Consumer Reports Study Reveals Heavy Metal Contamination
In late 2022, Consumer Reports (CR) published a groundbreaking study that tested 28 popular dark chocolate bars for heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium. The findings revealed detectable amounts of these toxic heavy metals in every single bar tested. For 23 of these bars, including two from Trader Joe's, consuming just one ounce a day would put an adult over a level that public health officials deem potentially harmful over time.
The Specific Trader Joe's Products of Concern
CR's testing singled out two specific Trader Joe's products for their heavy metal levels:
- Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao: This product was found to be high in lead, containing 192% of California's Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for the heavy metal.
- Trader Joe's The Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate 85% Cacao: This bar tested high for both lead (127% of MADL) and cadmium (229% of MADL).
The Lawsuits and Their Outcome
The CR report triggered a wave of class-action lawsuits against several chocolate manufacturers, including Trader Joe's and Hershey, for allegedly misleading consumers by not disclosing the presence of heavy metals on product packaging. The lawsuits claimed that consumers were endangered and deceived about the products' contents.
However, some of these legal challenges have faced setbacks. In April 2025, a federal judge dismissed most of the class-action lawsuit against Trader Joe's, ruling that the health risks posed by heavy metals in chocolate were already widely known and not exclusively within the company's knowledge. The judge stated that alleging a general risk from heavy metals didn't prove the specific levels in Trader Joe's products posed an unreasonable safety hazard. While this was a legal win for the company, it does not change the heavy metal levels originally reported by CR. Legal claims brought under specific state laws, such as those in New York and Illinois, were allowed to proceed in some cases.
Why Heavy Metals Are in Dark Chocolate
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are not intentionally added to chocolate but are naturally occurring contaminants. The presence of these metals is a complex agricultural issue related to how and where cacao beans are grown and processed.
Cadmium contamination: Cadmium is absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil as it grows. This means the cadmium levels are largely dependent on the soil composition of the farm where the beans are cultivated.
Lead contamination: Lead typically contaminates cacao beans after they have been harvested. As beans are often dried outdoors, lead-containing dust and soil can settle on the surface of the beans and get incorporated during processing. The location of the drying process, such as near industrial areas or places with a history of leaded gasoline use, can significantly impact lead levels.
Comparing Safer vs. Higher-Level Dark Chocolate Bars
While many brands were flagged for high levels, the Consumer Reports testing showed a significant variation in heavy metal content across different products, highlighting that safer options do exist. Below is a comparison of some dark chocolate bars based on CR's 2022 findings.
| Feature | Higher Heavy Metal Options (e.g., Trader Joe's) | Lower Heavy Metal Options (e.g., Mast Organic) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (California MADL) | Often well over 100%, with some exceeding 200% | Significantly lower, often under 50% |
| Cadmium (California MADL) | Can be well over 100%, with some exceeding 200% | Often under 50%, with some testing even lower |
| Cacao Percentage | Not a reliable indicator, though some high-percentage bars show high metals | Varies, with high-quality, high-percentage options available |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Depends on agricultural sourcing and processing, often not transparently advertised | May come from regions with lower soil contamination or be from producers with stricter cleaning processes |
| Healthier Aspect | Contaminants can potentially undermine traditional health benefits | Retains antioxidant benefits with lower heavy metal exposure |
How Consumers Can Make Informed Choices
For those who enjoy dark chocolate, it is not necessary to give it up entirely. The key is moderation and being a more informed consumer. Here are some steps you can take:
- Diversify your diet: Since heavy metals exist in many foods, including other healthy options like carrots and sweet potatoes, a varied diet is a good strategy to avoid over-exposure from any single source.
- Vary your chocolate brands: Rotate between different brands, and choose those that have shown lower levels of heavy metals in testing, such as some bars from Mast, Taza, or Ghirardelli.
- Consider lower cacao percentages: While not a guarantee, dark chocolates with a lower cacao content often have lower levels of cadmium, as the metal accumulates in the cocoa solids.
- Treat chocolate as an occasional treat: The risk of harm is associated with frequent, long-term exposure. Enjoying dark chocolate a few times a week rather than every day can significantly reduce your intake.
- Be aware of vulnerable populations: The risks of heavy metal exposure are higher for children and pregnant women. These groups should exercise particular caution with their dark chocolate consumption.
Conclusion: Navigating the Dark Chocolate Controversy
The question of "does Trader Joe's dark chocolate have lead in it" has a complex answer. Yes, according to Consumer Reports' 2022 testing, some Trader Joe's dark chocolate bars did contain levels of lead and cadmium deemed concerning for frequent consumption. However, this is not a problem unique to Trader Joe's, but rather an industry-wide issue rooted in natural cacao contamination. The legal outcomes of subsequent lawsuits have not invalidated the initial test results. Consumers can continue to enjoy chocolate by being mindful of these risks, diversifying their intake, and choosing brands with lower detected heavy metal levels. The most important action is to view dark chocolate as a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, rather than a health food to be consumed daily.
