Name: Some top U.S. protein powders have high levels of lead, report finds
Uploaded: 2025-10-17T03:09:36.745Z
Duration: 2 min 3 s
Description: A new report from U.S. based Consumer Reports has identified high levels of lead in a number of market leaders for protein powder. The lead levels are most likely to cause health issues for people who consume the powders on a daily basis.

A new report from U.S. based Consumer Reports has identified high levels of lead in a number of market leaders for protein powder. The lead levels are most likely to cause health issues for people who consume the powders on a daily basis.

Yonkers

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein powders and shakes, revealing that two-thirds contained more lead per serving than what food safety experts consider safe for daily consumption. Some products exceeded the recommended limit by more than ten times, prompting experts to suggest avoiding certain brands altogether, while others may be safe if used in moderation.

Plant-based protein powders were among those with the highest lead content, likely due to environmental contamination. Some companies disputed the findings, stating their products meet global safety standards or arguing that serving size comparisons were misleading. Canadian authorities have monitored lead in protein powders and found no health risks in their last survey. Experts recommend consumers research products before purchasing and practice moderation.

Some top U.S. protein powders have high levels of lead, report finds

Hips back, chest up. This strength and conditioning coach says a lot of her clients use protein powders. It is quite often hand in hand with strength-based training, fitness training. But an investigation by the non-profit organization Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders and shakes and found two-thirds contained more lead in a single serving than their food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day, some by more than 10 times. There are a couple that had really concerning levels of lead and those our experts say, hey, we think you should kind of just avoid taking these altogether. There are others that we recommend kind of limiting your usage and others seem fine to take daily and even when we found no lead in. This food safety professor says no amount of lead is safe. That is building up in your body over time and that can lead to systemic problems such as in children, neurodevelopmental problems in adults, cognitive decline, mood disorders, chronic kidney disease and even reproductive effects. Plant-based protein powders were among those with the most lead in part because plants can be contaminated by the soil or air while they're growing. Some companies named in the report pushed back. One brand, Huel, called it alarmist and said its products meet globally recognized food safety standards. Naked Nutrition said its naked vegan mask gainer has a larger serving size than most protein powders and the data does not provide an accurate apples-to-apples comparison. Some of the products tested are available for Canadians to purchase online. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it's been monitoring lead in protein powder since 2011 and says after its last survey in 2019, Health Canada determined none of the samples posed a health risk. If you're worried, have a little lesson. At the gym, the guidance is moderation. Consumer reports suggest before buying a protein powder, do some research to find out exactly what's in it. Alison Northcott, CBC News, Montreal.

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