There Could Be Lead in Your Protein Powder, According to Consumer Reports

Some popular protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead and other toxic metals, according to new research from Consumer Reports. For the study, investigators analyzed nearly two dozen protein products. They found that with more than two-thirds of those products, one serving contained more lead than is considered safe in one day.

Two of the products tested had so much lead that researchers suggest avoiding them altogether. Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer protein powder contained 7.7 micrograms of lead in one serving, while one serving of Huel’s Black Edition powder contained 6.3 micrograms. Consumer Reports’ level of concern for lead is .5 micrograms per day, and those two products contain between 1,200 and 1,600% more lead.

Consumer Reports researchers also recommend limiting two products—Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous 100% Plant Protein—to once a week. There are a dozen more products they suggest eating only occasionally.

“We advise against daily use for most protein powders, since many have high levels of heavy metals and none are necessary to hit your protein goals,” said Tunde Akinleye, chemist and food safety researcher at Consumer Reports, in the study’s release.

What Type of Protein Powder Is Safest?

Researchers tested a selection of top-selling beef, dairy, and plant-based protein powders, as well as ready-to-drink protein shakes. Dairy-based products generally had the lowest levels; however, at least half of those tested were not recommended for daily intake.

Lead levels in plant-based protein products were an average of nine times those found in dairy-based protein products and double those in beef-based products. Because metals can come from the environment, plants are especially vulnerable because they absorb what’s in the soil, water, and air where they are grown.

The Testing Process

Consumer Reports purchased several samples of each product, starting in November 2024. They were purchased from online retailers, supermarkets, and health food stores. They tested samples for total protein, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and other elements.

All products contained more protein than the advertised level per serving. More than two-thirds had more than 120 percent of the agency’s level of concern for lead, and three exceeded those levels for cadmium and inorganic arsenic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) classifies cadmium and arsenic as known human carcinogens.

Consumer Reports first tested protein products 15 years ago. This time around, the item with the highest lead level had nearly twice as much lead in a single serving as the very worst product they tested in 2010.

Should You Worry About Lead in Protein Powder?

Most of these products are okay to use on an occasional basis, according to Consumer Reports’ experts. But that doesn’t mean you need them. Most people can get the protein they need through diet, by eating high-protein foods and cooking high-protein meals.