Dark Chocolate and Heavy Metals (Lead & Cadmium): What You Need to Know

Lately I’ve been seeing this everywhere.

People are saying you should stop eating dark chocolate because of heavy metals, especially lead and cadmium. And I get it. It sounds scary, and it can make you feel like chocolate suddenly became “bad.”

But the truth is, it’s not that simple. Here’s what’s actually going on, and how to choose better chocolate without panicking.

Can dark chocolate contain heavy metals?

Yes, some dark chocolate can contain trace amounts of heavy metals, mainly lead and cadmium.

These metals exist naturally in the environment. Since cacao grows in soil, it can sometimes absorb small amounts depending on where it’s grown. Heavy metals can also appear through contamination during harvesting, drying, or processing.

This is not something chocolate brands “add,” but levels can vary a lot between brands.

So… is dark chocolate bad for you?

Not necessarily.

The real issue is that not all chocolate is made the same. Some brands use cacao from mixed or unknown sources, and that makes it harder to control consistency and quality.

So the problem is not “dark chocolate.”

The problem is lack of traceability.

Why does cacao origin matter so much?

This is why I always talk about single origin chocolate.

When a chocolate maker knows exactly where the cacao comes from, everything changes. Single origin means cacao comes from one region, instead of being blended from multiple places. Even better is when it’s traceable to a specific farm or producer network.

When you know where cacao is coming from, you can:

• control quality more consistently

• track batches more clearly

• reduce risk in the supply chain

• create real transparency

And yes, this matters when people talk about heavy metals in chocolate.

Does Karü test for heavy metals?

Yes.

At Karü Chocolates, we work with single origin cacao, and we test our chocolate for heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Our goal is always the same: keep levels low, meet safety standards, and make chocolate you can enjoy with confidence.

Because chocolate should feel like a daily pleasure, not something you’re afraid of.

What should you do if you love dark chocolate?

You don’t need to quit it.

If you love dark chocolate, just choose it better.

Don’t buy chocolate only because it says “70%” or “85%.” Look for brands that are transparent about sourcing, use single origin cacao, and care about quality beyond the label.

Dark chocolate isn’t the enemy.

Bad sourcing and zero transparency is.

FAQ

Does dark chocolate have heavy metals?

Some dark chocolate can contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, depending on cacao origin and processing.

What causes lead and cadmium in chocolate?

They can come from the soil where cacao grows or from contamination during post-harvest handling and processing.

How do I choose dark chocolate with low heavy metals?

Look for single origin chocolate, traceable sourcing, and brands that prioritize quality control and heavy metals testing.

Is Karü Chocolates tested for heavy metals?

Karü Chocolates is made with single origin cacao and tested for heavy metals like lead and cadmium, with levels kept low through careful sourcing and quality control.