Reviews and Information for Dark Chocolate and Cocoa (Flavanols)
Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements
See CL's top picks for best dark chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa supplement, chocolate chips, and cacao nibs, based on independent tests for cocoa flavanols and contaminants like cadmium. Find out which ones passed or failed our review and learn about cardiovascular, memory, blood sugar, and other effects and side effects of cocoa.
Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review
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CL Answer
How much dark chocolate equals a tablespoon of cocoa powder?
Learn how much dark chocolate will give you the same intake of flavanols as a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
CL Answer
Is Hershey's Special Dark better than other dark chocolate bars or cocoa powders?
Find out if Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate bar is better than other dark chocolate bars or cocoa powders, including flavanol content, contamination with lead or cadmium and other tests of quality. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of dark chocolate?
Information on the health benefits of dark chocolate, including how dark chocolate may improve heart health, decrease blood sugar levels and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
How much caffeine is really in dark chocolate bars?
Just how much caffeine is really in chocolate bars? Get our test results on the caffeine content in dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
CL Answer
What is the difference between cocoa and cacao? Is one better than the other?
Learn about the difference between cocoa vs. cacao, including cocoa powder, cocoa extracts, cocoa liquor, and cacao nibs. Information about benefits, caffeine, theobromine in cocoa and cacoa, differences between dark chocolate and milk chocolate. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Is the theobromine in chocolate and cocoa good or bad for me?
Find out the benefits and risks of theobromine -- and how much is in dark chocolate.
CL Answer
I heard somewhere to avoid chocolate with "processed with alkali" in the ingredients. Is that true?
Learn more about cocoa processed with alkali ("dutched") and its effect on flavanols.
Product Review
Nutrition Bars Review (Protein, Energy, and Nut & Fruit Bars)
Our Tests Showed What's Hiding in Protein Bars
CL Answer
I take lisinopril (Zestril), an ACE inhibitor drug to lower blood pressure. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
When taking ACE inhibitors, find out which supplements should be avoided. Interaction info on Lisinopril or another ACE inhibitors.
CL Answer
Does chocolate really cause migraines?
Find out if there is a link between chocolate/cocoa and migraines.
CL Answer
How do I choose the best CoQ10 supplement?
Looking to choose the best CoQ10 brand supplement? Understand which CoQ10 you are buying, differences in dose, absorption, quality and more. ConsumerLab explores this topic.
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.
CL Answer
Why is there so much cadmium, a toxin, in cocoa powders but not in dark chocolate?
Learn more about the presence of the toxic heavy metal cadmium in cocoa powder and dark chocolate.
CL Answer
Are there supplements, foods, or beverages that I should avoid when taking clopidogrel (Plavix)?
Learn about supplement interactions with clopidogrel (Plavix). Supplements that may interact with this medication include cannabidiol (CBD), grapefruit, St. John's wort, ginkgo and others.
News Release
February 26, 2025
ConsumerLab Survey Shows 21 Most Popular Vitamins and Supplements
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2025 — A recent survey of more than 8,400 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that among the 212 most popular supplements, those that experienced the greatest absolute growth in popularity during 2024 were biotin (+9.
News Release
February 26, 2024
Latest ConsumerLab Survey Shows Growth in Popularity of Magnesium and Several Smaller Supplements
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2024 — A recent survey of more than 10,000 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that supplements that experienced the greatest absolute growth in popularity during 2023 were pregnenolone (+7.5 percentage points), magnesium (+4.8 pts), berberine (+4.
News Release
March 28, 2023
Expanded Flaxseed Testing by ConsumerLab Reveals More Cadmium Contamination – Several Quality Products Also Identified
White Plains, New York, March 28, 2023 — Due to concerning levels of cadmium ConsumerLab discovered in its tests of flaxseed products in January 2023, ConsumerLab recently purchased and tested seven additional whole and ground flaxseed products.
