Buying Fine Chocolate During Summer: How We Keep It Safe
When temperatures in Las Vegas start climbing above 100°F, many people assume chocolate season is over.
We hear it every year:
“Won’t the chocolate melt before I get home?”
The short answer is yes, chocolate is sensitive to heat. But with the proper handling and packaging, enjoying fine chocolate during the summer is absolutely possible.
At Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier, we take extra precautions during the warmer months to help protect our handcrafted chocolates both in-store and during nationwide shipping. From insulated bags with dry ice to overnight shipping solutions, our goal is to make sure your chocolates arrive safely and can be enjoyed exactly as intended.
Buying Chocolate In Store During Summer
During hot days in Las Vegas, every in-store purchase is automatically packed in one of our insulated Jean-Marie Auboine bags with cooling materials to help protect the chocolate from the heat.
This allows customers to comfortably drive home and even run a few errands while keeping their chocolates protected.
That said, there are still important precautions to follow. Chocolate should never be left inside a parked car or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Even insulated packaging and ice can only protect chocolate for so long under extreme desert heat.
If you plan to stop somewhere on the way home, we recommend bringing the insulated bag inside with you rather than leaving it in the vehicle.
One small bonus for returning customers: if you bring back your Jean-Marie Auboine insulated bag from a previous visit, you receive $5 off your new purchase.
How We Ship Chocolate During Hot Weather
Shipping chocolate during summer requires a very different approach than during cooler months.
During periods of extreme heat, we temporarily suspend Ground shipping and only offer Overnight or Next Day delivery options for temperature-sensitive products. Every shipment is packed in insulated packaging with cooling materials designed specifically for warm-weather transportation.
We also strongly recommend shipping to:
an office address
a business
or a home where someone is available to receive the package
Most overnight shipments arrive the next morning, often before 10:30 AM, though some deliveries may arrive closer to noon depending on the destination.
Even with insulated packaging and cooling materials, chocolate should be brought inside as soon as possible after delivery. Leaving a package sitting outside in direct sunlight all day can still cause the chocolate to melt.
Summer shipping is more delicate and more expensive, but protecting the quality of our chocolates is always the priority.
How To Store Fine Chocolate During Summer
Fine chocolate is surprisingly sensitive to its environment, especially handcrafted chocolates made with fresh ingredients and delicate ganaches.
For the best experience, we recommend storing chocolate in an air-conditioned room around 70°F whenever possible.
A few important tips:
Avoid direct sunlight, even indoors near windows
Never leave chocolate inside a vehicle
Keep chocolates away from warm kitchens or appliances
If necessary, refrigeration can be used temporarily
However, refrigerators should only be used with caution. Refrigerators create humidity, which can affect delicate ganaches over time and may impact the texture of the chocolate. Chocolate can also absorb surrounding odors and flavors from foods stored nearby.
If you do refrigerate chocolate, keep it sealed tightly in an airtight container.
One of the best storage options for fine chocolate is actually a wine cooler, since temperature and humidity levels are more carefully controlled.
Why Fine Chocolate Requires Extra Care
Luxury chocolate behaves differently than mass-produced candy bars.
At Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier, our chocolates are handcrafted in Las Vegas using premium ingredients and delicate fillings designed to deliver a refined tasting experience. Many of our ganaches and confections are intentionally made fresh and without the heavy stabilizers commonly used in industrial products.
That freshness and craftsmanship are part of what make fine chocolate special, but they also mean the chocolate deserves proper care during periods of extreme heat.
Just as fine wine or delicate pastries require attention to temperature, premium chocolate benefits from thoughtful handling and storage to preserve its texture, shine, and flavor.
Enjoy Chocolate All Summer Long
Summer temperatures in Las Vegas may be intense, but that does not mean you have to give up fine chocolate until fall.
With insulated packaging, cooling materials, overnight shipping solutions, and proper storage at home, enjoying luxury chocolate during summer is completely possible.
Whether you are visiting one of our Las Vegas boutiques or sending a gift across the country, our team takes every precaution to help your chocolates arrive safely and beautifully.
FAQ
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Chocolate can melt when exposed to high temperatures, especially inside parked cars or direct sunlight. That is why we provide insulated bags and cooling materials during hot weather to help protect in-store purchases.
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Yes. During hot weather, we ship using insulated packaging and Overnight or Next Day delivery methods to help protect the chocolate during transit.
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Ideally, chocolate should be stored in a cool, air-conditioned room around 70°F. Refrigeration can be used temporarily if necessary, but prolonged refrigeration may expose chocolate to humidity and unwanted odors.
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Our insulated bags are designed to help customers safely transport chocolate home and run short errands. However, chocolate should never be left in a parked car or exposed to prolonged direct heat.
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The best environment for fine chocolate is a cool, dry room away from sunlight and heat. Wine coolers are often ideal because they help regulate both temperature and humidity.