A Worrying Find: Cadmium Contamination in Bamba Peanut Butter Puffs

Published April 3, 2025 — Thursday

A Personal Message from Tamara Rubin:

Recent testing of the popular snack Bamba Peanut Butter Puffs (pictured above) revealed the presence of a significant level of Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to be carcinogenic. This finding aligns with our extensive testing of various peanut butter-based products—both plain peanut butter and peanut-flavored snacks—that have consistently shown positive results for Cadmium contamination. Such results raise serious health concerns, especially considering that these puffed snacks are frequently given to children with autism, food allergies, or sensitivities. The risk is compounded because Cadmium exposure is linked to long-term health issues, including an increased risk of cancer.

It’s disconcerting to think that children who are already vulnerable due to their health conditions might be exposed to additional risks through foods that are marketed as healthy or safe. We believe it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of these dangers and to make informed choices. For more detailed information, please explore our testing data on:

  • Peanut Butter Testing
  • Peanut Butter-Flavored Products
  • Puff-type Snacks Made for Children

Full Lab Report Access

The comprehensive, original laboratory report for this product is available at the bottom of this article. We encourage you to scroll down to review the scientific details and detection thresholds.

To assist families in selecting safer foods, supplements, and cosmetics, we have curated several lists on our Food and Supplement Testing Landing Page. These lists are regularly updated and include safer snack options, as well as a compilation of 67 products that have tested non-detect for heavy metals. Bookmark this page for ongoing reference and check back periodically for new updates.

Support our independent, community-funded testing initiatives by visiting our GoFundMe campaigns. Your contributions help sustain this vital work.

Welcome to Lead Safe Mama

  • Tamara Rubin is a recognized advocate for childhood lead poisoning prevention, a documentary filmmaker, and a mother whose own children suffered from acute lead poisoning in 2005.
  • Lead Safe Mama, LLC is a woman-owned small business dedicated to consumer safety and community collaboration.
  • Since July 2022, our efforts have led to six product recalls in coordination with the FDA and CPSC.
  • All testing results shared on this site are scientifically verified, accurate, and reproducible.
  • Visit our press page to see media coverage of our work.

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Laboratory Testing Results: Non-Detects for Heavy Metals

Below is an expanding list of foods, supplements, and cosmetics that have tested non-detect for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic through independent, third-party, community-funded laboratories. Each product’s detection limits are detailed in its respective lab report, accessible by searching the brand name on our website. Flavors and variants not listed may not have been tested or may differ in results.

Updated List as of March 30, 2025 — 62 Products

Additional Data & Updates

As of March 31, 2025, lab reports are pending publication for some products. To access all third-party lab reports for tested items, visit https://tamararubin.com/2024/05/food-articles/. Stay tuned for more updates and new testing results.

Trace Arsenic Testing in Selected Products

We also identified six additional products that contain trace levels of Arsenic, considered safe by all current standards, with detection thresholds specified in their lab reports:

  1. Maseca Instant Corn Masa Flour (Mexico): https://amzn.to/4iR8qWN
  2. Kendamil Goat Toddler Milk (non-organic): Available at Target or European specialty retailers.
  3. That’s It Apple Cherry Bars (non-organic): https://amzn.to/4fHkSWV
  4. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (non-organic): https://amzn.to/3BVQYQa
  5. Now Sunflower Lecithin (non-organic): https://amzn.to/3AFdHzO
  6. WishGarden Immune Boost (seasonal supplement): https://amzn.to/3Cd940N

Important Note

All Amazon links provided are affiliate links. Purchases made through these links support our independent testing and advocacy work at no extra cost to you. Your support is invaluable in helping us maintain and expand our efforts.

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