A recent Consumer Reports study has raised concerns over heavy metal contamination in protein powders, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium. One of the products flagged was Huel Black Edition, which the report recommended consumers avoid due to high levels of lead.
The study tested 23 protein powders and shakes from popular brands in the U.S. and found that over two-thirds contained more lead per serving than Consumer Reports’ food safety experts consider safe. Some products exceeded the safety limit by up to 10 times, while Huel Black Edition surpassed the level of concern by over 1,200 percent.
Lead exposure over time has been linked to neurological and developmental issues in children, as well as kidney problems, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system in adults. Cadmium and arsenic were also detected in some products, including 9.2 micrograms of cadmium in Huel Black Edition.
Huel responded to the report on their website, saying the study’s comparison does not reflect how trace minerals are evaluated by scientists or regulators. The company explained that trace minerals like lead naturally appear in crops as plants absorb them from soil.
The company also highlighted that Huel products undergo testing by independent labs in both the U.K. and U.S. for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Huel Black Edition has been tested 17 times in recent years and is NSF Certified, one of the strictest global safety standards.
Huel emphasized that their products are comparable to everyday meals, noting that a typical meal of sausage, potatoes, and vegetables can contain around 5 micrograms of lead, while adults naturally consume 20–80 micrograms per day. The company concluded that its products fall well within global food safety standards.
Consumer Reports’ lead researcher, Tunde Akinleye, advised occasional users not to panic but recommended that regular users consider reducing their protein powder consumption to limit long-term exposure to heavy metals.
