Heavy Metals in Hershey's Dark Chocolate: The 2022 Consumer Reports Study
In December 2022, Consumer Reports (CR) published a comprehensive study that tested 28 dark chocolate bars for heavy metal contamination. The results revealed that all 28 bars contained detectable amounts of lead and cadmium. Notably, several dark chocolate products from The Hershey Company, including those sold under its owned brands, were flagged for concerning levels of these metals.
Key findings from the CR investigation include:
- Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate showed one of the highest levels of lead among all tested bars, exceeding California's maximum allowable dose level (MADL) by 265%.
- Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa, also a Hershey's-owned product, contained lead levels 144% above the California MADL.
- Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa showed concerning levels of both lead and cadmium.
- Scharffen Berger Extra Dark Chocolate 82% Cacao, another brand owned by Hershey's, also tested high for cadmium.
CR noted that the contamination risk was not isolated to Hershey's but was widespread across the dark chocolate industry due to the cocoa bean's natural growth environment.
How Heavy Metals Enter the Cocoa Supply Chain
Heavy metal contamination in chocolate isn't a result of the manufacturing process but rather occurs during cocoa bean growth and processing.
- Cadmium: This heavy metal is primarily absorbed from the soil by the cacao plant's roots and accumulates in the bean itself. The level of cadmium depends on the soil quality of the farm where the beans were grown.
- Lead: This contamination can happen after the beans are harvested. The lead often settles on the outer shell of the cocoa bean as dust from agricultural and industrial pollution. Hershey's and other producers are working to reduce these levels by implementing stricter cleaning and sourcing practices.
Health Risks of Lead and Cadmium Exposure
While the levels found in dark chocolate are not acutely toxic, chronic, low-level exposure can be hazardous over time, especially for vulnerable populations.
Lead exposure:
- Children and pregnant people: The greatest concern surrounds children and those who are pregnant due to the risk of developmental damage to the brain and nervous system.
- Adults: Long-term exposure in adults has been linked to potential issues with the nervous system, kidney damage, hypertension, and reproductive problems.
Cadmium exposure:
- Chronic exposure: Consistent ingestion of cadmium can lead to organ system toxicity, potentially affecting the kidneys, bones, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
Comparison: Heavy Metals in Hershey's Dark vs. Milk Chocolate
Consumer Reports' analysis found that milk chocolate generally contains lower levels of heavy metals. This is because milk chocolate has a smaller concentration of cocoa, where the contaminants are more concentrated.
| Chocolate Product | Lead Content (vs. CA MADL) | Cadmium Content (vs. CA MADL) | Primary Source of Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey's Special Dark Bar | 265% | Undisclosed | Consumer Reports 2022 Test |
| Lily's Extra Dark (Hershey's) | 144% | Undisclosed | Consumer Reports 2022 Test |
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar | 67% | Within limits | Consumer Reports 2023 Test |
Hershey's and Industry Response
Hershey's has acknowledged the naturally occurring presence of these elements in cocoa. A company spokesperson emphasized that their products adhere to all applicable laws and regulations and that the metals are not intentionally added. They also stated that Hershey works with suppliers to minimize these levels. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) also weighed in, challenging CR's use of California's strict standards and assuring consumers that chocolate is safe. In response, consumer advocates have continued to pressure Hershey's to publicly commit to a timeline for further reducing heavy metal content.
Reducing Your Risk and Making Informed Choices
For those concerned about heavy metal intake, there are proactive steps to take.
What you can do to minimize exposure:
- Diversify your chocolate consumption: Opt for brands that test low in heavy metals. Consumer Reports has published lists of products with lower levels.
- Moderation is key: Limit the frequency and quantity of dark chocolate you consume, particularly if you're a heavy chocolate eater.
- Consider milk chocolate: Since it contains less cocoa, milk chocolate generally has lower concentrations of heavy metals.
- Check sourcing and processing: Research brands that implement stricter sourcing and processing techniques to minimize heavy metal levels. Some brands are more transparent about their efforts than others.
Conclusion
While a single serving of Hershey's dark chocolate is unlikely to cause immediate harm, recent testing has revealed elevated heavy metal levels that warrant attention, particularly for frequent consumers and vulnerable groups. The core issue stems from naturally occurring contaminants in cocoa, an industry-wide challenge, not just a Hershey's problem. By staying informed through consumer advocacy groups like Consumer Reports and practicing moderation, individuals can make more conscious choices about their chocolate consumption while industry leaders are pushed toward improved safety standards.
For more information on the full report and products, see the Consumer Reports heavy metals in chocolate article.