News Release
January 12, 2023
High Levels of Cadmium Found In Whole and Ground Flaxseed In ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, January 12, 2023 — Recent ConsumerLab tests revealed concerning levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in several popular flaxseed products which, otherwise, provided the listed amounts of healthy fats, fiber, and protein without microbial contamination.
CL Answer
Which foods and supplements contain lead, cadmium, or arsenic?
Discover which foods and dietary supplements contain lead and other metals, the limits, who’s testing, and how to stay safe.
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
February 24, 2022
Consumers Returned to Pre-Pandemic Supplement Usage in 2021, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2022 —A survey of 8,049 people who use dietary supplements shows many supplements that declined in use in 2020 began bouncing back in 2021, such as magnesium (+2.4 percentage points), and CoQ10 (+2.7 pts).
CL Answer
Does a USDA Organic seal guarantee that a supplement or natural product has been tested for toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or arsenic?
Find out what the USDA Organic seal on dietary supplements means and whether certified organic supplements and natural products are tested for toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
CL Answer
Should olive oil be refrigerated?
Learn if you should store olive oil in the refrigerator to keep it fresher longer.
CL Answer
Why Is There a California Prop 65 Warning on My Supplement?
Learn more about warning labels indicating that a supplement contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.
CL Answer
Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?
Learn about collagen, biotin, CoQ10, cocoa, soy isoflavones, phytoceramides, and other supplements for reducing wrinkles and improving aging skin.
CL Answer
Supplements for Eczema: Some May Help, While Others Don’t
Certain supplements may reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema), while others don't seem to work. Find out if gamma-linolenic acid, L-histidine, phytoceramides, probiotics, and other supplements may be beneficial.
Recalls & Warnings
April 04, 2025
Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Bars Recalled
On April 1, 2025, Tony’s Chocolonely Inc. recalled seven lots of its Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar due to the potential presence of small stones.
Recalls & Warnings
December 04, 2023
Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Coins Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk
On December 1, 2023, Manischewitz issued a recall of one lot of Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Coins because they contain undeclared milk. The recalled lot of coins are labeled as “dark chocolate,” but contain milk chocolate coins.
Recalls & Warnings
January 16, 2023
Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels Recalled Due to Plastic
On December 30, 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced the recall of certain lots of Sanders Candy Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels due to pieces of plastic being found in products.
Recalls & Warnings
January 13, 2025
NuGo Nutrition Bar Recall Expanded
On January 10, 2025, Lifestyle Evolution Inc. expanded its recall of NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip nutrition bars to include NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel nutrition bars and nutrition bar multipacks, due to an undeclared milk allergen.
Recalls & Warnings
December 10, 2024
Nu Go Nutrition Bars Recalled
On December 3, 2024, Wegmans announced a recall of Nu Go Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Nutrition Bar due to an undeclared milk allergen.
Recalls & Warnings
May 22, 2023
Hu Vanilla Crunch Dark Chocolate Bars Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On May 18, 2023, Hu Products issued a voluntary recall of one lot of its Vanilla Crunch Dark Chocolate Bar because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (hazelnut, cashew, and/or almond).
Recalls & Warnings
April 03, 2023
SimplyProtein Bars Recalled Due to Undeclared Cashews
On March 31, 2023, Wellness Natural USA Inc. issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of SimplyProtein Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars because they contain undeclared trace of tree nuts (cashews).
Recalls & Warnings
December 10, 2024
Aroma Vita Hot Cocoa Mix Recalled Due to Metal Fragments
On October 2, 2024, Dyma Brands Inc. issued a recall of two lots of Aroma Vita Hot Cocoa Mix, because they may contain metal fragments which, in severe cases, could lead to damage of the digestive tract if ingested.
Recalls & Warnings
December 08, 2020
Dark Chocolate Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On December 1, 2020, Maribel's Sweets issued a recall of Cacao Market Cylinder Dark Chocolate Pearls because they contain undeclared milk.
