According to the investigation, these popular fitness supplements, often incorporated into daily routines by many health-conscious individuals, may pose a risk if consumed regularly.

The report scrutinized 23 protein powders and pre-made shakes across a range of brands, revealing that over two-thirds contained lead levels exceeding what Consumer Reports’ food safety experts deem safe for an entire day. In several instances, the lead content surpassed the recommended daily limit of 0.5 micrograms by more than tenfold.

“The results are even more troubling than those from our previous tests,” remarked Tunde Akinleye, the lead food safety researcher on the project, referring to similar tests conducted by Consumer Reports 15 years ago. This indicates a worsening trend in the safety of these products.

“It’s concerning that these results are even worse than the last time we tested,” Tunde Akinleye, the food safety researcher who led the project, said, comparing the new results to testing Consumer Reports did 15 years ago.

The Food and Drug Administration does not currently set a federal limit for heavy metals in most food products, including protein powder. 

While it does monitor contaminants through ongoing testing programs, there are no enforceable nationwide rules.

Two plant-based powders, Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel’s Black Edition, were flagged in the report for having the highest levels of lead, with a single serving ranging from 1,200% to 1,600% of the daily limit. The Consumer Reports findings, published on Tuesday, advised against using both products. 

Two other plant-based powders, Garden of Life’s Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous 100% Plant Protein, were also highlighted as risky and should only be used once a week, according to the report.

As for non-plant-based powder, Consumer Reports says the MuscleMeds’ Carnivor Mass powder tested for over 200% of the daily limit of lead.

On average, plant-based powders had about nine times more lead than dairy-based options and twice as much as those made with beef protein, according to the report. While whey and dairy powders fared better overall, Consumer Reports still advised against using about half of them daily due to concerning lead levels.

Health experts in the report expressed concern over the repeated or continued exposure to lead, especially at high doses. Even small amounts can build up in the body over time and lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage, reproductive issues and high blood pressure. Children and pregnant people are especially vulnerable. 

While lead was the primary concern, the investigation also revealed high levels of cadmium and inorganic arsenic in some products. The Environmental Protection Agency has categorized cadmium as a probable human carcinogen and inorganic arsenic as a known human carcinogen. 

According to the report, Huel’s Black Edition powder contained 9.2 micrograms of cadmium per serving, more than double what Consumer Reports considers safe. One dairy-based powder, Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass whey protein powder, contained 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic, twice the daily safety limit set by Consumer Reports experts.

All products were anonymously purchased over a three-month period starting last November from national retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market, according to the report. Every powder tested met or exceeded its labeled protein amount, usually between 20 and 60 grams per serving. 

Many of the companies involved in the investigation responded to the findings. 

A spokesperson for Huel told Consumer Reports its ingredients undergo “rigorous testing” and that it is “confident in the current formulation and safety of the products.” Naked Nutrition said it uses select suppliers and has requested third-party testing of its product. 

John Koval, a spokesperson for Abbott, which makes Ensure, told Consumer Reports that lead levels in its drinks are considered low for plant-based products and “consumers can be assured the product is safe.” 

Garden of Life and Orgain maintained that their products are safe, while Momentous said it has since discontinued the product Consumer Reports tested and has since conducted a “massive overhaul” of its products. 

Consumer Reports advises against daily use for most protein powders and recommends getting protein from whole foods like dairy, fish, poultry, eggs, beans and Greek yogurt instead. 

“We advise against daily use for most protein powders, since many have high levels of heavy metals and none are necessary to hit your protein goals,” Akinleye said.