Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is there oil at the top of my nut butter?
Oil separates naturally in our nut butters, because we don’t use any hydrogenated oils, palm oil or stabilizers. To mix it back in, simply stir it up using a small spoon (make sure to stir all the way to the bottom!)
- How should I store my nut butter?
Nut butters do not need refrigeration, they can be stored in a cool, dark and dry space. However, you can refrigerate them to prolong their freshness.
After opening, re-close the lid tightly to limit exposure to air.
- What does the best by date mean?
A best by date isn’t an expiration date, this only reflects the time when our nut butters will be at their prime in terms of flavor and freshness. Nut butters will be safe to consume for a long time after this date, and you can prolong their freshness by storing them correctly or refrigerating them.
You can find the best by date on every jar or bucket; it is set for 2 years after the production date.
- Last time I purchased an East Wind Nut Butter product it looked/tasted slightly different. Why?
Our nut butters are roasted and milled in small batches, and due to their artisanal nature there will be slight variations in the end result. However, we follow strict quality control standards, so rest assured all our nut butters are of excellent quality and taste!
- What are valencia peanuts and why are they special?
They have a sweeter taste than regular peanuts, which allows us to make all natural peanut butter without adding any kind of sugar or sweetener. They are also slightly oilier than regular peanuts, so we don’t need to add any oil to mill them into butter.
- Are your almonds steam pasteurized?
The State of California, where most almonds are grown, requires that almonds be pasteurized to be sold. We purchase almonds that are steam pasteurized, never almonds pasteurized with PPO (Propylene Oxide).
- Are your nut butters vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! All East Wind Nut Butters are vegan and gluten free, since the only ingredients in them are the nuts themselves, almond oil in our almond butter, safflower oil in our cashew butter, and sea salt in our peanut butters with salt.
- Are your nut butters GMO-free?
Yes! All East Wind Nut Butters are naturally GMO-free. Currently, there are no genetically engineered peanuts, almonds or cashews on the market.
All of our sesame seed is certified organic, which prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (there is no genetically modified sesame, but non-organic growers usually inter-crop sesame with GMO cotton)
- Are your nut butters certified Kosher?
Yes! East Wind Nut Butters are Pareve Kosher (prepared without meat, milk, or any of their derivatives), certified by the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis.
- Will my nut butters come in a glass container?
All our nut butters are available in 16 oz glass jars.
If you wish to purchase a bigger size (15 lbs, 35 lbs and 42 lbs) they will be contained in food-grade plastic buckets.
- Can I eat your nut butters if I have a nut/peanut allergy?
If you have serious allergies to peanuts, almonds, cashews and/or sesame seeds, please do not try our products. Although peanut butter is made in its own production line, all our nut butters are produced in the same factory.
We take rigorous precautions against cross contamination in our factory, but there could still be trace particles of peanut and/or tree nuts in products that don't have them listed as a main ingredient.
- What does your Employee Owned certificate mean?
East Wind Nut Butters and East Wind Crafts are cooperatively owned by all members of East Wind Community. All of our workers are members of the community.
- How much will shipping cost?
Retail shipping costs are calculated automatically when you buy from our website. Purchases of 1 - 5 jars will have the same shipping cost.
Wholesale purchases are calculated based on a number of delivery factors including pallet count, travel distance and special delivery requirements. Please contact our staff for an estimate.
- How much nut butter do I need to buy to get wholesale prices?
Wholesale orders require a minimum order of 360lbs or 240lbs + $50 handling fee. Shipping rates are based on weight, pallet count, distance and/or special receiving requirements. Please contact us for an estimate.
Wholesale purchases have a 2-week lead time, which will allow us to make new product and send you freshly milled nut butter.