A new investigation conducted by Consumer Reports found that out of 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes it tested, over two-thirds of the products contained unsafe levels of lead in a single serving, according to Consumer Reports' food safety experts. Some samples contained over 10 times the amount considered a safe daily intake of lead by the organization's experts.

This echoes a 2024-25 report by the nonprofit organization Clean Project Label, which concluded that out of 160 tested protein powders, 47% exceeded California Proposition 65 safety thresholds for toxic metals. Plant-based protein powders in particular had three times the amount of lead found in whey-based powders, while chocolate powders had four times more than vanilla. Organic powder also contained

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