Frequently Asked Questions
As of July 2012, we closed our bakery in Black Mountain, North Carolina. I Heart Veg moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, but we have not relocated into a new kitchen. Until we do, we are not creating any baked goods for purchase. We are however, still selling baking supplies, providing educational information, and are creating and selling other goodies we design like t-shirts, fabrics, and cake toppers. Yes, we are still a bakery, even things that we create and cook up aren’t edible. Stay tuned, there will definitely be more to come.
Allergy statement: This facility uses nuts, soy, and wheat products. Some of the products we use are created in facilities that produce non-vegan ingredients such as dairy, eggs, nuts, shellfish, etc…. Please take whatever precautions are necessary for your own situation.
Ordering Large Orders: We are happy to make arrangements with you for larger orders and customization of your products. If a large order is submitted online we will contact you by phone to verify your purchase.
Q: Are your products gluten free?
A: No. While some of our products are gluten free, this is not an intended state. We do not have a separate facility to create truly gluten-free products. Please see the allergy statement for more information.
Q: How do you establish your prices?
A: We want our products to be affordable. We don’t believe in marking products up just because they are vegan or organic or whatever special label you want to apply to them. The basis of our product price is the cost of the raw materials required to make our products and our time required to make them. We seek out the lowest price point for the quality ingredients we use so that we can pass those savings on to you. Most of our raw materials are more expensive because they are vegan. This rule applies to our packaging as well. We try to choose packaging that is earth friendly and is compostable, recycled, or easily recyclable. Again, these raw materials are generally more expensive than their traditional counterparts. This isn’t a hobby for us; this is our business and daily job. We think you’ll find that our prices are highly competitive with non-vegan bakeries that do not have the ingredient restrictions that our products demand.
Q: Will you make me a cake with Elmo (insert your favorite licensed character here) on it?
A: Probably not. We will not create a replica of a licensed character unless you have written permission from the copyright/trademark owner. Why? Well, for one, that would be copyright and/or trademark infringement. This is a federal offense. We heart you, but not enough to go to jail over your obsession with all things Yoda®.
But, I see other cake decorators do it…
That may be, but this bakery won’t do it. Not only is it illegal, it isn’t creative. There are numerous ways to incorporate your favorite product, character, book, etc… into your bakery sweet without creating an exact replica of the item. Creative cake and sweet decoration is all about creativity, and we will happily work with you to make your dreams come alive.
Many institutions have their licensing information available online. A great example is Appalachian State University. Their site explains what trademarks they hold and how they must be properly used and licensed. Additionally, they have a Cake Permission Form that makes it snap for you and the bakery to both comply with their licensing requirements.
Alternatively, you can compose a note to the license holder asking permission for our bakery to reproduce their trademarks on your birthday cake or celebration cookies. Let them know how much this means to you and include a deadline by when you need to hear back in order to have the item made in time for your special occasion. You may need to include a drawing or detailed description of your idea.
We cannot search license holders for you. Some companies/individuals will happily agree to granting permission for reproduction of their work, but many others will not agree. Once we receive the completed request we will verify the information you have submitted is correct and contact you regarding your request. Please note, it is our final and sole discretion to decide whether or not to execute a cake design.
Q: What steps are you taking to be a green business?
A: Reducing our environmental impact is a priority to us. In the bakery we use florescent lighting, and all recyclables are recycled.
Our packaging is important because we require a high level of manufacturing to ensure your products arrive safely and beautifully, and we also want to know that once they’ve served their purpose, you can recycle, reuse, and/or compost them.
Many of our packaging boxes have a window with a food-safe film over it. This film is not petroleum-based plastic, it is cellulose-based (made from plants), and is recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
The wood pulp used to make the natural brown boxes we use is harvested in accordance with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard. The boxes are not bleached or coated with strong chemicals and they use 25%-30% less fiber than other box materials.
Our brown kraft shopping bags are 100% recycled (sans one size), contain 95% Post Consumer Recycled Paper, and are made in the USA.
Our kraft tin-tie bags are 100% biodegradable and compostable, are 40% recycled, and are made in the USA.
The majority of our cello bags are made from wood cellulose fibers sourced with sustainable forestry principles. They are certified biodegradable, compostable and made carbon zero.
As you can see, “being green” is a very important business standard for us, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities that help us continue to fulfill those practices.
Q: Do you buy your raw ingredients locally?
A: Yes. We want to support other local small businesses and food producers. Many ingredients in our products are sourced locally, including grains, fruits, and edible flowers. Of course, not all items are available at all times.