Some Frequently Asked Questions

To save you some time filling in our form, here are answers to some of the questions we get asked most frequently. If we’ve not provided the information you need here, please do drop us a line through our email, website form or we’d be happy to chat on the phone. Details can all be found below or on our Contact Us page.


Q: What is the difference between a jam and an extra jam?

A: A jam (depending on the fruit used) needs to contain 35 grams of fruit per 100 grams. An extra jam (depending on the fruit used) needs contain 45 grams of fruit per 100 grams. There are some exceptions to the above, for example ginger jam has to have a minimum of 25 grams of fruit per 100 grams.
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Q: What is a jelly?

A: A jelly is made from sugar, pectin, acid and fruit juice. The spread is firm enough to hold its shape.
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Q: What is a marmalade?

A: A marmalade is the term used for a jam made with citrus fruit.
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Q: Sugar content versus fruit content of jams, jellies and marmalades

A: In order to be called a jam, jelly or marmalade, under UK food law, a spread is required to have a sugar content of 65% (plus or minus 3%). This includes the natural fruit sugars as well as any sugar added during the making process.
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Q: What is a curd?

A: A fruit curd is a sweet spread usually flavoured with lemons, lime, oranges or raspberries. The main basic ingredients are beaten egg yolks, sugar, fruit juice and zest, which are gently cooked until thick and then cooled. The result is a soft, smooth sweet flavoured spread.
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Q: Does Mrs Darlington’s use GMO ingredients?

A: Mrs Darlington’s do not use any GMO ingredients in our products.
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Q: Do our products contain nuts?

A: Mrs Darlington’s products do not contain nuts and are made in a nut free environment.
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Q: What is pectin?

A: Pectin is a naturally-occurring setting agent. Mrs Darlington’s uses fruit pectin from either citrus or apples to ensure a consistent set.
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Q: What’s the shelf life of your products?

A:  Unopened, the shelf life of each Mrs Darlington’s product is on the bottom of the jar in blue ink. All dates are best before and range from eight months to 36 months, depending on the product.
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