Independent Testing and Third-Party Verification
The question of whether Once Upon a Farm is high in metals is a serious concern for parents, and thankfully, multiple sources of information address this directly. The company actively participates in and promotes third-party testing to provide transparency regarding heavy metal content in their products. This practice is a key differentiator from other baby food brands that have faced criticism for insufficient testing or disclosure.
Consumer Reports Study (June 2024)
In a June 2024 study that also tested products from LesserEvil and Serenity Kids, Consumer Reports found very low levels of lead in Once Upon a Farm's sorghum-based puffs. In fact, the report noted that these products had some of the lowest lead levels among all the baby foods tested by the organization since 2017. This specific test provides strong evidence that at least some Once Upon a Farm products are not high in metals, especially lead.
Clean Label Project Certification
Once Upon a Farm is certified by the Clean Label Project, a non-profit organization that independently tests consumer products for over 400 contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. The company is a recipient of both the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the new First 1,000 Day Promise Certification for its Advanced Nutrition Blends. The "First 1,000 Day Promise" certification is particularly notable, as it requires heightened nutritional elements and stricter regulation of heavy metals, toxic compounds, and melamine. By undergoing this rigorous, independent assessment, Once Upon a Farm provides an extra layer of assurance to consumers.
Lead Safe Mama Testing (2023-2025)
Not all independent test results have been universally favorable for Once Upon a Farm across all product lines. The consumer advocate group Lead Safe Mama has published a series of lab test reports showing varying results for different products. For example, some of Once Upon a Farm's newer products, such as specific oat bars and the coconut melts tested in 2025, have shown detectable levels of certain toxicants, though not necessarily illegal levels. However, other products, like a dairy-free smoothie tested in 2024, showed "non-detect" results for lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. This mixed picture emphasizes that heavy metal levels can vary by product and ingredient, and highlights the importance of ingredient sourcing.
Comparison: Once Upon a Farm vs. Competitors
To put Once Upon a Farm's heavy metal results into perspective, it's helpful to compare its testing protocols and outcomes with other baby food brands.
| Feature | Once Upon a Farm | Competitors (e.g., LesserEvil, Serenity Kids) | Competitors (e.g., Cerebelly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metal Levels (Recent Tests) | Low levels of lead in sorghum puffs (Consumer Reports 2024). Mixed results on other products in independent testing (Lead Safe Mama). | Higher levels of lead found in cassava-based snacks (Consumer Reports 2024). | Uses specific sourcing and testing protocols to select ingredients from low-risk soils. |
| Third-Party Certification | Certified by Clean Label Project with Purity Award and First 1,000 Day Promise. | Varies by company; some do not participate in or display such rigorous third-party programs. | Claims independent verification and specific testing protocols. |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Explicitly mentions choosing ingredients less prone to absorbing heavy metals, like sorghum over rice or cassava for puffs. | May use higher-risk ingredients without sufficient testing to mitigate contamination. | Prioritizes sourcing from farms with uncontaminated soil. |
| Test Result Transparency | Publishes test results on its website, providing transparency for consumers, including for products not covered by new California laws. | Often requires consumers to use a lot number to find results, or lacks comprehensive public data. | Provides access to testing data via its website. |
How Heavy Metals Enter Baby Food
Parents often wonder how heavy metals, especially in organic foods, become a concern. These contaminants are not typically added intentionally but are absorbed from the environment. Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium can be present in soil and water due to natural occurrences or industrial pollution. Plants absorb these elements as they grow, meaning even organic crops can contain heavy metals. Certain plants are more prone to absorbing these metals than others; for example, rice, sweet potatoes, and root vegetables often have higher levels compared to other foods. This is why ingredient choice and meticulous sourcing are critical for baby food manufacturers.
Once Upon a Farm's Mitigation Strategy
Once Upon a Farm addresses the challenge of heavy metals through several measures:
- Rigorous Testing: The company tests raw ingredients and finished products for heavy metals and other contaminants. This multi-stage process helps catch potential issues early and ensures the final product meets its quality standards.
- Ingredient Selection: Once Upon a Farm consciously chooses ingredients that are less likely to contain high levels of metals. For instance, the use of sorghum instead of higher-risk rice or cassava in its puffs demonstrates a strategic choice to minimize potential contamination.
- High-Pressure Processing (HPP): The company uses HPP to preserve nutrients and eliminate harmful pathogens, a process that does not introduce heavy metals.
- Supplier Qualifications: They maintain strict qualification standards for their ingredient suppliers, including requiring regular heavy metal testing.
Conclusion
Based on recent independent testing by Consumer Reports and the company's proactive approach to safety and transparency, Once Upon a Farm products generally appear to have low levels of heavy metals compared to some competitors. The company's engagement with third-party certifiers like the Clean Label Project, combined with its ingredient sourcing and testing protocols, demonstrates a strong commitment to minimizing heavy metal exposure. However, some smaller-scale independent tests suggest that not every product batch or type is entirely free of detectable levels, which is a broader issue for all food manufacturers. Parents should stay informed by checking the latest reports and utilizing the company's public testing data, particularly with new transparency laws taking effect in 2025. Ultimately, while no food is entirely free of environmental heavy metals, Once Upon a Farm's transparency and testing offer reassurance regarding the safety of its products.
What Parents Can Do to Minimize Risk
- Check Testing Data: Utilize product lot number lookup features on company websites where available, especially now with new laws like California's AB899 prompting nationwide transparency.
- Diversify Your Child's Diet: Rotate between different foods and brands to avoid over-reliance on a single food type or ingredient, especially those known to absorb higher levels of heavy metals like rice or certain root vegetables.
- Make Your Own Baby Food: Making baby food at home allows for control over ingredients, though it's important to be aware that even homegrown produce can contain heavy metals from soil.
- Stay Updated on Reports: Pay attention to recalls and reports from independent groups like Consumer Reports and Clean Label Project. These organizations provide regular updates on product testing.
