In 2022 and 2023, Consumer Reports scrutinized 28 chocolate bars from big labels like Ghirardelli, Hershey's, and Trader Joe's, exposing alarming lead and cadmium levels. With persistent exposure, these metals are linked to immune suppression, reproductive issues, and brain damage. 

 

For instance, the original investigation pinpointed Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate for high lead levels. CR reported that Mast Organic Dark Chocolate (80% cocoa) had the lowest lead levels. Milk chocolate bars emerged as safer, simply because they contain less cocoa solids.

 

The March 2024 issue of Consumer Reports will assess common chocolate items like brownie mixes, cake mixes, hot chocolate mixes, chocolate chips, and baking cocoa. According to their new investigation, a third have unsettling lead levels, which CR identifies as 0.5 micrograms or more per serving, though none raised cadmium concerns.

 

CR will reveal options with reduced lead levels in every tested category. We've cross-compared CR's upcoming March rankings with taste ratings from other sources. Here's the shortlist of both clean and also tasty chocolate treats:

 

Chocolate Chips

Ghirardelli premium baking bittersweet chocolate chips 60% Cacao or Lily's semi-sweet style chips for no sugar added

(skip Good & Gather, Hu)

 

Cake Mix

Betty Crocker Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix

(skip Simple Mills, Bob's Red Mill)

 

Cocoa Powder

Navitas Organics and 365 Whole Foods Cocoa Powder

(skip Hershey's, Droste)

 

Hot Chocolate

Ghirardelli premium hot cocoa mix

(skip Nesle, TJs, Starbucks, Great Value)

 

Brownie Mix

Duncan Hines dark chocolate fudge brownie mix or Annie's (organic) or Krusteaz (gluten free)

(skip Ghirardelli)