Lead and Cadmium Found in Protein Powders — Plant-Based and Chocolate-Flavored Are Worst Offenders

Mar. 15, 2025

Protein powder.Photo:Anna Blazhuk/Getty

Anna Blazhuk/Getty

Protein powders used to build muscle mass can contain harmful heavy metals like cadmium and lead.

“The study’s findings highlight that despite the growing health-conscious market, many products may contain elevated levels of contaminants not reflected on traditional nutrition labels,” the report read.

Protein powder.Bongkarn Thanyakij/Getty

Bongkarn Thanyakij/Getty

The study tested 160 products from 70 top protein powder brands, though neither the products nor brands were named in the report. The sample pool represented 83% of the market, the report read.

The report suggests the contamination could come from harmful agricultural practices — like some pesticides and fertilizers — as well as packaging or environmental exposure. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the Earth’s crust,CNN reported— which plants then absorb.

Furthermore, chocolate flavoring significantly contributes to toxicity levels, the report found. Though dark chocolate has been proven to have an array of health benefits, it also has been found to have high levels of heavy metals, according to a study conducted inJuly 2024.

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“Chocolate-flavored protein powders contained four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders,” said JaclynBowen, executive director of the Clean Label Project.

Protein powder.Tetra Images/Getty

Tetra Images/Getty

The Clean Label Project hopes to begin more candid conversations between consumers and companies and facilitate transparency when it comes to buying health products or foods.

“With the lack of comprehensive federal regulations specifically addressing heavy metals in dietary supplements, it is critical that the industry independently takes proactive measures,” the report read.

source: people.com