Recalls & Warnings
October 03, 2020
Some "Dairy-Free" Dark Chocolate Found to Contain Undeclared Milk
On October 1, 2020, the FDA announced findings from a study it conducted from 2018 to 2019 that showed that some dark chocolate products claiming to be "dairy-free" or "milk-free" contain undeclared milk.
News Release
February 26, 2021
COVID Changed Supplement Popularity in 2020, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2021 — A survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Recalls & Warnings
March 24, 2020
Mislabeled Lindt Chocolate Bar Recalled
On March 19, 2020, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. issued a recall of one lot of Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa chocolate bars because they are wrapped in the wrong packaging.
Recalls & Warnings
February 14, 2020
Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On February 13, 2020, Gourmet International and Butlers Chocolates UC issued a recall of IRISH WHISKEY DARK CHOCOLATE 3.5OZ TABLET BAR chocolate bars because they may contain undeclared milk.
Recalls & Warnings
July 18, 2024
Great Value & Silk Plant-Based Milks Recalled in Canada, Linked With Deadly Listeria Outbreak
On July 8, 2024, Health Canada (the Canadian equivalent of the FDA) announced the recall of 18 varieties of Great Value and Silk brand oat, almond, coconut, and nut milks sold and distributed in Canada due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Recalls & Warnings
October 09, 2023
Orgain Protein Powder Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On October 4, 2023, Orgain LLC issued a recall of four lots of the company’s Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor protein powder after a co-manufacturer informed the company that the product contained undeclared sesame, which is now one of nine food ...
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
September 11, 2019
Some Nutrition Bars Contain More Carbs and Less Fiber Than Listed, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal
White Plains, New York, September 11, 2019 — Nutrition bars and cookies are promoted as a convenient way to get protein, fiber and other nutrients on-the-go, but recent ConsumerLab tests of popular nutrition bars and cookies reveal that some contain more carbohydrates (as well as fat and ...
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.
News Release
November 25, 2014
You Can't Judge a Dark Chocolate Bar by Its Label, According to Tests by ConsumerLab.com -- Amounts of Cocoa Flavanols Vary Widely Among Popular Brands of Chocolate
White Plains, New York, November 25, 2014 — Which dark chocolates provide the most cocoa flavanols — natural antioxidants associated with better blood flow and memory? Recent tests by 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
September 23, 2024
Lactaid Milk Recalled Due to Allergen
On September 20, 2024, HP Hood LLC voluntarily recalled five SKUs of refrigerated Lactaid Milk due to the product potentially containing trace amounts of almond, which is not declared on the label. No illness has been reported to date.
Recalls & Warnings
October 10, 2024
Seaweed Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On October 10, 2024, Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. recalled its 3.52 oz packages of Shirakiku Korean Seasoned Seaweed.
Recalls & Warnings
May 09, 2024
Walnuts, Other Nuts, Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergens
On May 8, 2024, Texas Pecan recalled various lots of the company’s 1 lb. and 8 oz.
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2024
FDA Warns Lipari Foods for Mislabeled Walnuts, Other Violations
On April 9, 2024, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lipari Foods Operating Company, LLC following multiple complaints and subsequent product recalls in August and September of 2023, which found the company did not follow the requirements of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP), Hazard ...
Recalls & Warnings
April 29, 2024
Longreen Reishi and Xlim Express Coffee Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergens
On April 18, 2024, BF Suma Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
December 13, 2023
Bobo’s Peach Oat Bars Recalled Due to Undeclared Coconut
On December 9, 2023, Bobo’s issued a nationwide recall of multiple lots of Bobo’s Peach Oat Bars because they may contain undeclared coconut.
Recalls & Warnings
March 30, 2019
Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On March 28, 2019, Theo Chocolate issued a recall of 3oz Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate bars because they may contain undeclared milk.
