Here are some favourite Frequently Asked Questions.....
1. Where is Salcombe Dairy based?
Salcombe Dairy is based in the beautiful coastal town of Salcombe, Devon, where we’ve been making ice cream since 1979.
2. How long has Salcombe Dairy been making ice cream?
We’ve been crafting our award-winning ice cream for over 40 years, using traditional methods and the finest, natural ingredients.
3. When did you start making bean-to-bar chocolate?
In 2017, we expanded our expertise and began making bean-to-bar chocolate, ensuring every step of the process is controlled in-house for ultimate quality and sustainability.
4. What makes Salcombe Dairy different from other ice cream and chocolate makers?
We’re a family-run business dedicated to crafting the highest-quality treats using all-natural ingredients. Everything we produce is free from gluten, nuts, soya, and palm oil.
5. Can I visit Salcombe Dairy?
Yes! We offer tasting experiences at our Island Street factory in Salcombe, where you can learn about our process and sample our ice cream and chocolate.
6. Do you offer factory tours?
While we don’t run full factory tours, we do offer our Salchemist Experiences, where you can get hands-on with our ice cream and chocolate.
7. Is your packaging sustainable?
Yes, all our chocolate is hand-wrapped in compostable packaging, and we are constantly working towards more eco-friendly solutions for our ice cream tubs and delivery packaging.
2. FAQs about our ice cream
8. What ingredients do you use in your ice cream?
We use only the finest natural ingredients, including fresh milk, rich double cream, and high-quality inclusions like Belgian chocolate and real fruit.
9. Do you use artificial additives or preservatives?
No! Our ice cream is completely free from artificial additives, preservatives, and palm oil.
10. Is your ice cream suitable for people with allergies?
Our ice cream is 100% gluten-free and nut-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. However, always check individual product descriptions for full allergen information.
11. Do you offer dairy-free or vegan ice cream?
Yes! We have a range of sorbet flavours made without dairy, including customer favourites Raspberry and Alphonso Mango.
12. How is your ice cream made?
We make our ice cream using a traditional batch process, churning fresh ingredients to create a luxuriously creamy texture.
13. How does ice cream delivery work?
Our ice cream is sent in insulated packaging with dry ice to ensure it arrives frozen. We offer nationwide delivery, with orders placed by 10am on Wednesday arriving on a Friday before midday - just in time for the weekend.
14. Can I have a monthly subscription for your ice cream?
Yes, we offer a subscription service for either a 6 month or 12 month period. These make the perfect gifts for Christmas or birthdays.
15. How long does your ice cream last in the freezer?
Our ice cream is best enjoyed fresh but will stay at its best for up to 6 months when stored at -18°C or lower.
3. FAQs About Bean-to-Bar Chocolate
16. What does ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate mean?
‘Bean-to-bar’ means we craft our chocolate from scratch, starting with organic Peruvian cacao beans and nibs and controlling every step of the process, from roasting to tempering.
17. Where do you source your cacao?
We source our organic cacao from two rainforest cooperatives in Peru, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.
18. What makes your chocolate different from mass-produced chocolate?
Our chocolate contains only 100% natural ingredients with no artificial additives, and it’s made in small batches for the best possible flavour.
19. Is your chocolate suitable for people with allergies?
Yes! All our chocolate is nut-free, gluten-free, soya-free, and palm oil-free, making it one of the purest chocolate options available.
20. What’s the best way to store bean-to-bar chocolate?
Store our chocolate in a cool, dry place at around 18°C — avoid placing in the fridge, as this can cause sugar bloom (a harmless white film).
