Essential Candy® FAQs

Storage & Safety

Do I need to refrigerate my lozenges?
No. Store your lozenges in a cool, dry place inside the resealable bag. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or direct sunlight to maintain freshness.

Are your lozenges safe for pets?
No. Our lozenges are made exclusively for human consumption and should never be given to pets or animals.

Are your lozenges safe for children?
For our hard candy blends, we do not recommend them for children under age 5 due to choking hazards.
For our dietary supplement blends, please read the back of the bag for instructions on use and age guidance.

Using Our Lozenges

How should I enjoy your lozenges?
Let each lozenge slowly dissolve in your mouth — don’t chew. This allows the botanicals to be released gradually and enjoyed as intended.

Why do you make lozenges instead of gummies or chews?
Lozenges dissolve slowly, allowing plant extracts to be absorbed in the mouth (sublingually). Gummies and capsules must pass through stomach acids first, which may take longer to notice. The lozenge format provides a gradual, flavorful experience.

How many lozenges can I have in a day?
There is no set serving size. We suggest enjoying one lozenge at a time, letting it fully dissolve. Many customers find 2–4 per day is plenty.

Ingredients & Nutrition

Why do you use organic unrefined cane sugar?
We use organic unrefined cane sugar because it’s true to the plant — minimally processed, naturally golden in color, and retains trace minerals from the cane. It provides a smooth, clean sweetness without harsh processing.

How much sugar is in each lozenge?
Each lozenge contains about 3 grams of total sugars. You’ll find this information on the Nutrition Facts or Supplement Facts panel on every package.

Do you use sugar alcohols (like xylitol or erythritol)?
No. We never use sugar alcohols, because they can be harsh on the gut and may cause bloating or digestive upset. Instead, we use organic cane sugar and organic brown rice syrup for a clean, natural sweetness.

Do you really use plant extracts?
Yes. We extract directly from real botanicals — never powders or fillers — to capture their natural flavor and integrity.

Where do you source your plants?
We partner with trusted, USDA Organic Certified growers in the USA. Every supplier is carefully vetted to meet strict standards for quality and purity.

Quality & Certifications

Are your lozenges tested for safety?
Yes. Our products are 3rd-party lab tested and verified for quality and safety.

Where are your lozenges made?
All of our lozenges are handcrafted in our GMP-certified, licensed, and inspected facility in South Carolina, USA.

What certifications do you hold?

• USDA Organic (in process)

• Gluten-Free (in process)

• Vegan (in process)

• Woman-Owned Business Certified

• FDA-registered facility

• GMP certified and SC Department of Agriculture inspected

Shipping & Orders

How quickly will my order ship?
Most orders ship within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). We process and pack everything in-house with care to ensure freshness.

Which carriers do you use?
We primarily ship through USPS for most orders. Larger orders may be shipped via UPS.

Do you guarantee delivery?
We cannot guarantee delivery once a package leaves our facility and is in the hands of the carrier. However, if you ever have an issue with your order, please reach out — we’ll work with you to make it right.

Returns & Refunds

Do you accept returns?
Due to the nature of food products, we cannot accept returns once packages are opened.

What if there’s a problem with my order?
If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or you have any concerns, please contact us within 7 days of receiving it. We’ll review your situation and make it right.

Mission & Values

What is “Candy With A Purpose”?
With your purchase, we donate bags of our lozenges to individuals and organizations in need of comfort and kindness. Our mission is to spread love and make the world a little sweeter by sharing plant-powered goodness with those going through challenging times.

Why did you start Essential Candy®?
Essential Candy® was founded by Tracy Ernst in 2018, inspired by a personal moment of wanting to bring comfort to a loved one during a difficult time. What started as one small act of kindness has grown into a mission-driven company focused on sharing goodness through plant-powered lozenges.

Important Note

We are not doctors or medical professionals, and we do not provide medical advice or make medical claims. Our lozenges are crafted as plant-powered confections and dietary supplements. If you have questions about using our products — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, giving them to children, or taking medication — please consult your healthcare provider.