Recent tests done by Consumer Reports (CR), a nonprofit organization that researches and conducts product testing, have found that a large range of hot chocolate products contain high levels of toxic metals such as lead and cadmium.
Many of the hot chocolate mixes are very popular amongst consumers. Several products were confirmed to contain high levels of toxic metals amongst the lineup.
Within the six mixes that were studied, four of the boxes that contained high amounts of lead were: Nestle, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, and Great Value. These tests were measured against California’s maximum allowable dose levels, or MADL, which places its allowable lead levels at 0.5 micrograms a day and its cadmium levels at 4.1 micrograms per day.
According to Consumer Reports findings, Nestlé’s Rich Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix contained 108 percent of the amount of lead allowed under California’s allowed dosage. Trader Joe’s Organic Hot Cocoa Mix and Starbucks’ Classic Hot Cocoa contained 115 percent and 159 percent lead respectively.
With a staggering 345 percent, Great Value, Walmart’s house brand, and their Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa Mix resulted in the highest amount of heavy metals of all six mixtures tested.
The findings of this independent study are gradually stirring worries among hot chocolate consumers who regularly ingest these products. Specific demographics of people, such as pregnant women and children are more likely to be affected with medical issues if they are exposed to the large doses of toxic metals that these mixtures produce.
The concerning amount of these substances can lead to health problems, especially in those who are at greater risk, like young children who are more likely to drink hot chocolate during the chilly winter months.
According to the World Health Organization, “Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health impacts, particularly on the development of the brain and nervous system. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and kidney damage.”
While several of the most popular hot cocoa mix brands were found on the list, there are many alternatives Consumer Reports recognized as having the least amount of heavy metals found. Both Ghirardelli’s Premium Hot Cocoa Mix and Swiss Miss’ Milk Chocolate Flavor Hot Cocoa ranked lower than many other brands on this list.
