Some protein powders and shakes — including brands available to Canadians — contain concerning levels of lead, according to new testing by Consumer Reports. Experts say the findings highlight potential long-term health risks, particularly for people who use these supplements daily, and point to regulatory gaps in Canada.
Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein products and found lead levels ranging from zero to 7.7 micrograms per serving, exceeding California’s strict daily standard of 0.5 micrograms. While the levels were below U.S. FDA limits for women of childbearing age, scientists stress that no amount of lead is considered safe.
“The worst products we tested had 7.7 micrograms of lead — higher than the average American gets from everything they eat in a day,” said investigative reporter Paris Martineau. Most of the elevated lead levels were found in plant-based protein powders, such as those made from pea, soy, or rice, which tend to concentrate metals from soil and air during processing.
Lawrence Goodridge, a food safety professor at the University of Guelph, said the results raise red flags about both product safety and oversight in Canada. “These products that Canadians are using increasingly may contain very high levels of lead and that’s concerning,” he told CBC News.
Lead exposure is dangerous not because of a single serving, but due to accumulation over time. The heavy metal builds up in bones and tissues, taking decades to break down. In children, it can impair neurological development. In adults, chronic exposure can lead to cognitive decline, kidney disease, mood disorders, and reproductive problems.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has monitored lead and cadmium in protein powders since 2011. A 2018–2019 spot check found protein powders had the highest average lead contamination among tested beverages, though Health Canada deemed those levels not a health risk at the time. There are currently no specific federal limits for lead in protein powders or dietary supplements in Canada — a gap Goodridge says needs to be addressed.
Consumer experts recommend limiting protein powder use to occasional supplementation and focusing on whole food protein sources, such as meat, nuts, eggs, and dairy. Vulnerable groups — including children, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised people — should avoid protein powders unless prescribed by a health professional.
Protein makers responded by defending their products. Naked Nutrition said its plant-based powder met FDA reference levels and argued that serving sizes influenced the results. Huel called the report “alarmist,” saying its products meet U.S. and EU standards.
Lead contamination occurs naturally when plants absorb it from soil or air, meaning stricter testing and clear labeling may be needed rather than assuming safety through general food standards. Until regulations catch up, experts say consumers should scrutinize labels and look for independent third-party testing when choosing supplements.