Fran’s Chocolates Recalls Plant-Based Bars Due to Undeclared Hazelnuts

SEATTLE (December 20, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Fran’s Chocolates, LTD. is voluntarily recalling a specific lot of its Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based product due to the presence of undeclared hazelnuts. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after a supplier notified the company that the almond milk chocolate ingredient used in production tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnut. This undeclared allergen poses a serious or life-threatening risk to people with hazelnut allergies or severe sensitivities.

Fran’s Pure Bar Recall: Quick Summary

Fran’s Chocolates, a renowned Seattle-based chocolatier, has issued a recall for 112 units of its plant-based Almondmilk Chocolate bars. The affected products were sold between October 9, 2025, and December 15, 2025, at four retail locations in Seattle and online via the company’s website. The recall was triggered after one consumer reported an adverse allergic reaction, leading to the discovery that the product contained undeclared hazelnuts due to cross-contamination at the supplier level. Consumers who purchased these bars are urged to discontinue use immediately.

What Happened?

The FDA reported that Fran’s Chocolates initiated the recall after receiving a report of one adverse allergic event related to the consumption of the bar. Subsequent investigation revealed that a supplier’s almond milk chocolate ingredient had tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts, likely due to processing on shared equipment.

In its recall announcement, the company emphasized that no other Fran’s Chocolates products are affected by this issue. The 112 recalled units were distributed exclusively through Fran’s own retail network in Seattle and its direct-to-consumer online store.

Affected Products

Brand	Product	Size	Sales Dates	Distribution	Issue
Fran’s	Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based	1.1 oz	Oct 9, 2025 – Dec 15, 2025	Seattle Stores & Online	Undeclared Hazelnuts

What Caused the Issue?

According to the recall notice, the contamination originated upstream in the supply chain. A supplier informed Fran’s Chocolates that the base chocolate ingredient “tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts because it was processed on the same equipment with other products”. This type of cross-contact is a common challenge in the manufacturing of plant-based chocolates where tree nuts are frequently used.

Company officials acted immediately to recall the limited run of bars to prevent further illness. The primary health risk is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can occur rapidly in individuals sensitive to hazelnuts.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is recalled? The Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based (1.1 oz).
2. How many bars are affected? Only 112 units are involved in this recall.
3. Where were they sold? They were sold at Fran’s Chocolates stores in Seattle, WA, and online at frans.com.
4. What dates should I look for? If you bought the bar between October 9, 2025, and December 15, 2025, it is included in the recall.
5. Has anyone gotten sick? Yes, there has been one reported allergic reaction associated with this product.
6. Why are hazelnuts in an almond milk bar? The ingredient supplier processed the chocolate on equipment also used for hazelnut products, leading to trace contamination.
7. Are other Fran’s bars safe? Yes, the company stated that no reports of illness or issues have been received for other products.
8. Can I get a refund? Yes, return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
9. What if I bought it online? Contact Fran’s Chocolates Customer Care at 1-800-422-3726 or [email protected].
10. What are the symptoms of a hazelnut allergy? Symptoms can range from hives and swelling to difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check your purchase history: If you visited a Fran’s store in Seattle or ordered online between Oct 9 and Dec 15, 2025, check your pantry.
• Identify the bar: Look for “Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based”.
• Stop consumption: Do not eat the bar if you have a nut allergy.
• Contact the company: Call 1-800-422-3726 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm PST) for assistance or a refund.

Behind the Brand

Fran’s Chocolates is a family-owned institution in Seattle, founded by Fran Bigelow in 1982. Credited with sparking the artisan chocolate renaissance in the United States, Fran’s is famous for its Gray Salt Caramels and elegant gold packaging. The company, now led by Fran’s daughter Andrina Bigelow (CEO), prides itself on ethical sourcing and high-quality ingredients, maintaining Fairtrade and Organic certifications. This recall represents a rare safety incident for the brand, which typically maintains rigorous quality control at its Georgetown production facility.

Other Relevant Recalls

In a separate safety alert involving undisclosed active ingredients, Tre House was flagged for its psychedelic products due to the presence of unlisted compounds. Unlike the allergen issue affecting Fran’s Chocolates, this incident involves the detection of potent substances—specifically ibotenic acid and muscimol—in “microdose” mushroom gummies. This recall highlights a critical safety gap in the functional food market, where consumers may unknowingly ingest psychoactive chemicals capable of causing neurotoxicity and hallucinations due to poor labeling transparency.

This alert follows other recent allergen-related recalls in the “dairy-free” and plant-based sector. On December 19, 2025, PlantBased Innovations recalled its Higher Harvest by H-E-B Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt due to undeclared almonds. Similarly, White Castle recalled specific frozen sliders in mid-December due to undeclared milk and soy, highlighting the persistent risk of undeclared allergens in processed foods.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted:

“When a product is marketed as ‘plant-based’ or ‘dairy-free,’ consumers often assume it is safe from other common allergens. This recall serves as a reminder that cross-contact in the supply chain remains a critical control point for all manufacturers.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

For individuals with tree nut allergies, “trace amounts” can be just as dangerous as whole nuts. This recall underscores the importance of supply chain transparency—even premium, small-batch producers rely on ingredient suppliers who must adhere to strict segregation protocols. Consumers should always read labels carefully and heed recall alerts, especially for products that share manufacturing lines with known allergens.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Contact Us!