Do Simply Organic spices have heavy metals? What consumers need to know about food safety

According to a 2021 Consumer Reports investigation, nearly one-third of popular herbs and spices tested contained concerning levels of heavy metals. When considering brands like Simply Organic, the question of "Do Simply Organic spices have heavy metals?" is a valid concern for health-conscious consumers navigating the complexities of modern food safety.

Quick Summary

This article examines whether Simply Organic spices contain heavy metals, drawing on past product tests and studies. It explains why heavy metals can appear in spices, the implications of organic labeling, and how to minimize personal exposure by making informed choices.

Key Points

• Not Immune: Despite being organic, Simply Organic spices are not immune to heavy metal contamination, as shown by independent testing.

• Cinnamon Warnings: Simply Organic cinnamon products have carried California Proposition 65 warnings for heavy metals.

• High-Risk Herbs: Past tests revealed concerning heavy metal levels in Simply Organic oregano and thyme.

• Organic Labeling Caveat: Organic certification primarily regulates pesticides, not heavy metals naturally absorbed from soil.

• Diversify Your Sources: Limiting your reliance on a single brand and growing your own herbs can help reduce exposure risk.

• Consumer Awareness: Checking independent test results from organizations like Consumer Reports is crucial for staying informed about spice safety.

The Widespread Issue of Heavy Metals in Spices

Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, can appear in spices through a variety of environmental pathways and processing methods. While often associated with pollution, these metals can occur naturally in the soil where plants are grown and are then absorbed by the plant. Furthermore, some regions have higher concentrations of heavy metals in the soil due to natural geology or historical industrial activity. Improper post-harvest handling and manufacturing processes can also introduce contamination. In more extreme cases, economically motivated adulteration, where substances like lead chromate are added to spices like turmeric and cinnamon to enhance color, can lead to dangerously high levels of contamination.

Why Organic Certification Isn't a Guarantee Against Heavy Metals

Many consumers turn to organic products expecting a higher standard of purity, but organic certification primarily regulates the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It does not inherently control for heavy metal uptake from the soil. As a 2021 Consumer Reports test highlighted, organic products did not consistently have lower levels of heavy metals than conventionally grown ones. This means that while Simply Organic adheres to strict organic farming guidelines, it is not immune to the risk of heavy metal contamination.

Simply Organic Spices and Test Results

Multiple independent tests have provided insight into the heavy metal levels found in Simply Organic products. It is important to note that results can vary between product types, batches, and testing organizations, but a pattern has emerged for certain spices.

• Simply Organic Cinnamon: Various reports have highlighted concerns regarding Simply Organic cinnamon. A website review noted that Simply Organic ground cinnamon carries a California Proposition 65 warning due to its heavy metal content. The Proposition 65 warning is required in California for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The FDA issued public health alerts in 2024 for cinnamon products from various brands due to elevated lead levels.

• Simply Organic Herbs: A 2021 Consumer Reports test of 126 dried herbs and spices from 38 brands found that for two specific herbs—thyme and oregano—all products tested, including Simply Organic, had heavy metal levels that raised concern among their experts. A related 2022 Australian study by CHOICE also explicitly named Simply Organic oregano as containing lead.

• Simply Organic Turmeric: Studies published as recently as August 2025 have noted that organic and non-organic turmeric samples showed wide variation in metal content, and a Simply Organic turmeric sample was found to contain lead. Given turmeric's origin in areas known for high soil lead content and the potential for adulteration, it is a spice of particular concern.

Reducing Your Risk of Heavy Metal Exposure from Spices

While eliminating heavy metals from your diet entirely is nearly impossible, taking certain precautions can help minimize your exposure and ensure a safer, healthier diet. These practices involve being a more informed consumer and diversifying your spice sources.

