Do cassava chips have lead?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

In May 2025, Consumer Reports testing found that over two-thirds of sampled cassava-based products, including chips, contained concerning levels of lead. These findings have prompted new questions regarding the safety of this popular gluten-free snack and lead many to ask: do cassava chips have lead?

Quick Summary

Recent testing by Consumer Reports identified high lead levels in many cassava chips, raising significant health concerns. Lead is absorbed by the cassava root from contaminated soil and can become concentrated during processing. Health risks are most pronounced with long-term exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. Consumers should understand which products pose risks and opt for safer alternatives.

Key Points

Concerning Lead Levels: A May 2025 Consumer Reports study found high lead concentrations in over two-thirds of tested cassava products, including chips.
Soil Contamination: As a root vegetable, cassava can absorb lead from polluted soil, and this lead can become concentrated during processing into flour or chips.
Vulnerable Populations: Children and pregnant individuals face the greatest risk from lead exposure, which can cause long-term neurological and developmental damage.
Mitigation Strategies: You can reduce risk by limiting intake of high-lead products, diversifying your diet with other gluten-free options, and choosing lower-lead brands.
Cyanide vs. Lead: The lead contamination issue is separate from cassava's natural cyanide-forming compounds, which are typically removed by proper cooking and preparation.
Product Variation: Lead levels vary significantly by brand and processing method, with some chips being safer than others; tapioca starch often has lower levels than whole cassava flour.

Consumer Reports' Findings on Lead in Cassava Products

Consumer Reports tested 27 cassava-based products in May 2025 and found that over two-thirds had lead levels exceeding their safety limit for daily intake. Some products, including cassava chips, contained levels significantly higher than this benchmark, with certain brands being specifically recommended for avoidance. It's important to note that lead levels varied widely among different brands.

Sources of Lead Contamination in Cassava

Cassava, being a root vegetable, can absorb lead from the soil it grows in. Soil contamination can result from industrial pollution and the historical use of leaded products. Processing methods also play a role; drying and grinding the whole cassava root can concentrate lead, leading to higher levels in flour and chips compared to the fresh root. Tapioca starch and syrup, more refined products, generally have lower lead levels. Contamination can also occur during manufacturing.

Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure

Experts agree that no amount of lead exposure is safe, and the health effects are cumulative. Long-term exposure, even to low levels, can cause serious health issues, particularly for children and pregnant individuals. Lead can damage the developing brain and nervous system in children, causing learning and behavioral issues. In adults, it is linked to issues like high blood pressure and kidney damage. Lead exposure during pregnancy can also harm fetal development.

Comparing Lead Levels: Cassava Chips and Alternatives

Understanding lead levels in different snacks can help consumers make informed choices. Below is a comparison based partly on Consumer Reports' findings:


Snack Type	Risk Factor	Typical Lead Source	CR Recommendation
Cassava Chips (High-Lead)	High	Soil absorption, processing	Avoid entirely or limit consumption
Cassava Chips (Low-Lead)	Low	Better sourcing, lower absorption	Okay to eat occasionally or no limit
Buckwheat/Millet Snacks	Low	Lower absorption from soil	Good gluten-free alternative
Potato Chips	Moderate/Variable	Soil, processing, sourcing	Not specifically tested for lead in CR's report
Rice-Based Snacks	Variable	Soil absorption (can accumulate arsenic)	Potential arsenic risk, but low lead

Strategies to Reduce Lead Exposure from Food

Given the variability in lead content, consumers can take steps to minimize their risk:

Limit or avoid products identified as high in lead, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Include a variety of gluten-free snacks made from ingredients like corn, buckwheat, or millet.
Choose brands of cassava chips known to have lower lead levels.
If using fresh cassava, thoroughly clean and peel it, as lead tends to be concentrated in the outer layers.
Stay updated on food safety information from organizations like Consumer Reports and the FDA. For more information on lead prevention, visit the CDC: About Lead in Consumer Products.

Lead vs. Cyanide: Separate Concerns

It's important to differentiate lead contamination from the naturally occurring cyanogenic glycosides in cassava. These can form cyanide, but traditional preparation methods like cooking usually mitigate this risk. Lead absorption from soil is a separate issue that cooking does not fully address.

Conclusion: Informed Consumer Choices for Safer Snacking

The presence of lead in some cassava chips is a significant concern, but it does not mean all cassava products are unsafe. By being informed, checking for warnings like California's Proposition 65 labels, selecting brands with lower lead levels, and varying your diet with other gluten-free options, you can enjoy cassava more safely. The variation in test results indicates that safer cassava products are available, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all cassava chips are contaminated. Recent testing by Consumer Reports found significant variation by brand, with some having very high levels while others had much lower concentrations.

Lead is absorbed from the soil where the plant is grown. This soil contamination can come from industrial pollution, former use of leaded gasoline, or lead-based pesticides.

Peeling and washing fresh cassava can help reduce lead since it concentrates in the outer layers. However, this does not guarantee complete removal, as lead is also absorbed into the root itself.

Long-term consumption of lead-contaminated food can pose serious health risks. In children, it can lead to neurological issues and developmental delays. In adults, it is linked to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.

Yes, Consumer Reports suggests that other gluten-free options like snacks made from buckwheat, corn, millet, or sorghum tend to have much lower lead levels than cassava products.

Cassava naturally contains cyanogenic compounds (which can become cyanide) that are typically removed during cooking. Lead, however, is a heavy metal contaminant absorbed from the soil that is not effectively removed by cooking.

You can check the Consumer Reports website for their latest test results and product ratings. Also, look for California's Proposition 65 warnings on packaging, which indicate potential lead content.

According to Consumer Reports, tapioca starch and tapioca syrup, which are more processed derivatives of cassava, tend to have lower lead levels than products made with whole cassava flour.