FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT FINAL DATES TRUFFLES

WHAT ARE FINAL DATES CHOCOLATE DATE TRUFFLES?

FINAL DATES are handmade chocolate date truffles crafted in London for mums-to-be. They’re made with organic Medjool dates and organic vegan dark chocolate for a wholesome and decadent pregnancy snack that may support a smoother labour.

WHAT ARE FINAL DATES MADE OF?

Each truffle is handmade with organic Medjool dates and rich vegan dark chocolate. They’re free from palm oil, refined sugar, additives and preservatives.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS?

INGREDIENTS: Medjool dates* (75%), dark chocolate* (organic cocoa mass, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter) (23%), date syrup* (4%), cacao powder*, coconut oil*, vanilla extract*, dark cocoa powder, sea salt (<1%). *organic ingredients

Dark chocolate minimum cocoa solids 70%

Made in the UK using ingredients from outside the UK.

May contain traces of: gluten, milk, nuts, soya and sulphites.

WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL SCOOP OF THE TRUFFLES?

Typical values per 100g:
Energy (kJ/kcal): 1664/399
Fat (g): 19.2
of which saturates (g): 11.3
Carbohydrates (g): 56.4
of which sugars (g): 46.3
Fibre (g): 8.0
Protein (g): 5.0
Salt (g): 0.15

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE THE CHOCOLATE AND THE DATES?

The dates are sourced from outside the EU and packed in the UK. They’re labelled with the Soil Association organic symbol, ensuring strict standards for organic food production. The current batch of dates is from Jordan.

Our chocolate is organic, vegan, Rainforest Alliance certified, palm-oil free, and made without artificial colours or flavours. All ingredients are carefully selected with quality and ethics in mind.

WHERE ARE THEY MADE?

All FINAL DATES truffles are handmade in small batches in the UK. Each box is crafted fresh to order using organic ingredients and ethically sourced chocolate.

HOW MIGHT FINAL DATES TRUFFLES SUPPORT PREGNANCY?

Research suggests that eating three to four Medjool dates (or six Deglet Noor dates) daily in the final four weeks of pregnancy may support a smoother labour. Dates help trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for uterine contractions and cervical ripening.

FINAL DATES truffles offer a convenient and decadent way to embrace this tradition as part of your modern pregnancy journey.

HOW MANY FINAL DATES TRUFFLES SHOULD I EAT?

One to two truffles per day (equal to one to two Medjool dates) from 36 weeks is aligned with research-based guidance. Dates naturally stimulate oxytocin production, supporting cervical ripening and preparing the body for birth.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF FINAL DATES?

Shelf life is 2 months when stored in a cool, dry place.

HOW SHOULD I STORE THEM?

Store in a cool, dry place or in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them; just remove 5 minutes before eating for a softer texture.

WHY DATES? – THE RESEARCH

WHY DATES?

Research shows dates may support a smoother labour. Consuming dates in the final month of pregnancy increases oxytocin levels, which assist uterine contractions and cervical ripening.

ARE THERE STUDIES THAT SUPPORT THE LINK BETWEEN DATES AND LABOUR?

Yes!

The scoop on dates for labour comes from an initial paper done in 2011 that found women who ate dates went into labor spontaneously (96% versus 79%) and that their labor was less likely to need a medical boost to progress. This led to numerous randomised control trials.

In one study, one group of women ate seven dates per day while the control group had none. Findings revealed the date group had less need for labour augmentation but were no more likely to go into labour spontaneously.Ā 

Another study, found date consumption led to a shorter first stage of labour, and average cervical dilation was significantly higher.Ā Ā 

And another randomised trial indicated the date-eating group had more cervical ripening, which means the cervix is softening and progressing to deliver, than the non-date consuming group

HOW MANY DATES SHOULD I EAT IN MY THIRD TRIMESTER?

The guidance is around 70–75g per day from 36 weeks — that’s three to four Medjool dates or six to eight Deglet Noor dates. FINAL DATES truffles use one whole Medjool date per truffle.

OTHER BENEFITS OF DATES?

Dates are rich in fibre, magnesium, potassium, and copper. They’re linked to reduced postpartum blood loss and improved energy levels. Dates also help regulate digestion, which can ease pregnancy-related constipation.

WHAT IF I DON’T BELIEVE IN THIS STUFF?

