10 Best Protein Powders 2025 (Tested Safe for Heavy Metals)
In October 2025, Consumer Reports published shocking findings: only 30% of tested protein powders are safe for daily consumption. Some popular brands contained lead levels up to 15 times over California's safe limits.
After analyzing Consumer Reports' testing of 23 protein powders, Clean Label Project's certifications, and NSF International's verified products, we've identified the 10 best protein powders that are actually safe - ranked by safety, value, and performance.
The Heavy Metal Problem in Protein Powder
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How We Ranked the Best Protein Powders
Our rankings are based on verified safety testing from independent third parties, not marketing claims or brand promises.
Our Ranking Criteria:
1. Safety (70% of score)
- Consumer Reports testing - October 2025 heavy metal analysis (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)
- Clean Label Project certification - "Clean Sixteen" non-detect status
- NSF Certified for Sport - Batch testing for contaminants
- Informed Choice/Sport - Third-party quality verification
Why safety is 70% of the score: Heavy metals bioaccumulate in your body. Daily exposure to contaminated protein can cause neurological damage, organ damage, and developmental issues over time.
2. Value (20% of score)
- Cost per serving ($/serving)
- Protein per dollar ($/ 25g protein)
- Availability (Amazon, major retailers)
3. Performance (10% of score)
- Protein content per serving
- Taste & mixability (verified user reviews)
- Ingredient quality
⚠️ Important: We only included products with verified third-party testing. If a protein powder hasn't been tested by Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, or NSF International, it didn't make this list - regardless of marketing claims.
Top 10 Best Protein Powders 2025
These are the safest, highest-quality protein powders you can buy - ranked from best overall to category-specific winners.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Why It's #1: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is the only protein powder with double verification - ranked #5 safe by Consumer Reports AND Clean Label Project "Clean Sixteen" certified. It's also the world's #1 selling protein powder, proving that safety and popularity can coexist.
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #5 out of 23 (rated "Better for daily consumption")
- ✅ Lead Level: 56% over limit (low enough for 1.75 servings/day safely)
- ✅ Clean Label Project: "Clean Sixteen" certified (non-detectable heavy metals)
- ✅ Independent Verification: Tested in every batch
✅ Pros
- Double safety verification (CR + Clean Label)
- Best value ($0.75/serving for verified-safe protein)
- Available everywhere (Amazon, Costco, Walmart, GNC)
- 20+ flavors, excellent taste
- World's #1 selling protein (proven track record)
- Mixes instantly with spoon or shaker
⚠️ Cons
- Not the absolute cheapest (Body Fortress is $0.67)
- Contains whey concentrate (not suitable for lactose intolerant)
- Not NSF Certified for Sport (matters for tested athletes only)
Best For:
- Daily protein supplementation (1-2 servings/day)
- Budget-conscious buyers who won't compromise on safety
- Anyone who wants verified-clean protein without premium pricing
- First-time protein powder buyers (proven quality, widely available)
🎯 Our #1 Recommendation for Most People
Double-verified safe. Best value. Available everywhere. This is the gold standard (literally).
Buy Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard on Amazon →5lb tub = 74 servings (~$0.74/serving) | 10lb tub = 148 servings (~$0.68/serving)
MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer
Why It's #2: MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer achieved the absolute cleanest result in Consumer Reports testing - lead levels were undetectable (below laboratory detection limits). If safety is your ONLY priority, this is it.
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #1 out of 23 (safest tested)
- ✅ Lead Level: Not detected (undetectable = safest possible result)
- ✅ Max Servings: No limit - completely safe for daily use
✅ Pros
- Absolute safest protein powder tested (undetectable lead)
- Massive 80g protein per serving (2-3x typical powders)
- 1,000+ calories per serving (ideal for hard gainers)
- No daily consumption limit (zero safety concerns)
- Great for bulking/mass gaining
⚠️ Cons
- Large serving size (not for weight loss or cutting)
- Slightly more expensive than ON ($0.85 vs $0.75)
- 1,000 calories/serving (too much for most people's goals)
- Less flavor variety than ON
Best For:
- Hard gainers who struggle to gain weight
- Bulking phases (mass gaining, muscle building)
- People who want absolute zero heavy metal exposure
- Athletes consuming 2-3+ servings of protein daily
🏆 Cleanest Protein Powder Available
If you want zero lead exposure and need high calories, this is the safest choice tested.
