US EditionProtein powders contain high amounts of lead, new report says: A pharmacologist explains the data
About 70% of tested protein powders contained lead above Consumer Reports’ safety level, with plant-based powders showing the highest contamination, raising long-term health concerns.
- On Oct. 14, 2025, Consumer Reports published a study finding lead and other heavy metals in 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes after independent lab analysis.
- In recent years, rising use of protein supplements has increased exposure risks as manufacturers conduct their own safety testing and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not routinely preapprove them.
- Among product categories tested, Consumer Reports' laboratory analysis found 16 of 23 products exceeded 0.5 micrograms per serving and two had lead levels 1,200 to 1,600 percent above concern, with plant-based protein powders showing nine times more lead than dairy-based proteins such as whey.
- Public health experts caution that no lead level is truly safe and daily use may raise long-term risks, as four products exceeded the FDA children’s cutoff of 2.2 micrograms.
- Compared with the 2010 analysis, Consumer Reports' recent analysis found higher average lead levels and fewer products with undetectable lead, marking a worsening trend in 23 protein products tested.
12 Articles
12 Articles
PBS NewsHour
New report finds high levels of lead in some protein powders. A pharmacologist explains the data
A new study by Consumer Reports claims that some protein products contain dangerously high levels of lead, as well as other heavy metals such as cadmium and arsenic. Here's what to know about the study and what it found.
Consumer Reports: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Le...
Consumer Reports: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead. “More than two-thirds of [tested products] contain more lead in a single serving than our experts say is safe to have in a day.” 💬 Join the discussion on kottke.org →
Lead found in protein powders and cinnamon: what you need to know
It might be shocking to hear, but recent tests have revealed high levels of lead in popular plant-based protein powders and even in cinnamon spice. According to Consumer Reports, some plant-based supplements had so much lead that they were deemed unsafe to consume—even occasionally. At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) […] The post Lead found in protein powders and cinnamon: what you need to know appeared first on Knowri…
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