Consumer Reports Finds High Levels of Lead in Protein Shakes, Powders

Investigators warn against daily use of protein shakes due to the presence of lead, particularly in plant-based supplements.

Serious concerns have emerged about dangerously high levels of lead in protein powders and protein shakes sold throughout the U.S., which could cause consumers to suffer long-term health side effects.

In findings published by Consumer Reports, investigators found that more than 70% of protein powders tested contained high level of the toxic heavy metal. The highest levels of lead were found in plant-based powders, like Naked Nutrition and Huel, which contained more than 1,200% of the recommended safe level for lead.

Consumer Reports (CR) is a non-profit consumer watchdog organization focused on conducting independent research and reviews to help consumers choose safe products.

Lead Exposure Risks

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause permanent brain damage or other severe, long-term health consequences, especially among children, who are still developing and often do not show immediate signs or symptoms of lead exposure.

Exposure to lead can cause a number of serious health side effects including fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, tremors, difficulty concentrating, and changes to the structure of the brain. No level of lead is considered safe for children, according to experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Recently a number of consumer products have tested positive for high levels of lead. Earlier this year federal health officials reported there were more than 500 cases of lead poisoning linked to applesauce pouches that were contaminated with lead-tainted cinnamon.

In addition, several major recalls have been issued in recent years due to lead contamination, triggering a wave of toxic baby food lawsuits against Gerber, Beech-Nut and other manufacturers. The lawsuits allege that these companies failed to properly test their products or warn parents about the risks, leading to children developing autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In its latest investigation, the publication tested 23 protein supplements from leading dairy, beef and plant-based brands. The team purchased multiple samples, two to four different lots over a three-month period beginning last November, from major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Whole Foods stores in New York State.

While all of the products met or exceeded their labeled protein content, offering between 20 and 60 grams of protein per serving, the chemical analysis revealed widespread contamination:

• More than 70% of the tested products contained at least 120% of the recommended safe daily limit for lead (0.5 micrograms).
• Nearly all of the samples contained measurable levels of lead or other toxic heavy metals.

Plant-based powders were by far the most contaminated, containing nearly nine times more lead than whey or beef-based supplements.

Some of the highest levels were found in well-known brands:

• Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer contained more than 1,500% of the daily safe lead limit.
• Huel Black Edition had nearly 1,300% of the lead limit and more than double the cadmium safety threshold (4.1 mcg).
• Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous 100% Plant Protein contained between 400% and 600% of the daily safe level.

Due to the high lead content, Consumer Reports recommends limiting use of these powders to no more than once a week.

Whey-based protein powders showed lower levels of lead overall, but half still contained elevated amounts of other heavy metals. Vega Premium Sport exceeded the safe cadmium limit in one serving, while Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass contained 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic, roughly twice the safe daily limit.

A similar investigation conducted by Consumer Reports 15 years ago found far fewer products with detectable levels of heavy metals. This year’s testing, however, revealed significantly higher average lead concentrations and fewer clean samples.

Protein powders have since become a multibillion-dollar business, yet they remain largely unregulated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require supplement manufacturers to test their products before sale or prove they are safe, leaving consumers with little assurance about what is actually in the powders they use for daily nutrition.

Investigators noted that taking protein powder is safe for occasional use, yet Consumer Reports warned they should not be consumed every day.

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