Is Your Protein Contaminated? Responding to the Consumer Reports Lead Investigation (Oct 2025)
Consumer Reports (Oct 14, 2025) found that 70% of top protein powders exceed the strict 0.5 mcg/day lead limit. See Casa de Sante’s independent third-party lab results, learn what the numbers mean, and shop safer, lab-verified protein.
The Alarm
On October 14, 2025, Consumer Reports published a shocking investigation: 70% of the 23 popular protein powders tested contained more lead in a single serving than is safe to consume daily. As CR noted, “Protein powders still carry troubling levels of toxic heavy metals.” Worse yet, the FDA doesn’t review supplements before they are sold.
The Danger
Lead exposure is cumulative—your body stores what you consume. Over time, even small daily amounts are linked to kidney damage and high blood pressure in adults, with no known safe level of exposure. That’s why ultra-low limits matter for anything you drink every day.
Our Commitment: Purity Over Popularity
At Casa de Sante, purity comes first. We prioritize independent, ISO/IEC-accredited third-party testing with Summit Nutritional Laboratories and Mérieux NutriSciences for every protein we sell. We verify lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury per USP <232>/<233> and AOAC methods used in the CR investigation.
The Proof – Our Results vs. Theirs
What you’re seeing: A head-to-head comparison of Casa de Santé’s lab-verified results versus well-known products listed in CR’s article. Several competitors exceed the strict daily limit used by CR, while our Whey Protein, Vegan Protein and Collagen Powder are dramatically lower.
Transparency & Nuance
We believe in full transparency. While our Vanilla Whey and Collagen are exceptionally clean, we must address our other formulas. As the CR study noted, plant-based ingredients (like pea protein) and cacao naturally absorb more heavy metals from the soil.
The recent Consumer Reports investigation used the strictest safety standard in the US (0.5 mcg of lead/day). We believe in total transparency, so we compared our third-party results to that same rigorous standard.
See our latest Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from independent ISO/IEC-accredited labs:
Our Vanilla Whey and Collagen powders are so pure that they are well below this limit, making them safe for daily consumption even by the most rigorous standards.
Our Chocolate Whey and Vegan proteins test slightly above the strict CR limit due to the natural properties of plant and cocoa ingredients. However, they contain up to 84% less lead than competitors tested by CR. Furthermore, all our products are significantly below the FDA’s Interim Reference Level of 8.8 mcg/day and the NSF standard of 10 mcg/day. We provide the data so you can choose the purity level that fits your needs.
Our Chocolate Whey (0.560 mcg lead) and Vegan Protein (1.2 mcg lead) are above the strict CR daily limit (0.5 mcg). Based on CR’s methodology, these fall into the ‘Okay to Eat Occasionally’ category. While significantly lower than the worst offenders (some over 7.0 mcg!), we recommend limiting their use and are actively working with suppliers to reduce these levels.
For the cleanest possible daily protein, we strongly recommend our Vanilla Whey (0.131 mcg) or Collagen (0.010 mcg).
Why some products run higher: CR highlights that plant-based proteins and cacao can naturally concentrate soil metals, which explains category differences. We’re tightening supplier specs, shifting agricultural sources where feasible, and increasing test frequency.
Our Current Heavy-Metal Results (per serving)
| Product | Lead (mcg) | FDA IRL (women of child-bearing age, 8.8 mcg/day) | NSF limit (10 mcg/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Collagen | 0.010 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Whey 26 Advanced – Vanilla | 0.131 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Whey 26 Advanced – Chocolate | 0.560 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vegan Protein – Vanilla (pea) | 1.200 | ✅ | ✅ |
Methodology alignment: CR’s testing approach and risk calculations reference AOAC and Prop 65 benchmarks; we align our COA testing with those same analytical standards.
What CR Actually Tested & Why 0.5 mcg Matters
CR analyzed 23 protein products and flagged lead when a single labeled serving exceeded its level of concern (~0.5–0.56 mcg/day)—a benchmark derived from California’s most protective Prop 65 MADL and applied as a daily use assumption. This is stricter than federal guidance and was chosen to help consumers avoid daily cumulative exposure.
Beyond Safety: Digestive Comfort & Efficacy
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Low FODMAP: Casa de Santé proteins are formulated for sensitive guts and FODMAP-friendly diets.
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ProHydrolase® Enzymes (Whey): Added to support better protein breakdown and fewer digestive complaints.
Sources & Methodology
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Consumer Reports article & product findings (Oct 2025)—risk framing, brand results, and advice to consumers.
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Consumer Reports test-methods PDF (Oct 2025)—AOAC methods, Prop 65 MADL basis (~0.56 mcg/day for lead), and daily-serving risk approach CR used.
- Click here for a more detailed report.
Shop Lab-Verified Protein →
Advanced Whey Protein Chocolate
Choose the purity level that fits your needs—with data, not hype.
