Understanding Ghirardelli's Allergen Policy
Managing nut allergies requires careful attention to food labels, and Ghirardelli provides information on its manufacturing processes to help consumers make informed decisions. The company considers the risk of both shared equipment and shared facility use.
Ghirardelli Bars and Squares: A Higher Risk
Ghirardelli chocolate bars and squares are made in a facility where tree nuts are present and on shared equipment processing various tree nuts. This results in a high risk of cross-contamination. Peanuts are generally not used in this facility. Many products have a 'May contain tree nuts' warning.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips: A More Cautious Approach
Most Ghirardelli chocolate chips, including 60% Bittersweet, Semi-Sweet, Mini Semi-Sweet, and Milk Chocolate, use dedicated production lines, separate from tree nuts. However, they are made in the same facility that handles nuts, posing a cross-contamination risk from the environment. Their Classic White Chips and No Sugar Added Dark Chocolate Chips are produced on equipment that handles nuts and peanuts, respectively.
Ghirardelli Product Allergen Comparison
{Link: Ghirardelli website https://www.ghirardelli.com/product-faqs}
| Product Category | Tree Nut Risk (Shared Equipment) | Peanut Risk (Shared Equipment) | Risk Level for Nut-Allergic Individuals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Bars | Yes (High Risk) | No | High |
| Chocolate Squares | Yes (High Risk) | No | High |
| Chocolate Chips | No (Dedicated Lines) | No | Moderate (Shared Facility) |
| White Chocolate Chips | Yes (High Risk) | Yes (High Risk) | High |
| Baking Mixes | Yes (High Risk) | No | High |
Ghirardelli's Specific Allergen Statements
- Bars and squares are made on shared equipment with various tree nuts.
- Peanuts are not used in the facility for bars, squares, and some chips.
- Most chocolate chips are on dedicated equipment but in a shared facility with nuts.
- Classic White Chips and No Sugar Added Dark Chocolate Chips are made on equipment processing nuts and peanuts.
Navigating Nut Allergies and Chocolate Safely
The risk from 'shared facility' or 'shared equipment' depends on individual sensitivity. Even with dedicated lines, nuts in the same building can pose a risk for highly sensitive individuals. Always read the product label, and if unsure, avoid the product.
Alternatives to Ghirardelli for Nut Allergies
Companies like Enjoy Life Foods offer products made in dedicated nut-free facilities, providing safer options for severe allergies.
Conclusion: Read Labels, Exercise Caution
Whether Ghirardelli chocolate has nuts depends on the product. Bars and squares have a high risk due to shared equipment with tree nuts. Most chocolate chips are made in a shared facility, despite dedicated lines. Peanuts are used for specific chip varieties. For individuals with nut allergies, checking the allergen statement on each package is crucial. Those with severe allergies should consider dedicated allergen-free brands. Informed choices are vital for managing nut allergies safely. For detailed allergen information, always check the official Ghirardelli website.
Check Your Product's Label
- Squares and bars: Cross-contamination risk with tree nuts is high due to shared equipment.
- Chocolate chips: Shared facility poses a risk even with dedicated lines.
- White chocolate chips: Made on shared equipment with nuts and peanuts; avoid if allergic.
- Baking mixes: Often contain 'may contain tree nuts' warnings and are not safe.
- Allergen statements: The 'May contain...' warning is crucial information for allergic consumers.
When in Doubt, Opt Out
Even with dedicated lines, the shared facility presents a risk. For certainty, choose products from a dedicated allergen-free facility. If uncertain about a Ghirardelli product, select another option to protect your health.
