Consumer Reports warns of chemical contaminants in children's packaged snacks

A new investigation by Consumer Reports reveals alarming levels of chemicals such as acrylamide and phthalates in popular packaged snacks for children, prompting calls for moderation and diet variety.

Consumer Reports has warned that packaged snacks marketed to children can carry more than just calories and flavourings, after testing 21 popular products and finding that 14 contained concerning levels of at least one chemical contaminant. The investigation focused on items commonly found in lunchboxes and on supermarket shelves, underscoring how routine snacking can become a source of exposure that parents may not expect.

The organisation said the compounds of concern included acrylamide and phthalates. Acrylamide can form during high-temperature cooking and processing, and some health bodies regard it as a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies. Phthalates, which can enter food from packaging and other materials used during manufacturing, have been linked to possible long-term health effects, including disruption of the body’s hormone system. Consumer Reports said several snacks contained notable levels of acrylamide, including granola bars, chips, pretzels and graham crackers.

Among the products that raised concerns over phthalates were Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies Original, Chocolate Chip Z Bars and Slim Jim Mild Snack Size Sticks, according to the report. Consumer Brands Association told Consumer Reports that many of the substances highlighted in the findings can occur naturally in food or be formed during preparation. The publication also said the testing found low levels of heavy metals overall, and that seven of the snacks did not exceed its thresholds for any of the contaminants measured.

Consumer Reports said the findings do not mean parents need to ban packaged snacks altogether, but it urged moderation and variety. Its experts suggested rotating products rather than serving the same one every day and leaning more often towards whole foods or homemade options where possible. For families trying to reduce exposure, the broader message was simple: convenience has a cost, and variety remains one of the easiest ways to limit it.