Russell Stover Candies Avis 

I had a severe gastrointestinal reaction after eating a package (4 individual candies) of Russell Stover sugar-free caramel candies thins. Within a few hours I experienced intense, painful cramping and repeated urgent trips to the bathroom for several hours.

I’ve eaten their sugar-free pecan caramel clusters many times with no issues.

Afterward, I learned the product contains maltitol, a sugar alcohol that can have a strong laxative effect in some people. What concerns me is that there was no clear or prominent warning on the packaging explaining how severe these effects could potentially be.

Most consumers do not know what maltitol is or immediately understand what it can do. I certainly did not.

I was fortunate to be home when this happened. Had I eaten these while traveling or out in public, I would have been in big trouble.

I also contacted customer service about this experience over a week ago and never received a response.

I’m sharing this so other consumers can make informed decisions and pay close attention to the ingredients in sugar-free candy products and that apparently Russell Stover does not care as evidenced by their lax standards and zero response.

I placed an order on December 2nd. It has now been 11 DAYS and my order still has not shipped. I tried emailing them three times and never received one reply. Called them and was told they were "really backed up" with orders and were "trying their best". Despite repaying that it has been almost 2 WEEKS since I placed the order, they could not even promise me it would ship in the next week. This would be THREE WEEKS to process an order. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. HIRE MORE EMPLOYEES AND GET YOUR CUSTOMER ORDERS OUT IN A TIMELY MANNER. THERE IS ZERO EXCUSE FOR THIS INEPTITUDE!

Three times in 2024, when I bought their candies in small packets, with 6 chocolates inside, they had 5 chocolates instead (same size packets). In early December, I wrote to the company about my disappointment. They offered me coupons. In Jan 2025, no coupons. They said they were transitioning into the new year and to wait 6-8 weeks later. After 8 weeks, NO coupons. This time, they said 'soon', As of March 14, NO coupons. Sad business practice.

I bought a box of Russell Stover Assorted 9.4 oz. candy on 10/31/24. When I opened it it was clear the candy had been stored someplace warm and had partly melted at one point. I ate 2 pieces and they were very stale. Then I tried the toffee and instead of it being crisp it was like mush. The expiration date was 01 Jan. 25.

I used to regularly purchase the dark chocolate assortment. However the assortment changed to more of the candy I did not like plus there was less candy and the prices soared.

Recently a box of Assorted was on sale for $ 5.99 so I purchased it. When I called the company they do not reimburse only send coupons for a product I will never buy again. I feel upset that I will be throwing away food. However there isn't anything else to do with it but dispose of it.

I placed an order on October 14, 2024. I never received confirmation that the order was ever placed. On October 21, I reached out. The order was not sent out until October 23, 2024. I had never seen a Blooper Box before. It was supposed to be the same delicious chocolates found in traditional boxes other than a few small imperfections. Each piece was discolored from what I assume were temperature changes. Many pieces were smashed. There were NO nuts only white, orange, and strawberry creme fillings. Good thing the 48 oz. was inexpensive. I was not impressed. I think I was confusing them with See’s Chocolates.

I live in Assisted Living whither over 100 residents, and over the past two years have ordered CASES of candy for birthdays, thank you, etc. Lately, the orders have been delayed, extended, and finally canceled. Yet, I continue to receive messages to order for special occasions such as Christmas, valentines, Easter, etc. With a discount. I order, and go through the circle again of delay, cancel. Personally, I do not understand how COVID could make such an impact on candy. My time and their effort is to NO avail! The items were, at one time, available at Publix, but no longer. Fortunately, I have found a FINE candy at Family Dollar, etc that is of premium packaging AND quality for DOLLARS less. They are dependable, reliable, and gracious. IF one company can supply adequate supplies of delicious candy in packaging that does not fall apart and is individually wrapped in cellophane, then support the BEST when I have tried the rest.