Why don’t we spice it up: Spice exposed Heavy metals in your kitchen cabinet
It turns out the spices in your kitchen might not be as beneficial as you thought they were. in 2021, Consumer Reports came out with information that some of your spices might be filled with toxic levels of heavy metals. Which ones are problematic and which ones are ok? It turns out it is not brand specific? Why is that? Companies often source from different locations and if they’re not third party testing, then you have no idea what the heavy metal levels are.
Color tablespoons of spices. But what’s really in them?
According to Consumer Reports, “Roughly one-third of the tested products, 40 in total, had high enough levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium combined, on average, to pose a health concern for children when regularly consumed in typical serving sizes. Most raised concern for adults, too.” All of the thyme and oregano was problematic. That’s right, none of what they tested was ok. It didn’t even come down to the brand, 365 Spices (Whole Foods), McCormick, Morton & Bassett, Spice Islands, Simply Organic, El Guapo, it comes down to the type of spice, not the brand.
The good news, is you can stick to spices with low heavy metal contents, “These were black pepper, coriander, curry powder, garlic powder, saffron, sesame seeds, and white pepper.”
Here’s what Consumer Reports (CR) said were the best brands for your dried herbs:
Basil: Simply Organic
Black Pepper: Any brand!
Chili powder: Almost any brand (except Walmart Great Value)
Coriander: Any brand!
Cumin: Stick with 365 Spice Whole Foods Market, McCormick, Morton & Bassett, Spice Islands, Simply Organic, El Guapo
Curry Powder: Any brand!
Garlic Powder: Any brand!
Ginger: Simply Organic
Oregano: No brands tested were ok
Paprika: Stick with Morton & Bassett, Simply Organic, Spice Islands, 365 Whole Foods Market
Saffron: Any brand!
Sesame Seeds: Any brand!
Thyme: No brands tested were ok
Tumeric: Stick with Laxmi Brand, Spice Islands, Sadaf, Simply Organic, Badia
White Pepper: Any brand!
So what do you do for the brands that are problematic?
Grow your own. These days there are lots of kits that allow you to grow your own herbs easily at home.
Skip them
Limit your exposure.
The most important thing we can do is be informed consumers, for yourself and your family.
