- How are nicobella truffles different from traditional truffles?
The truffle ganache (delicious silky inside) is traditionally made with heavy cream (some varieties may also contain butter) and sugar. The center of nicobella truffles is dairy free and naturally sweetened with agave nectar or brown rice syrup. The chocolate coating does contain natural cane sugar, but is a small fraction of the overall truffle.
- Why do you only use 70% dark chocolate?
One of our goals in creating this product was to keep it high antioxidant. Not only is dark chocolate rich in antioxidants but the infusion of other high antioxidant ingredients make our truffles super packed with nutrients.
- Is your chocolate Fair Trade?
Yes, Theo Chocolate™ is the only bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the States that is both Fair Trade and organic. (It’s also delicious!)
- What is the shelf life?
The shelf life is 4 weeks if stored in a cool (60-65°F) dry (less than 50% humidity) place. However, we always suggest that they are consumed within 2 weeks so you enjoy them at their freshest and best quality.
- What is agave nectar?
It’s a natural liquid sweetener extracted from the Agave plant in Mexico. It is known for its low glycemic properties, meaning it is absorbed very slowly and won’t spike your blood sugar like processed sugars.
- What is brown rice syrup?
It’s a sweetener derived from combining rice with enzymes to break down the starches, leaving about 50% complex carbohydrates and 50% simple carbohydrates. This blend of carbohydrates makes this sweetener low glycemic.
- Are they safe for diabetics?
Our truffles are made with natural slow-digesting sugar, not processed sugar. However, it still counts toward total carbohydrates and should be included in your diabetes meal plan.
- Do they contain trans fats?
No, they are made with all natural ingredients that area trans fat free. Naturally, there will be some saturated fat in the cocoa butter.
- What is a functional food?
It’s any food that claims to have a health-promoting and/or disease-preventing property beyond the basic nutritional function of supplying nutrients.
- Is chocolate considered functional?
While the FDA has not yet made official claims, there is increasing evidence showing the potential benefits of chocolate on blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and dementia. Chocolate contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that could fight the aging process. It also contains phenylethylamine, the substance that contributes to the feeling of well-being. There is even evidence showing the potential benefit of chocolate enhancing skin from within! Some studies have shown cocoa to improve skin texture, thickness and hydration.
- What other functional foods are used in nicobella truffles?
Each truffle is infused with high anti-oxidant ingredients (in addition to the chocolate) such as blueberries, pumpkin, sunflower seed butter and green tea (see truffle descriptions).
- What are omega-3 fatty acids?
They are polyunsaturated fats found naturally in fish and some plant products and are essential nutrients that must be obtained from food.
-What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?
In 2004 the FDA provided a "qualified health claim" status to omega-3 fatty acids, stating that "supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA [n−3] fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” EPA and DHA are types of omega-3's that come from fish oil. Two of the richest sources of omega-3's (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA) in plant products are walnuts and flaxseeds. Studies have shown the following potential benefits from omega-3 fatty acids:
• increased circulation
• decreased cholesterol
• decreased triglycerides
• decreased blood pressure
• decreased heart attack risk
In addition to the above, there is also promising emerging evidence in omega-3’s potentially helping with:
• rheumatoid arthritis
• depression and anxiety
• learning and behavioral problems in children
• premature birth
• breast, prostate and colon cancers
- What is the ORAC value?
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a method of measuring antioxidant content of food. Certain fruits and vegetables, as well as dark chocolate, rate very highly and are believed to play an important role in the free-radical theory of aging.
-How are your chocolates packaged when shipped?
We try to stay true to our values by using minimal packaging. We will wrap your box of truffles or Munch bags in recyclable kraft paper to protect the packaging. Then we fill the box with either kraft paper or vegetable-based fillers that can be dissolved or used again. If you are sending the chocolates as a gift please specify this in the 'gift message' box and we will add ribbon and a card.
