Every Body Bliss

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Heavy Metals in Protein Powder

Miriam Jacobson

A Guide to Choosing Safe Supplements in 2025

My breakfast on most days is a plant-based protein shake. I love the ease of a protein smoothie and recommend it to many of my clients.

Consuming 20-30 grams of protein first thing in the morning helps stabilize blood sugar, mood, and energy while reducing cravings later in the day.

You can imagine my dismay when I discovered the Clean Label Project's (CLP) recent report about heavy metal contamination in protein powders. CLP tested 160 products from 70% of top-selling brands (representing 83% of the market). Their findings? Nearly half of the products tested (47%) exceeded California's Prop 65 threshold for heavy metals.

The irony isn't lost on me – trying to make a healthy choice only to potentially consume heavy metals. No thank you!

Finding a high-quality protein powder is already challenging enough without considering hidden heavy metals. Most of us struggle to find brands free from additives and artificial sweeteners. Now the search for the perfect protein has become even more complex.

Unfortunately, navigating supplements in the US can be extremely challenging due to limited regulation. While this can be frustrating, we must make informed decisions based on current information. I constantly update my recommendations based on emerging science, and I encourage you to do the same!

Key Findings and Recommendations:

  1. Plant-based protein powders showed higher levels of contamination. Consider whey, pastured egg, or grass-fed meat-based protein powders when possible.

  2. Choose vanilla-flavored options when available, as chocolate flavors showed higher metal levels.

  3. Look for brands with third-party testing certifications like NSF, GMP, or Clean Label Project.

  4. If a product doesn't meet California's strict Prop 65 regulations, consider alternatives.

While protein powder can be a convenient supplement, it shouldn't be your sole protein source. Consider incorporating other high-quality proteins into your diet, such as:

  • Pasture-raised eggs and poultry

  • Wild-caught fish (salmon, sardines, white fish)

  • Grass-fed meat

  • Organic, hormone-free dairy (Greek yogurt and cottage cheese)

Though CLP hasn't released a list of contaminated products (annoying - I know. I wish they did, too), they have provided a list of approved options. To make your life easier, I've compiled a curated list of protein powders that either have CLP approval, NSF certification, or meet Prop 65 restrictions. While some products contain more additives than others, my primary focus was identifying safer options.

I originally created this list for myself and my clients, but I'm happy to share it with you too!