Two-thirds of popular kids' snacks tested had a contaminant above Consumer Reports' level of concern
Do this instead
- Rotate snacks instead of serving the same one dailyConsumer Reports' limits assume one serving a day, every day.
- Lean on yogurt, cheese, fruit pouches and fruit snacksSeveral of these had no contaminants of concern, including GoGo squeeZ applesauce pouches and Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese.
- Store snacks in glass, and don't heat food in plasticThis cuts exposure to phthalates, a family of plastic chemicals.
The short version
Consumer Reports tested 21 popular kids' snacks in August 2026. 14 had at least one contaminant above its level of concern, mostly chemicals that form when food is cooked at high heat, plus plastic chemicals from processing and packaging. Lead and arsenic weren't a problem in this round. An occasional serving isn't a worry. Daily habits are what count.
The evidence
Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies, Slim Jim snack sticks and Clif Zbar Chocolate Chip were above the concern level for the phthalate DEHP. Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks were above it for cadmium.[1]
Acrylamide and glycidyl esters, which form when starchy or oily food is cooked at high heat, were common. Products flagged include Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey bars, Lay's Classic chips, Doritos Nacho Cheese and Takis Fuego.[1]
Seven snacks had no contaminants of concern: Dannon Danimals and Stonyfield yogurt pouches and tubes, Frigo Cheese Heads, Annie's and Welch's fruit snacks, GoGo squeeZ applesauce and Pirate's Booty. The industry's Consumer Brands Association disputed the report.[1]
Spot an error or have newer test results? Email corrections@doctorsoni.ca and we'll review it. How we decide verdicts