Finding Out What Chocolate Chips Are Low in Lead and Cadmium

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Consumer Reports' testing of 12 chocolate chip products, detectable levels of heavy metals were found in all of them, though most products remained below concerning levels for the average serving size. This has prompted many to seek out brands that prioritize lower contamination.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer chocolate chips with comparatively low levels of lead and cadmium, including 365 Whole Foods, Kirkland Signature, and Nestlé Toll House. Dark chocolate tends to have higher heavy metal content due to higher cocoa solids.

Key Points

Low-Risk Brands: Consumer Reports identified 365 Whole Foods Market, Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips as having relatively low levels of both lead and cadmium.
High-Cocoa Risk: Products with higher cocoa solids, like dark chocolate chips, tend to have higher levels of heavy metals, but not always.
Post-Harvest Lead: Much of the lead contamination in cocoa happens after the beans are harvested, often during the sun-drying process from soil and dust.
Cadmium is Soil-Based: Cadmium is absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil, meaning it's present in the beans at harvest.
Moderation is Key: Eating chocolate chips in moderation and varying the brands you purchase can help reduce overall exposure to heavy metals.
Check Test Results: Brands like Hu and Good & Gather (Target) exceeded lead limits in CR testing, highlighting the importance of checking test results before buying.

Understanding Heavy Metals in Chocolate

Independent testing by organizations like Consumer Reports has highlighted concerns about heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in chocolate products. These elements occur naturally in the environment and can enter food through various stages of growth and processing. Long-term exposure to these metals is particularly worrisome for pregnant individuals and children due to potential health and developmental effects.

How Lead and Cadmium Contaminate Chocolate

Contamination of cocoa by heavy metals occurs mainly through two processes, as explained in research from a legal settlement involving chocolate manufacturers.

Cadmium: The cacao plant absorbs cadmium from the soil as it grows, accumulating it within the beans used for chocolate production. Certain growing regions or older trees may yield beans with higher cadmium levels.
Lead: Unlike cadmium, lead contamination usually happens after cacao harvest. Lead from soil and dust can settle on the beans' surface and husks while they dry outdoors, introducing lead into the final product.

Test Results for Low Heavy Metal Chocolate Chips

Consumer Reports (CR) tested 48 cocoa products, including 12 chocolate chip varieties, in 2023. Although all samples contained detectable lead and cadmium, some had significantly lower levels compared to California's Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL). For more detailed results, including specific brands that tested low or exceeded certain thresholds based on CR's criteria, and a comparison table, please refer to the {Link: Consumer Reports website https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/a-third-of-chocolate-products-are-high-in-heavy-metals-a4844566398/}.

Strategies for Choosing Low-Metal Chocolate Chips

Consumers aiming to reduce heavy metal exposure from chocolate can use several strategies applicable to all cocoa products. Varying the brands and types of chocolate you eat is a simple way to lower heavy metal intake. Since levels vary, rotating your choices prevents consistent high exposure from one source.

Opt for Lower Cocoa Content

Products with more cocoa solids, such as dark chocolate and cocoa powder, generally have higher heavy metal levels. Milk chocolate, with fewer cocoa solids, usually has lower levels. Some bittersweet or lower percentage dark chocolate chips offer a darker taste with lower test results.

Look for Third-Party Testing

Some companies use third-party testing to ensure products meet purity standards. For example, Navitas Organics tests all finished products for heavy metals. Brands may publish test results or state their commitment to low heavy metal content.

Check European Sourcing

European regulations for heavy metals in food can be stricter than in the US. Chocolate brands sourced from or made in Europe may have lower contamination. Brands like Callebaut and Valrhona are often mentioned in this context.

Conclusion: Making Informed Chocolate Choices

While heavy metals in chocolate are a concern, informed choices can help manage exposure. Checking independent test results, understanding contamination factors, and eating chocolate in moderation can reduce intake. Rotating brands and viewing chocolate as an occasional treat minimizes potential health impacts. Consult reports from organizations like Consumer Reports for guidance.

How manufacturers can minimize contamination

Improve Harvesting and Processing: Better handling, cleaning, and drying can significantly reduce lead, a post-harvest contaminant.
Responsible Sourcing: Manufacturers can choose cacao from regions with lower soil cadmium or from younger trees.
Strategic Blending: Combining beans from different sources can lower the total heavy metal concentration in the final product.

Final Thoughts on Chocolate and Your Diet

Chocolate chips are usually a small part of a diet, but understanding heavy metal levels is important within overall exposure. Consistent, high intake from multiple sources poses the greatest risk. A balanced approach with thoughtful choices allows for responsible chocolate enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on Consumer Reports' 2023 testing, certain brands were found to have relatively low levels of both lead and cadmium per serving. For specific brand names, please see the full report on the {Link: Consumer Reports website https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/a-third-of-chocolate-products-are-high-in-heavy-metals-a4844566398/}.

Lead contamination primarily occurs after harvest when dust and dirt land on the cacao beans as they dry. Cadmium is absorbed by the cacao plant from the soil as it grows, accumulating in the beans.

Not all dark chocolate is high in heavy metals, though it generally has higher levels than milk chocolate due to a higher concentration of cocoa solids. Test results vary significantly by brand, source, and batch.

A study analyzed by Consumer Reports suggested organic products might have higher heavy metal levels, but CR's own tests haven't shown a consistent difference between organic and non-organic. Organic certification does not necessarily guarantee lower heavy metal content.

No, stopping entirely is not necessary for most people. Health experts recommend consuming chocolate in moderation and varying brands to reduce overall exposure to any one source of heavy metals.

In CR's testing, chocolate chips were generally safer per serving than many dark chocolate bars, partly due to the smaller portion size typically consumed. However, dark chocolate chips still tend to contain more heavy metals than milk chocolate chips.

Yes, manufacturers can implement strategies to reduce heavy metal contamination. These include sourcing cacao from lower-risk regions, improving bean processing to minimize dust contact, and blending beans from different sources.