Willy Pete’s Chocolates Recalls Almond Despair Chocolate Bar Over Undeclared Almond Allergen

HARTFORD, CT (December 23, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Willy Pete’s Chocolates’ Almond Despair chocolate bar due to an undeclared almond allergen. According to the FDA, the product’s ingredient statement incorrectly lists macadamia nuts instead of almonds, creating a serious risk for consumers with almond allergies.

Regulators said Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC initiated the recall after discovering the labeling error. The FDA confirmed that people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds could face serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected chocolate bars.

Willy Pete’s Chocolates recall: quick summary

Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC has recalled its Almond Despair chocolate bar after identifying a mislabeling issue involving undeclared almonds. The product was sold in limited quantities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. No illnesses have been reported so far, but regulators urge consumers with almond allergies not to eat the product and to return it for a full refund. The recall highlights the ongoing risks posed by allergen labeling errors, even in small-batch or specialty food products.

What happened?

The FDA said Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC initiated the recall after discovering that almonds were present in the Almond Despair chocolate bar, but were not declared correctly on the ingredient label. Instead, the label identified macadamia nuts, which could mislead consumers managing nut allergies.

The recall was announced on December 22, 2025, in coordination with the FDA and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The affected bars were packaged in purple wrappers, weighed 2 ounces, and carried UPC 0 987261 5. They were distributed to specialty retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and South Carolina.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “customers who have allergies or severe sensitivities to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.” The agency confirmed that no illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Issue	Affected states
Willy Pete’s Chocolates	Almond Despair chocolate bar	2 oz	0 987261 5	Undeclared almond	CT, MA, SC

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall stems from a labeling error in which almonds were not properly declared in the ingredient statement. Almonds are a major food allergen, and even small amounts can trigger severe reactions.

People with almond allergies are most at risk. Symptoms may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or anaphylaxis. The agency confirmed that no allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported so far.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the product if you have an almond allergy
• Return the chocolate bar to the place of purchase for a full refund
• Check the label for the product name Almond Despair, purple wrapper, 2 oz size, and UPC 0 987261 5
• Contact the company with questions at 860-878-0302

Behind the brand

Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC is a small chocolate producer based in Harwinton, Connecticut, known for specialty and novelty chocolate bars. The company’s recall notice states that it has ceased distribution of the affected product and is cooperating with regulators to address the labeling issue.

Other relevant recalls

Allergen mislabeling continues to be a leading cause of food recalls. Recent Source86 coverage includes multiple incidents involving undeclared nuts, milk, and soy across snack and confectionery products. These include PlantBased Innovations’ recall of its dairy-free coconut yogurt over an undeclared almond allergen, Ice Cream Factory’s recall of Vanilla G.Nutt ice cream due to undeclared almonds, and Blue Bell’s recall of Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream after discovering undeclared almond, walnut, and pecan allergens, each underscoring how labeling failures can pose serious risks to allergic consumers.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Willy Pete’s recall highlights a single labeling error, it also underscores a broader truth in the food industry:

“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.”

Ensuring safe eats

This recall reflects a broader industry challenge around accurate allergen labeling, particularly for small-batch and specialty brands. Clear labeling, rigorous quality checks, and strong supplier controls are essential to protect consumers. Shoppers should review their pantries and return affected products.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, so when recalls happen, supply chains are ready to respond quickly. Let’s talk.