Recalls & Warnings
June 12, 2023
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 24 oz Recalled
On April 28, 2023, Vital Proteins issued a recall of a single batch of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides -- Unflavored (24 oz) that were distributed to and sold by Costco. Canisters may contain broken blue pieces of plastic from a broken lid.
Recalls & Warnings
June 14, 2023
Havasu Beet Root Powder Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On June 12, 2023, Supplement Manufacturing Partner Inc. issued a recall of one lot of Havasu Nutrition’s Beet Root Powder + due to undeclared milk. The recall was initiated following a report of an allergic reaction from a consumer with a milk allergy.
Recalls & Warnings
July 24, 2023
ONO Overnight Oats Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On July 18, 2023, ONO LLC issued a voluntary recall of the company’s ONO Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats due to undeclared milk.
Recalls & Warnings
April 25, 2022
Some OTC Skin Lighteners Contain Potentially Harmful Ingredient, Warns FDA
On April 19th, 2022, the FDA issued warnings to 12 companies for selling over-the-counter (OTC) skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone.
Recalls & Warnings
June 17, 2022
Built Brand Protein Bar Recalled Due to E. Coli Concern
On June 10, 2022, Built Brands, LLC. Issued a recall of 4,146 Banana Cream Pie Puffs protein bars after routine testing discovered potential contamination with E. coli (Escherichia coli).
Recalls & Warnings
August 01, 2022
53 Protein, Meal Replacement and Nutritional Beverages Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination
On July 29, 2022, Lyons Magnus LLC issued a recall of 53 protein, meal replacement, and nutritional beverages, including those sold under the brand names of Glucerna, Premier Protein, Oatly, and others, due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from Cronobacter sakazakii.
Recalls & Warnings
January 14, 2017
Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
People with an allergy to milk these bars as they could cause an allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. Recalled Chip'n Dipped Dark Chocolate Crunch chocolate bars were distributed nationwide in retail stores and can be identified by the following:
Recalls & Warnings
July 16, 2016
Ikea Expands Recall of Chocolate Bars
On July 6, 2016, IKEA expanded its recall of certain CHOKLAND chocolate bars to include additional chocolate bars, including certain GODIS chocolate bars, because they contain undeclared milk, hazelnuts and/or almonds.
Recalls & Warnings
July 02, 2016
Ikea Recalls Dark Chocolate Bars Due to Allergen Risk
On June 24, 2016, IKEA issued a recall of certain CHOKLAD MÖRK and CHOKLAD MÖRK 70% dark chocolate bars because they contain undeclared milk, hazelnuts and almonds.
Recalls & Warnings
March 31, 2018
Nutrition Bars Sold at Whole Foods and Online Recalled
On March 26, 2018, eBars LLC, issued a recall of their Protein Bars, Snack Bars, and Kids Bars because they may contain undeclared peanuts and/or almonds.
Recalls & Warnings
January 31, 2021
Protein and Fiber Bars Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On January 28, 2021, think! and Interpac Technologies, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of think! Protein + Fiber Oatmeal: Farmer's Market Berry Crumble due to the potential presence of tree nuts, including almonds and pecans.
Recalls & Warnings
February 12, 2015
Many Dark Chocolate Bars Found to Contain Undeclared Milk
On February 11, 2015, the FDA announced its study of dark chocolate bars found many - including some which did not list milk as an ingredient or were labeled as "dairy-free" or "allergen-free," to contain milk.
Recalls & Warnings
December 13, 2017
Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled
On December 8, 2017, ALDI, in cooperation with Hofer KG ZNL Schokoladefab, recalled Choceur Dark Chocolate Bars due to the potential presence of almond pieces not listed on packaging. These bars can cause an allergic reaction in people who have a nut allergy.
Recalls & Warnings
July 28, 2020
Iron Supplements Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergen
Between July 23 and 24, 2020, two companies issued recalls of iron supplements because they may contain undeclared milk.
