Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer Lead: Worst Contamination in Consumer Reports Testing (2025)
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING:
If you're using Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer daily, STOP TODAY. This is the most contaminated protein powder tested by Consumer Reports.
⚠️ Immediate Action Required:
Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (Chocolate) contains 7.86 µg of lead per serving - the highest contamination level found in Consumer Reports' testing of 23 popular protein powders.
This is NOT safe for any level of consumption. California's Prop 65 safe harbor limit is 0.5 µg/day. Naked Nutrition exceeds this by 1,572%.
If you've been using this daily:
- 🚫 Stop using immediately - do not finish the container
- 📦 Order safe alternative today (links below)
- 🩺 Consider blood lead testing if used for 6+ months
- ⚠️ Watch for symptoms: fatigue, brain fog, headaches, digestive issues
📋 Table of Contents
Consumer Reports Testing Results: #23 Worst
In October 2025, Consumer Reports tested 23 of the most popular protein powders in America for heavy metal contamination.
Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (Chocolate) ranked dead last - #23 out of 23.
The Shocking Numbers
| Metric | Naked Nutrition Result | Safe Limit (Prop 65) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead per serving | 7.86 µg | 0.5 µg/day | 🚫 1,572% OVER |
| Ranking | #23 (Worst) | N/A | 🚫 Highest contamination |
| Safe servings per day | 0.06 servings | N/A | 🚫 Less than 1/15th serving |
| Times over safe limit | 15.7x | 1x | 🚫 Extreme contamination |
To put this in perspective:
- MuscleTech Mass Gainer (ranked #1): Lead NOT DETECTED (0 µg)
- Optimum Nutrition (ranked #5): Lead below detection (~0.1 µg)
- Naked Nutrition: 7.86 µg - approximately 80x more lead than safe brands
See the complete lead in protein powders list for 2025
🚨 What "1,572% Over Limit" Means
California Prop 65 sets the safe harbor limit at 0.5 µg lead per day - the level at which there's "no significant risk" of harm.
One serving of Naked Nutrition delivers 15.7 TIMES this amount.
This isn't "slightly over" or "marginally unsafe." This is extreme contamination that poses serious health risks with daily consumption.
How Naked Nutrition Compares to Other Contaminated Brands
| Rank | Brand | Lead Level | % Over Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| #23 | Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass | 7.86 µg | 1,572% |
| #22 | Huel Black Edition | 6.44 µg | 1,288% |
| #21 | Garden of Life Sport Plant | 2.82 µg | 564% |
| #20 | Momentous Plant Protein | 2.38 µg | 476% |
Naked Nutrition has 22% more lead than the second-worst product (Huel Black).
It has 178% MORE lead than the #21 product (Garden of Life).
This isn't a close race. Naked Nutrition is dramatically worse than every other tested protein.
Why Does Naked Nutrition Have So Much Lead?
Three factors combine to create this extreme contamination:
1. Plant-Based Protein (Primary Source)
Naked Nutrition uses pea + rice protein blend.
Plant proteins absorb lead from soil through their roots. Plants cannot distinguish between beneficial minerals and toxic metals, so they absorb both.
Result: Plant proteins have 10-15x more lead than whey proteins. Consumer Reports found 77% of plant proteins exceeded safe limits vs only 28% of whey proteins.
2. Massive Serving Size (Amplifies Problem)
Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer uses 170g serving size (compared to typical 30-35g protein servings).
Larger serving = more total protein powder = more accumulated contamination from that powder.
Even if the contamination per gram were "moderate," the huge serving size concentrates it into dangerous territory.
3. Chocolate Flavor (Adds Cadmium)
The tested product was chocolate flavor.
Chocolate flavoring comes from cocoa beans that naturally accumulate cadmium from tropical volcanic soils. While Consumer Reports primarily reported lead levels, chocolate proteins typically have 110x more cadmium than vanilla.
Naked Nutrition combines plant protein lead + chocolate cadmium = double contamination.
The "Naked" Marketing Problem
Naked Nutrition markets itself as "Nothing but the Good Stuff" - implying purity and cleanliness.
Their branding emphasizes:
- "No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors"
- "Only natural ingredients"
- "Clean, simple nutrition"
- Premium pricing ($2.50/serving)
But "natural" and "clean" marketing means NOTHING for heavy metal safety.
Heavy metals ARE natural - they occur naturally in soil. Natural ≠ Safe. The contamination is FROM natural sources (soil, plants).
💡 The Natural Contamination Irony
Naked Nutrition's contamination problem is BECAUSE they use "natural" plant ingredients.
