If you’re like most people trying to build muscle, lose fat, or just hit your daily protein target, a scoop of protein powder is almost automatic. It’s convenient, affordable, and saves time.

But a recent Consumer Reports investigation found that many popular protein powders, including some “healthy” and plant based ones contain lead and other heavy metals at levels higher than what experts recommend.

This doesn’t mean you need to panic or throw everything out. It just means it’s worth understanding what’s going on so you can make smarter choices.

And at the end of this article, I’ll share a short list of “safer” protein powder options with links if you want to check them out.

Let’s make this simple, clear, and useful.

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What Consumer Reports Found (In Plain English)

Consumer Reports anonymously bought 23 protein powders and shakes from stores across the U.S. and tested them. Here’s what stood out:

1. Over two-thirds contained more lead (per serving) than CR considers safe.

CR uses 0.5 micrograms (µg) of lead per day as their “level of concern.”

Many powders had more than that in just one scoop.

2. Plant-based powders had the highest levels.

Products containing pea protein, rice protein, or hemp tended to have significantly more lead.

CR found that plant based powders had around 9× more lead than dairy based ones.

3. Some specific powders had very high levels.

Examples from the testing data:

• Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer – ~7.7 µg lead per serving
• Huel Black Edition – ~6.3 µg lead per serving

That’s far beyond CR’s daily safety threshold.

4. Even some whey-based powders weren’t perfectly clean.

Dairy-based powders were generally much better, but a few still showed lead above the daily limit.

The point isn’t that protein powders are “dangerous” it’s that many aren’t tested, and the contamination varies widely.

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Why Heavy Metals Matter (Without the Drama)

Let’s keep this grounded.

Heavy metals like lead accumulate in the body over months and years. You don’t “flush them out” easily.

Even low level, long term exposure has been linked to:

• Lower energy
• Cognitive issues (focus, memory, mood)
• Kidney stress
• Higher blood pressure
• Hormonal and reproductive disruptions
• Developmental issues (for pregnant women & children)

You won’t feel anything from one shake. That’s not how it works.
The concern is daily exposure over decades especially if you’re drinking protein shakes often.

So this isn’t fear based.
It’s awareness based.

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So… Should You Stop Using Protein Powder?

No, not at all.

Protein powders are still incredibly helpful for:

• Hitting your protein target
• Supporting muscle growth
• Improving recovery
• Managing appetite
• Making dieting easier

You just need to be selective.

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How to Choose a Cleaner Protein Powder

Here are simple rules to cut your risk dramatically:

1.Prefer whey isolate or other dairy based proteins

These consistently test lower in lead.

2.Choose brands that publish third party heavy metal testing

NSF, Informed Sport, or batch Certificates of Analysis (COAs).

3.Avoid cheap plant based blends

Budget pea/rice protein is the most common source of elevated lead.

4.If choosing plant based, pick brands that test every batch

Not all plant-based powders are bad, but transparency is crucial.

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Protein Powders Tested With High Lead Levels (Use Caution)

Based on Consumer Reports, the following stood out:

1.Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer

~7.7 µg of lead per serving
(15× CR’s daily limit)

2.Huel Black Edition

~6.3 µg per serving

3.Unverified plant-based blends

(especially budget options with pea + rice protein)

These aren’t “evil” companies, just products that tested high in lead.

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Safer “Go To” Protein Powders (Based on Testing + brand transparency)

These are widely recognized for low heavy metal levels and publish third-party testing.
I’ll keep this list short and practical.

1.Owyn: Pro Elite High Protein Shake

convenient ready-to-drink or shake format, painless way to hit protein intake when you’re short on time.
> Purchase: https://amzn.to/48cTMGp

2.Transparent Labs: Mass Gainer Sweet Vanilla

popular mass-gain option for those needing extra calories + protein (e.g. for bulking).
> Purchase: https://www.transparentlabs.com/products/mass-gainer?variant=39503883108445&selling_plan=1706524765

3.Optimum Nutrition: Gold Standard 100% Whey

classic whey powder, widely available, trusted by many lifters and often used as a daily go to.
>Purchase: https://amzn.to/4p9Gmkl

4.BSN: Syntha-6 protein powder

a blend that offers a mix of protein types, good for flexibility (pre- or post-workout or as meal supplement).
>Purchase: https://amzn.to/49RoYw6

5.Momentous: Whey Protein Isolate

higher quality whey isolate, which tends to be easier on digestion while offering solid protein per serving.
>Purchase: https://amzn.to/4p6JVrH

6.Dymatize: Super Mass Gainer

for those who struggle to eat enough calories in a day, a mass gainer can help meet both calorie and protein goals.
>Purchase: https://amzn.to/4aqBjHL

7.MuscleTech: 100% Mass Gainer

another calorie dense powder, useful for bulking phases or periods of heavy training when extra nutrition is needed.
>Purchase: https://amzn.to/48tMRHE

These recommendations are not sponsored just based on quality, transparency, and repeatedly low heavy metal results.

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Final Thoughts

Protein powder can still be one of the most helpful tools for fitness and body composition you just need to choose a brand that’s been tested and verified.

You don’t need to panic.
You don’t need to throw out everything you own.
You just need a little awareness and a brand you can trust.