FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Are ALL the products on this store manufactured by CARING CANDIES?
No, Caring Candies manufactures only the hard candies and chocolates in our product range. All other items we offer have been carefully selected to align with our customers' healthy lifestyles. These products are not only sugar-free or no added sugar, but they are also free from artificial additives, low in net carbs, and gluten-free. We ensure that everything we offer meets the high standards of health-conscious individuals looking for products that support their dietary needs while still being delicious.
What makes the products available in your store so UNIQUE?
Our products are not only free from sugar and added sugars, but they’re also crafted without artificial sweeteners, colourants, or preservatives. We use plant-based sweeteners and vibrant colors sourced from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Plus, our products are free from most common allergens like gluten and soy, and are low in net carbs, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Enjoy a clean, naturally delicious treat with every bite!
How can I view product INGREDIENTS and NUTRI FACTS?
You can find detailed ingredient lists and nutritional information for each product on its dedicated page on our website. Simply navigate to the product you’re interested in, then click on it to open its product details page.
I'm surprised to see that you use MALTITOL in your chocolate products. Why do you use that?
Instead of sugar we use a natural sugar substitute called Maltitol, which is very similar to the better-known Xylitol.
It is important to note that Maltitol comes in two variants - Maltitol syrup, which has a high GI, and Maltitol powder, which has a low GI. We naturally use the powdered
Maltitol with the lowest GI.
A benefit of using Maltitol is that it is LOW IN GLYCAEMIC CARBS, which makes it ideal for Diabetics or those following
the LCHF / Banting lifestyle.
One of the other (many) benefits of using Maltitol is that it gives our chocolate a lovely mouth-feel.
Can I shop by PRODUCT TYPE i.e. biscuits, chocolates, cooldrinks, etc?
Yes! On our website, you can shop by product type to easily find what you're looking for. Simply select "LET"S SHOP" from the main menu and then select the category that interests you—such as "Chocolates," "Biscuits," "Thirst Quenchers" etc. This way, you can browse all items within a specific product type to find your favourites quickly.
Why are some product labelled SUGARFREE and some labelled NO ADDED SUGAR?
Simply put, the products labelled NO ADDED SUGARS most likely contain cow's milk. Dairy naturally contains a type
of milk sugar called Lactose. So it is for this reason, by law, we do not say those products are SUGAR-FREE, but rather we say they are SUCROSE-FREE or have NO ADDED SUGARS. An example of these would be our milk chocolates.
Another example would be jam. Jam should never be labelled SUGARFREE, but
rather labelled as SUCROSE-FREE or NO ADDED SUGARS as fruit naturally contains a type of sugar called Fructose.
Is it safe for a DIABETIC to have a NO ADDED SUGAR product?
Yes, absolutely, provided they are allowed to enjoy dairy (and fruit)
Why do some people get a RUNNY TUMMY from sugarfree products?
Natural Sugar substitutes work in the body like dietary fibre – in the same way that prunes, apricots, beans, and onions do. We therefore recommend you try and limit yourself to around 25g of sugar-free candy a day to avoid a possible laxative effect in the
beginning. But don't worry - most people do get used to the extra fiber and they eventually build up a tolerance to it ;)
What are POLYOLS or SUGAR ALCOHOLS?
Polyols (also known as sugar alcohols) are a group of sugar replacers that include substances like isomalt, xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol. These compounds occur naturally in small amounts in fruits and vegetables. Polyols provide sweetness with fewer calories than regular sugar—generally about 2 to 3 calories per gram compared to sugar's 4 calories per gram.
Lower Glycaemic Impact: Polyols are absorbed more slowly by the body than regular sugar, meaning they have a lesser impact on blood sugar levels. This makes them suitable for people with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar levels.
Reduced Calories: Because they contain fewer calories than sugar, they are often used in sugar-free and low-calorie products to help reduce overall energy intake.
Dental Health: Polyols are tooth-friendly because they do not contribute to tooth decay, unlike sugar, which feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Xylitol, in particular, has been shown to help prevent cavities by neutralising acids in the mouth.
What is the difference between TOTAL carbohydrates, GLYCAEMIC carbohydrates, AVAILABLE carbohydrates, or NET carbohydrates?
Total Carbohydrates consist of multiple nutrients, including dietary fibre, sugars, polyols, and starches. Some of these nutrients are not absorbed, digested, or metabolized in the body to yield Glucose.