Peas and rice grown in soil absorb lead naturally. No artificial additives needed - the contamination comes from the "clean, simple" ingredients they market.
This is why independent testing matters. Marketing claims about "purity" are meaningless without third-party heavy metal verification.
Health Risks of Consuming 7.86 µg Lead Daily
What happens if you drink Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer daily?
Short-Term Exposure (Weeks to Months)
Weeks 1-4: Silent Accumulation
- Lead begins accumulating in blood, soft tissues, bones
- No obvious symptoms yet
- Damage is occurring but not noticeable
Months 1-3: Early Symptoms
- Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Mild headaches
- Digestive issues (constipation, nausea)
- Often dismissed as "stress" or "poor sleep"
Months 3-6: Measurable Damage
- Blood lead levels become elevated (testable)
- Cognitive effects worsen (memory problems)
- Blood pressure may rise
- Mood changes (irritability, anxiety)
- Sleep disturbances
6+ Months: Serious Health Problems
- Kidney function decline
- Cardiovascular disease risk increases
- Neurological damage (potentially irreversible)
- Anemia
- Reproductive issues
- Bone/joint pain (lead stored in bones)
The Math on Daily Exposure
If you consume Naked Nutrition daily at 7.86 µg lead per serving:
| Time Period | Total Lead Exposure | Equivalent Safe Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 55 µg | 110 days worth of "safe" exposure |
| 1 month | 236 µg | 472 days (1.3 years) |
| 6 months | 1,415 µg | 2,830 days (7.8 years) |
| 1 year | 2,869 µg | 5,738 days (15.7 years) |
In just 6 months of daily use, you consume the equivalent of 7.8 YEARS of "safe" lead exposure.
⚠️ Lead Has No Safe Threshold
There is NO safe level of lead exposure. Even amounts below 0.5 µg/day cause harm with long-term exposure - that's why it's called a "safe harbor" limit, not a "safe" limit.
At 15.7x this already-low threshold, health consequences are virtually certain with continued daily use.
Lead accumulates in bones for 10-30 years. The damage you're doing today will affect you for decades.
Who Is Most At Risk?
🚫 EXTREME RISK
- Pregnant women - Lead crosses placenta, damages fetal brain
- Children/teens - Developing brains permanently damaged
- People trying to conceive - Lead affects fertility, sperm quality
These groups should NEVER consume contaminated protein.
⚠️ HIGH RISK
- Daily users - Consuming 1+ servings per day
- Long-term users - Used for 6+ months
- Bodybuilders/athletes - High protein intake = more exposure
Risk of measurable health effects within months.
Are Other Naked Nutrition Products Contaminated?
Consumer Reports ONLY tested Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer (Chocolate).
Other Naked Nutrition products were not independently tested, so contamination levels are unknown.
Naked Nutrition Product Line Safety Status
| Product | Testing Status | Likely Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Mass Gainer (Chocolate) | ✓ Tested by CR | 🚫 CONFIRMED DANGEROUS (#23, 7.86 µg lead) |
| Vegan Mass Gainer (Vanilla) | Not tested | 🚫 HIGH RISK (same protein source, likely similar) |
| Naked Pea Protein | Not tested | 🚫 HIGH RISK (pea protein = high lead) |
| Naked Rice Protein | Not tested | 🚫 VERY HIGH RISK (rice = highest arsenic + lead) |
| Naked Whey | Not tested | ⚠️ UNKNOWN (whey generally safer, but not verified) |
| Naked Casein | Not tested | ⚠️ UNKNOWN (dairy-based, likely lower but not verified) |
Our assessment:
- All Naked plant-based products (pea, rice, vegan blends): Assume HIGH RISK. Same contamination sources as the tested product.
- Naked Whey/Casein: Likely lower contamination (whey is naturally cleaner), but WITHOUT testing verification, safety cannot be confirmed.
⚠️ "Premium" Doesn't Mean "Safe"
Naked Nutrition products cost $2.00-2.50 per serving - premium pricing that suggests quality.
But their vegan mass gainer ranked WORST in testing despite premium price.
Price does NOT predict heavy metal safety. Body Fortress ($0.67/serving) tested Clean Label certified. Naked Nutrition ($2.50/serving) had 7.86 µg lead.
Only independent testing matters. Without Clean Label or Consumer Reports verification, you're gambling with your health regardless of price.
