French Broad Chocolate Recalls Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbons Due to Undeclared Walnuts

ASHEVILLE, NC (April 24, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that French Broad Chocolates PBC is recalling its Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection due to undeclared walnuts. According to the FDA, the issue stems from a labeling error that could lead consumers with tree nut allergies to unknowingly consume a product containing walnuts, posing a serious health risk.

French Broad Chocolate recall: quick summary

French Broad Chocolates recalled select bonbon collections after discovering that product materials did not properly disclose walnuts. The FDA said the company distributed multiple box sizes nationwide through retail stores and online sales. While no illnesses have been reported, regulators warn that individuals with tree nut allergies face potentially life-threatening reactions. Officials advise consumers to return or discard the affected products immediately.

What happened?

The FDA said French Broad Chocolates initiated the recall after discovering a labeling error in its Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection. A company team member identified the issue on April 20, 2026, after noticing that the tasting guide included in the packaging failed to properly identify walnuts as an ingredient.

According to regulators, the company mistakenly labeled the Walnut Fudge bonbon, which contains walnuts, as a Peach Cobbler bonbon in the printed tasting notes. This mix-up could lead consumers who rely on the guide to unknowingly consume a nut-containing product.

French Broad Chocolates announced the recall on April 23, 2026, in coordination with the FDA. The company sold the affected products between April 14 and April 20, 2026, in retail stores in Asheville, North Carolina, and online, distributing them to customers across dozens of U.S. states.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
French Broad Chocolate	Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection	2.5 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz	June 22–30, 2026	Undeclared walnuts	Multiple U.S. states nationwide

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, a mislabeling error in the product’s tasting notes insert caused the recall. The agency confirmed that the printed guide incorrectly identified bonbon flavors, leading to the omission of walnut allergen information.

Tree nut allergies are among the most serious food allergies. Even small amounts can trigger severe reactions, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis: a potentially life-threatening condition. Individuals with known tree nut allergies are particularly at risk.

The FDA confirmed that no illnesses have been reported to date. Company officials stated that the issue affected only the labeling insert and did not involve the product formulation itself.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the product if you have a tree nut allergy
• Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it
• Check the tasting notes insert for incorrect flavor labeling
• Verify batch numbers 260414 and 260417 on the packaging
• Contact French Broad Chocolates customer service at 828-252-4181 or [email protected] for assistance

Behind the brand

French Broad Chocolates PBC operates as a North Carolina-based craft chocolate company known for producing small-batch confections using a bean-to-bar approach. Founded in Asheville, the company has built a reputation for artisanal quality and direct sourcing practices.

In its recall notice, the company stated that it has identified the labeling issue and is working closely with the FDA to address it. The company also noted that it has ceased distribution of the affected products.

Other relevant recalls

Allergen-related recalls remain one of the most common issues in the food industry. Similar incidents (often involving undeclared nuts, dairy, or soy) have prompted recalls across confectionery and packaged food sectors in recent months. Recent examples include Karns Foods recalling Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups over undeclared peanuts, Gregory’s Foods recalling Bag Full of Cookies Frozen Cookie Dough for the same issue, and Fran’s Chocolates pulling its plant-based bars due to undeclared hazelnuts. Additional recalls, such as South Asian Food Inc.’s Bengal King Jhal Chanachur and Jody’s Inc.’s Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn, also highlight the ongoing challenge of accurate allergen labeling across diverse product categories.

“Recalls due to undeclared food allergens are a leading cause of all food product recalls.” — Stefano Luccioli, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

While the French Broad Chocolate recall underscores the dangers of hidden allergens in artisanal confections, similar cross-contamination and packaging errors frequently threaten the broader snack market. In a related safety alert, We R Nuts has issued a recall for its Uncle Giuseppe’s Bridge Mix due to the presence of undeclared allergens. Just like the bonbon mix-up, when nut varieties or other allergenic ingredients are accidentally mixed into batches or omitted from warning labels, it poses a severe, potentially life-threatening risk to consumers with severe food allergies. For a complete list of affected batch codes, packaging details, and refund instructions, read our full report: We R Nuts Recalls Uncle Giuseppe’s Bridge Mix Over Undeclared Allergens.

While the French Broad Chocolate recall highlights the dangers of undeclared walnuts in artisanal confections, packaging errors and cross-contamination are equally prevalent in the health and diet food sectors. In a similar safety alert, a recall has been issued for Second Nature Keto Crunch Smart Mix due to the presence of undeclared allergens. For consumers managing strict dietary restrictions or severe food allergies, these hidden ingredients pose a severe, potentially life-threatening risk if consumed unknowingly. For a complete list of affected lot codes, packaging sizes, and refund instructions, read our full report: Second Nature Recalls Keto Crunch Smart Mix Over Undeclared Allergens.

While the French Broad Chocolate recall emphasizes the dangers of undeclared walnuts in artisanal confections, this specific tree nut is also triggering critical alerts in the bakery aisle. In a separate safety warning, Brownie Baker has issued a recall for its Nouria Banana Nut Muffins due to the potential presence of undeclared walnuts. For consumers with severe tree nut allergies, relying on a product label that fails to disclose this hidden ingredient poses a life-threatening risk of anaphylaxis. For complete details on the affected lot codes, packaging information, and refund instructions, read our full report: Brownie Baker Recalls Nouria Banana Nut Muffins Over Undeclared Walnuts.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, emphasized the broader implications:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Broader pattern

This recall reflects an ongoing trend of allergen-related recalls in the U.S. food supply. Labeling errors (particularly in multi-component or specialty products) continue to pose risks, especially for consumers with severe allergies.

Regulators have increasingly emphasized the importance of clear labeling and robust quality control systems to prevent such incidents.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the critical role of accurate labeling in protecting consumers, particularly those with food allergies. Even minor errors in packaging materials can have serious consequences if allergens are not clearly disclosed.

Food companies must implement strict verification processes at every stage of production and packaging to prevent similar issues. For consumers, checking labels and staying informed about recalls remains essential.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, so supply chains can respond quickly when recalls happen. Contact us.