Does Lindt cocoa have lead in it? An investigation into heavy metals

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2022 study by Consumer Reports found that certain Lindt dark chocolate bars contained detectable levels of lead and cadmium, sparking concern among consumers. This raises the important question: Does Lindt cocoa have lead in it and what are the implications for consumer health and safety?

Quick Summary

Some Lindt dark chocolate products contain detectable levels of lead and cadmium. Lead contamination typically occurs post-harvest, while cadmium is absorbed from the soil by the cacao plants during growth.

Key Points

Consumer Reports Test: A 2022 study by Consumer Reports found detectable levels of lead and cadmium in some Lindt dark chocolate bars, with the Excellence 85% and 70% varieties exceeding California's maximum allowable dose levels.
Sources of Contamination: Lead primarily enters cocoa beans from external sources like dust and soil during post-harvest drying, while cadmium is absorbed from the soil by the cacao plant as it grows.
High-Cacao Risk: Products with higher cacao percentages, like dark chocolate, generally contain higher levels of heavy metals because the contamination is concentrated in the cocoa solids.
Health Concerns: Long-term exposure to lead and cadmium poses health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women, affecting neurological development, kidneys, and more.
Mitigation: Eating dark chocolate in moderation, choosing products with lower cacao percentages, and diversifying your diet can help minimize risk.
Lindt's Stance: Lindt has stated that trace amounts of heavy metals are unavoidable in food and that its products are within federal regulatory limits, amidst a lawsuit.
Organic Is Not a Guarantee: Independent tests show organic labels do not guarantee lower heavy metal levels, as contamination often comes from soil.

Understanding Heavy Metals in Chocolate

The presence of heavy metals like lead and cadmium in dark chocolate has become a topic of significant concern for consumers. While these metals occur naturally in the environment, their presence in food products, especially at elevated levels, raises questions about product safety and manufacturing practices. In recent years, several studies by organizations such as Consumer Reports and As You Sow have brought this issue to the forefront, specifically highlighting that products from various brands, including Lindt, may contain concerning levels of these contaminants.

The Consumer Reports Study and Lindt's Findings

In a 2022 report, Consumer Reports tested 28 different dark chocolate bars and found detectable levels of both lead and cadmium in all of them. {Link: Economic Times https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/global-trends/heavy-metals-found-in-expertly-crafted-lindt-chocolates-how-safe-is-your-favorite-treat/articleshow/115523807.cms}

Lindt's Test Results

The findings identified two Lindt products with elevated levels relative to California's Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL). Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa showed high levels of lead, and Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa showed high levels of cadmium. These results led to a class-action lawsuit against Lindt regarding marketing practices. Lindt responded by stating that trace amounts of these heavy metals are unavoidable in the food supply and that their products meet federal regulatory limits.

How Heavy Metals Enter Cocoa Products

The contamination of cocoa beans with heavy metals involves different pathways. Lead typically contaminates cocoa beans during the post-harvest process from dust and soil. Cadmium is primarily absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil as it grows.

Comparing Heavy Metal Levels in Chocolate Products


Feature	Dark Chocolate (e.g., Lindt Excellence)	Milk Chocolate	Cocoa Powder (High-Cacao)
Cacao Content	High percentage (70%+)	Low percentage	Very high percentage
Heavy Metal Levels	Tends to be higher in lead and cadmium due to higher cocoa solids.	Tends to be lower in heavy metals due to less cocoa solids.	High levels of lead are possible; cadmium can be elevated.
Primary Contaminant Concern	Can be high in both lead and cadmium depending on the bar.	Lower overall risk, but still contains detectable levels.	Can be a significant source of lead if contaminated during drying.
Mitigation Strategy	Consume in moderation; check independent lab tests.	Moderation is still recommended due to higher sugar content.	Be mindful of daily intake from baking and beverages.

Health Risks of Lead and Cadmium Exposure

Regular exposure to heavy metals can be harmful, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead can affect children's brain development and impact adult health. Cadmium can accumulate in kidneys and is a known carcinogen. The cumulative effect from various sources is a concern.

How to Reduce Your Risk When Eating Chocolate

Consumers can reduce heavy metal exposure by moderating dark chocolate intake and diversifying their diet. Choosing chocolates with less than 70% cacao and checking independent test results can also help.

Conclusion: Does Lindt cocoa have lead in it?

Independent testing, such as by Consumer Reports, shows some Lindt dark chocolate contains detectable levels of lead and cadmium. This issue is common in high-cacao dark chocolates. Lindt maintains its products meet regulatory standards. Consumers can make informed choices by understanding contamination pathways and practicing moderation. {Link: Economic Times https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/global-trends/heavy-metals-found-in-expertly-crafted-lindt-chocolates-how-safe-is-your-favorite-treat/articleshow/115523807.cms}

Lead and Cadmium Could Be in Your Dark Chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

A 2022 Consumer Reports study found that Lindt's Excellence 85% Cocoa dark chocolate bar exceeded California's maximum allowable dose level for lead and its Excellence 70% bar exceeded the level for cadmium.

Lead contamination primarily happens after harvest from airborne dust and soil during the outdoor drying process, while cadmium is absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil as it grows.

Generally, yes. Dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of cocoa solids, where heavy metals accumulate. Products with higher cacao percentages tend to have higher levels.

No. Lindt has argued in a lawsuit that trace amounts of lead and cadmium are unavoidable in the food supply. While they state their products are within regulatory limits, their marketing claims were defended as non-factual 'puffery'.

Consistent, low-level exposure to lead and cadmium can cause health problems over time. Lead is particularly harmful to children's brain development, while cadmium is a carcinogen linked to kidney damage.

No, it does not. Studies have shown that organic chocolate can have heavy metal levels comparable to, or even higher than, conventional chocolate, as the contamination source is often the soil.

To reduce risk, consumers can eat dark chocolate in moderation, alternate with milk chocolate, choose products with lower cacao percentages, and diversify their diet to avoid relying on a single food source.