Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead

Protein supplements are wildly popular, but CR’s tests of 23 products found that more than two-thirds of them contain more lead in a single serving than our experts say is safe to have in a day

By Paris Martineau Investigative Reporter
Published October 14, 2025·Updated October 15, 2025

It's been 15 years since CR last tested for lead in protein powders and shakes. This time, the average level of lead was higher, and fewer products contained undetectable amounts of it. (Photo: Scott Meadows/Consumer Reports)

Much has changed since Consumer Reports first tested protein powders and shakes. Over the past 15 years, Americans’ obsession with protein has transformed what had been a niche product into the centerpiece of a multibillion-dollar wellness craze, driving booming supplement sales and spawning a new crop of protein-fortified foods that now saturate supermarket shelves and social media feeds.

Yet for all the industry’s growth and rebranding, one thing hasn’t changed: Protein powders still carry troubling levels of toxic heavy metals, according to a new Consumer Reports investigation. Our latest tests of 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes from popular brands found that heavy metal contamination has become even more common among protein products, raising concerns that the risks are growing right alongside the industry itself.

For more than two-thirds of the products we analyzed, a single serving contained more lead than CR’s food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day—some by more than 10 times.

CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:
https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/

Interesting read.

The headline is a bit scarier than the information in the story. Understanding no amount of lead is good in most of the products one would have to take more than the recommended daily amount over time for there to be lead issues (and I sound like a spokesperson for the company, LOL)

I use protein powder two to three times per week. It helps me hit some protein per pound numbers when I just can't eat enough on that day.

I scanned thru the products and didn't see the brand I use on their list. Either I am good or will soon be setting off metal detectors, maybe somewhere in between.

Nice post.

Scott

Lead does the body good.

Depends on the grain, velocity and location.

Scott

I never could tolerate protein powders.. maybe my system is so sensitive… real food is hard to beat.

True.

I use them for protein supplementation/boost appetite (a tad bit of sugar) but nothing replaces a good steak. LOL

Scott