Should You Worry About Lead in Protein Powder?

You may have seen the headlines:“70% of protein powders contain lead.”

Sounds alarming but as always, context matters.

Let’s look at what the data actually shows...and what it doesn’t.

In mid-October,Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders from brands like Vega, Huel, and Muscle Milk. About 70% contained detectable lead levels, particularly in plant-based powders.

That sounds scary until you realize thatlead naturally exists in soil and water. Trace amounts show up in nearly all plant foods, from apples and tomatoes to spinach and chocolate.

Consumer Reportsbased its “level of concern” on California Proposition 65,which sets an extremely conservative maximum allowable dose (0.5 micrograms).

That’s a legal limit, not a scientific one.

Other global standards, like the European Union’s, allow roughly 10 times that amount in most foods.

These guidelines aren’t saying lead is “safe,” but that tiny traces are unavoidable and the goal is to keep exposureas low as reasonably achievable.

Most of the tested protein powders contained between 0.6 and 6 micrograms,less lead per serving than everyday foods:

• Medium tomato: ~3 mcg

• Medium apple: ~1.5 mcg

• 8–10 strawberries: ~1–1.5 mcg

• 40 g dark chocolate: 2–8 mcg

The average American consumes about 5 micrograms daily just from normal meals.

That’s why this isn’t a “panic” situation. It’s an awareness one.

Supplements are less regulated than food, and quality can vary widely between brands. The smartest move isn’t to fear all powders, but to choose better ones.

👉 Look for NSF-certified or USP-verified labels, which confirm independent testing for purity. Reputable brands publish Certificates of Analysis showing exact levels of heavy metals and other contaminants.

👉 Choose whey protein whenever possible. Lead levels were consistently higher in plant-based protein supplements. Soil-derived heavy metals show up in plant-based foods. You just can’t completely avoid it.

👉 Higher lead levels are typically found in chocolate. Not fighting with chocoholics, just know that's the case.

👉 Consult 3rd-party testing sites like ConsumerLab. I have a subscription and am happy to check products for you.

Meeting your protein needs through whole foods is ideal, but most of us struggle to hit our target without some help.

Getting 0.6 to 0.8 grams per pound is a solid goal for most people. Older and active people need more. A scoop of a quality powder can make that achievable without significantly increasing your calorie intake.

Nutrition is about the pattern of what you do most of the time.

That trace amount of lead is the least of your worries if your diet otherwise contains a heavy dose of ultraprocessed and low-nutrient foods!