Does Hershey's chocolate have a lot of lead in it? Unpacking the Consumer Reports findings

November 30, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Consumer Reports testing published in 2022 and 2023, certain Hershey's chocolate products were found to contain levels of lead that exceeded California's maximum allowable dose level (MADL). This discovery, also covering other heavy metals like cadmium, has raised consumer awareness about the safety of chocolate, including whether Hershey's chocolate has a lot of lead in it. The presence of these contaminants is due to environmental factors and certain farming practices, not intentional addition during manufacturing.

Quick Summary

Several Hershey's dark chocolate bars, cocoa powders, and milk chocolate products have been identified by consumer testing to contain detectable levels of lead and cadmium. These heavy metals occur naturally and via environmental contamination, accumulating in cacao beans. The health implications for vulnerable populations are particularly concerning, prompting manufacturers to re-evaluate sourcing and production methods.

Key Points

Consumer Reports Findings: Some Hershey's products, including Special Dark chocolate, have tested high for lead, exceeding California's strict Proposition 65 Maximum Allowable Dose Level.
Varies by Product: The levels of lead and cadmium depend on the specific product, with high-cocoa items like dark chocolate and cocoa powder generally containing more heavy metals.
Origin of Contamination: Lead contamination occurs primarily after harvest from environmental dust and soil, while cadmium is absorbed from the soil by the cacao plant as it grows.
Health Concerns: While moderate consumption is typically low risk for healthy adults, heavy metal accumulation is most concerning for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant people.
Actionable Steps: To minimize exposure, consumers can vary their chocolate choices, select products from brands with transparency about testing and sourcing, and moderate their overall chocolate intake.
Industry Accountability: Consumer advocacy groups like Consumer Reports and As You Sow have petitioned Hershey's and other manufacturers to improve sourcing and cleaning methods to reduce heavy metals.

Heavy Metals Found in Hershey's and Other Chocolates

Consumer Reports testing in 2022 and 2023 highlighted the presence of heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium, in several chocolate products, including some from Hershey's. The tests used California's Proposition 65 Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) as a benchmark. Certain Hershey's products, including some dark chocolate and cocoa powders, were found to exceed this limit for lead.

The Source of Heavy Metals in Cacao

Heavy metals enter cacao through natural and environmental processes, not through intentional addition during manufacturing. Cadmium is absorbed from the soil by cacao trees, while lead contamination primarily occurs after harvesting, when open-air drying exposes beans to environmental dust and soil particles. Products with higher cocoa content, such as dark chocolate and cocoa powder, tend to have higher concentrations of these metals compared to milk chocolate.

Comparison of Heavy Metal Contamination in Chocolate Types

This table highlights the general differences in heavy metal concentrations across various chocolate product categories based on consumer reports and industry understanding.


Product Category	Typical Cocoa Content	General Risk for Lead	General Risk for Cadmium	Primary Contamination Route(s)
Dark Chocolate (high %)	70% or more	High (often post-harvest dust)	High (soil absorption)	Dust deposition, soil absorption
Dark Chocolate (moderate %)	60% to 70%	Moderate (lower cocoa solids)	Moderate (lower cocoa solids)	Dust deposition, soil absorption
Milk Chocolate	Typically less than 50%	Lower (diluted by milk, sugar)	Lower (diluted by milk, sugar)	Significantly reduced due to dilution
Cocoa Powder	Nearly 100%	High (concentrated cocoa solids)	Moderate to High (soil absorption)	Concentrated from cocoa solids, dust deposition

What This Means for Consumers

While moderate chocolate consumption is generally safe for most adults, heavy metals can accumulate over time. Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant individuals and young children, are at higher risk due to the impact of heavy metals on development. Limiting or avoiding high-cocoa dark chocolate is often recommended for these groups.

How to Minimize Your Heavy Metal Exposure from Chocolate

Vary Consumption: Alternate high-cocoa products with lower-cocoa options like milk chocolate. A varied diet helps limit exposure from any single food source.
Choose Wisely: Some brands are more transparent about testing and sourcing. Cacao from certain regions may have lower cadmium levels.
Support Accountability: Consumer pressure can encourage manufacturers to adopt better practices, such as minimizing bean contact with soil during drying.
Consider Broader Context: Heavy metals are present in various foods. A balanced diet is key to managing overall exposure.

Conclusion

Whether Hershey's chocolate contains high levels of lead depends on the specific product and testing. Consumer Reports identified concerning levels in some high-cocoa items, but this is an industry-wide issue. Lead and cadmium enter cacao through distinct natural and environmental pathways. While moderate consumption is low risk for most adults, vulnerable populations should be cautious. Consumers can minimize exposure through mindful choices and by supporting improved industry practices.

Consumer Reports petition for heavy metals

Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer Reports testing in 2022 and 2023 found that certain Hershey's products, including Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa, and Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened powder, contained levels of lead that exceeded California's stringent Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL).

No, not all Hershey's products showed equally high levels. Milk chocolate tends to have significantly lower levels of heavy metals due to a lower concentration of cocoa solids. However, some tests have detected lead in milk chocolate products as well, though below CR's limits.

Heavy metals enter chocolate through two distinct routes. Cadmium is naturally present in soil and is absorbed by the cacao plant through its roots. Lead contamination occurs primarily after harvest, as the wet cacao beans are often dried in the open and can pick up lead particles from environmental dust and soil.

For most healthy adults, occasional, moderate consumption of chocolate does not pose an immediate health risk, and heavy metals are present in many foods. The key is mindful consumption and moderation, particularly for high-cocoa products. Vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children should be more cautious.

Manufacturers can reduce lead by improving post-harvest processing, such as drying beans on raised, clean surfaces away from dust. Reducing cadmium is more complex and involves careful sourcing from regions with low soil cadmium, managing soil pH, and potentially breeding cacao varieties that absorb less metal.

Dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids, which is where heavy metals like lead and cadmium are primarily concentrated. Milk chocolate, conversely, has a lower cocoa solid content, meaning its heavy metal concentration is naturally lower due to dilution from milk and sugar.

Because children are more vulnerable to the developmental effects of lead and cadmium, parents should consider limiting their children's consumption of dark chocolate and other high-cocoa-content items. Opting for lower-cocoa milk chocolate and treating all chocolate as an occasional treat is a safer approach.