• Diversify Brands and Sources: Instead of relying on a single brand, rotate between different spice brands. This helps distribute any potential exposure and limits the long-term impact of a single contaminated batch.
• Grow Your Own: For heavy-use herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, growing your own can provide the freshest, most controlled source and prevent heavy metal accumulation from potentially contaminated soil or processing.
• Stay Informed: Follow reports from reputable testing organizations like Consumer Reports. They periodically release test results on food products and heavy metals, providing consumers with data-driven insights.
• Discard Old Spices: Consider replacing older spices regularly. Some sources suggest replacing herbs annually and spices every two years to ensure maximum potency and freshness, which may also mitigate risks.
• Be Mindful of High-Risk Spices: Pay closer attention to spices historically linked to higher contamination risk, including cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika. Consider using them in moderation and sourcing them with particular care.

Comparison of Simply Organic Spices and Test Results

While no brand is entirely free of heavy metals due to environmental factors, some tests show varying levels of concern for specific products. The table below compares Simply Organic products mentioned in test results with general findings for the same spice types. It is crucial to remember that test results are a snapshot in time and can change based on the batch and source.

Spice Type	Simply Organic Test Result Notes	General Industry Test Findings	What to Consider
Cinnamon	California Prop 65 warning noted for both ground and Ceylon versions in some reports.	Historically and globally, cinnamon (especially ground) has faced significant lead contamination issues, sometimes due to intentional adulteration.	Be cautious with cinnamon from any source; rotate brands or look for brands with verifiable test results.
Oregano	Identified as having concerning levels in 2021 CR test and lead in a 2022 CHOICE test.	Leafy herbs tend to be higher risk for heavy metal accumulation. Other brands also show concern in test reports.	Grow your own oregano if possible, or opt for brands that perform well in independent testing.
Thyme	Identified as having concerning levels in 2021 CR test and traces of lead in a 2022 CHOICE test.	Similar to oregano, thyme and other dried herbs are consistently noted as higher risk.	Consider growing your own or diversifying sources to minimize exposure.
Turmeric	A 2025 study mentioned a Simply Organic turmeric sample containing lead.	High-risk spice globally due to potential for contamination and historical adulteration with lead chromate.	Look for brands that offer robust third-party testing and transparency.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

For consumers asking, "Do Simply Organic spices have heavy metals?" the answer is that testing has revealed that some Simply Organic spices, particularly cinnamon, oregano, and thyme, have contained heavy metals in past batches, similar to many other spice brands. Being certified organic, while a mark of quality regarding farming practices, does not eliminate the risk of heavy metals naturally occurring in the soil. Ultimately, minimizing exposure is a process of conscious consumerism. By diversifying your spice purchases, staying aware of current test results from independent bodies, and potentially growing your own, you can enjoy flavorful food with greater confidence.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed information on the risks associated with heavy metal exposure, particularly for children, consult the resources available on the Consumer Reports website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is being certified organic enough to prevent heavy metal contamination in spices?

No, organic certification addresses farming methods related to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but it does not guarantee the absence of heavy metals. These elements can be absorbed by plants naturally from the soil, a risk that organic standards do not eliminate.

What kind of heavy metals have been found in spices?

Common heavy metals found in spices include lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These can enter the food supply through contaminated soil, processing, or even intentional adulteration.

Which specific Simply Organic spices have been mentioned in heavy metal test reports?

Independent tests have specifically raised concerns about Simply Organic's cinnamon (carrying a California Prop 65 warning), oregano, and thyme.

How can I choose safer spices for my cooking?

To reduce risk, consider rotating between different brands, diversifying your sources, and checking test results from independent organizations like Consumer Reports. Growing your own fresh herbs is another excellent option.

Does Simply Organic test its products for heavy metals?

While Simply Organic emphasizes quality and ethical sourcing, the extent of their heavy metal testing is not publicly detailed in the same way as external reports. Test results from independent labs have indicated varying levels of heavy metals in some products.

Is it safe to continue using Simply Organic spices?

The risk from small, intermittent use is generally low, but chronic, daily consumption of spices with elevated heavy metal levels is a greater concern, especially for vulnerable populations like children. Being mindful of product testing and your total dietary exposure is key.

Are Simply Organic's products consistently safer than conventional spices?

Independent testing, like the 2021 Consumer Reports study, found that organic brands did not consistently have lower levels of heavy metals compared to conventional ones, meaning Simply Organic products aren't always safer in this regard.