WASHINGTON, Oct. 19: A new investigation by Consumer Reports has found that several widely sold protein powders and shakes in the United States contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals, raising concerns over product safety and consumer health. The nonprofit organization tested 23 protein powder and ready-to-drink products between November 2024 and January 2025, covering dairy, beef, and plant-based varieties.
The analysis revealed that more than two-thirds of the products exceeded Consumer Reports’ safety threshold of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving per day, a level consistent with California’s Proposition 65 standard for daily exposure. Plant-based protein powders showed the highest lead concentrations among all categories. On average, they contained nine times more lead than dairy-based powders and twice as much as beef-based ones.
The “Mass Gainer” vegan powder from Naked Nutrition recorded 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving, while Huel’s “Black Edition” shake contained 6.3 micrograms. Both results surpassed the benchmark by more than 1,000 percent. Naked Nutrition and Huel stated that they test their products to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Naked Nutrition said its ingredients are sourced responsibly and verified by independent laboratories, while Huel said its testing procedures confirm that its products meet all relevant regulations.
The report also detected other heavy metals, including cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, in several products. Health experts cited in the findings said that consistent exposure to heavy metals may increase risks of neurological, kidney, and cardiovascular damage, especially among pregnant individuals and young children. While occasional consumption may not lead to immediate health effects, continued intake above recommended limits can contribute to long-term health risks.
FDA regulation gaps leave protein supplements under-scrutinized
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval or routine heavy metal testing for dietary supplements, including protein powders. This regulatory gap allows such products to enter the market without mandatory contamination screening, unlike conventional food products that undergo stricter oversight. Environmental factors are a primary cause of contamination in plant-based protein powders.
Crops such as peas, rice, and soy can absorb lead and other metals from polluted soil and groundwater. Industrial emissions, irrigation practices, and soil mineral content can all influence the concentration of heavy metals in the raw materials used to manufacture supplements. Consumer Reports recommended that consumers choose protein powders certified by third-party organizations that test for contaminants and ingredient accuracy.
Certifications from NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeia are among those considered credible. The organization also advised consumers to vary protein sources by including natural foods such as dairy, legumes, meats, eggs, and fish, reducing reliance on powdered supplements. The analysis noted that chocolate-flavored protein powders generally contained higher levels of lead and cadmium than vanilla or unflavored options.
Chocolate-flavored products show higher metal content
The higher contamination levels were linked to cocoa ingredients, which are known to absorb heavy metals from soil. Organic certification did not appear to correlate with lower contamination, suggesting that organic labeling alone is not a reliable indicator of product purity. Consumer Reports has called for federal regulators to establish clear limits for heavy metals in dietary supplements and to require manufacturers to disclose testing data.
The FDA has previously acknowledged the presence of heavy metals in certain supplements and baby foods but has not set formal thresholds for most categories. The findings come as protein powders continue to gain popularity among fitness enthusiasts and consumers seeking plant-based nutrition.
The global protein supplement market, valued at more than $25 billion, is expanding rapidly, highlighting the importance of safety standards and consistent testing within the industry. The report underscores growing attention to product transparency and contaminant monitoring in the supplement sector, which remains largely self-regulated under U.S. law. – By Content Syndication Services.