Buy MuscleTech Mass Gainer on Amazon →22lb bag = 52 servings (~$0.85/serving) | 80g protein per serving
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Why It's #3: Body Fortress is the cheapest verified-safe protein powder available at just $0.67/serving. Clean Label Project "Clean Sixteen" certified with non-detectable heavy metals. Available at Walmart nationwide.
Test Results:
- ✅ Clean Label Project: "Clean Sixteen" certified
- ✅ Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury: Non-detectable
- ✅ Not in CR testing: But Clean Label verified (same standard)
✅ Pros
- Cheapest verified-safe protein ($0.67/serving)
- Clean Label "Clean Sixteen" certified
- Available at every Walmart nationwide
- 30g protein per serving (high-quality blend)
- Great taste for the price
- Save $200-400/year vs premium brands
⚠️ Cons
- Not in Consumer Reports testing (only Clean Label verified)
- Fewer flavors than ON (6 vs 20+)
- Not NSF Certified for Sport
- Less premium branding/perception
Best For:
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want verified safety
- Daily users who go through protein quickly
- People shopping at Walmart (convenient pickup)
- Anyone maximizing protein per dollar
💵 Best Value for Money
Clean Label certified safety at the lowest price available. Save $200-400/year vs premium brands.
Buy Body Fortress on Amazon →2lb tub = 31 servings (~$0.67/serving) | Also at Walmart stores
Momentous Whey Protein Isolate
Why It's #4: Momentous is the only protein powder with both Consumer Reports safety ranking (#3) AND NSF Certified for Sport certification. Essential for NCAA, Olympic, or professional athletes subject to drug testing.
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #3 out of 23 (very safe)
- ✅ Lead Level: 30% over limit (safe for 3⅓ servings/day)
- ✅ NSF Certified for Sport: Tested for 270+ banned substances
- ✅ Batch Tested: Every single batch verified
✅ Pros
- Only protein with CR safety + NSF certification
- Safe for drug-tested athletes (NCAA, WADA, Olympics)
- Ultra-clean isolate (minimal lactose/fat/carbs)
- Trusted by pro teams (NBA, NFL, MLB)
- Third cleanest in Consumer Reports testing
- Every batch tested for contaminants
⚠️ Cons
- Expensive ($2.50/serving = 3-4x ON Gold Standard)
- Only 2 flavors (Chocolate, Vanilla)
- Lower protein per dollar vs budget options
- Premium price not worth it unless you're tested
Best For:
- Competitive athletes subject to drug testing
- NCAA, professional, or Olympic sports
- Anyone who needs NSF Certified for Sport verification
- Lactose-intolerant users (isolate = easier digestion)
🏆 Premium Choice for Tested Athletes
If you compete in drug-tested sports, NSF Certified for Sport is non-negotiable. Worth the premium price.
Buy Momentous Whey Isolate on Amazon →1.5lb tub = 24 servings (~$2.50/serving) | NSF Certified for Sport
BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder
Why It's #5: BSN Syntha-6 is the best-tasting verified-safe protein powder. Ranked #4 by Consumer Reports for safety, with a unique multi-source protein blend that tastes like a milkshake.
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #4 out of 23
- ✅ Lead Level: 46% over limit (safe for 2 servings/day)
- ✅ Rated: "Better for daily consumption"
✅ Pros
- Best-tasting safe protein (milkshake-like)
- CR #4 ranked safe for daily use
- Multi-source protein blend (whey + casein + egg)
- 12+ amazing flavors (Chocolate Milkshake, Vanilla Ice Cream)
- Creamy texture, mixes perfectly
- Great post-workout recovery (fast + slow protein)
⚠️ Cons
- More expensive than ON ($1.00 vs $0.75)
- Higher fat/carbs than isolates (5-6g fat/serving)
- Not ideal for cutting/weight loss
- Heavier/richer (some prefer lighter shakes)
Best For:
- People who struggle with protein powder taste
- Post-workout recovery (blend of fast + slow protein)
- Anyone prioritizing taste + safety equally
- Dessert-like protein shakes
🥤 Tastes Like a Milkshake, Ranked #4 Safest
Perfect balance of incredible taste and verified safety. Worth the slight premium for enjoyment.
