Cadmium in Cacao: 

What You Need to Know

November, 2022

At Original Beans, transparency and quality are at the heart of what we do. This includes deep knowledge of our products and our supply chain. We know where our beans come from and how they were grown. But we don’t stop there. We also test and analyze our ingredients and products to understand their elemental setup. 

Why is this important? 
A topic that has been making waves among chocolate lovers is cadmium. Cadmium is a chemical element found in various foods, including cacao. Let’s take a closer look at cadmium, what it is and why cadmium levels are important when we talk about chocolate. 

What is Cadmium? 
Cadmium is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in our environment. It is also a by-product of certain industrial activities but it can also be found in soil and water. Cadmium is present in trace amounts in foods such as vegetables, fish and whole grain as well as chocolate. However, it's worth noting that in Europe, the average cadmium intake from chocolate is quite low (4.3%), while other foods contribute much more:

• Potatoes 13.1%
• Bread & bakery 16.8%

 For this reason, we want to share how we ensure the safety and quality of our products.

Why Measure Cadmium?
Cadmium can build up in our bodies over time, which can lead to health issues. Workers can be exposed to cadmium through industrial processes. Other risk factors include smoking or eating contaminated food. Regulators have set legal maximum limits for cadmium in food to keep consumers safe. At Original Beans, we take these laws seriously and check cadmium levels in our cacao beans and finished chocolate to make sure they are safe to eat.

Our Commitment
We follow strict guidelines to ensure cadmium levels are kept safely within the allowed limits. Here’s a closer look at how we achieve this:

  • Legal Limits: In Europe, the legal limit for cadmium in dark chocolate is 0.80 mg per kilogram, and for milk chocolate it is 0.30 mg per kilogram. We ensure our products stay well below these thresholds.
  • Testing and Transparency: We regularly test our cacao beans and finished chocolate. Our results show that the cadmium levels in our dark chocolate range from 0.10 to 0.60 mg per kilogram, and for milk chocolate around 0.10 mg per kilogram. These levels are consistently below the legal limits. In chocolates, cadmium levels vary per origin and harvest. For example, our Cusco 100% is usually very low and stable in cadmium test results, even though some places in Peru have high cadmium levels. This is because the Cusco beans grow at high altitude where levels are lower. 
  • Ongoing Monitoring: We continually monitor and test our products to maintain the highest safety standards. We keep up to date with any changes in regulations and adapt our practices as needed. For example, we also test other heavy metals and check guidelines and legal regulations set by the EU or in the US. This reflects our commitment to knowing our product and preparing for the future.  

We strive to deliver high-quality products that you can enjoy with peace of mind. We are committed to transparency and will keep you informed about any changes or updates to our practices. If you have any more questions or are interested in further details, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

September, 2024

Silky notes of caramel, hazelnut and salt float through this chocolate from rare Arriba cacao like a cloud forest’s mist where tree frogs bask.


The daily mists and rains rising up from the Pacific to the Esmeraldas cacao forests cannot unsettle a sloth whose thickish fur grows upwards for the perfect water run-off. Your purchase of Esmeraldas 42% helps protect Ecuador’s last cloud forest and the sloth’s gentle way of life.

  • Pure Taste

  • Climate +

  • Fair +

  • Compostable

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