Glycaemic Carbohydrates also referred to as "available" or "net" carbohydrates) are those nutrients that ARE absorbed, digested or metabolized in the body to yield Glucose. In other words, a product like
Xylitol, can have 99g of Total Carbohydrates per 100g, BUT, only 0.04g of those Total Carbohydrates are able to be absorbed, digested or metabolized, which would mean they would have 0 Glycaemic Carbohydrates.
Think of it like this: Imagine drinking a glass of water with some sand in it. The glass with the water and sand represents the Total Carbohydrate. The water represents the Glycaemic Carbohydrate – these can be absorbed / digested / metabolized in the body; however, the sand
will basically go in and then go out of your body as extra fibre – no absorption, no digestion, and no being metabolized into Glucose.
In SA the Department of Health changed the Labelling Legislation in 2012 to reflect Glycaemic Carbohydrates instead of Total Carbohydrates
for this very reason. To get a better indication of the Glycaemic Carbs instead of the Total Carbs of a product (if the label still lists Total Carbs) you would need to subtract the Fibre, Polyols, Sugar Alcohols, and Starches.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Can I shop by my DIETARY NEEDS?
Absolutely! We know that dietary needs are important, so we’ve organized our products to make it easy to shop by specific dietary requirements. Simply select "LET"S SHOP" from the main menu and then select the category that interests you—such as "Diabetic-friendly," "Gluten-free", "Vegan" etc. Each section features products that meet these specific dietary needs, helping you quickly find items that fit your lifestyle.
Are your products suitable for BANTING?
Yes, almost all of our products are suitable for those following the Banting diet!
To make it easier for you to find suitable products, we’ve grouped our Banting-friendly items in our Banting collection.
If you’re ever unsure about a specific product, feel free to check the nutritional information on each product page for more details.
Are your products suitable for DIABETICS?
Yes, ALL of our products are specifically designed to be suitable for diabetics. We offer a wide range of sugar-free and low-carb products, sweetened with natural alternatives, which have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. These sweeteners are diabetic-friendly because they don’t cause spikes in blood glucose, making them safe options for those managing diabetes.
For easy access to diabetic-friendly options, we’ve created a Diabetic collection on our website, where you can browse all suitable products.
If you have any concerns or specific requirements, please feel free to reach out to us for further information!
Are your products suitable for individuals with ADD or ADHD?
Yes, all of our products are suitable for individuals with ADD/ADHD. Our range of sugar-free and low-carb treats is specifically designed to exclude ingredients that may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. For example, we don’t use artificial colours, flavourings, or preservatives, which some studies suggest may contribute to hyperactivity or distraction in individuals with ADD/ADHD. Instead, we use natural, plant-based colourants from fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and natural sweeteners, which have minimal impact on blood sugar and are less likely to cause energy crashes.
Additionally, our products are free from artificial additives, which are often linked to behavioural issues in children and adults with ADHD. By focusing on clean, wholesome ingredients, we aim to support a balanced diet that can be beneficial for those managing ADD/ADHD symptoms.
For a convenient way to browse our ADHD-friendly products, you can explore our ADHD-friendly collection on the website, where you can find all our products that align with these dietary preferences.
Are your products GLUTEN-FREE?
Yes, almost all of our products are gluten-free! In addition to our own gluten-free offerings, we also sell other gluten-free products like flour alternatives (such as almond and coconut flour), pasta, and snacks. You can easily find all gluten-free options by visiting our gluten-free collection on the website, which includes all the products that meet these dietary needs.
We make sure to clearly label gluten-free items to ensure that you can shop with confidence, and for those with dietary concerns, we also recommend reviewing the ingredient list on each product page for full transparency.
RELIGIOUS CERTIFICATION
How can I find KOSHER-certified products on your website?
To make it easier for our customers, we’ve created a dedicated Kosher collection that includes all the products we manufacture, like our hard candies and chocolates, as well as other Kosher-certified items we offer. Simply visit our Kosher collection page to browse all the certified products in one place. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or other dietary-friendly options, we’ve got you covered!
If you're unsure about any specific product, please feel free to check the product tags on the individual pages for more information regarding certification.
How can I find HALAL-certified products on your website?
Finding Halal-certified products on our website is easy! We’ve created a dedicated Halal collection to help you easily browse all the products that are Halal certified. Simply visit the Halal collection page to see a list of Halal-certified products, including our chocolates, lollipops, and other offerings that meet Halal standards. You can shop confidently knowing that all the items in this collection are certified Halal.
