Sales of protein powders and ready-to-drink protein products have surged, exceeding US$32 billion globally from 2024 to 2025. With more consumers incorporating these products into their daily diets, a recent study by Consumer Reports, published on October 14, 2025, has raised significant concerns. The investigation found that several protein products contain dangerously high levels of lead, alongside other heavy metals such as cadmium and arsenic, which pose serious health risks at elevated levels.
The study scrutinized 23 protein products from popular brands, sending three samples of each to an independent laboratory for analysis. According to Consumer Reports, any product exceeding 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving is considered unsafe, a threshold established by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. This limit is notably more stringent than the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guideline, which allows for consumption of up to 5 micrograms of lead per day from any single dietary supplement.
The discrepancy between these standards stems from Consumer Reports‘ aim to minimize exposure to heavy metals, contrasting with the FDA’s more pragmatic thresholds. The FDA has also set an Interim Reference Level for total daily lead exposure, which varies by demographic: 8.8 micrograms for individuals who could become pregnant, 2.2 micrograms for children, and 12.5 micrograms for others.
In its findings, Consumer Reports revealed that 16 of the 23 products tested exceeded the 0.5 micrograms limit. Alarmingly, four products surpassed 2.2 micrograms, the FDA’s threshold for children, and two products contained 72% and 88% of the FDA’s recommended limit for pregnant individuals. Additionally, the study indicated that two products exceeded safe levels for cadmium and one surpassed the recommended limit for arsenic.
Understanding the Sources of Contamination
Heavy metals like lead are naturally found in soil and water due to geological and industrial processes. Lead contamination often arises from volcanic rock erosion, which can leach heavy metals into the local environment. Furthermore, certain crops are adept at absorbing these harmful substances from contaminated soil.
The study highlighted that plant-based protein sources had significantly higher lead levels compared to dairy or beef protein products. Specifically, plant-derived proteins contained nine times more lead than dairy proteins and twice as much as beef-based options. The presence of heavy metals has also been noted in other foods, including spices, dark chocolate, and root vegetables.
What Consumers Should Consider
While the occasional consumption of products with elevated heavy metal levels may not lead to immediate health issues, chronic exposure can have detrimental effects. Prolonged exposure can impair cognitive function, damage nerves, weaken bones, and elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as strokes and heart disease. Heavy metals are also linked to a heightened risk of cancer.
Despite the concerning findings, it is crucial to note that all flagged products had lead levels significantly below the FDA’s maximum daily exposure limits. Consumers can mitigate their risk by opting for dairy or animal-based proteins, which generally exhibit lower levels of contamination. However, some plant-based products tested by Consumer Reports did not show high levels of heavy metals, indicating variability based on ingredient sourcing.
To reduce exposure, users are encouraged to consume high-heavy metal products less frequently and to be mindful of serving sizes. Organic plant-based products often have lower heavy metal content than conventionally farmed ones, offering another layer of protection.
The findings from the Consumer Reports study emphasize the need for stricter product testing and adherence to good manufacturing practices among protein powder manufacturers. As the demand for these products continues to rise, ensuring consumer safety remains paramount.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