You’re still enjoying a decadent treat with added fibre, minerals, and natural sweetness. Win-win.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

WHAT IF I’M PLANNING AN ELECTIVE C-SECTION?

That’s totally fine. Our truffles still offer nutritional benefits and satisfy sweet cravings. They’re ideal for mums-to-be seeking functional snacks.

WHO SHOULD AVOID DATES?

Consult your midwife or GP if you need to control sugar intake due to gestational diabetes, PCOS, or prediabetes.

CAN I EAT CHOCOLATE WHILE PREGNANT?

Yes, in moderation. Our chocolate is vegan and organic. FINAL DATES are intended as a mindful, occasional indulgence.

HOW MUCH CAFFEINE IS IN EACH TRUFFLE?

Less than 4mg per truffle. For comparison, a cup of coffee contains around 95mg. You’re well within the recommended 200mg limit for pregnancy.

GIFTING

CAN I GIVE FINAL DATES CHOCOLATE DATE TRUFFLES AS A GIFT?

Absolutely. They’re perfect for baby showers, maternity leave gifts, or sending love to a mum-to-be. We include a complimentary notecard explaining the link between dates and pregnancy.

WHEN SHOULD I SEND THEM TO A MUM-TO-BE?

Ideally one month before her due date to help her enjoy more dates in the final weeks.

WILL THIS MAKE A GOOD BABY SHOWER GIFT?

Yes. FINAL DATES are a decadent, thoughtful way to pamper a mum-to-be.

DO YOU OFFER GIFT WRAPPING?

Yes. Gift wrapping can be added at checkout for £1.50. Tick the box at checkout to include it.

PACKAGING & DELIVERY

WHERE DO YOU SHIP?

We exclusively ship within the UK via Royal Mail.

WHEN WILL MY ORDER BE DISPATCHED?

Orders placed before 1pm on Friday will usually be dispatched the same day. Orders placed after 1pm on Friday are dispatched on Monday. We ship Monday to Friday.

HOW MUCH IS DELIVERY?

  • Second Class (3–5 working days): Ā£3.50 (FREE over Ā£30)
  • First Class (1–2 working days): Ā£4.50
  • Tracked 24 with temperature protection: Ā£6.99

WHAT IS TEMPERATURE PROTECTION?

During periods of extreme heat, we activate Temperature Protection. Orders are automatically upgraded to Royal Mail Tracked 24 to protect the truffles.

HOW IS YOUR PACKAGING SUSTAINABLE?

  • Branded boxes are FSCĀ® certified and fully recyclable
  • Food-safe paper lining is compostable and printed with water-based inks
  • Stickers are biodegradable and compostable
  • Postal box is 100% recyclable

WHAT IF I ENTERED THE WRONG ADDRESS?

We can’t take responsibility for incorrect addresses. Please double-check your details before placing your order.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY DELIVERY?

You’ll need to arrange redelivery or collection with Royal Mail directly. Our responsibility ends after the initial delivery attempt.

RETURNS & REFUNDS

CAN I RETURN MY ORDER?

We can’t accept returns of edible products for hygiene and safety reasons. Please check your order before placing.

WHEN CAN I REQUEST A REFUND OR REPLACEMENT?

If your order arrives damaged, incorrect or defective, email us within 7 days at hello@finaldates.co.uk with your order number, description, and photos.

WHAT’S NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND?

  • Change of taste or preference
  • Incorrect address entered at checkout
  • Opened or consumed products

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR REFUNDS?

  • Request must be made within 7 days
  • Refunds issued to original payment method
  • Damaged orders require 2 photos (product + packaging)
  • Lost orders require a Denial of Receipt (DOR) form

HOW DO I REQUEST A REPLACEMENT OR REFUND?

Email hello@finaldates.co.uk with subject: ā€œReplacement/Refund Requestā€

Include:

  • Order number
  • Description of issue
  • Photos (and DOR form if applicable)
  • Your preference (refund or replacement)

We’ll respond within 5 business days.

WHO COVERS RETURN SHIPPING COSTS?

If eligible, we’ll cover the cost of return shipping for replacements or refunds due to damage or shipping error.

CAN MY ORDER BE CANCELLED?

We reserve the right to cancel orders due to lack of stock or technical issues. If this happens, you’ll be refunded in full.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR SUPPORT?

Email us at hello@finaldates.co.uk for order-related queries.