Most protein powders exceed 0.5 micrograms lead per serving, CR finds

This week, the nonprofit Consumer Reports published tests of 23 popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes and found that more than two thirds contained more lead per serving than the group’s chosen daily threshold of 0.5 micrograms. The samples, purchased over a three-month period beginning in November 2024 and tested for arsenic, cadmium, lead and other elements, included dairy, beef and plant-based products sold online and in stores. Consumer Reports advised against daily consumption of many of the products and recommended avoiding two products it identified as having the highest lead levels.

Consumer Reports reported the largest lead measurements in plant-based items. The highest single-serving results were 7.7 micrograms in a vegan mass gainer and 6.3 micrograms in a plant-based meal-replacement powder; several other plant-based powders exceeded the 0.5 microgram threshold and prompted limits on recommended frequency of use. The organization also flagged three products for concerning levels of cadmium and inorganic arsenic. At the same time, Consumer Reports emphasized that the amounts found are far below concentrations that would cause immediate poisoning for...