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Product Review

Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review -- Sources of Flavanols

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? Find the Best Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder and Cocoa Supplements Based On Our Tests.

Product Review

Chia Seed Review — Whole, Ground, and Sprouted Seed, Seed Flour, & Supplements

Find the Best Chia Seeds, Sprouted Chia Powder, Flour, and Chia Supplements. Tests and Reviews of Chia Seeds & CL's Top Picks.

Chia supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Maca Supplements Review

Choose the Best Maca Supplement. Make Sure Your Maca Supplement Isn't Contaminated With Lead.

Maca Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

News Release

December 16, 2022

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? ConsumerLab Finds Major Differences Among Products.

White Plains, New York, December 16, 2022 — Although dark chocolate and cocoa can be good sources of potentially heart-healthy, antioxidant flavanols, they can also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead – and consumers can’t judge products from their labels.

News Release

March 03, 2020

Best and Worst Chia Seed Products Revealed by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, March 3, 2020 — Chia seeds are rich in fiber and a good source of healthful oils, particularly the omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), as well certain vitamins and minerals.

News Release

January 23, 2020

We Found the Best Dark Chocolates and Cocoas With the Least Contamination

White Plains, New York, January 23, 2020 — Dark chocolate and cocoa contain antioxidant flavanols that may be good for the heart and mind, but they can also contain high levels of the heavy metal cadmium, which is toxic to kidneys and can soften bones.

News Release

July 19, 2017

New Tests Reveal Whether Dark Chocolates and Cocoas Are Toxic or Healthful

White Plains, New York, July 19, 2017 — Dark chocolates and cocoa may contain dangerously high levels of the heavy metal cadmium, a kidney toxin, according to recent tests conducted by ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of health and nutrition products.

Recalls & Warnings

May 29, 2014

Chia Powders and Smoothies Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On May 28, 2014, Navitas Naturals issued a voluntary recall of products containing its organic sprouted chia seed powder because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

CL Answer

What is acrylamide? Is it true that coffee and cocoa contain this toxin?

Find out what acrylamide is, how much is found in coffee and cocoa, and how you can minimize your intake of acrylamide.

Acrylamide in Coffee, French Fries & Cookies

News Release

July 01, 2015

Tests of Maca "Enhancement" Supplements Find Real Maca, But Some Lead Contamination and Seemingly Excessive Amounts of Rice Filler

White Plains, New York, July 1, 2015 — It's touted for increasing stamina and sexual performance and sales have steadily increased for more than a decade, but do maca supplements really contain this root indigenous to Peru? To answer this question, ConsumerLab.

News Release

August 05, 2014

ConsumerLab.com Finds Popular Cocoa Powders Contaminated; High Concentrations of Cadmium Raise Concern

White Plains, New York, August 5, 2014 — Following up on its discovery in May of high levels of the toxic metal cadmium in several cocoa-based products, ConsumerLab.com recently tested additional, popular cocoa products sold in the U.S. to assess the extent of the problem.

News Release

May 21, 2014

Your Cocoa May Be Contaminated! ConsumerLab.com Reveals What’s Really in Cocoa and Chocolate Products

White Plains, New York, May 21, 2014 [See related new release on 8/5/14] — Cocoa powders, dark chocolates, and other products made from cacao beans can be rich in flavanols -- which may help with blood flow, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Recalls & Warnings

June 05, 2014

More Chia Powders Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On June 4, 2014, Health Matters America Inc. issued a voluntary recall its Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder and Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.