It feels like protein is inescapable these days, from Starbucks launching protein-packed cold foam to Khloe Kardashian’s protein popcorn. Yes, we need protein in our diets, but some people are overdoing it, which is a conversation for another time. If you’ve tried to supplement protein with powder or a ready-to-drink shake recently, you might want to check your batch. According to Consumer Reports, 23 products they tested had high levels of lead.
Unfortunately, finding lead in protein powders isn’t necessarily new. The last time Consumer Reports tested for lead was 15 years ago, and things have only gotten worse. During their most recent test, they found that the average level of lead was higher and fewer products contained undetectable amounts. It seems that as the protein industry booms, so is the presence of lead in formulas.
Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes from popular brands, and for more than two-thirds of the products, a single serving contained more lead than their experts say is safe to consume in a day, with some exceeding the limit by more than 10 times.
The experts advise completely avoiding two of the products tested: Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel Black Edition. They also recommend limiting the use of Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous 100% Plant Protein to once a week max. Consumer Reports also lists a handful of products they deem okay to consume occasionally.
If you’re looking to have protein without any concern, they say Owyn Pro Elite High Protein Shake ($50 for a pack of 12), Transparent Labs Mass Gainer ($80), Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey ($86), BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder ($64), Momentous Whey Protein Isolate ($55), Dymatize Super Mass Gainer and Muscle Tech 100% Mass Gainer ($45) are safe to have daily, with some even having no cap.