Safe Alternatives to Naked Nutrition (Verified Testing)
If you're switching from Naked Nutrition, here are independently verified safe alternatives:
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
For Plant-Based Users (Vegan)
OWYN Pro Elite Plant Protein
Lead Level: Below detection limits
Ranking: #7 in Consumer Reports (top tier safe)
Protein Source: Pea protein
Price: ~$2.25/serving
Why it's safe: The ONLY plant-based protein verified safe by Consumer Reports. All other tested plant proteins failed. OWYN uses premium sourcing and rigorous testing.
Comparison to Naked:
- Lead: Below detection vs Naked's 7.86 µg = infinitely safer
- Price: $2.25 vs Naked's $2.50 = cheaper AND safer
- Servings per day: Unlimited vs Naked's 0.06 = actually safe for daily use
For Mass Gainer Users (Whey-Based)
MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer
Lead Level: NOT DETECTED (0 µg)
Ranking: #1 in Consumer Reports
Protein Source: Whey
Price: ~$3.00/serving
Why it's #1: The ONLY protein powder where lead was completely undetectable. Perfect safety for mass gaining without contamination risk.
Comparison to Naked:
- Lead: NOT DETECTED vs Naked's 7.86 µg = infinitely safer
- Calories: 1,340 per serving (excellent for bulking)
- Safe for daily use with zero health risk
For Budget-Conscious Buyers
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey
Lead Level: Non-detect (Clean Label certified)
Certification: Clean Label "Clean Sixteen"
Protein Source: Whey
Price: ~$0.67/serving
Why it's best value: Cheapest verified-safe protein powder. Clean Label certified at 1/4 the cost of Naked Nutrition - and infinitely safer.
Comparison to Naked:
- Lead: Non-detect vs Naked's 7.86 µg = infinitely safer
- Price: $0.67 vs Naked's $2.50 = 73% cheaper
- You save $1.83 per serving = $55/month if using daily
For Premium Quality Seekers
Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate
Lead Level: Below detection limits
Ranking: #2 in Consumer Reports
Certification: Dual verified (CR + Clean Label)
Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate (99% pure)
Price: ~$1.25/serving
Why it's premium: Hydrolyzed for fastest absorption, 99% pure isolate, dual independent verification.
Comparison to Naked:
- Lead: Below detection vs Naked's 7.86 µg = infinitely safer
- Price: $1.25 vs Naked's $2.50 = 50% cheaper AND safer
- Quality: Premium isolate vs plant protein blend
✅ Complete Safe Alternatives List
All of these brands tested safe (lead below detection or non-detect):
- MuscleTech Mass Gainer (#1) - Mass gainer alternative
- Dymatize ISO 100 (#2) - Premium whey
- Momentous Whey Isolate (#3) - NSF Sport certified
- BSN Syntha-6 (#4) - Best taste
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (#5) - Best overall value
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer (#6) - Clean bulking
- OWYN Pro Elite (#7) - ONLY safe plant protein
- Body Fortress - Cheapest safe option
Symptoms If You've Been Using Naked Nutrition
If you've been using Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer daily, watch for these lead poisoning symptoms:
Early Warning Signs (1-3 Months)
Physical Symptoms:
- ☐ Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- ☐ Frequent headaches (especially morning headaches)
- ☐ Digestive issues (constipation, nausea, abdominal pain)
- ☐ Muscle weakness or aches
- ☐ Joint pain
- ☐ Loss of appetite or weight loss
Cognitive Symptoms:
- ☐ Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- ☐ Memory problems
- ☐ Difficulty finding words
- ☐ Slower mental processing
- ☐ Confusion or disorientation
Mood/Sleep Symptoms:
- ☐ Irritability or mood swings
- ☐ Anxiety or depression
- ☐ Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- ☐ Reduced motivation or energy
Advanced Symptoms (3+ Months)
- Cardiovascular: High blood pressure (new onset or worsening)
- Kidney: Decreased kidney function, protein in urine
- Neurological: Tremors, coordination problems, peripheral neuropathy
- Blood: Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Reproductive: Reduced fertility, erectile dysfunction
What To Do If You Have Symptoms
Step 1: Stop Using Immediately
Do not finish the container. Discard remaining product. Order safe alternative today.
Step 2: See Your Doctor
Request blood lead level testing. Tell your doctor specifically:
- "I've been consuming a protein powder with 7.86 µg lead per serving"
- "I've used it daily for [X] months"
- "I'd like a blood lead level test"
Also request: Kidney function tests (creatinine, GFR), complete blood count (CBC)
Step 3: Monitor Symptoms
Track symptoms in a journal. Note improvements after stopping. Most symptoms improve within weeks to months once exposure stops.
