Many Americans are focused on reaching their daily protein goals as part of their health and fitness journeys. To help achieve this, protein powders and shakes have become a convenient option since they can be consumed before or after workouts or as meal replacements. But according to a new report, some brands contain higher levels of lead.

Consumer Reports launched a three-month investigation in November, sampling more than 23 brands that contain both animal and plant-based proteins and analyzing their lead levels.

“It’s concerning that these results are even worse than the last time we tested,” Tunde Akinleye, the CR food safety researcher who spearheaded the testing project, said, noting that the contamination levels were much higher than when the organization last tested 15 years ago.

Some products had significantly higher levels of the heavy metal than others; health experts interviewed by the organization advised consumers to exercise caution when ingesting these powdered and drinkable dietary supplements.

Here’s what to know about the Consumer Reports investigation on popular protein powders and shakes, including key findings, the brands tested, company responses, and what consumers can do to avoid health risks and overexposure in these supplements.

Key findings from tested brands

Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders and shakes (plant-based, dairy-based and beef-based products) purchased from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods Market and Vitamin Shoppe. The samples were tested for total protein, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and other elements, as specified in the analysis.

More than two-thirds of the tested products contained more lead per serving than CR’s food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day, with some exceeding this threshold by more than 10 times.

About 70% of the products exceeded CR’s lead safety threshold by more than 120%. Two plant-based powders, Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel’s Black Edition, contained between 1,290% and 1,570% of CR’s daily limit, prompting health experts to warn consumers not to use them.

Two other brands, Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous 100% Plant Protein, contained between 400–600% of the lead limit and should be used no more than once weekly, per the report.

MuscleMeds’ Carnivor Mass powder was the only non-plant-based protein to exceed CR’s lead concern level by 200%. Six plant-based powders, five dairy-based powders and shakes, and one beef powder also tested above the concern threshold.

Some products also exceeded safe levels of cadmium and inorganic arsenic, both carcinogens. Among those brands were Huel’s Black Edition plant-based protein powder and Vega’s Premium Sport powder.

What brands were tested?

- Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (Serving size: 315 grams, which is six scoops) Listed as: Products to avoid
- Huel Black Edition (Serving size: 90 grams, which is two scoops) Listed as: Products to avoid
- Garden of Life Sport-Organic Plant-Based Protein (Serving size: 45 grams, which is two scoops) Listed as: Recommend limiting to once a week
- Momentous 100% Plant Protein (Serving size: 37.7 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Recommend limiting to once a week
- MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass (Serving size: 191 grams, which is four scoops) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass (Serving size: 340 grams, which is two scoops) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Jocko Fuel Mölk Protein Shake (Serving size: 355 ml, which is one carton) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Vega Premium Sport Plant-Based Protein (Serving size: 44 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Quest Protein Shake (Serving size: 325 ml, which is one carton) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder (Serving size: 46 grams, which is two scoops) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Shake (Serving size: 325 ml, which is one carton) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Equip Foods Prime Protein (Serving size: 25.7 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- PlantFusion Complete Protein (Serving size: 30 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Ensure Plant-Based Protein Nutrition Shake (Serving size: 330 ml, which is one carton) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake (Serving size: 330 ml, which is one carton) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein (Serving size: 37 grams, which is two scoops) Listed as: Okay to eat occasionally
- Owyn Pro Elite High Protein Shake (Serving size: 330 ml, which is one carton) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer (Serving size: 194 grams, which is two scoops) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey (Serving size: 30.5 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption
- BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder (Serving size: 47 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption
- Momentous Whey Protein Isolate (Serving size: 26.5 grams, which is one scoop) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption
- Dymatize Super Mass Gainer (Serving size: 333 grams, which is two and a half scoops) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption
- Muscle Tech 100% Mass Gainer (Serving size: 357 grams, which is six scoops) Listed as: Better choices for daily consumption

What are the health risks?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead exposure can harm both children and adults. Young children are especially at risk because they absorb more lead through contact with lead-based items like paint, floors and walls, which can cause lowered IQ, brain and nervous system damage, learning and behavioral difficulties, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches.

In adults, lead exposure can lead to reproductive issues for men and women, high blood pressure and hypertension, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems and muscle and joint pain.

Some health experts involved in this investigation said that protein powders and shakes are tested differently for heavy metals than other foods since these supplements can also be used as meal replacements.

“The FDA can take action if it finds unsafe lead levels, but the lack of enforceable standards means it doesn’t happen nearly enough,” Brian Ronholm, CR’s director of food policy, said in the report. “The FDA’s lack of funding and staff makes the problem worse. Establishing enforceable limits in foods and supplements would go a long way in protecting consumers.”

Company responses

Several brands did not respond or comment, including BSN, Dymatize, Jocko Fuel, Muscle Milk, Owyn, PlantFusion, Transparent Labs, and Optimum Nutrition (declined to comment). Naked Nutrition emphasized using “select suppliers” and is pursuing third-party testing based on CR’s results.

Huel and Vega defended their products, citing “rigorous testing” and complying with “safety standards and regulations.” Additionally, Vega mentioned past settlements and updated sourcing. Momentous said the tested products were discontinued.

Garden of Life, Orgain and Ensure maintain that their products are safe and meet international guidelines, even though several of the brands do not have limits or guidelines regarding heavy metals.

Consumer advice

Based on the Consumer Reports investigation, experts suggest that consumers should limit their use of protein powder, especially those who use it daily. Plant-based powders should be used with caution, as they contain the highest levels of lead.

Also, they should avoid products with Proposition 65 warning labels and instead use CR’s guide, which includes products with lower levels of heavy metals, according to the analysis.

Maintaining daily protein intake is essential for overall health, and choosing whole foods like beans, chicken, chickpeas, eggs and Greek yogurt are excellent sources of the nutrient.

protein powders and shakes

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week