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Consumer Reports finds dangerous lead levels in popular protein powders

By isabelle // 2025-10-20

• An investigation found high lead levels in many popular protein powders.
• Plant-based powders contained significantly more lead than dairy-based options.
• Some products contained more than ten times the safe daily lead limit per serving.
• The FDA does not set specific federal limits for lead in these supplements.
• Chronic lead exposure can cause serious neurological and other health issues.

You might be reaching for a protein shake to boost your health and fitness, but a new investigation suggests you could be ingesting a dangerous dose of heavy metals along with your nutrients. Consumer Reports (CR) has found that more than two-thirds of popular protein powders and shakes contain more lead per serving than its experts consider safe to consume in a single day, with some products exceeding safe limits by more than ten times. The consumer advocacy group tested 23 bestselling products. The results revealed a dramatic contrast between protein sources. Plant-based powders were the worst offenders, averaging about nine times more lead than dairy-based products like whey. This finding disrupts the common "clean eating" narrative, highlighting how plants can absorb contaminants like heavy metals from their growing environment. The most alarming levels were found in two plant-based powders. A single serving of Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer contained 7.7 micrograms of lead, which is 1,570 percent of CR’s daily safety limit. Huel’s Black Edition was not far behind, with 6.3 micrograms of lead per serving, or 1,290 percent of the limit. CR experts advise against consuming these products altogether. Other products also showed concerning results. Garden of Life’s Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous’ 100% Plant Protein contained lead between 400 and 600 percent of the safe level, leading to a recommendation to limit consumption to once a week. Cadmium and inorganic arsenic were also detected in several products at levels that raise health concerns.

A regulatory gray area

A significant part of the problem lies in a lack of federal oversight. There are no federal limits for the amount of lead allowed in protein powders. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to keep products “free of harmful contaminants,” but largely leaves it to companies to decide what that means and to test their own products. This regulatory gap means contaminated supplements can reach consumers before any problems are caught. The FDA’s oversight is limited, with the agency inspecting only a small fraction of the thousands of registered supplement manufacturers each year. A spokesperson for the FDA said the agency would review CR’s findings to help inform its testing and enforcement efforts.

The dangers of chronic lead exposure

While a single serving is unlikely to cause immediate harm, the danger of lead lies in chronic, long-term exposure. “It’s concerning that these results are even worse than the last time we tested,” said Tunde Akinleye, CR’s food safety researcher who led the project. Lead accumulates in the body and can contribute to serious health issues over time. Chronic lead exposure has been linked to immune suppression, reproductive problems, kidney damage, and high blood pressure in adults. Children and pregnant people are most vulnerable because lead can damage the developing brain and nervous system, potentially causing neurological issues and learning delays. The protein supplement industry challenged CR’s safety thresholds. A trade group representative said the findings create a “misleading impression of risk.” However, medical experts stress that any unnecessary exposure is a risk not worth taking.

Rethinking protein needs

This investigation arrives as Americans are in the midst of a protein craze, with fortified foods and supplements saturating the market. Yet nutrition experts say the average American already exceeds the recommended daily intake of protein through their diet alone. Most people can meet their needs with whole foods like organic beans, pasture-raised eggs, and lean meats. For those who still choose to use protein powders, experts advise limiting consumption, especially when it comes to products with high heavy metal levels. Scrutinizing brands that provide third-party testing results and opting for whey-based proteins can help reduce exposure. Ultimately, being informed is the best defense in an under-regulated market where consumer safety often depends on corporate vigilance. Sources for this article include: NaturalHealth365.com ConsumerReports.org FoxNews.com

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