What Kind of Metal is in Hershey Chocolate?
When discussing "metal" in Hershey chocolate, it is crucial to differentiate between two very distinct issues: industrial metal fragments and heavy metal contaminants. Industrial metal fragments, such as tiny bits of machinery, are a concern in any food manufacturing process but are typically detected and removed by strict quality control measures involving magnets and metal detectors. The controversy surrounding Hershey, and other chocolate manufacturers, does not concern these fragments. Instead, it involves the presence of heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium, which are naturally occurring elements that can enter the food chain.
Natural Sources of Heavy Metals in Cacao
Heavy metals enter chocolate primarily through the cacao beans, the main ingredient. The pathways for lead and cadmium contamination are different.
- Cadmium: This heavy metal is absorbed by the cacao tree from the soil as it grows. The amount of cadmium absorbed can vary based on the cacao variety, soil acidity, and the geographical location of the farm. Cacao grown in regions with naturally high levels of cadmium in the soil, such as parts of Central and South America, may have higher levels in the finished product.
- Lead: Unlike cadmium, lead contamination most often happens after the beans are harvested. The cacao beans are typically fermented and dried in open-air facilities. During this process, dust and soil particles containing lead can settle on the beans, contaminating the surface. Because of this surface contamination, more careful post-harvest cleaning could help reduce lead levels.
The Role of Cocoa Content
Since heavy metals like lead and cadmium concentrate in the cocoa solids, products with a higher cocoa percentage tend to have higher levels of these contaminants. This is why dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and products like dark chocolate chips are more frequently cited for high heavy metal levels compared to milk chocolate. Milk chocolate contains a lower proportion of cocoa solids, meaning the heavy metals are effectively diluted.
Consumer Reports Findings and Lawsuits
In late 2022 and 2023, Consumer Reports (CR) published studies detailing the levels of heavy metals in various chocolate products, including several Hershey brands. The findings led to multiple class-action lawsuits against Hershey.
Key findings from CR included:
- Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate Bar: One ounce of this bar was found to have lead at 265% of California's Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL), a health-protective benchmark used by CR.
- Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa: As a Hershey-owned brand, this product was cited for having lead levels at 144% of California's MADL.
- Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa: This bar exceeded both lead (143% of MADL) and cadmium (101% of MADL) limits.
- Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened 100% Cacao: A tablespoon of this cocoa powder exceeded California's lead limits by 25%.
These findings triggered legal action, with consumers alleging that Hershey’s marketing was deceptive by failing to disclose the presence of these heavy metals. In its defense, Hershey has maintained that trace amounts are unavoidable and that its products are safe for consumption, though it has acknowledged evaluating options to reduce metal content.
Comparison of Heavy Metal Levels in Hershey Products (Based on CR Analysis)
This table shows a comparison of heavy metal levels in select Hershey products, expressed as a percentage of California's MADL, based on Consumer Reports' findings.
| Product | Lead (% of MADL) | Cadmium (% of MADL) | Cocoa Content | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate | 265% | 30% | Mid-range | High lead, relatively low cadmium |
| Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa | 144% | 42% | 70% | Higher lead, moderate cadmium |
| Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa | 143% | 101% | 85% | High lead and cadmium |
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar | 67% | 31% | Low | Lower lead, moderate cadmium |
| Hershey's Cocoa Naturally Unsweetened 100% Cacao | 125% | 18% | 100% | High lead, very low cadmium |
Efforts to Mitigate Contamination
Chocolate manufacturers employ various strategies to minimize heavy metal content, though complete elimination is difficult due to natural sources.
Sourcing and Blending
One of the most effective methods is careful sourcing and blending. By sourcing cacao beans from different regions, companies can strategically mix beans to achieve lower overall heavy metal levels. Research has also shown that specific soil conditions and bean processing techniques can influence uptake and retention. Hershey's CFO has stated the company is exploring alternate sourcing and cleaning methods.
Advanced Processing
Manufacturers like Hershey employ advanced technologies to detect and remove contaminants throughout the production line. This includes magnetic separation and high-sensitivity metal detectors to catch any foreign objects introduced during processing. While these are highly effective for industrial contaminants, they cannot remove heavy metals that are naturally integrated into the cocoa beans themselves. However, post-harvest cleaning and washing of beans can help reduce lead levels.
The Bottom Line for Consumers
For consumers concerned about heavy metals, understanding that chocolate is just one source among many in a typical diet is important. The risk is highest for vulnerable populations like young children and pregnant individuals, but consistent, long-term exposure can affect anyone.
To minimize risk without completely giving up chocolate:
- Choose Wisely: Opt for products identified in tests as having lower heavy metal levels. Milk chocolate, for instance, typically contains lower levels than dark chocolate.
- Practice Moderation: Think of dark chocolate as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, especially for children and pregnant people.
- Diversify Your Diet: Heavy metals are found in many foods, such as carrots, rice, and spinach. A well-rounded diet with a variety of foods helps avoid overconsumption from a single source.
Ultimately, while the presence of heavy metals in Hershey chocolate is a documented issue, the risk depends on the product, consumption frequency, and individual vulnerability. Consumer Reports continues to be an excellent resource for information on this topic.
