What You Need to Know About Lead and Other Heavy Metals In Your Protein Powder

Nov 12, 2025

This podcast tackles the hidden dangers in protein powders, unpacking a Consumer Reports investigation that reveals lead in many popular brands. The discussion highlights why plant-based proteins often test worse and practical strategies to reduce metal exposure. Listeners learn which products are the safest and why certain foods naturally contain lead. Dhru emphasizes the importance of context in understanding these health concerns, making it clear how to enjoy the benefits of protein while staying informed about risks.

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INSIGHT

How The Report Measured Lead

Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders using Prop 65's 0.5 µg/day lead limit as the benchmark.
They tested multiple lots per product and used an accredited lab for heavy metal analysis.

INSIGHT

Plant Proteins Had Highest Lead

About two-thirds of tested products exceeded Consumer Reports' level of concern for lead per serving.
Plant-based powders averaged nine times the lead of dairy-based powders and twice that of beef-based powders.

INSIGHT

Why Plant Powders Contain More Lead

Anything grown in soil carries heavy metals, and concentration rises when plants are processed into isolates.
Plant proteins concentrate those metals because producers need large amounts of raw crop to make powder.

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This episode is brought to you by Birch Living, Our Place, Pique Life, and Fatty15.

If you’ve been following this podcast, you know we’ve had several experts emphasize the importance of adequate protein intake, and sometimes that comes in the form of protein powder. But if you’ve seen the recent headlines, you might be wondering whether protein powder could actually be harmful to your health.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru breaks down the research behind a recent Consumer Reports investigation into lead found in protein powders. He shares the behind-the-scenes details of how the study was conducted, including which products were tested, the process used, and the standards applied to measure levels of concern. Dhru also discusses which products tested higher, provides practical ways to reduce exposure to heavy metals, and highlights what the article may have overlooked.

In this episode, Dhru dives into:

Introduction: Why some people are rethinking their daily protein shake (00:00)
The truth behind the headlines (2:00)
How products were tested, the testing process, and standards (4:00)
What the report revealed (7:30)
Why lead shows up in our food? (17:19)
Best and worst options for reducing exposure (19:19)
Why some proteins test cleaner (26:46)
How to lower your daily exposure (33:36)
What the article overlooked (36:16)
Why protein matters (39:16)
Final thoughts (42:16)

*Correction: Equip Foods: No Natural Flavors in Chocolate Protein Powder

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This episode is brought to you by Birch Living, Our Place, Pique Life, and Fatty15.

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