NEW YORK, Oct 18: In a revelation that could prompt a reassessment of daily health routines for millions of consumers, Consumer Reports has found that the majority of popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes contain lead levels exceeding what health experts consider safe for daily consumption. The investigation, which evaluated 23 different brands, revealed that over two-thirds of the tested products contained more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving—a level that many toxicologists and food safety experts identify as the upper limit of acceptable daily exposure.

Protein, once primarily the domain of athletes and bodybuilders, has become a cornerstone of modern wellness culture. Supermarket shelves are now lined with protein-enriched yogurts, popcorn, snack bars, and beverages—marketed as essential for everything from muscle growth to meal replacement. But the new Consumer Reports findings suggest that many of these health-focused products may come with an under-recognized risk: toxic heavy metal contamination.

Some of the products tested contained as much as ten times the recommended daily limit of lead, according to the report. Notably, plant-based protein powders were found to contain the highest average lead levels, significantly higher than those of their dairy or animal-based counterparts. While dairy-based supplements generally had lower contamination, several still contained enough lead for CR experts to recommend against daily use.

According to the World Health Organization, even low-level chronic exposure to lead is a health concern. Once consumed, lead accumulates in the body—particularly in the brain, bones, and kidneys—and over time can contribute to conditions such as anemia, hypertension, kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications.

Consumer Reports categorized the products tested into three groups: those that should be avoided entirely, those that should be limited, and those considered safe for daily use. These classifications were based on heavy metal content relative to CR’s defined levels of concern.

In response to the findings, six companies whose products were flagged for elevated lead levels issued statements defending their safety standards and practices.

Garden of Life emphasized its adherence to rigorous quality controls and noted that trace levels of heavy metals are naturally present in soil and water, which can lead to contamination of agricultural ingredients. “All of our products are tested for heavy metals, and the levels are below established food safety thresholds,” the company stated.

Huel pushed back strongly against the report, describing it as “alarmist, misleading, and unscientific.” The company criticized the reliance on California’s Proposition 65 benchmark—a daily lead limit of 0.5 micrograms—which it characterized as far more conservative than international standards. Huel cited independent testing of its Black Edition powder, showing lead levels between 1.5 and 2.2 micrograms per 90g serving, and noted that the product had recently been certified by NSF, with the most recent testing finding lead levels to be “non-detectable.”

Kos stated that all of its protein products are tested by third-party labs and comply with USDA Organic and FDA standards. It acknowledged the environmental presence of heavy metals and affirmed its efforts to minimize contamination.

A spokesperson for Momentous clarified that the products tested by CR had been discontinued and are no longer available. “Our latest formulation for both Whey and Plant proteins launched earlier this year, with the older versions fully phased out by March 2025,” the company said.

Orgain also pointed to environmental factors, explaining that trace metals may appear in plant- and grain-based ingredients. The company assured that its products are tested to ensure compliance with established safety thresholds and are deemed safe for daily use.

Optimum Nutrition, whose products were among those ranked as “better choices” by Consumer Reports, expressed support for rigorous safety testing. The company emphasized its use of FDA Good Manufacturing Practices and third-party lab testing. It also noted that its Gold Standard Whey and BSN Syntha-6 protein powders were specifically recognized in the report as safer options for regular consumption.

As the protein supplement market continues to grow, the Consumer Reports investigation has reignited concerns about quality control and transparency in the supplement industry. While not all protein products pose the same level of risk, the findings serve as a reminder for consumers to be cautious and informed—and for manufacturers to meet stricter safety benchmarks.

With no pre-market approval process required for supplements in the U.S., and no federal limits on heavy metals in these products, the report highlights a regulatory gap that leaves consumers vulnerable. Experts are calling for stronger oversight, clear labeling, and enforceable limits on contamination to protect public health in an industry that, for now, largely regulates itself.