Assessment of Some Nutritional Parameters and Trace Metal Contents in Chocolate and Cocoa Samples Sold in Kurdistan...

Chocolate and cocoa are widely consumed products valued globally for their intricate sensory profiles and potential physiological benefits. Their chemical composition exhibits substantial variation, contingent upon both the specific type of chocolate and the processing techniques employed in its production.

This research investigates the nutritional parameters and trace metal content in various chocolate and cocoa products sold in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, to assess trace metal content and safety.

A total of 18 samples-including dark, milk, and white chocolates as well as raw cocoa products were analyzed for macronutrients, micronutrients, and heavy metals. Trace metal analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Daily intake estimates were calculated based on realistic consumption patterns (5-30 g/day).

Dark chocolate exhibited protein concentrations two to three times higher than milk chocolate varieties (5.64-6.80 g/100g versus 3.02-5.40 g/100g), while maintaining significantly lower carbohydrate content (48.81-57.01 g/100g compared to 64.71-78.34 g/100g). Cocoa products demonstrated exceptional mineral density, particularly magnesium (4152-5432 mg/kg), representing three- to fourfold higher concentrations than finished chocolate products. While absolute heavy metal concentrations in several samples approached or marginally exceeded regulatory limits for cadmium (0.80 mg/kg, European Commission) and lead (0.10 mg/kg, Codex Alimentarius), estimated daily exposures remained well below provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) limits, representing less than 15% of safety thresholds for all metals analyzed.

Although product-level heavy metal concentrations occasionally approached regulatory thresholds, actual consumer exposure under realistic serving sizes remained within safe limits. This dual finding highlights the importance of both regulatory compliance monitoring and consumer education regarding appropriate serving sizes. This study establishes baseline contamination data for the Kurdistan Region, supporting evidence-based regulatory development and consumer protection strategies.

Dark chocolate showed higher protein and lower carbohydrates than milk chocolate. ICP-OES detected heavy metals near regulatory limits, yet daily exposure remained within safe thresholds, establishing the first baseline dataset for Kurdistan Region, Iraq.