Protein powder is an effective way to ensure you're getting enough protein in your diet. However, a new report from the Clean Label Project found that about half of the popular protein powders they tested contain unsafe levels of lead and cadmium.

“For people following a fully plant-based diet, protein powders made from peas appear to have the lowest levels of heavy metals,” Bowen said. “If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, the data suggests that whey-based or egg-based, vanilla-flavored protein powders will have the least amount.”

The study found that 77% of plant-based protein powders tested over Prop 65 thresholds for lead. 79% of organic protein powders tested over thresholds for lead, while 65% of chocolate protein powders tested over thresholds.

While protein powders are popular among bodybuilders and weightlifters to supplement workouts, a new report has revealed they contain several shocking substances. The Clean Label Project, a Colorado-based non-profit with the mission of bringing "truth and transparency to food and consumer product labeling",

For the report, Clean Label Project researchers purchased protein powders from 70 popular brands and ran nearly 36,000 tests for contaminants, including heavy metals and hormone d