It might be shocking to hear, but recent tests have revealed high levels of lead in popular plant-based protein powders and even in cinnamon spice.
According to Consumer Reports, some plant-based supplements had so much lead that they were deemed unsafe to consume—even occasionally.
At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about 16 different cinnamon products due to dangerous levels of lead.
Darin Detwiler, a food policy expert at Northeastern University, says this doesn’t surprise him. While plant-based products and natural spices like cinnamon are often seen as healthy choices, Detwiler warns that these foods are not automatically safer—and may actually be more prone to contamination.
Consumer Reports found that plant-based protein powders had lead levels nine times higher than those found in dairy-based protein powders, and double the levels found in beef-based protein powders. That’s a big difference, and it points to deeper issues in how these products are made.
Lead is a heavy metal that exists naturally in soil. But over the decades, pollution from industry, mining, pesticides, and dirty irrigation water has increased the amount of lead in soil worldwide.
This means that crops used to make plant-based powders—like rice, peas, and hemp—are more likely to absorb lead from the soil as they grow. Unlike dairy, which is filtered through animals, plant proteins come straight from the ground, making them more exposed to this contamination.
The problem doesn’t stop with protein. Cinnamon, which comes from plants grown in countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam, can also absorb lead from the soil. In some cases, cinnamon powder may even contain additional contaminants from additives or coloring agents used during processing.
Making these products into powders makes the issue even worse. Drying and grinding the plants can concentrate any lead that’s already present. And because powdered products often contain multiple ingredients, just one contaminated item can spoil the whole batch.
Why is this so concerning? Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin. In children, even small amounts can cause permanent brain damage. According to the CDC and World Health Organization, there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
Adults aren’t safe either—long-term lead exposure can lead to problems like nerve damage, kidney disease, heart issues, lower fertility, and memory decline in older adults.
Detwiler says the U.S. lacks clear, unified laws limiting lead in all food products. While there are some guidelines, there’s no single federal rule that applies to all foods or dietary supplements—unless the product is for children. Consumer Reports recommends a much stricter daily lead limit than the FDA currently does.
So, what can consumers do? Detwiler recommends that parents, pregnant people, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions avoid using protein powders daily—especially those made from rice, hemp, or peas—unless the product is third-party tested for contaminants. Look for certifications from trusted organizations like NSF, USP, or Informed-Choice.
In the end, Detwiler emphasizes choosing whole foods over processed powders. While protein powders are often marketed as a must-have for a healthy lifestyle, the risks may outweigh the benefits—especially when cleaner, natural alternatives are available.
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