Buy BSN Syntha-6 on Amazon →5.04lb tub = 48 servings (~$1.00/serving) | 12+ flavors
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Why It's #6: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is the #2 safest tested protein powder with a more moderate serving size than MuscleTech. Perfect for bulking without going overboard on calories.
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #2 out of 23
- ✅ Lead Level: 25% over limit (safe for 4 servings/day)
- ✅ Second-safest mass gainer tested
✅ Pros
- Second-safest protein powder tested (CR #2)
- 52g protein + 1,280 calories (ideal for bulking)
- Safe for up to 4 servings/day
- More moderate than MuscleTech (1,280 vs 1,000 cal)
- Great taste, smooth texture
- Excellent value for mass gainer category
⚠️ Cons
- High calories (not for weight loss/cutting)
- Large serving size (334g = 6 scoops)
- Slightly more expensive than standard whey
- Not suitable for most people's goals
Best For:
- Serious bulking/mass gaining phases
- Hard gainers who need extra calories
- Athletes with very high caloric needs
- Anyone wanting MuscleTech-level safety with more moderate serving
💪 Safest Way to Bulk Up
Ranked #2 safest for daily consumption. Perfect for serious mass gaining without safety concerns.
Buy Dymatize Super Mass Gainer on Amazon →12lb bag = 36 servings (~$0.90/serving) | 52g protein per serving
OWYN Pro Elite High Protein Shake
Why It's #7: OWYN Pro Elite is the ONLY plant-based protein rated "Better for daily consumption" by Consumer Reports. All other plant proteins ranked poorly. Essential pick for vegans.
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #7 out of 23
- ✅ Lead Level: 88% over limit (safe for 1 serving/day)
- ✅ Only safe plant protein in entire study
- ✅ Informed Choice certified
✅ Pros
- ONLY plant protein rated safe for daily use
- Allergen-free (no dairy, soy, gluten, tree nuts)
- Ready-to-drink convenience (grab-and-go)
- 35g protein per shake (high for plant-based)
- Clean ingredients, no artificial additives
- Informed Choice certified
⚠️ Cons
- Expensive ($2.75/shake = most expensive on list)
- RTD only (no powder option tested safe)
- Plant-based taste (different from whey)
- Limited to 1 serving/day (higher lead than whey)
Best For:
- Vegans who need verified-safe daily protein
- Lactose intolerant or dairy allergies
- People with multiple food allergies (allergen-free)
- Anyone who wants RTD convenience + plant-based
🌱 Only Verified-Safe Vegan Option
If you're vegan and want guaranteed safety, this is your ONLY tested option. Worth the premium.
Buy OWYN Pro Elite on Amazon →12-pack = $33-36 (~$2.75/shake) | Subscribe & Save for 15% off
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Why It's #8: Transparent Labs lives up to its name with 100% ingredient transparency and Consumer Reports #6 safety ranking. Every ingredient amount disclosed - no "proprietary blends."
Test Results:
- ✅ Consumer Reports Rank: #6 out of 23
- ✅ Lead Level: 87% over limit (safe for 1 serving/day)
- ✅ Full ingredient transparency
✅ Pros
- 100% ingredient transparency (no hidden blends)
- CR #6 ranked safe for daily use
- Clean ingredients, no artificial additives
- 53g protein + 750 calories (moderate mass gainer)
- Grass-fed whey protein
- Great for clean bulking
⚠️ Cons
- Expensive ($2.00/serving)
- Only 1 serving/day safely (vs 4 for Dymatize)
- Online-only (not in stores)
- Limited flavor options
Best For:
- Clean bulking with ingredient transparency
- People who want to know EXACTLY what's in their protein
- Moderate mass gaining (750 cal vs 1,000+)
- Anyone avoiding artificial ingredients
🔬 Full Transparency Meets Safety
Know exactly what you're putting in your body. CR #6 ranked safe + complete ingredient disclosure.
