Cherry Stone Microwave Heat Packs – A Natural Alternative to Traditional Wheat Bags, Made in Britain
At WheatyBags®, we have been manufacturing microwave heat packs here in the UK for many years, and while our traditional wheat-filled heat packs remain hugely popular, there is another natural filling that has developed a loyal following of its own: cherry stones.
Cherry stone heat packs are an interesting alternative to traditional wheat bags. They have a different feel, a different texture and some quite distinctive qualities that make them particularly appealing to customers looking for something a little different.
But what exactly are cherry stones, why are they used in microwave heat packs, and how do they compare with wheat?
What exactly are cherry stones?
Cherry stones are simply the hard little pips found inside cherries. Once the fruit has been processed by the food industry, these stones can be collected, thoroughly washed and cleaned, and prepared for another useful purpose.
Rather than going to waste, they can become a wonderfully natural filling for reusable microwave heat packs.
Cherry stones have been used in traditional warming cushions for generations, particularly in countries such as Germany and Switzerland, where cherry stone pillows have long been popular.
At WheatyBags®, we use carefully prepared cherry stones to manufacture our own range of British-made cherry stone heat packs.
It is a lovely example of how a natural by-product can be put to good use.
Cherry stones versus wheat – what is the difference?
Although both fillings are natural and suitable for microwave heat packs, they offer quite different experiences.
Traditional wheat bags are filled with small grains of wheat. They have a relatively soft, flexible feel and can mould comfortably around the body.
Cherry stones, on the other hand, are considerably larger and firmer. They move around inside the fabric and create a more substantial, textured feel when the heat pack is placed against the body.
There are several differences worth knowing about:
A different feel: Cherry stones give a firmer, slightly more massaging sensation compared with the softer feel of wheat.
Lightweight filling: Cherry stones are naturally lighter than wheat, although they are bulkier. We take this into account when manufacturing our packs to ensure there is sufficient filling for a comfortable product.
An alternative to wheat: Cherry stone heat packs are particularly useful for customers who prefer not to use wheat or who have a wheat allergy or intolerance.
Natural warmth: Both fillings can be warmed in the microwave to provide comforting warmth, although wheat generally retains its heat for somewhat longer than cherry stones.
Neither filling is necessarily better than the other. It really comes down to personal preference and what you enjoy using.
Why do we add lavender to our cherry stone heat packs?
This is something we have learnt through many years of manufacturing cherry stone heat packs.
Cherry stones have their own natural aroma, particularly when warmed in the microwave. Unfortunately, we have found that this smell isn't particularly attractive to everyone!
We therefore developed the habit of adding natural lavender buds to our cherry stone heat packs to create a much more pleasant experience.
We don't use artificial perfumes or simply spray a fragrance onto the product. Instead, we use genuine dried lavender buds, sourced through our UK merchant, which release their familiar natural aroma when warmed.
We find that the combination of cherry stones and lavender makes a much more appealing heat pack, and it is something our customers have come to appreciate.
However, we understand that not everybody likes lavender. If you would prefer your cherry stone heat pack without any aroma, simply contact us before placing your order and we can arrange to manufacture one without the lavender.
It's one of the advantages of buying from a manufacturer who can accommodate individual requests.
Why are cherry stone heat packs so popular?
We have looked at customer feedback and reviews, both here at WheatyBags® and from other manufacturers selling cherry stone pillows around the world.
A few things stand out.
Customers appreciate the firmer feel of cherry stones, particularly when using a heat pack around the neck, shoulders, back and other areas where they want a more substantial cushion.
Others simply like having an alternative to the traditional wheat bag. Some customers have been using wheat bags for years but enjoy the different sensation that cherry stones provide.
The natural filling is another attraction. There is something rather appealing about using a product filled with natural materials rather than synthetic alternatives.
We also see customers returning to buy additional cherry stone heat packs, sometimes for other members of their family or as gifts.
Looking through our own reviews, we're particularly pleased to see comments about the quality of manufacture, the comfortable feel of the packs and the satisfaction customers get from using them regularly.
Of course, everybody has their own preferences, which is why we continue to offer both wheat and cherry stone fillings.
British-made cherry stone heat packs from WheatyBags®
One thing we are particularly proud of is that our cherry stone heat packs are manufactured here in Britain by our own team at Clear Prospects Ltd.
We have been making microwave heat packs for many years, and our experience in textile manufacturing allows us to produce a range of shapes and sizes to suit different requirements.
Our cherry stone range includes:
- Square cherry stone heat packs.
- Rectangular cherry stone heat packs.
- Bottle-shaped cherry stone heat packs.
- U-shaped neck and shoulder heat packs.
You can also choose from different fabric colours, cotton options, removable covers and personalisation.
Our products are manufactured with care and tested to meet the relevant British safety standard for microwave heat packs, BS8433:2004. Every product is supplied with its own heating and care instructions, which should always be followed.
We believe that buying British-made products matters. It supports UK manufacturing, our factory team and the skills involved in making quality products that customers can enjoy for years.
Discover our cherry stone heat pack range
Whether you are already a fan of traditional wheat bags or are looking to try something a little different, our cherry stone heat packs are well worth discovering.
With their natural filling, distinctive feel and optional genuine lavender buds, they offer a lovely alternative to the traditional wheat-filled microwave heat pack.
And remember, if you have a particular preference or would like a pack made without lavender, just get in touch. We're the manufacturer, and we're always happy to help where we can.
Explore our full range of Cherry Stone Microwave Heat Packs at WheatyBags®.
Proudly made in Britain by WheatyBags® – quality, natural warmth from our UK factory.