FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
For nutritional details on a specific mix, visit that mix's page to view nutrition facts.
Q. How long do the mixes last?
A. Our mixes are shelf-stable, but last longer when put in the fridge or freezer. Here at Country Home Creations, our dips do not technically expire, but after a certain time period, our dips will begin to lose some of their flavor potency.
If you have a mix that contains milk, flour, nuts, soy, wheat, eggs or sulfites the suggested shelf life is 18 months. So, for instance, a few of our mixes this could pertain to are the Chile Con Queso, Cranberry Walnut, and Fiesta Nacho Cheese dip mixes.
If you have dips that don’t contain any of the key ingredients listed above, we suggest using the mixes within 3 years after purchasing. A few of our mixes this pertains to are most of the NB Cheesecakes, most of our Soup Mixes, the Garlic & Herb Spread Mix, and the Dilly dip Mix.
The batch number and date will be listed on the plastic bag containing the mix.
On the bag, near the top (by the seal mark), there are two sets of numbers. The first set is typically a set of 5 numbers, which is the batch number. The second set of numbers will be the year and month it was made.
Q. How can I tell if a dip mix is expired?
A. All of our mixes usually have a year or batch number that is sealed into the very top of the package, underneath the paper tag. It can be hard to see at first glance because it's clear and embossed into the package. If you can’t see it at first, try feeling the seal with your fingers to find the raised numbers. Give us a call or email us and we'll let you know when your mix was made. The very small date on the tag is just a printing revision date, and the UPC number will not tell us the date of manufacture.
Q. What if I only want to make half a batch?
Making a half batch of our mixes is easy. Place the spices into a clear, zip-top bag and mix the spices together thoroughly. Once the spices have been evenly distributed, simply measure out half of the net-weight and cut the intended recipe (located on the back of the tag) in half.
Q. Is there a store in my area?
A. Visit our store locator! It's a simple way to check to see if there’s a retailer in your area. Simply enter your zip code and search our database for stores located all throughout the country. Remember, if you’re looking for a particular mix, you may want to call the stores in advance to see if they carry that particular flavor.
Q. I can't find a store in my area!
A. No worries! You can always order directly from us 24/7 online, through our catalog, or over the phone during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm EST.
Q. What else can I do with a Country Home Creations dip mix?
A. Our mixes are delicious just as dips for dunking veggies and chips, but they can also be used to create much more than dip. We have a ton of recipes for entrees, appetizers, desserts, and everything in between on our recipes page.
Q. When will my order arrive?
A. We do our very best to minimize the amount of time between when you place your order and when you are whipping up a dip mix! All orders are updated with tracking information within 24 hours after shipping. Shipping dates vary by location, so if you would like a shipping estimate, arrival date, or have any other questions regarding shipping, please call or email us for details.
Q. Do you have gluten-free mixes?
A. Yes! View our gluten-free mixes by searching the store for "gluten free" or clicking here. Please note that all of our products are created in a facility that also creates products with gluten in them. If you have any specific concerns or questions about ingredients or nutritional information, please feel free to contact us.
Q. Do you have vegetarian mixes?
A. Yes! The majority of our mixes are vegetarian. If you have any specific concerns or questions about ingredients or nutritional information, please feel free to contact us.
Q. Can I trust your ingredients?
A. Many contain no MSG or added salt or sugar. All of this information can be found on the mixes themselves, as well as on the page of each item that we have. Visit any mix's page to view information on the ingredients in that mix. We use only quality ingredients, and source from as locally as possible given growing seasons and supplier inventory. You can see the real chunks of fruit, nuts and beautifully colored spices in the package through our clear bags. We aren't hiding anything!
Q. Can a prepared dip be frozen?
A. We typically don't recommend freezing a prepared dip that contains mayo, because those ingredients can separate in the freezer. Other dips can be frozen, but the texture may change after freezing. We suggest making half a batch if you do not plan on using all of the prepared dip. It's easy! Just follow the directions on the package but halve the ingredients. Also, as a food safety measure, use a dip chiller for a party or gathering where you want to leave dip out for an extended period of time. If you're enjoying your dip at home, take out what you're going to eat and leave the rest in the refrigerator.
Q. It took longer than directed to cook the beans in my soup mix. Why is that?
A. The cooking times on our soup mixes can vary. We do not use any instant, pre-cooked beans in our soup mixes to ensure the best quality and flavor. We recommend a cooking time on our soup mix packages, but as cooking times vary based on a number of factors, you may need to cook your beans longer until they soften completely. You can also consider soaking the beans overnight ahead of preparation to decrease cooking time.