Buy Transparent Labs on Amazon →6lb bag = 15 servings (~$2.00/serving) | 53g protein per serving
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate
Why It's #9: Dymatize ISO100 is Clean Label "Clean Sixteen" certified and Informed Choice certified - a budget alternative to Momentous for athletes who don't need full NSF certification.
Test Results:
- ✅ Clean Label Project: "Clean Sixteen" certified
- ✅ Informed Choice: Batch-tested for banned substances
- ✅ Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury: Non-detectable
✅ Pros
- Clean Label + Informed Choice certified
- Hydrolyzed isolate (fastest absorption)
- 50% cheaper than Momentous ($1.25 vs $2.50)
- Ultra-low carb/fat (cutting-friendly)
- Great taste, instant mixability
- 20+ flavors available
⚠️ Cons
- Not NSF Certified for Sport (NCAA athletes need Momentous)
- More expensive than ON ($1.25 vs $0.75)
- Not in Consumer Reports testing
- Hydrolyzed taste (slightly bitter vs regular whey)
Best For:
- Athletes who need Informed Choice (not full NSF)
- Cutting/weight loss (ultra-low carb/fat)
- Lactose intolerant (isolate = easier digestion)
- Anyone wanting Momentous-level quality at half the price
⚡ Premium Isolate, Mid-Range Price
Clean Label + Informed Choice certified. Half the price of Momentous with similar quality.
Buy Dymatize ISO100 on Amazon →5lb tub = 73 servings (~$1.25/serving) | Hydrolyzed for fast absorption
Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Why It's #10: Ascent is the only protein with triple certification: NSF Certified for Sport + Clean Label + Informed Sport. Maximum verification for the ultimate peace of mind.
Test Results:
- ✅ NSF Certified for Sport: Tested for 270+ banned substances
- ✅ Clean Label Project: Certified clean
- ✅ Informed Sport: Batch-tested verification
- ✅ Triple-certified safety
✅ Pros
- Triple certification (NSF + Clean Label + Informed Sport)
- Native whey (minimally processed)
- Clean ingredients (5-6 ingredients total)
- Great taste, smooth texture
- Grass-fed whey protein
- Safe for all tested athletes
⚠️ Cons
- Expensive ($2.25/serving)
- Not in Consumer Reports testing
- Limited flavor options (4 flavors)
- Premium price for certifications most don't need
Best For:
- Athletes who want every possible certification
- Maximum verification/peace of mind
- Clean eating enthusiasts (minimal processing)
- Anyone willing to pay premium for triple verification
✅ Triple-Certified for Maximum Safety
NSF + Clean Label + Informed Sport. The most verified protein powder available.
Buy Ascent Native Fuel on Amazon →2lb tub = 29 servings (~$2.25/serving) | Triple-certified safety
Not Sure Which One to Choose?
Take our free 60-second quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your goals, budget, and dietary preferences.
