Heres how to shop for safer chocolate brands and keep yourself healthy.
Chocolate is a staple in many kitchens.
Whether it’s for baking or a sweet treat after dinner, chocolate is the ultimate pantry essential.
These two heavy metals can be dangerous for adults and children when consumed in excess.
Dark chocolate is particularly concerning as it contains more cocoa solids from the cacao bean than milk chocolate.
Five of the bars tested had potentially dangerous levels of both heavy metals.
Lead often seeps into beans after harvest from contact with roads and dirty equipment.
The best practice to minimize lead levels is to clean and dry the beans carefully.
Eating chocolates with lower cacao percentages could also limit your risk of consuming harmful levels of these heavy metals.