In light of recently raised concerns about the levels of toxic heavy metals in chocolate, researchers from Tulane University assessed the levels and risks of toxic metals in chocolates sold in the U.S., made from cocoa originating from different global regions. The findings revealed that, in nearly all chocolate samples, toxic heavy metals were below the recommended safe levels, although the levels of certain metals varied depending upon the origins of the cocoa beans used to make the chocolates.

The presence of contaminants in cacao-derived products such as chocolates has raised global health concerns. For example, in 2022 and in 2023, Consumer Reports produced the findings of two research projects suggesting a concerning presence of cadmium and lead among chocolates and cocoa-containing products. Tulane researchers’ findings indicate, however, that an ounce of dark chocolate daily poses no health concern for adults, with only minor concern for children’s exposure to cadmium.