelnut, pistachio, macadamia, cashew or pecan could be present in very rare cases because chocolates containing nuts are manufactured on the same lines or in the same production area. However the "nuts" do not include peanuts. All Lindt manufacturing facilities process nut products, so there is a potential for cross contamination. Though Lindt incorporates the most thorough cleaning process, minute traces may cross contact with other products within the factory. According to allergen experts, a simple nut protein trace can cause an allergic reaction and we advise you to consult your physician for a consumption recommendation. Lindt is aware of the growing prevalence of restricted diets due to nut allergies, and we are sensitive to the fact that these consumers may not be able to enjoy our chocolate at this time.

Soya Lecithin in Lindt Products

Soya lecithin can be found in our regular dark chocolate products, as well as milk and white chocolate. The EXCELLENCE 70%, 85%, 90%,99% and 100% bars are our only products that do not contain soya lecithin. We have a comprehensive allergen control program in place and we adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices in order to reduce the risk of cross contamination. However, we do label all of our products with "may contain soya" as a precaution for the most sensitive consumers.

Which Lindt products are suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Lindt uses skim milk powder, whole milk powder, and other dairy ingredients in many of our chocolate products. While our white and milk chocolate products contain the most, the Excellence 70%, 85%, 90%,99% and 100% bars do not have milk products in them. However, all Lindt manufacturing facilities process milk, dark, and white chocolate products. We have an allergen control program in place and adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices in order to reduce the risk of cross contamination, however, we do label all of our chocolate products that do not contain milk as an ingredient with the statement "may contain milk" as a precaution for those that are most sensitive to milk and milk ingredients. For those reasons, Lindt does not have products suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance.

Do all Excellence bars include sesame allergen warning?

We do have a facility that produces products containing sesame. As such, we take precautions to safe-guard our consumers’ health by including the sesame allergen warning on the packaging. We also sell EXCELLENCE bars that are manufactured in a different facility which do not carry a sesame warning. Please, check the ingredient list each time to verify if a product contains sesame as an ingredient or to ensure traces as cross contamination.

Eggs or Poultry Ingredients in Lindt Products

Poultry is not used in any of Lindt products. While eggs can be an ingredient in some of our filled chocolates and pralines, all egg and egg by-products are listed in bold in the ingredient statement. Please always refer to the packaging for a definitive ingredient listing.

Do you sell sugar-free/reduced-sugar chocolate products?

Currently, we do not offer any sugar-free products. For a reduced sugar content, you may try the EXCELLENCE 85% Cocoa chocolate bar which has 5g of sugar per serving, or the EXCELLENCE 90% Cocoa chocolate bar which has 1.3g of sugar per serving. We also have an EXCELLENCE 99% and 100% Cocoa chocolate bar.

Are Lindt chocolate products suitable for vegans?

Some of our products are made without any animal products, such as our Lindt EXCELLENCE range with 70%, 85%, 90%, 99% and 100% Cocoa dark chocolate bars. Please always refer to the packaging for a definitive ingredient listing.

Are Lindt chocolate products suitable for vegetarians?

We are delighted to inform you that our chocolates (including our Lindor and Excellence ranges) are suitable for vegetarians. The only ingredients of animal origin we use to manufacture some of our chocolates are milk, milk products, milk fat and cream and sometimes eggs. Some of our other brands to contain shellac. Please always refer to the packaging for a definitive ingredient listing. If you would like to know about any other products, you are welcome to contact us here.

Are there flavanols in Lindt chocolate?

There are flavanols in Lindt chocolate. We do, however, not publish proprietary information on the flavanol levels in our chocolate.

How much caffeine is in Lindt chocolate?

Caffeine is a natural compound derived from plant sources like kola nut and naturally found in substances like coffee and tea. However, very little caffeine is found in chocolate in comparison to the amount found in the other commonly consumed sources. Generally, 30g of dark chocolate contains about 20mg of caffeine, 30g of milk chocolate contains about 6mg of caffeine, and 30g of white chocolate contains less than 2mg of caffeine. By comparison the average cup of coffee contains approximately 80 - 155mg. The caffeine content will always vary, depending on the product and even in some cases depending on the specific cocoa bean and origin.

Do Lindt products contain alcohol?

Only a very few Lindt chocolate products contain alcohol or alcoholic liqueurs as an ingredient. If alcohol is used as an added ingredient, it will be listed in the product's ingredient list located in the nutritional section of the pack or wrapper.

Are there trans-fats or hydrogenated oils in Lindt chocolate?

For the production of our solid chocolates, the only vegetable fat Lindt & Sprüngli uses is pure cocoa butter. Fillings may contain other vegetable fats. Milk fat is used in milk chocolate recipes or in selected filling masses. In this context, we would point out that none of our products contain trans-fats or hydrogenated fats.

Is Lindt using Palm Oil and is it sourced sustainably?

Find out information on Lindt and the use of Palm Oil here.

Where do our cocoa beans come from?

