One-Third of Chocolate Products Are High in Heavy Metals—Here's What to Know

Last year, Consumer Reports initially found heavy metals in some popular dark chocolate products. Since then, their investigation has expanded.

In a recent report, one-third of the 48 chocolate products tested by Consumer Reports—including chocolate chips, brownie mixes, hot cocoa and more—were found to contain “concerning levels” of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Although also tested for arsenic and mercury, none of these products contained problematic amounts.

When consumed regularly, these heavy metals may be a source of health issues for young children as excessive levels can “damage the brain and nervous system, causing developmental delays, learning and behavior problems, and more,” per the report. Adults can also experience negative side effects like immune system suppression, reproductive issues, kidney damage and hypertension.

Here is the list of products that contain excessive amounts of lead and/or cadmium:

Dark Chocolate

• Sam’s Choice (Walmart) Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa
• Divine 85% Exquisitely Smooth Dark Chocolate
• Evolved Signature Dark 72% Cacao Chocolate Bar
• Perugina 70% Premium Dark Chocolate
• Perugina 85% Premium Dark Chocolate

Chocolate Chips

• Good & Gather (Target) Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips
• Hu Dark Chocolate Gems

Cocoa Powder

• Hershey’s Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened 100% Cacao
• Droste Cacao Powder

Hot Chocolate

• Trader Joe’s Organic Hot Chocolate Mix
• Starbucks Hot Cocoa Classic
• Great Value (Walmart) Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix

Brownie Mix

• Ghirardelli Premium Brownie Mix Double Chocolate

Cake Mix

• Simple Mills Almond Flour Baking Mix - Chocolate Muffin & Cake
• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix

Milk chocolate bars were also tested in this report, but none of them posed a risk for high counts of heavy metals. Because of this, Consumer Reports recommends swapping one of these dark chocolate products with milk chocolate, as milk chocolate is a less likely source of lead and cadmium. 

“Ultimately, dark chocolate once in a while, and in moderation, is likely not a concern” says dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD. “Plus, dark chocolate does have some health benefits, too. If possible, opt for some of the dark chocolate options that fell below CR’s levels for lead and cadmium, such as Divine 70% Deliciously Smooth Dark Chocolate and Sam’s Choice (Walmart) Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa. Pregnant women and children will want to be particularly mindful of their heavy metal exposure, so people in that category may want to be extra cautious about the amount of dark chocolate they’re consuming.” 

It is still OK to consume these impacted products minimally, but keep in mind that there are safer choices on the market. In general, these sweets can be enjoyed in moderation within a healthy eating pattern.

For more information, check out this explainer on toxic heavy metals, breaking down what you need to know and if you should be worried.