Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Donaldson’s chocolates “Finer”?
We make our chocolates from scratch – the old-fashioned way – using premium ingredients such as fresh creamery butter, rich whole milk, pure cane sugar, and top quality chocolate. We create our chocolates with a lot of Hoosier pride. It’s a difference you’ll taste immediately and never forget!
Which piece is Donaldson’s most popular seller?
Our most popular sellers are:
1. Pecan Caramel Delights (comparable to a turtle)
2. Caramels (our homemade caramel is soft and creamy)
3. Toffee
What’s the difference between dark and milk chocolate?
Both dark and milk chocolate are made from the cocoa bean. Dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa solids than milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is made with milk (either powdered or condensed), which creates a smooth, creamy taste.
What’s the difference between dark chocolate and 72%?
Standard semi-sweet (dark) chocolates are made with a concentration of cocoa butter ranging from 42% to 49%. When a dark chocolate is identified as 72%, it means that particular chocolate is made with 72% cocoa butter and less sugar. A 72% dark chocolate has a much stronger cocoa taste, which is typical of chocolate in Europe.
Why does white chocolate look and taste different than milk or dark chocolate?
White chocolate is NOT made with the solid part of the cocoa bean (called liquor, but NOT related to alcohol). White chocolate is flavored with either cocoa butter or palm kernel oil (or other similar oils). Because white chocolate is NOT made with any cocoa solids, it will not have the true chocolate color or taste.
What is the difference between the following fillings:
Cream: A cream (butter cream) filling results in a soft centered piece. The main ingredients of a cream filling are butter and sugar. Creams can have a wide variety of flavors. We make 8 different flavored creams: vanilla, chocolate, maple, rum & butter, coconut, lemon, orange, and raspberry.
Truffle: A truffle is a piece with a soft, creamy ganache center. A truffle is made with heavy cream, which is blended with melted chocolate. Truffle fillings can be flavored. We make 5 different truffles: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, mint, raspberry, & mocha.
Caramel: Our homemade caramel has a soft and creamy consistency – a buttery flavor, with a hint of vanilla.
How long has Donaldson’s been in business?
Donaldson’s Chocolates has been in business since October of 1966.
Are all of your chocolates made in your store?
Yes! All of our chocolates are HOMEMADE, from our own recipes, right here in our store.
Does Donaldson’s use sustainable cocoa?
Yes! Donaldson’s Chocolates uses chocolate that has been sustainably produced and certified by UTZ Certified (utzcertified.org). UTZ Certified stimulates and confirms the sustainable growing of cocoa through an independent auditing and certification system.
Where is Donaldson’s Chocolates located?
Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates is located in Lebanon, Indiana. Roughly 30 minutes (approximately 28 miles) northwest of Indianapolis, off of Interstate-65 (Exit 139).
What are your hours?
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. (EST) to 6:00 p.m. (EST).
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. (EST) to 5:00 p.m. (EST).
We are CLOSED on Sundays.
Are you open all year?
Yes! We are open year-round!
Does your website allow customers to order chocolates online?
Yes! You can place orders for our chocolates on our website.
Do you ship chocolates?
We ship anywhere in the United States and Canada! We also ship to Europe and Asia!
If an order is being shipped to a WARM WEATHER location, chocolates will have to be packed in an insulated container with an ice pack to prevent the chocolates from melting. In addition to the insulated container and ice pack, some packages will have to be shipped via 2nd Day Air, due to the distance the package will be traveling (e.g. Florida). Due to the much warmer temperatures and lengthy travel time, we DO NOT ship to areas below the equator or the Middle East.
If you have further inquires about shipping, please call us at 765.482.3334.
Can I ship to multiple locations in one online order?
Orders being shipped to multiple locations need to be purchased individually.
You can create a Personal Account with us where your billing information will be securely stored for a faster checkout with each additional order.
Create your Personal Account during the Checkout Process.
If you have further inquires about shipping, please call us at 765.482.3334.
Do you gift wrap your boxes of chocolate?
Our boxes are designed so that gift-wrapping is not necessary. We have our traditional Donaldson’s box and a variety of decorative, seasonal boxes that are available during the appropriate times of the year.
Do your products contain any ingredients that a person with allergies should be aware of?
Our products contain the following allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, soy beans, milk, eggs, & wheat. While we make every effort to prevent “cross-contamination,” please note that our products are manufactured on equipment also used in the production of the previously listed allergens.
Do you accept credit cards?
In addition to cash and personal check transactions, we accept the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover.