Candles

Pure soy wax flakes about to be melted down in our Waikato-based rural studio.

I had one of those lightbulb moments during my weekly shopping trip this weekend. As I strolled through the candle aisle, I found myself stunned at how inexpensive some of the candles were. As a small-batch candle maker who understands wholesale margins, I was genuinely perplexed.

That's when I noticed those three little words on the label: "soy wax blend."

Ah. Mystery solved.

What Does "Soy Wax Blend" Actually Mean?

You might be surprised to learn that there appears to be no standardised definition or minimum percentage requirement for what constitutes a "soy wax blend" in the candle industry. The Federal Trade Commission has general truth-in-advertising guidelines, but there are no specific regulations defining what percentage of soy wax must be present for a candle to be marketed as a "soy blend."

This regulatory gap means manufacturers can potentially use predominantly paraffin with a small amount of soy and still market it as a "blend" - a practice that isn't technically illegal but could certainly be misleading..

This lack of transparency is concerning, especially when you consider what you're bringing into your home and breathing when you light these candles.

Paraffin vs. Pure Soy: What's the Difference?

Paraffin Wax

Derived from petroleum (a non-renewable resource)
Releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned, including toluene and benzene
Studies from the American Chemical Society have found that paraffin candles release unwanted chemicals into the air
Typically burns hotter and faster (meaning your candle doesn't last as long)
Significantly cheaper to produce (hence those tempting price tags)

Pure Soy Wax

Made from soybeans (a renewable resource)
Burns cleaner with minimal soot
Typically burns 30-50% longer than paraffin candles
Biodegradable
Supports farmers (most soy is grown in the U.S.)
More expensive to produce (which is reflected in the price)

The Price Difference Explained

There's a substantial cost difference between pure soy wax and paraffin. In fact, pure soy wax typically costs manufacturers 2 to 3 times more than paraffin wax. Considering that wax makes up about 90% of a candle's composition, this significant material cost difference directly impacts the final price you see on the shelf.

Our Little Batch Promise

At Little Batch Wax Co., we use ONLY pure soy wax (GMO-free) and phthalate-free fragrance oils. This commitment means:

Cleaner burning candles that won't leave black soot on your walls or in your lungs
Longer-lasting candles that give you more value for your money
Peace of mind knowing exactly what you're bringing into your home

I'm not here to judge anyone's candle choices—I'm thrilled that you're incorporating candles into your home and slow moments. I simply want to ensure you're fully informed about what you're purchasing and why there's a price difference between our candles and those "soy blends" you might see elsewhere.

When you choose Little Batch Wax Co., you're choosing transparency, quality, and candles made with care for both you and the environment.

Breathe easy and enjoy your slow moments.

Was this information helpful? Let us know!

References:

American Chemical Society. (2009). Frequent use of certain candles produces unwanted chemicals. ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819234656.htm
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business. ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/advertising-faqs-guide-small-business
National Candle Association. (2022). Elements of Candles. candles.org/elements-of-candles/
U.S. Soybean Export Council. (2023). About U.S. Soybeans. ussec.org/about-u-s-soybeans/

Step off the beaten path with February's Trail Notes box.

Imagine wandering along a remote forest trail - mineral-rich air filling your lungs, golden sage growing wild between granite outcrops, and dappled sunlight creating patterns through the canopy.

This month's Candle Club box brings that serene woodland journey right to your doorstep.

Our February "Trail Notes" candle combines:

Crisp, mineral-rich air
Aromatic wild sage
Subtle violet undertones
Earthy moss base notes

But a reflective journey needs more than just ambiance. We've thoughtfully selected companions to create a complete sensory experience:

Featured Additions:

Mini kraft journal & wooden pencil: Capture your thoughts and observations along life's path
Custom trail-inspired postcard: Featuring photography from New Zealand's hidden pathways
Whittaker's chocolate mini: The perfect companion for moments of reflection
Journal prompts, a custom playlist and more

The complete box invites you to create mindful moments of discovery at home. Whether it's a quiet morning with your journal and candlelight, or an evening unwinding with the scent of forest paths filling your space as you contemplate the changing seasons.

As summer begins its gentle transition toward autumn, Trail Notes reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are those that happen in the in-between spaces - where we pause to notice the subtle shifts and quiet beauty around us.

This box is available for a limited time as a stand-alone purchase, or you can join our Candle Club and never miss a scent!

All photography by the talented Nectar Photography

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The Truth About "Soy Wax Blend" Candles: What You're Really Breathing