12 ‘Healthy’ Foods To Stop Eating In 2025 Because They Can Contain ‘High Levels’ Of Heavy Metals: Protein Powders, Rice, More

1. Protein powders

“A recent study of protein powders showed unsafe levels of lead as well as other heavy metals (with plant-based powders containing more than their whey-based counterparts),” says Cometa.

Gervacio says there are several different brands that have been known to contain “lead, arsenic, and cadmium due to contaminated ingredients.”

2. Rice

Cometa says when it comes to rice, there’s “primarily a concern for arsenic with brown rice being more at risk than white.” Arsenic naturally occurs in the environment, but its levels can be higher in certain areas.

3. Spinach

Spinach, like many leafy greens, can contain heavy metals, particularly lead, cadmium, and arsenic, due to the way it's cultivated. These metals can be absorbed by the plant through the soil or water used for irrigation.

4. Lettuce

Another leafy green Cometa warns about is lettuce. If the soil is polluted with heavy metals, either from industrial activities, previous use of contaminated fertilizers, or nearby sources of pollution, lettuce plants can take up these metals through their roots.

5. Yellowtail

Yellowtail, being a predatory fish, is at a higher risk for accumulating mercury in its tissues. Cometa adds, “Yellowtail [are] higher on the list of mercury exposure.”

6. Swordfish

Swordfish, just like yellowtail, is a predatory fish that can contain heavy metals, particularly mercury, due to a process called bioaccumulation.

7. Tuna

Although a good source of omega-3, Gervacio warns, “This fish may contain high levels of mercury, especially when harvested from polluted waters.”

8. Mushrooms

Mushrooms grow in soil, and if the soil is contaminated with heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, or mercury), the mushrooms can absorb these toxins through their roots. Gervacio says, “There are some types of mushrooms that absorb metals from where they've been grown. Examples are porcini, oyster, shiitake, or even the button mushrooms.”

9. Nuts

Nuts can also be exposed to heavy metals through the air or water used for irrigation. “Similar to mushrooms, nuts may contain heavy metals from the soil they are planted in,” Gervacio notes.

10. Dark chocolate

This might be unexpected, but the sourcing process of cocoa beans can lead to increased levels of heavy metals. Cocoa beans can absorb cadmium from the soil, especially in areas with contaminated soil. These metals can be present in the final product.

11. Seaweed

Although seaweed contains antioxidants and beneficial nutrients like iodine, tyrosine, vitamins, and minerals, they can also accumulate heavy metals. These include mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Depending on the area, it can accumulate heavy metals in the ocean water they’re grown in.

12. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes have been hailed for being a healthier alternative to regular potatoes, but these may also be prone to heavy metal accumulation. While they are generally safe and healthy, it's important to be mindful of the growing conditions and choose organic.