If you're unsure about any specific product, please feel free to check the product tags on the individual pages for more information regarding certification.
PAYMENT OPTIONS, DELIVIERIES & TRACKING ORDERS
What PAYMENT OPTIONS do yo offer?
You can use the PAYFAST payment method If you would like to make a CREDIT CARD, DEBIT CARD, INSTANT EFT, ZAPPER, APPLE PAY, SAMSUNG PAY, or SNAPSCAN Payment.
Alternatively, you use the Regular Bank Transfer (EFT) payment method. We recommend that you make an INSTANT EFT wherever possible to avoid disappointment as your stock cannot be reserved without payment.
Once your payment has reflected in our account, we will begin processing and packing your order.
What are the DELIVERY OPTIONS and COSTS for SOUTH AFRICA?
We use 3rd party couriers to do door-to-door deliveries throughout South Africa.
We offer free delivery for orders over R1,000.
Delivery charges are calculated automatically by the system and are based on your location (you supply this during checkout), as well as the weight of your order.
The system, will present you with the costs before you go ahead and Checkout.
How LONG will delivery take?
Western Cape deliveries: Our couriers usually take approx. 1-2 working days for Western Cape deliveries.
National deliveries: These deliveries usually take 3-5 working days providing you are not too far from a main centre.
Regional areas: Some of the couriers only visit these areas on certain days of the week - and some do not even service these areas so will hand the delivery over to another 3rd party courier. These deliveries can take 7-10 working days if they are not close to a main centre.
How can I TRACK my delivery?
Once payment has been received, your order will be picked, packed, and sent to our dispatch section ready for collection by our 3rd party couriers.
As soon as your parcel has been handed over to them for collection, you will receive the contact information for the courier handling your parcel, as well as your tracking number via email.
You will also be notified when your order is "out for delivery" and if there is a "failed delivery attempt" so you can easily track the status of your delivery.
Can I send someone to COLLECT my parcel?
Yes, absolutely! You may prefer to come and collect your parcel yourself or send someone on your behalf.
Our address is Unit 12 Apollo Park, 5c Marconi Road, Montague Gardens, Western Cape, 7441.
Once payment has been received, your order will be picked, packed, and sent to our dispatch section ready for collection.
We will notify you via Email when your order is ready for collection. Please wait for this notification from us before coming through as it can take us a few hours to pack all the orders received.
Do you offer INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING?
Yes,we offer international shipping via DHL, BUT it is insanely expensive!
Delivery charges are calculated automatically by the system and are based on your location (you supply this during checkout), as well as the weight of your order.
The system, will present you with the costs before you go ahead and Checkout.
You may prefer to send your own international shipping agent if you feel it would be cheaper to collect your parcel on your behalf.
Our address is Unit 12 Apollo Park, 5c Marconi Road, Montague Gardens, Western Cape, South Africa, 7441.
Once payment has been received, your order will be picked, packed, and sent to our dispatch section ready for collection.
We will notify you via Email when your order is ready for collection. Please wait for this notification from us before coming through as it can take us a few hours to pack all the orders received.
OUR PHYSICAL STORE
Is your factory shop open to the public?
Yes, anybody is welcome in the shop.
You will find us in Unit 12 Apollo Park, 5c Marconi Road, Montague Gardens, Western Cape
Our shop is open Mondays-Thursdays between 9am and 3pm or Fridays between 9am and 1pm
Use google maps to find us: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BbmBoNaxh1YqtBsv8
RETAILERS
I would like to SELL Caring Candies candies and chocolates
Sure! Our site offers the Caring Candies-branded products (sweets and chocolates), which we manufacture, as well as Other Brands (Banting Boulevard, Gracious Bakers, Footys, etc.), which complement and service our target market's Healthy "No Nasty Stuff" Lifestyle.
I have created a BULK SAVINGS collection for our Caring Candies-branded products, which would be a good place to start. I cannot offer you discounted pricing on the "other brands" as we, too, are simply Resellers for those products. There are, however, no Minimum Order Quantities for these brands so feel free to use us to try out new products for your store. We therefore encourage you to flip between the different Collections.
WHO ELSE stocks Caring Candies sweets and chocolates?
We supply our hard candies and chocolates to Dischem, Food Lovers Market, Pick n Pay, Wellness Warehouse. We also supply selected SPAR stores and we are hoping to supply Checkers and Clicks stores in 2025.