Organic Cocoa Beans
Cocoa beans are a whole-food ingredient providing flavanols, theobromine, and small amounts of caffeine. Cocoa products can contain cadmium and lead at variable levels; FDA has issued advisory levels for heavy metals in cocoa, especially relevant for children.
What it is
Fermented and dried seeds of Theobroma cacao, organically farmed.
Base ingredient for cocoa solids, cocoa butter, chocolate.
Why it's flagged
- cadmium and lead contamination
- theobromine sensitivity
What regulators actually say
"FDA monitors heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in cocoa products and is engaged in setting action levels."
"Maximum levels for cadmium in cocoa and chocolate products are set by Commission Regulation (EU) 488/2014."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Common food; subject to heavy-metal advisory levels
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; cadmium maximum levels in cocoa Reg 488/2014
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app