Take Free Quiz →Medical Nutrition Shakes (Ensure, Boost)
If you're using medical nutrition shakes for recovery, elderly care, or diabetes management, see our complete safety analyses:
- Ensure Safety Analysis - Not tested by Consumer Reports, safety unknown
- Boost Safety Analysis for Diabetics - Lead exposure + diabetes = compounded risk
Quick Comparison Table: Top 10 at a Glance
| Rank | Product | Safety Verification | Price/Serving | Protein | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard EDITOR'S CHOICE | CR #5 + Clean Label | $0.75 | 24g | Most people - best overall |
| 2 | MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer | CR #1 (undetectable lead) | $0.85 | 80g | Bulking, mass gaining |
| 3 | Body Fortress Whey | Clean Label Certified | $0.67 | 30g | Budget buyers |
| 4 | Momentous Whey Isolate | CR #3 + NSF Certified | $2.50 | 20g | Tested athletes |
| 5 | BSN Syntha-6 | CR #4 | $1.00 | 22g | Taste-focused users |
| 6 | Dymatize Super Mass Gainer | CR #2 | $0.90 | 52g | Serious bulking |
| 7 | OWYN Pro Elite | CR #7 + Informed Choice | $2.75 | 35g | Vegans (only safe plant) |
| 8 | Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | CR #6 | $2.00 | 53g | Clean bulking |
| 9 | Dymatize ISO100 | Clean Label + Informed Choice | $1.25 | 25g | Cutting, fast absorption |
| 10 | Ascent Native Fuel | NSF + Clean Label + Informed Sport | $2.25 | 25g | Maximum verification |
💡 Our Top 3 Recommendations for Most People:
- Best Overall: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard ($0.75/serving, double-verified safe)
- Best Budget: Body Fortress ($0.67/serving, Clean Label certified)
- Best for Athletes: Momentous Whey Isolate ($2.50/serving, NSF Certified for Sport)
How to Choose the Right Protein Powder
Use this decision framework to find your perfect match from the top 10:
💰 If You're on a Budget
Choose: Body Fortress (#3)
Why: Cheapest verified-safe protein at $0.67/serving. Clean Label certified. Available at Walmart.
Save: $200-400/year vs premium brands
🏋️ If You're Bulking/Gaining Mass
Choose: MuscleTech Mass Gainer (#2)
Why: Safest tested (undetectable lead) + 80g protein + 1,000 calories per serving. Perfect for hard gainers.
Alternative: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer (#6) for moderate bulking
🥇 If You're a Tested Athlete
Choose: Momentous Whey Isolate (#4)
Why: NSF Certified for Sport (NCAA, WADA, Olympics compliant). CR #3 ranked safe.
Budget Alternative: Dymatize ISO100 (#9) with Informed Choice certification
🌱 If You're Vegan/Plant-Based
Choose: OWYN Pro Elite (#7)
Why: ONLY plant protein rated safe for daily use. All other plant proteins ranked poorly (contaminated).
No Alternatives: This is your only verified-safe vegan option
🍫 If You Hate Protein Powder Taste
Choose: BSN Syntha-6 (#5)
Why: Best-tasting safe protein. Tastes like milkshake. CR #4 ranked safe.
Worth It: Slight premium ($1.00 vs $0.75) for enjoyable daily use
⚖️ If You Want Best Overall Value
Choose: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (#1)
Why: Double-verified (CR + Clean Label), great price ($0.75), world's #1 seller, available everywhere.
This is our top recommendation for 80% of people
🔬 If You Want Maximum Transparency
Choose: Transparent Labs (#8)
Why: 100% ingredient transparency (no proprietary blends). CR #6 ranked safe. Clean ingredients.
Premium Pick: For ingredient-conscious users
✅ If You Want Every Certification
Choose: Ascent Native Fuel (#10)
Why: Triple-certified (NSF + Clean Label + Informed Sport). Maximum verification possible.
Most Verified: For ultimate peace of mind
⚡ If You're Cutting/Weight Loss
Choose: Dymatize ISO100 (#9)
Why: Ultra-low carb/fat, fast absorption, Clean Label certified. Perfect for cutting phases.
Budget Alternative: ON Gold Standard (#1) also works great
🚨 Products to AVOID (Not on This List)
Consumer Reports issued "AVOID" warnings for these products with dangerous heavy metal levels:
- Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer: 15.7x over safe lead limits (worst tested)
- Huel Black Edition: 12.9x over safe lead limits
- Garden of Life Sport Organic: 5.6x over safe lead limits
- Momentous 100% Plant Protein: 4.8x over safe lead limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the safest protein powder in 2025?
A: MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer ranked #1 safest with undetectable lead levels in Consumer Reports testing. For everyday use at a better price, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (#5) offers the best combination of safety and value at $0.75/serving.
Q: Which protein powder has the least heavy metals?
A: Based on Consumer Reports 2025 testing, the cleanest are: (1) MuscleTech Mass Gainer (undetectable), (2) Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, (3) Momentous Whey Isolate, (4) BSN Syntha-6, (5) Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, (6) Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, (7) OWYN Pro Elite.
