Nutrition Diet: What is the safest brand of spices to buy?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2021 investigation by Consumer Reports, approximately one-third of the tested dried spices contained heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium at levels that could pose health concerns. This alarming statistic forces many home cooks to confront a pressing question for their nutrition diet: what is the safest brand of spices to buy?

Quick Summary

Concerns over heavy metal contamination in spices have consumers questioning brand safety. Data from Consumer Reports indicates that safety often depends on the specific spice and batch, not just the brand. Learn which products and strategies can help reduce potential risks.

Key Points

No Single 'Safest' Brand: No single manufacturer is consistently free from heavy metal contamination across all products; safety varies by spice and batch.
Organic is Not a Guarantee: The USDA organic label does not include heavy metal testing, so it does not ensure a product is free of these contaminants.
Diversify Your Spices: Buying different types of spices from various brands can reduce your total exposure to heavy metals.
Prioritize Lower-Risk Spices: Certain spices like black pepper, coriander, and garlic powder have shown lower contamination rates in tests.
Use Independent Test Data: Consult reports from consumer advocacy organizations like Consumer Reports to identify brands with lower heavy metal levels for specific spices.
Consider Fresh or Homegrown: For frequently used herbs like basil and oregano, growing your own allows for complete control over the growing medium and reduces contamination risk.

Navigating Heavy Metal Concerns in Your Spices

Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium can enter the spice supply through various pathways, including contaminated soil, industrial pollution, or improper handling during processing. While spices are used in small quantities, regular exposure, especially for children, can pose health risks as these metals accumulate in the body over time. This has led many to search for a definitive "safest" brand, but the answer is more complex than simple brand loyalty.

The Flaw in Choosing by Brand Name Alone

Consumer Reports' testing highlighted a significant challenge: no single brand is consistently safest across all spice categories. A brand might have low levels of heavy metals in one product but concerning levels in another. Furthermore, simply purchasing organic spices does not guarantee a lower heavy metal content, as USDA organic standards do not regulate heavy metals. This means consumers must adopt a more nuanced approach to stocking their spice rack.

Which Spices Tend to Have Lower vs. Higher Contamination?

Consumer research has shown that contamination levels can vary significantly between different types of spices. Some spices appear to be inherently less prone to heavy metal accumulation, while others consistently show concerning levels across multiple brands tested.

Spices Often Found with Lower Heavy Metal Levels:

Black pepper
Coriander
Curry powder (results vary by brand)
Garlic powder
Saffron
Sesame seeds
White pepper

Spices Often Found with Higher Heavy Metal Levels:

Thyme
Oregano
Basil
Ground Ginger
Cinnamon (recent testing revealed high lead levels in some brands)

Actionable Strategies for Healthier Spice Consumption

Since a single brand cannot be trusted universally, a proactive strategy is your best defense. Here’s how you can reduce your exposure and ensure a safer, healthier approach to flavoring your food.

1. Prioritize Trusted Brands for High-Risk Spices

For spices that frequently show contamination, use a brand that has demonstrated better results in independent testing. For example, Simply Organic's basil and ginger products tested in the lowest-risk category in one CR test. For cinnamon, specifically check recent findings, as products from Morton & Bassett, Sadaf, and Whole Foods' 365 brand have tested well.

2. Diversify Your Sources

Instead of buying all your spices from one manufacturer, spread your purchases across several brands. This mitigates the risk of a single batch or brand having a high concentration of heavy metals, effectively lowering your overall exposure.

3. Support Transparent and Ethical Brands

Companies like Burlap & Barrel and Diaspora Co. are known for working directly with smallholder farmers and providing high-quality, transparently sourced products. While not every purchase can come from such a specialized supplier, supporting these brands for commonly used spices is a great investment in both quality and safety.

4. Grow Your Own Herbs

For high-risk herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, consider growing them yourself. This gives you complete control over the growing medium and water source, eliminating the risk of contaminated soil or imported processing issues. Fresh herbs also offer superior flavor.

Comparison Table: Low-Risk Brand Options from CR Testing


Spice Category	Brands with Lowest Heavy Metal Levels (Based on CR Tests)
Black Pepper	Morton & Bassett, Simply Organic, McCormick, Great Value
Chili Powder	Morton & Bassett, Simply Organic, McCormick, Spice Islands
Coriander	Simply Organic, Morton & Bassett, Spice Islands
Curry Powder	Simply Organic, Great Value, Morton & Bassett
Garlic Powder	Simply Organic, McCormick, Whole Foods 365
Cinnamon	Morton & Bassett, Sadaf, Whole Foods 365 (check recent reports)
Basil	Simply Organic (in one test)
Ginger	Simply Organic (in one test)

Note: This data reflects findings from specific tests and may not represent all product batches.

Conclusion: A Proactive Approach is Your Best Bet

Ultimately, defining what is the safest brand of spices to buy is not about finding a single, infallible manufacturer. It's about being an informed, proactive consumer. By understanding which spices are more susceptible to contamination, diversifying your purchases, and considering brands that have demonstrated lower levels in tests by groups like Consumer Reports, you can make smarter, healthier choices. This dietary awareness extends beyond just selecting brands; it involves a holistic strategy that includes where you source your herbs, how you store them, and even considering growing them yourself. By focusing on smart sourcing and diversification, you can continue to enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits of spices with greater peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Heavy metals can enter spices through contaminated soil, industrial pollution, or processing equipment. While spices are used in small amounts, frequent exposure to accumulating heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic can pose health risks over time.

No, a USDA organic certification does not include testing for heavy metals. Therefore, buying organic spices does not guarantee lower heavy metal levels compared to conventionally grown ones.

According to tests by Consumer Reports and other studies, some of the spices most often found to contain higher levels of heavy metals include thyme, oregano, basil, and ground ginger.

While results vary by product and batch, brands like Simply Organic, Morton & Bassett, and McCormick have had products test in lower-risk categories in specific CR investigations. For cinnamon, some of the better-testing brands included Whole Foods 365 and Morton & Bassett.

Whole spices are generally less likely to be adulterated with fillers or foreign materials than powdered forms. However, heavy metal contamination can happen at the source, so buying from reputable brands is still crucial for both whole and ground options.

Growing your own herbs like basil and oregano is an excellent way to control the quality of your spices and reduce potential exposure to heavy metals from imported sources. It also ensures freshness and flavor.

To preserve flavor and health benefits, store your spices in airtight containers away from heat and light. Dr. Jampolis advises discarding old spices, as polyphenols degrade over time.

Research has indicated that spices purchased abroad or brought back from travel can sometimes have higher heavy metal content. U.S. importers may buy the highest-quality spices, leaving lower-quality ones for sale in the country of origin.