Protein powders test high lead
New testing flagged elevated lead levels in some protein powders — the report specifically names Optimum Nutrition and Naked as having concerning lead results in recent third‑party tests. Forbes advises shifting to updated plant‑based options that show lower lead in the latest safety testing. (forbes.com)
Consumer Reports purchased and lab‑tested 23 popular protein powders and ready‑to‑drink shakes and found more than two‑thirds delivered more lead per serving than CR’s “level of concern” of 0.5 micrograms per day. (consumerreports.org) CR’s analysts identified two plant‑based powders they advise consumers to avoid outright because single servings contained roughly 1,200%–1,600% of that 0.5 µg benchmark. (consumerreports.org) Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer tested at about 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving (≈1,570% of CR’s daily concern), and Huel’s Black Edition tested at about 6.3 micrograms per serving (≈1,290% of CR’s daily concern). (foodsafetynews.com) Consumer Reports also flagged Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass for 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving — roughly twice the level CR scientists say is safe to consume in a day. (consumerreports.org) CR publicly asked the Food and Drug Administration to set strict limits on lead in protein products and said it ran supplemental testing on five additional powders in a January 8, 2026 update to the original report. (advocacy.consumerreports.org) Naked Nutrition has publicly requested independent third‑party retesting of its Mass Gainer and is facing a federal lawsuit alleging the product was marketed as pure despite contamination concerns. (wkyc.com) California lawmakers advanced a bill at a Senate Health Committee hearing on March 25, 2026, that would require manufacturers to test and disclose toxic‑metal results for protein powders and shakes sold in the state. (lassennews.com)
