The Clean Label Project (CLP), a consumer safety nonprofit, released a report on January 10, 2025, unveiling concerning levels of toxins in popular protein powders. Researchers tested 160 products from 70 top-selling brands, representing 83% of the market. The findings revealed that organic protein powders contained three times more lead and twice the amount of cadmium compared to their non-organic counterparts. Moreover, chocolate-flavored powders exhibited significantly higher concentrations of these harmful metals.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserts that no level of lead is safe for human consumption. Alarmingly, chocolate-flavored powders showed four times more lead than vanilla and up to 110 times more cadmium. The report also highlighted the presence of bisphenols—hormone disruptors linked to fetal abnormalities and other health issues—in three out of the 160 products tested. However, this marked an improvement from a previous study that found bisphenols in 55% of protein powders.
Despite these worrying findings, the report noted a reduction in bisphenol levels compared to a 2018 study. Nevertheless, over-the-counter protein powders continue to exceed government food safety regulations for lead and heavy metals like cadmium. The CLP's report has drawn attention from both consumers and industry stakeholders.
"This study serves as a wake-up call for consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and regulators alike," – The CLP report.
Andrea Wong, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, commented on the report's methodology. An industry association representing supplement manufacturers questioned the transparency of the criteria used to determine contamination thresholds.
"Without such clarity, consumers and industry stakeholders cannot fully evaluate the validity of the claims," – Andrea Wong.
The study found that organic protein powders, on average, displayed higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products. This revelation raises significant concerns about the health implications of consuming these supplements. As consumers strive for healthier choices, they may unwittingly expose themselves to higher toxin levels by opting for organic options.
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