Exploring the Ingredients: What Heavy Metals Are in Uncrustables?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

A 2023 Consumer Reports study found that many processed foods contain measurable levels of heavy metals like lead and arsenic, raising concerns for consumers. This raises the question: what heavy metals are in Uncrustables, and should you be concerned about potential contamination?

Quick Summary

An analysis of ingredients and manufacturing processes indicates that trace amounts of heavy metals could potentially be present in Uncrustables, similar to other processed foods containing grains and produce, though no active recalls have been issued based on public records.

Key Points

Trace amounts are common: Like many processed foods, Uncrustables may contain trace levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, not as added ingredients but as environmental contaminants in the raw materials.
Sourced from agriculture: The potential for heavy metal presence is primarily due to environmental absorption from the soil and water by the agricultural crops, such as wheat and peanuts, used in production.
No safety recalls: There are no public records of active recalls for Uncrustables specifically due to heavy metal contamination.
Subject to regulation: The levels of heavy metals in food products are monitored and regulated by government agencies to ensure they fall within safe limits.
Risk mitigation: A balanced diet with a variety of whole foods is the most effective way to minimize overall dietary heavy metal intake.

Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are naturally present in the earth's crust and can enter the food supply through environmental contamination, affecting ingredients used in products like Uncrustables. These are not intentionally added but can be present at trace levels in raw agricultural materials such as wheat (used in bread) and peanuts (used in peanut butter), as well as potentially introduced during processing.

Potential Sources of Contamination

Ingredients in Uncrustables, like bread, peanut butter, and jelly, come from crops that absorb heavy metals from soil and water.

Agricultural Sourcing: Crops like wheat can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil. Peanuts, too, can be affected by environmental pollutants.
Processing and Manufacturing: Trace heavy metals can enter food during manufacturing via equipment contact or water supply. Packaging can also be a source.

Regulation and Testing

Organizations like the FDA and EFSA set limits for heavy metals in food. Manufacturers like Smuckers are expected to follow safety practices to minimize contaminants, although specific product test data is often not public. There are no current recalls for Uncrustables due to heavy metals.

Comparison: General Foods vs. Uncrustables Ingredients


Feature	General High-Risk Foods	Uncrustables Ingredients (Wheat, Peanuts, Fruit)
Associated Heavy Metals	Arsenic (rice), Cadmium (root vegetables, spinach), Lead (leafy greens)	Potential trace amounts of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead from soil/water absorption
Primary Sources	Environmental contamination in agricultural soil and water; industrial pollution	Environmental contamination from soil where wheat and peanuts are grown
Level of Concern	High for certain items like baby rice cereals	Generally considered low risk, but trace levels are common in processed foods
Monitoring	Regularly tested and monitored by manufacturers and government agencies	Subject to general food safety protocols and testing, but specific product test data is not publicly available

Mitigating Heavy Metal Exposure

To reduce overall exposure, a varied diet is recommended.

Diversify your diet: Eating a variety of foods from different sources helps avoid excessive intake of contaminants from a single item.
Choose whole foods: These are less processed and offer more nutrients.
Stay informed: Follow recalls and reports from organizations like Consumer Reports and the FDA.

Conclusion

While heavy metals are a general food supply concern, Uncrustables do not appear to pose an unusual risk. Trace amounts can be present due to environmental factors affecting ingredients, but manufacturers are regulated, and no heavy metal-related recalls exist. A balanced diet rich in whole foods is the best strategy for managing heavy metal intake.

For more information on food contamination and heavy metal regulation, you can visit the European Food Safety Authority's website (EFSA) at https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/metals-contaminants-food.

Key Takeaways

Trace heavy metals are environmental contaminants found in many foods, including Uncrustables, not added ingredients.
Sources include agricultural crops like wheat and peanuts and the manufacturing process.
No specific Uncrustables test results are public, but the product follows safety regulations.
Regulatory bodies set limits for heavy metals to ensure safety.
A diverse diet is key to minimizing overall exposure.
Consumer advocates monitor food safety for public health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While trace heavy metals are a general food safety concern, particularly for vulnerable populations, there is no specific evidence to suggest Uncrustables are unsafe for children. Levels are regulated and no recalls have been issued based on heavy metal concerns.

Not necessarily. A Consumer Reports study noted that organic and conventional foods were equally likely to contain heavy metals, as contamination often comes from the environment where crops are grown.

Heavy metals enter the food supply environmentally. Crops like wheat and peanuts absorb trace metals from the soil and water. Additionally, contamination can occur during food processing or from packaging materials.

Specific product test data from manufacturers is typically not public. However, Smuckers must comply with federal food safety regulations and is subject to oversight by regulatory bodies like the FDA.

The most commonly monitored heavy metals in food include lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Trace amounts of these could be present depending on the raw agricultural ingredients.

The FDA monitors the food supply for contaminants, including heavy metals, and sets action levels or limits to protect consumers, especially children. The FDA also responds to reports regarding heavy metals in certain foods.

Some consumer groups, like Ingredient Inspector, have raised concerns about the use of preservatives, added sugars, and hydrogenated oils in the product, noting these are ingredients not typically found in homemade sandwiches.