Over the past two decades, protein powders have evolved from niche supplements for athletes into everyday staples for millions of people pursuing fitness goals or a “cleaner” diet. Shelves are now lined with everything from whey-based formulas to plant-powered shakes promising muscle growth, faster recovery, and better health. But beneath the glossy marketing lies a growing concern that few consumers consider seriously enough, lead in protein powder.
Recent findings from Consumer Reports have reignited this conversation, showing that the very products many people see as health boosters may also expose them to toxic heavy metals. The study, which tested 23 popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes, revealed that the presence of lead in protein powder is far more widespread, and potentially more dangerous, than previously understood.
Troubling Findings: What Consumer Reports Discovered
More than a dozen protein powders tested for toxic metals were found to have unsafe or concerning amounts of lead, nonprofit watchdog Consumer Reports said Tuesday. Average lead levels in such products appear to be worsening compared to years prior.https://t.co/TonfIUDSme
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 15, 2025
In the latest round of testing, over two-thirds of the products analyzed contained more lead than Consumer Reports’ food safety experts consider safe to consume in a single day, with some products exceeding that limit by more than tenfold. These weren’t obscure or fringe brands either; many are widely available in major retail stores and online platforms.
Lead, cadmium, and arsenic were found at levels that could pose risks over time, especially for people who use protein powders daily. The study showed that lead in protein powder was particularly prevalent in plant-based varieties, likely because plants can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil. On average, the plant-based products tested had nine times more lead than those made from dairy proteins like whey.
Which Brands Had High Levels Of Lead?
As mentioned earlier, Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes. Based on the results, the tested items were grouped into three categories: what you should avoid, what you should limit and what its experts deemed safe to consume. Style Rave has not independently verified these findings.
Those results can be found below:
Products to avoid
- Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer
- Huel Black Edition
Suggested to limit to once a week
- Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein
- Momentous 100% Plant Protein (no longer available)
Okay for occasional use
Best choices for daily consumption
Understanding Lead Exposure and Its Risks
There’s lead in your protein powder.
Consumer Reports just tested 23 protein powders, and 2/3 of them had MORE lead than the safe daily limit.
470-word breakdown on detoxing heavy metals (from someone who’s done it):
I know a thing or two about heavy metal poisoning.
I had… pic.twitter.com/56BFfQywi8
— Josh Macin (@MacinJoshua) October 17, 2025
While no amount of lead is considered truly safe, the greatest danger comes from prolonged exposure. According to public health experts, chronic lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body, damaging the brain, kidneys, and reproductive organs, and even increasing the risk of hypertension in adults. For children and pregnant individuals, the risks are even more severe, as lead interferes with brain development and can cause lasting cognitive and behavioral issues.
Unlike some foods where exposure might be occasional, protein powders are often used daily or even multiple times per day. This means the cumulative exposure to lead in protein powder can easily surpass safe thresholds. Over time, even small doses can accumulate in the bloodstream, compounding potential harm.
Why Protein Powders Are Contaminated
The presence of lead in protein powder doesn’t necessarily stem from deliberate negligence. Many manufacturers point out that lead is naturally occurring in the environment, especially in the soil where plant ingredients like peas, rice, and hemp are grown. However, experts say this doesn’t absolve companies of responsibility, it underscores the need for more rigorous testing, sourcing standards, and transparency.
Some companies, like Vega and Naked Nutrition, have acknowledged Consumer Reports’ findings and claimed to be improving their ingredient sourcing and testing practices. Yet, without enforceable federal standards or consistent oversight by the FDA, there’s little to ensure that contamination will decrease across the industry.
The Problem With Weak Regulations
A major issue highlighted by researchers is the lack of federal limits on heavy metals in dietary supplements. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements such as protein powders do not require FDA approval before hitting store shelves. The agency can only take action after contamination problems are identified, a reactive system that leaves consumers largely unprotected.
While California’s Proposition 65 law requires warnings for products that exceed certain levels of lead, these rules don’t apply nationwide. Consumer Reports’ findings show that several products could exceed Prop 65’s thresholds for lead exposure without necessarily displaying any warning labels.
Do You Really Need Protein Powder?
It’s important to remember that most people don’t actually need to rely on protein powders to meet their daily protein goals. Nutrition experts agree that the average adult already consumes more than enough protein from regular foods like chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and lentils. For example, a 170-pound adult needs about 61 grams of protein per day, easily achieved through a balanced diet.
As Dr. Nicholas Burd from the University of Illinois explains, Americans are often “over-proteined,” consuming far beyond what’s necessary for maintaining muscle or overall health. When supplements like protein powders are added unnecessarily, consumers risk increasing their intake of contaminants such as lead in protein powder without any meaningful benefit.
Safer Choices and Practical Advice
Lead was found in popular protein powders, especially plant-based ones. pic.twitter.com/8YgTyEdCkr
— Pulse Media (@PulseInDc) October 17, 2025
If you still prefer using protein powders, experts recommend limiting consumption to a few times per week rather than daily. Opt for products that are third-party tested by reputable organizations like NSF International or USP, which verify that products meet specific safety standards. Dairy-based or whey protein powders tend to have lower contamination rates, though they are not entirely risk-free.
Most importantly, diversify your protein sources. Incorporate whole food options like Greek yogurt, eggs, lean meats, and plant-based proteins like quinoa and lentils, all of which provide cleaner and more balanced nutrition.
The Bottom Line
The growing evidence around lead in protein powder raises an urgent question about the safety of supplements that have become everyday staples. While most consumers associate these products with health and wellness, the truth is more complicated. Until stronger regulations and stricter safety testing become industry norms, moderation and informed choices are the best defenses.
In the end, the healthiest approach may be the simplest one: rely on real food first. Protein powders can be convenient, but when the risks include exposure to toxic heavy metals, that “extra boost” might not be worth it.
Featured image: Optimum Nutrition
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