The heart of the LINDT chocolate is the finest cocoa. Knowing which of the many different origins of cocoa beans will best contribute to the distinctive LINDT taste is a skill that the LINDT Maîtres Chocolatiers have perfected over time. They select the finest high quality beans from the most renowned cocoa origins around the world: Ghana, Latin America (mainly Ecuador), Madagascar and the Caribbean Islands. Learn more

What is Lindt & Sprüngli doing with regards to sustainable sourcing of cocoa beans?

Find out about our exciting Lindt Cocoa farming program here.

What does 70% Cocoa (or any other percentage of cocoa) mean?

The percentage (%) quantifies the amount of cocoa solids contained in the chocolate. This includes cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. For example:

- EXCELLENCE 70% cocoa bar contains 70% cocoa solids
- EXCELLENCE 85% cocoa bar contains 85% cocoa solids

What is the cocoa content of Lindt chocolates?

TABLE TO BE ADDED

Which wrapper colours go with which truffle flavours?

TABLE TO BE ADDED HERE

What could happen if chocolates are not stored as required?

Lindt chocolates are very sensitive to any excessive condition, whether too hot or too cold. Chocolates can be adversely affected if exposed to unfavourable conditions after manufacture which results in bloom. Bloom is a greyish coating on the surface of chocolates and is more visible on dark chocolate. There are two kinds of bloom, fat bloom, which is caused by fat migration and sugar bloom caused by humidity. Both these types of blooms happen during improper storage of chocolates. Chocolates should ideally be stored at around 14° to 20°C and the relative humidity should not exceed 65%. We take every care in the handling of our products within our own distribution system, however once the product leaves our care we have little control over such things as the storage conditions for example, the temperature and humidity the chocolate is kept in.

What are the grey streaks that can appear on chocolate? / What is fat bloom? / What is heat affected chocolate?

Fat bloom is recognized as a greyish-white sheen on the surface and is predominantly triggered by the exposure of chocolates to excessive temperatures for prolonged periods. The optimum temperature for chocolate to be stored is between 14-16°C. If chocolate is exposed to high temperatures, the delicate and low melting point of the cocoa butter triggers it to melt and rise to the surface and then re-solidifies where it sets as grey streaks, which we refer to as fat bloom. While visually undesirable, products are still edible but the flavour and texture is compromised. It is perfectly fine to use for baking. See ‘How do I best store chocolate’ to ensure the chocolate remains in the best condition.

What is sugar bloom on chocolate?

Looking similar to fat bloom, chocolate can develop sugar bloom when exposed to moisture, at humidity above 68% RH. Although sugar bloom is most often the result of overly humid storage, it can happen when the chocolate has been stored at a relatively cool temperature, like for example in the fridge, and is then moved too quickly into much warmer surroundings, like room temperature. This creates condensation, where moisture collects on the surface of the chocolate and dissolves some of the sugar. The water vapour evaporates, the sugar crystals remain on the surface, thus giving the premium chocolate a dull, tannish-white colour and a gritty taste profile. While visually undesirable, products with slight bloom are safe to eat. See 'How do I best store chocolate' to ensure the chocolate remains in the best condition.

How should I best store my chocolate?

Store your chocolate tightly wrapped and away from strong odours in a cool, dark and dry place at temperature between 14° and 20° Celsius and 40 – 65 % RH. If stored under proper conditions, our products will retain their freshness for many months.

Can I store Lindt Chocolate in the fridge?

The optimum temperature for chocolate to be stored at is between 14-16°C. Fridges are very high humidity environments, which is not suitable for chocolate due to the high moisture, which can result in sugar bloom. When you do, it is best to place the chocolate in an airtight container or double wrap in plastic and place in the bottom section of the fridge. Bring the chocolate to room temperature slowly before unpacking, several hours before consuming.

What is the shelf life of Lindt Chocolate products?

Please refer to the “Best Before” date printed on the packaging. The “Best Before” date on our chocolate products is a quality tool. It assures that the quality of a product consumed at the end of the shelf life still lives up to the Lindt quality expectation when stored at the right conditions. Best Before dating is designed as a consumer friendly method to help the customer understand the freshness of the item. Lindt products typically have a shelf life of 9-12 months, and some high cocoa content products can have a shelf life up to 15 or 18 months.

Sample Requests

Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming number of requests for samples, Lindt & Sprüngli (Nordic) AB is unable to fulfil free sample requests. However, please visit a local Lindt Chocolate Shop to sample a truffle flavour and for information on promotions or special offers. You may also sign up to receive our newsletter, please visit the newsletter section at the bottom right side of the Lindt Nordic website home page.

Factory Tours

Unfortunately, due to company policies and for liability reasons, we do not offer any factory tours to the public.

School Research Information

All available information related to Lindt & Sprüngli can be found in the About Lindt section of the Lindt Nordic website. Unfortunately, and at this time, we are unable to provide supplies or props.

Lindt Nordic store listing

For more information, contact details and store opening timings about Lindt Outlets located in the Nordic, please visit the “store locator” page.

How can I make a complaint?

We are sorry to hear that you are disappointed with one of our products. In order for our Consumer Service Team to look after you, please get in touch with us through the Contact us form and we will look into the matter and respond as quickly as possible.