Testing Reveals Variation Across Chocolate Brands
Ghirardelli's Performance in Consumer Reports Tests
In December 2022, Consumer Reports (CR) published a study that tested 28 popular dark chocolate bars for lead and cadmium. The findings revealed that while all chocolate products had some level of heavy metal contamination, concentrations varied significantly between brands. Notably, Ghirardelli products performed favorably, with two of its bars listed among the 'safer choices'.
The two Ghirardelli products highlighted for their lower levels of both lead and cadmium were:
- Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao: This bar was found to contain lower levels of lead (36% below the California maximum allowable dose level, or MADL) and cadmium (39% below the MADL).
- Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight (72% Cacao): This product also showed low levels, with lead 61% below the MADL and cadmium 96% below the MADL.
How Contamination Occurs
Heavy metals can enter cacao plants from the soil in which they are grown, a process influenced by natural and environmental factors.
- Cadmium: This heavy metal is absorbed from the soil through the cacao tree's roots, with higher concentrations often found in regions with naturally high levels of cadmium. Soil composition and acidity can affect the rate of absorption.
- Lead: Lead contamination primarily occurs after the beans are harvested. Cacao beans can be exposed to lead-containing soil or dust during the post-harvest fermentation and drying processes, especially when these stages take place outdoors.
Ghirardelli vs. Other Brands: A Comparison
While the Consumer Reports study found heavy metals across the board, the comparative levels in different brands provided consumers with more informed choices. A subsequent analysis in late 2023 tested more cocoa-containing products, including chips and mixes, further illustrating the variation.
| Chocolate Product (per 1oz serving) | Lead (% of California MADL) | Cadmium (% of California MADL) |
|---|---|---|
| Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86% Cacao | 36% | 39% |
| Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight 72% Cacao | 61% | 96% |
| Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate 85% Cacao | 127% | 229% |
| Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate | 265% | Unspecified (above MADL) |
| Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa | 143% | 101% |
*This table uses data reported by Consumer Reports and SFGATE, referencing the California Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL).
The Importance of Moderation
Experts and consumer organizations, including Consumer Reports, stress that the risk from these heavy metals is linked to frequent consumption over time. Occasional consumption, particularly of products with lower tested levels, is unlikely to cause immediate harm. The overall intake of heavy metals from all food sources should be considered. Limiting intake is especially important for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant people.
Efforts Towards Reducing Contamination
In response to these findings and previous legal action by groups like As You Sow, many chocolate manufacturers, including Ghirardelli, have reiterated their commitment to food safety. The 2018 settlement resulting from the As You Sow lawsuit established concentration levels for lead and cadmium and required warnings on products that exceeded those levels sold in California. While these settlements offer some protections, Consumer Reports advocates for greater industry action to minimize heavy metal levels at the source.
How Manufacturers Can Help
To address the root cause of contamination, manufacturers can implement several strategies:
- Sourcing from cleaner farms: Identifying and sourcing cacao beans from regions with lower soil concentrations of heavy metals can significantly reduce the cadmium content.
- Improving post-harvest practices: Implementing controlled indoor fermentation and drying methods can help prevent lead-containing dust from contaminating the cacao beans.
- Better cleaning: Thoroughly cleaning the beans and removing shells in the factory can also minimize the transfer of lead to the final product.
The Consumer's Role
Consumers can make more informed choices by paying attention to independent test results. Some organizations publish searchable databases and lists of lower-heavy-metal products, helping consumers select safer options. As You Sow's Toxic Chocolate page provides a searchable database of testing results to help consumers identify products with lower heavy metal concentrations.
Conclusion
Yes, Ghirardelli chocolate, like virtually all chocolate, contains detectable amounts of lead and cadmium. However, independent testing from Consumer Reports found that certain Ghirardelli dark chocolate bars had comparatively lower levels than many other brands, leading them to be classified as 'safer choices'. While the presence of these heavy metals is a legitimate concern for long-term health, particularly for high-risk populations, enjoying Ghirardelli chocolate in moderation as an occasional treat is generally not considered an immediate risk. Continuous monitoring and pressure on manufacturers to improve sourcing and processing are crucial steps toward further reducing heavy metal exposure in chocolate.