Step 4: Support Elimination
Help your body eliminate lead:
- Calcium-rich diet (dairy, leafy greens) - competes with lead absorption
- Iron supplementation if deficient - reduces lead uptake
- Vitamin C - may enhance excretion
- Stay hydrated - supports kidney filtration
🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Attention If:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Seizures or tremors
- Severe confusion or disorientation
- Vision problems or hearing loss
- Signs of acute lead poisoning (very rare but possible with extreme exposure)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Naked Nutrition contain lead?
Yes. Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer contains 7.86 µg of lead per serving - the highest level found in Consumer Reports' October 2025 testing of 23 protein powders. This is 1,572% over California's Prop 65 safe harbor limit. It ranked #23 (worst) in safety.
Is Naked Nutrition safe to use?
No. Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer is NOT safe for daily use. At 15.7x the safe limit, it poses serious health risks including brain damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems. Consumer Reports rated it as having the worst heavy metal contamination of all tested proteins.
Why does Naked Nutrition have so much lead?
Three factors combine:
- Plant-based protein (pea + rice) absorbs lead from soil - 10-15x more than whey
- Large serving size (170g) concentrates contamination
- Chocolate flavor adds cadmium from cocoa beans
Plant proteins cannot filter metals absorbed through roots, leading to high contamination levels.
What should I use instead of Naked Nutrition?
Safe alternatives verified by independent testing:
- Plant-based: OWYN Pro Elite (#7, only safe plant protein)
- Mass gainer: MuscleTech 100% Mass Gainer (#1, lead not detected)
- Budget: Body Fortress ($0.67/serving, Clean Label certified)
- Premium: Dymatize ISO 100 (#2, dual verified)
Should I stop using Naked Nutrition immediately?
Yes. Stop today. At 7.86 µg lead per serving (15.7x safe limit), daily consumption poses serious health risks. Do not finish the container. Order a verified-safe alternative immediately. If you've used it daily for 6+ months, consider blood lead testing with your doctor.
How much lead is in Naked Nutrition compared to safe brands?
Naked Nutrition (7.86 µg) vs safe brands:
- MuscleTech: NOT DETECTED (0 µg) = infinitely safer
- Optimum Nutrition: Below detection (~0.1 µg) = 80x less lead
- OWYN Pro Elite: Below detection = infinitely safer (only safe plant option)
Naked Nutrition has approximately 80-100x more lead than safe brands.
Is Naked Whey protein also contaminated?
Unknown - Naked Whey was NOT tested by Consumer Reports. Only the Vegan Mass Gainer was tested. Whey protein generally has 10-15x less lead than plant protein, so Naked Whey likely has lower contamination. However, without independent testing verification, safety cannot be confirmed. Use verified-safe whey brands instead (MuscleTech, Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize).
Can I get lead poisoning from Naked Nutrition?
Yes. Daily consumption will cause lead accumulation and poisoning. At 7.86 µg per serving (15.7x safe limit), chronic health effects are highly likely with regular use. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, kidney damage, high blood pressure. Lead has no safe exposure level - any amount causes harm, and this amount is extreme.
The Bottom Line: Switch Today
Critical Facts:
- 🚫 Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer ranked #23 worst - highest contamination found
- 🚫 7.86 µg lead per serving - 1,572% over safe limit (15.7x)
- 🚫 NOT safe for any level of consumption - serious health risks with daily use
- 🚫 Premium price doesn't mean safe - $2.50/serving but worst contamination
- ✅ 21 verified-safe alternatives exist - many are cheaper AND safer
- ✅ Switch today to prevent further damage - exposure stops when you stop
Your Action Plan Right Now:
- Stop using Naked Nutrition today - discard remaining product
- Order safe alternative - OWYN (plant), MuscleTech (mass gainer), or Body Fortress (budget)
- Monitor for symptoms - fatigue, brain fog, headaches, digestive issues
- Consider blood testing if used daily for 6+ months
- Warn others - share this information with anyone using Naked Nutrition
Your health is worth more than finishing a contaminated tub of protein powder.
Switch to Verified-Safe Alternatives:
🔍 Find Your Safe Alternative to Naked Nutrition
Take our 60-second quiz to get personalized protein recommendations based on your dietary needs and goals - all verified safe by independent testing.
Find Your Safe Protein →Sources:
- Consumer Reports, "Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead," October 2025. Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer tested at 7.86 µg lead per serving, ranked #23 (worst) of 23 products tested.
- California OEHHA, Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels. Lead threshold: 0.5 µg/day for reproductive harm.
- CDC, "Lead - Health Effects" and "Lead Poisoning Prevention." Updated 2024.
- FDA, "Lead in Food and Dietary Supplements." Guidance on heavy metal contamination in supplements.