Our Mission
Why Clean Protein List Exists
In October 2025, Consumer Reports published shocking findings: only 30% of tested protein powders were safe for daily consumption. Some contained lead levels up to 15 times over California's safe limits.
Millions of people drink protein shakes daily, believing they're making a healthy choice. Instead, many are unknowingly consuming dangerous levels of heavy metals that accumulate in the body over time.
Clean Protein List exists to solve this problem. We aggregate independent testing data from Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, and NSF International to help consumers quickly identify which protein powders are actually safe.
Who We Are
Founder: Ray Rothwell
Clean Protein List was founded by Ray Rothwell, a US military veteran who separated from service 20 years ago. After years in the fitness community and seeing friends unknowingly consume contaminated supplements, Ray decided to create a centralized resource that makes safety data accessible to everyone.
Background & Experience:
- US Military Veteran - 20 years post-service, understands the importance of helping fellow veterans and civilians navigate complex health information
- Fitness Enthusiast - Personal experience with protein supplementation and understanding what matters to consumers
- Product Developer - Experience building consumer-focused tools and applications through DahVio Studios
- Data-Driven Researcher - Focuses on synthesizing complex scientific studies into actionable consumer guidance
"After discovering that some of the most popular protein powders contained dangerous levels of lead, I realized most people had no idea this was even an issue. Clean Protein List was born from a simple question: Why isn't there an easy way to know which protein powders are actually safe?"
Our Values
🔬 Data-Driven
We rely exclusively on independent third-party testing from Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, and NSF International. No guesswork, no brand partnerships influencing our rankings.
🎯 Consumer-First
Our only goal is helping you find safe protein powder. We don't accept money from brands for rankings or reviews. Our recommendations are based solely on verified safety data.
📊 Transparent
Every ranking, every recommendation, every claim is backed by publicly available testing data. We cite our sources and explain our methodology so you can verify everything yourself.
🚫 Independent
We're not owned by supplement companies. We're not affiliated with testing labs. We're independent researchers presenting data to help consumers make informed choices.
Our Methodology
How We Create Our Database
1. Source Independent Testing Data
We aggregate heavy metal testing results from trusted third-party organizations:
- Consumer Reports - October 2025 testing of 23 protein powders for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury
- Clean Label Project - "Clean Sixteen" certification for protein powders with non-detectable heavy metals
- NSF Certified for Sport - Batch testing for contaminants and banned substances
- Informed Choice/Sport - Third-party testing for quality and purity
2. Analyze & Rank by Safety
We organize products into clear safety categories based on test results:
- Safe for Daily Use - Lead levels below or near California Prop 65 limits (0.5 µg/day)
- Limit Use - Moderate contamination requiring frequency restriction
- Avoid - Dangerous contamination levels (10x+ over safe limits)
3. Provide Context & Alternatives
For every product, we explain:
- What the contamination levels mean for your health
- Safe consumption frequency based on daily exposure limits
- Verified-clean alternatives if your brand tested poorly
- Price comparisons so safety doesn't break your budget
4. Keep Data Current
We update our database when new testing results are published by Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, or other independent testing organizations.
What We're Not
We are NOT:
- A testing laboratory - We aggregate existing third-party test results, we don't conduct our own lab testing
- Medical professionals - We present data and research; consult your doctor for personalized health advice
- Affiliated with brands - We maintain independence; Amazon affiliate links help fund the site but don't influence rankings
- A certification body - We report on certifications (NSF, Clean Label) but don't issue them ourselves
Our Commitment to Accuracy
Every claim on Clean Protein List is sourced from:
- Consumer Reports - Subscription-based nonprofit testing organization
- Clean Label Project - Independent nonprofit that tests consumer products for contaminants
- NSF International - Public health organization providing third-party testing and certification
- California OEHHA - Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (Prop 65 safe harbor levels)
- Peer-reviewed research - Published studies on heavy metal toxicity and bioaccumulation
We link to original sources throughout our articles so you can verify information independently. If you find an error or outdated information, please contact us immediately at hello@cleanproteinlist.com.
Revenue & Disclosure
How We Fund This Site
Clean Protein List is funded through Amazon affiliate commissions. When you purchase products through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Important: Affiliate revenue does NOT influence our rankings or recommendations. Products are ranked solely based on verified heavy metal testing results from independent third parties.
We do NOT:
- Accept payment from brands for rankings or reviews
- Receive free products from manufacturers
- Participate in brand ambassador programs
- Sell your data to third parties
Our goal is simple: help you find safe protein powder. Affiliate commissions help us maintain the database, conduct research, and keep the site running.
Get in Touch
Have questions? Found an error? Want to suggest a product for us to research?
Email: hello@cleanproteinlist.com
Response Time: We typically respond within 24-48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you test protein powders yourself?
A: No, we aggregate testing results from independent third-party organizations like Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, and NSF International. These organizations have certified laboratories and rigorous testing protocols.
Q: Why should I trust your recommendations?
A: We don't create the test results - we report them. Every ranking is based on publicly available data from trusted testing organizations. We link to original sources so you can verify independently.
Q: Do brands pay to be featured?
A: No. Rankings are based solely on heavy metal testing results. We maintain complete independence from supplement brands.
Q: How do you make money if brands don't pay you?
A: We earn small commissions when you purchase products through our Amazon affiliate links. This doesn't affect product prices or influence our rankings.
Q: My favorite brand wasn't tested. Can you test it?
A: We don't conduct testing ourselves. We can add your brand to our "untested" list and recommend you contact the manufacturer directly to request third-party testing results.
Q: How often do you update the database?
A: We update immediately when new testing results are published by Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, or other testing organizations. Major testing typically occurs annually.
Ready to Find Safe Protein Powder?
Take Our Free Quiz →Get personalized recommendations in 60 seconds