Shelf Life/Storage
What is the shelf life of Cuties?
If refrigerated, Cuties can be fresh and sweet for up to two weeks. However, “shelf life” can vary depending on the amount of time Cuties have been stocked at the grocery store.
Can you put expiration dates on the packaging?
Unfortunately, Cuties cannot list a specific expiration date. Like with most citrus fruit, your nose and taste buds are the best indicators of freshness. You can help keep your Cuties at their best for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to store Cuties? Should they be refrigerated?
To keep your Cuties as sweet and fresh as possible, keep them in the refrigerator. That will keep them tasty for up to two weeks.
Product Information
What is a Cutie?
Cuties are actually two varieties of Mandarin oranges: Clementine Mandarins, available November through January, and Murcott Mandarins, available February through April. Cuties have several distinct characteristics that make them the perfect anytime, anywhere snack. Unlike other Mandarins or oranges, they are seedless, super sweet, easy to peel and kid-sized – only a select few make it to Cuties’ high standards.
What is a Clementine?
Known as the darling of Mandarins, Clementines are a cute and easy-to-peel fruit that is popular among all ages because it is seedless, sweet and juicy. A common sight during the winter months, Clementines have also earned the nickname “Christmas oranges.”
What is the difference between a Murcott and a Mandarin?
An orange by any other name isn’t usually an orange! But in this case, a Murcott is actually a type of a Mandarin.
Are Cuties tangerines?
Cuties are often mistaken for tangerines because they are small, too. But don't let the size fool you! Cuties are actually Mandarins that are available in two varieties: Clementines (November through January) and Murcotts (February through April). Both varieties are sweet, seedless and worthy of the Cuties brand name!
Why don't Cuties have seeds?
When our Cuties trees are flowering, we take extra precaution to shield them from pollination. It's this step – keeping our Cuties "unpollinated" during this portion of the growing process – which allows us to naturally produce a seedless final product that's not only sweet, but also easy to peel.
How can I get Cuties coupons?
Cuties coupons are available a couple of ways: newspaper free-standing inserts (FSIs) and online. To be the first to hear when a coupon will be available, be sure to sign up for our newsletter or "like" us on Facebook.
Can I try a sample?
Ask your local produce manager for a sample of Cuties to try the sweet and seedless taste of summer!
Why are Cuties so expensive?
Cuties seem more expensive because they’re only available for purchase in 2- or 3-lb. bags or 5-lb. crates rather than as individual fruits. However, when you compare the cost of Cuties to other fruits on a pound-per-pound basis, Cuties are comparable and even cheaper than some fruit. Plus, they pack an incredible amount of health benefits in a small package!
Do you sell seeds or plants?
Cuties trees are not available for sale directly from us. But never fear, just visit your local nursery and they can help you select a citrus variety that is right for your garden and climate.
Why do some retailers (e.g., Fresh & Easy, Costco) not take coupons?
We try to encourage all retailers to accept our Cuties coupons. However, it is the individual policy of some retailers to determine whether to accept coupons. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you'll love Li’l Zipper just the same!
Are Cuties genetically modified?
No, Cuties are not genetically modified. They are a hybrid that first came to the United States in 1909. You can read more about their history here.
Why aren't there any seeds in Cuties? Is it because they are genetically modified?
No, Cuties are not genetically modified. Using natural farming practices, we grow Cuties in such a way that results in the high quality product our customers have come to enjoy – seedless, sweet, and easy to peel.
Quality
Why are my Cuties dry, tough or hard?
Li’l Zipper always wants to put his best – and sweetest – foot forward. But sometimes, a “bad seed” slips through Cuties’ quality control. Cuties are very rarely tough or hard but those that are, are generally dry. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to tell if a piece of fruit is dry from looking at the outside. We test every grove for dryness by opening thousands of pieces of fruit, but unfortunately, it is not fool-proof.
Why are there seeds in my Cuties?
Cuties varieties naturally have seeds if they are pollinated by bees – which sounds silly for a seedless fruit! Because our groves are located away from where the bees are, our fruit does not have seeds. So if you get a seed in your Cutie it means the bee travelled extra far to pollinate that tree. We routinely test all of our fruit for seeds and if we find a bee went crazy on a specific grove, we do not sell those as Cuties, but sometimes one slips through the cracks.
Why is there mold on my Cuties?
If there is mold on Cuties, it simply means they are old. Cuties never leave the grove with mold on them but some quality issues can arise during transportation and/or at the grocery store. If you have additional questions, the produce manager at your grocery store should be able to help.
How do I get a refund for a poor-quality product?
We take pride in the quality, freshness and sweet taste of our Cuties. But if you’re dissatisfied with your Cuties, talk to your produce manager or you can contact us via our customer service form.
Why are the Cuties I bought larger/smaller than the last time?
Cuties are available in six sizes. Retailers order a variety of sizes. Growing conditions also influence the size, which may change from month to month.
Availability
Where are Cuties found in grocery stores?
In the produce section.
Where can I buy Cuties in the U.S.?
In the produce section of many major grocery retailers. Check out the Where to Buy section of the website for a list of retailers.
Are Cuties available in Canada?
Yes. Retailers include Loblaw’s, Sobeys, Safeway, Walmart Canada and Costco. Most of the volumes fall from February through April. The best way to ensure that Cuties are in your store is to ask your retailer.
Which months are Cuties available?
November through April.
Why can't I find Cuties in my local Ralphs/Publix/Costco?
While most locations of the retailers listed on our Where to Buy page carry Cuties when they are in season, our product may sometimes be unavailable at certain locations due to demand or other reasons. We recommend speaking to the store supervisor or produce manager to find out when the store expects its next delivery of Cuties.
Can I buy Cuties online?
No, Cuties are a perishable product that can easily be damaged through direct-to-consumer shipping.
Can I buy products directly from you?
No, Cuties are a perishable product that can easily be damaged through direct-to-consumer shipping.
Media and Blogger Requests
Whom do I contact for press, media and blogger inquiries?
Please visit our Press Room or contact press@cutiescitrus.com.