Q: What protein powder should I avoid?
A: Avoid Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (15.7x over safe limits) and Huel Black Edition (12.9x over). Consumer Reports also recommends limiting Garden of Life Sport and Momentous Plant Protein to once per week maximum. Most plant-based proteins ranked poorly compared to whey.
Q: Is whey protein safer than plant protein?
A: Yes, significantly. The top 6 safest products are all whey-based. Only 1 of 23 plant proteins (OWYN) was rated safe for daily use. Plants absorb heavy metals from soil through their root systems, and the concentration process amplifies contamination.
Q: Do I really need to worry about lead in protein powder?
A: Yes. Lead bioaccumulates in your body over time. Daily exposure to contaminated protein can cause neurological damage, organ damage, reproductive issues, and developmental problems. If you consume 1-2 servings daily, choosing verified-safe protein is critical.
Q: Why isn't [my brand] on this list?
A: We only included products with verified third-party testing from Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, or NSF International. If your brand hasn't been independently tested, we can't verify its safety. Contact the manufacturer and request Certificate of Analysis (COA) for heavy metal testing.
Q: Are expensive protein powders safer?
A: No. Price doesn't correlate with safety. Huel ($3/serving) ranked #22 (AVOID). Garden of Life ($2.50/serving) ranked #21 (dangerous). Meanwhile, Body Fortress ($0.67/serving) is Clean Label certified as safe. Choose based on verified testing, not price.
Q: What's the best protein powder for beginners?
A: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (#1). It's double-verified safe, affordable ($0.75/serving), tastes great, available everywhere, and is the world's #1 selling protein for a reason. You can't go wrong.
Q: Can I trust Clean Label Project certification?
A: Yes. Clean Label Project is an independent nonprofit that conducts rigorous third-party testing. Their "Clean Sixteen" certification means non-detectable levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Products like Optimum Nutrition and Body Fortress carry this certification.
Q: What if I've been using a contaminated protein powder for years?
A: Switch to a verified-safe option immediately. Consider getting a blood lead test from your doctor if you've consumed 1-2+ servings daily for over a year. Most effects of lead exposure are reversible once exposure stops. Watch for symptoms: brain fog, fatigue, headaches, mood changes.
The Bottom Line: Best Protein Powder 2025
After analyzing Consumer Reports testing of 23 protein powders, Clean Label Project certifications, and NSF International verifications, here are our final recommendations:
🏆 Best for Most People:
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Double-verified safe (Consumer Reports #5 + Clean Label "Clean Sixteen")
- Excellent value at $0.75/serving
- World's #1 selling protein (proven quality)
- Available everywhere, 20+ flavors
This is the safest choice for 80% of protein powder users.
💰 Best Budget Option:
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
- Cheapest verified-safe protein ($0.67/serving)
- Clean Label "Clean Sixteen" certified
- Save $200-400/year vs premium brands
- Available at every Walmart nationwide
🏅 Best for Tested Athletes:
Momentous Whey Protein Isolate
- NSF Certified for Sport (NCAA, WADA, Olympics compliant)
- Consumer Reports #3 ranked safe
- Trusted by professional teams
- Every batch tested for 270+ banned substances
Remember: Only 30% of tested protein powders are safe for daily consumption. Don't guess - choose verified-clean options backed by independent testing.
Still Not Sure Which One is Right for You?
Our free 60-second quiz recommends the perfect protein powder based on your specific goals, budget, dietary restrictions, and safety priorities.
Take Free Quiz - Get Personalized Recommendation →Join 10,000+ people who found their perfect safe protein powder
Looking for clean creatine to pair with your verified-safe protein? See our Complete Creatine Safety Guide with 15+ NSF tested brands.
Sources:
- Consumer Reports: "Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead" (October 14, 2025)
- Clean Label Project: "Clean Sixteen" Protein Powder Testing Database
- NSF International: Certified for Sport Product Database
- California OEHHA: Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels
Last Updated: November 27, 2025
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon. When you purchase through our recommendations, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with verified safety testing. Rankings are based solely on independent third-party testing results, not affiliate commissions. Learn more about our editorial process.