Southern Candymakers (800) 344-9773
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FAQ

Southern Candymakers  - FAQ

When was Southern Candymakers established?
We opened the doors to our original shop at 334 Decatur St. on leap day in 1992.  Our French Market location opened in August of 2001.

What’s the difference between Southern Candymakers and all the rest?
We make everything by hand, in small batches, so it’s always fresh. We use nothing but the best ingredients and no preservatives are added. Whether you are buying them in the store or having them shipped the Pralines you buy today were made today. Many of our competitors have large automated manufacturing facilities and use preservatives in order to keep their warehouses stocked. Theirs may last longer on the shelf but they don’t have the authentic taste of a fresh Praline made with pure ingredients.

What should I do if I have an issue with my order? 
Save all packaging along with contents. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-344-9773 for instructions. Please have photos ready to submit if requested, to investigate all claims.

Do you make all the candy in the shop? 
Yes, the open kitchens in our shops produce all of our candy.  We have a total of 5 electric kettles and one vintage copper pot in which all of our candy is made.

How is the candy made? 
All of our candy is made by hand in small batches with fresh ingredients in the open-kitchens within our shops. Each piece is hand scooped, wrapped and packaged on premises.  

Candy Shelf Life? 
Due to the fresh nature of our candy, we recommend eating it sooner rather than later.  Our Pralines will stay fresh for about 3 weeks.  Our Tortues stay fresh for about a month.  Our barks and anything totally enrobed in chocolate, (like the Jackson Squares and Toffee) will stay fresh for 2 months.

What is the best way to store candy?
Room temperature and out of the sun is best.  We do not recommend freezing or refrigerating the candy as it will affect the texture and may cause the chocolate to bloom. 

What is bloom? 
Bloom is a white haze that appears on the surface of the chocolate when it has been exposed to temperature fluctuations. This haze is sometimes mistaken for mold but is actually just the fat and sugar in the chocolate separating.  Bloom does not affect the taste of the candy but will affect its appearance and texture.

What are the white spots on my Pralines? 
When our Pralines are made, the ingredients are cooked at a very high temperature causing the sugar crystals to break down.  This is what gives our Pralines that smooth creamy texture. However, as soon as the Praline is scooped onto the marble and starts to cool down, the crystals slowly begin to re-form.  After a few days you will see more spots appear.  This doesn’t affect the taste of the Pralines, but will make them a little crunchier.  Compare it to a cookie fresh out of the oven vs. next day.  Still delicious, but with a different texture.  

Is there anything I can do to give my week old pralines that “just scooped” taste and creaminess? 
Pop your Praline in the microwave for 4 seconds at a time until it warms a bit.  Be very careful not to warm it for more than 8 seconds total or your Praline may turn to molten sugar.

Can I create an account after I start placing my order?
Yes. After your order is completed, you will be asked if you would like to create an account, which will allow you to track your orders and will also make ordering easier for you in the future.

Can I order Pralines with no nuts?
Yes.  Some people can’t have them and some people just don’t want them.   We will make your Pralines with no nuts whether it’s due to an allergy or just a preference.  Because it is a special order, there is a one-pound minimum.  Give us a call at 800-344-9773 to place your order.

Does your candy contain dairy products? ALL of our candy may contain dairy or milk products. Any person with a dairy allergy should NOT consume ANY of our products.

Does your chocolate contain nuts? ALL of our products including solid chocolate pieces may contain nuts and/or peanuts. Any person with a nut allergy should NOT consume ANY of our products.

Does your chocolate contain gluten? Most of our candy is gluten free, including Pralines, Tortues and Toffee. Look for *Gluten Free in the item description.


SPECIAL EVENTS and WEDDING FAVORS

How far in advance should I place my favor order? We recommend that you place your order about 8 to 10 weeks before the event and select a delivery date a few days prior to the event. Store the favors at room temperature out of the sun.

Can you match my wedding colors with ribbon or a custom seal on the favor? Yes, we can.  Give us a call at 800-344-9773 and we will find the perfect shade of coordinating ribbon, and create a custom seal just for you.   

Do you offer volume discounts? Yes - the more you shop, the more you save. Place an order of $500 or more and get a discount of 5%, $1000 will get 10% off and $1500 will get 15% off.   Discounts are calculated on merchandise total, before shipping and/or tax.  

What customization or personalization options are available?  Each gift box is hand packed the day it is shipped so we can customize anything to suit your tastes and needs.  Box color, candy combination and adornments may all be customized.  Don’t see exactly what you are looking for?  Give us a call at 800-344-9773 and we will work with you to create the perfect gift.

Can I include a gift note? Yes, an enclosure card may be added to any order.  There is a place on the shopping cart page to enter your personal message.  

Do you have any sales or promotions? 
On occasion we will run special seasonal promotions.  Sign up to receive our emails and find us on social media be in the know about exciting deals & discounts

Where can I find you on Social Media? 
Check in and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus.

Can you mail me a Catalog? 
We sure can!  Just email or call us with your mailing address and we will put one in the post right away.   We publish our catalog just once a year, in the fall, so you don’t have to worry about us filling your mailbox year round.

Can you send Business Gifts? 
We can! Send us your recipient list and we will give you a call to discuss details.  We can ship to all of your colleagues with a custom enclosure card.  *Lists must be sent via email in an Excel spreadsheet; pdf’s, word documents and faxes are not acceptable.

How many shops do you have? 
We have two locations book-ending the French Quarter on Decatur St.  Our original location is located at 334 Decatur and our French Market location can be found at 1010 Decatur.

Are your shops wheelchair accessible?
Our 1010 Decatur St. location has two wheelchair accessible entries. Our 334 Decatur St. location is not as easily accessible, so we would recommend anyone requiring easy access use our 1010 Decatur St. location. However, should you find yourself outside of our 334 location, give us a call and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Is there a cut off for holiday orders? 
Yes, we do meet our physical capacity during peak season.  Due to the fresh, handmade nature of our candy and the physical limitations of our small kitchens, there may come a time during the month of December when we can no longer guarantee Christmas delivery.  To make sure you don’t miss the boat, place your order early and we can schedule it to ship closer to the holiday.