Recalls & Warnings
February 22, 2021
Canadian Creatine Recalled for Dangerous Levels of Vitamin D
On February 21, 2021, the Canadian company Genex Nutraceuticals recalled one lot of Perfect Sports Core Series Pure Creatine (also known as Creatine Powder) because it "contains vitamin D that is not listed on the label, at dangerous levels.
Recalls & Warnings
September 26, 2014
FDA Warns Seller of Supplements and Chocolate Promoted to Treat Ebola
On September 23, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natural Solutions Foundation, following a review of the company's websites which found statements made about Silver Sol Nano Silver (also called The Silver Solution) and CBD Organic Dark Chocolate Bars (also called High Potency CBD Hemp Oil) ...
Recalls & Warnings
March 30, 2016
Toxins in Chocolate
On March 23, 2016, As You Sow, a consumer health watchdog group based in California, released results showing that 35 of 50 chocolate products it tested, including chocolate bunnies and eggs, expose consumers to lead and cadmium above levels set by California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic ...
Recalls & Warnings
April 10, 2021
HI-TECH Workout Supplements Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergens
On April 3, 2021, HI-TECH Pharmaceuticals issued a recall of all lots of APS Nutrition Isomorph 28 in a 2lb jug because they contain undeclared milk, wheat, and soy.
Recalls & Warnings
March 11, 2013
Nutrition Bar Recalled Due To Undeclared Allergen
On March 7, 2013, Lifestyle Evolution Inc. issued a recall of various NuGO nutrition bars because the bars may contain undeclared milk, a potential allergen.
Recalls & Warnings
July 24, 2017
Protein Bars Recalled Due to Listeria Risk
On July 21, 2017, Bhu Foods recalled a number of their products after their organic sunflower seeds, distributed by Hudson Valley Foods, Inc., were potentially contaminated with Listeria monoocytogenes.
Recalls & Warnings
July 11, 2017
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Bars Recalled Due to Allergen Risk
On July 10, 2017, Coborn's, Inc. recalled packages of Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Bars because some were incorrectly labeled as Gluten Free Fudge Brownies.
Recalls & Warnings
March 06, 2015
Most Milk Free of Drug Residue, FDA Study Shows
On March 5, 2015, the FDA announced that more than 99% of milk samples tested in the U.S. were found to be free of drug residues of concern.
Recalls & Warnings
August 03, 2017
Protein Bars Recalled Due to Listeria Risk
On August 2, 2017, Amrita Health Foods recalled several varieties of protein bars due to potential contamination with Listeria monoocytogenes.
Recalls & Warnings
November 16, 2018
Two Popular Memory Supplements Missing Some or All of Key Ingredient
Two popular Ginkgo biloba supplements marketed to improve memory do not contain the Ginkgo biloba claimed on their labels, according to tests conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Recalls & Warnings
August 03, 2018
Vanilla Almond Breeze Almond Milk Recalled
On August 2, 2018, HP Hood LLC issued a recall of half-gallon (1.89 L) cartons of refridgerated Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk because the product may contain milk, an allergen not listed on the label.
Recalls & Warnings
May 23, 2015
Colostrum Supplement Recalled
On May 14, 2015, the Natural Creations issued a recall of a small quantity of Natural Creations New Zealand Colostrum because the label does not state that the product is milk-based.
Recalls & Warnings
June 26, 2006
FDA Warns Candy Maker Making Heart Health Claims
On May 31, 2006, the U.S.
Recalls & Warnings
June 27, 2007
Warning Labels to be Required for Green Tea and Black Cohosh Products
On June 26, 2007, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplements Information Expert Committee (DSI-EC) voted to require cautionary statements on the labels for green tea extracts and black cohosh dietary supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
July 30, 2014
Chocolate and Carob Drink Mix Recalled Due To Salmonella Risk
On July 25, 2014, CaCoCo, Inc. issued a recall of CaCoCo Original and Global Warrior chocolate drink mixes because they contain organic carob powder which has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
