Lead in Protein Powders: What Consumer Reports Found

Lead in Protein Powders: Key Findings and Why It Matters

Consumer Reports’ latest testing of 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes found elevated lead in many products. Lead in protein powders is a concern because small daily exposures add up over time and can drive inflammation that harms long-term health. Most people can meet protein needs with whole foods, so supplements should be the exception, not the routine. 

Plant-based powders in the report averaged higher lead than dairy-based options. There are no federal lead limits specific to protein powders, so quality varies by brand and lot. If you use a powder, treat it like an occasional add-on and verify independent heavy-metal testing when possible. 

Lead in Protein Powders: Safer Choices You Can Make Today

Start with food first. Build protein from eggs, fish, dairy, beans, lentils, tofu, and lean meats. If you still choose a powder, review the brand’s latest third-party heavy-metal results, rotate products, and avoid items flagged for high lead in independent testing. Consider that in this report dairy-based products generally showed lower lead levels than plant-based options. 

Reduce total exposure by limiting servings per week and skipping “protein-fortified” snack foods that can stack unnecessary heavy metals and additives. The simplest rule is to choose the shortest ingredient list you can find and keep powders as a backup, not a daily staple. 

When to Test and What to Do Next 

If protein supplements are part of your daily routine, consider objective testing to understand your exposure. MDLifespan’s Toxin Test & Talk includes at-home collection plus a 30-minute virtual consult to review results and create a plan to lower risk.