Are There Heavy Metals in Whey Protein Powder? What the Prop 65 Study Means for You, and Why Bare Blends is Different

What Is the Prop 65 Protein Powder Study All About?

In early 2025, a high-profile investigation by the Clean Label Project revealed that nearly half of the protein powders tested contained heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, often exceeding California’s strict Prop 65 safety limits.

This has raised major concerns for consumers worldwide, particularly those who use protein supplements daily.

Why Prop 65 Sets the Strictest Heavy Metal Limits

California’s Proposition 65 isn’t just another food safety guideline, it’s one of the toughest chemical exposure standards globally. While other regulatory bodies may allow small traces of heavy metals, Prop 65 sets extremely low thresholds to protect consumers from long-term health risks.

Even so, many leading protein brands, including both plant-based and whey protein powders, were found to exceed those limits.

We Did Our Own Independent Protein Testing

Although Bare Blends protein powders weren’t included in the Clean Label Project’s report, we knew our customers deserved clarity. That’s why we commissioned independent laboratory testing on a wide range of our blends.

Results

✔️ No detectable heavy metals found in any of our whey protein blends.

✔️ Completely clean protein, just as it should be.

One of the Cleanest Protein Powders in Australia

We’re proud to stand by our commitment to clean nutrition. As always:

✅ Australian & NZ Grass-Fed Whey

✅ Third-Party Tested for Heavy Metals

✅ Zero Fillers or Artificial Additives

Our high-quality whey protein blends are crafted with integrity, using only premium ingredients like grass-fed whey and raw whole foods. We’ll never use artificial or so-called “natural” flavours—just real, nourishing ingredients you can recognise and trust.

Whether you’re using protein to support muscle recovery, maintain energy, or boost your daily nutrition, you deserve to know it’s safe.

Final Thoughts: Clean Protein You Can Trust

The Clean Label Project’s findings are a wake-up call, but they’re also an opportunity for the industry to do better. At Bare Blends, we’re proud to lead the way with pure, transparent, and independently verified protein supplements.

If you’re looking for a heavy metal-free protein powder that’s made with care and backed by science, you’re in the right place.

Explore our clean, safe protein range → [Shop Now]

Sources & Further Reading

Clean Label Project – Protein Powder Study (2024/2025 White Paper)
In-depth report highlighting the findings from testing 160 protein powders for heavy metals and other contaminants.

California Proposition 65 Overview – Official Government Site
More about Prop 65 and why it sets some of the world’s strictest safety standards.

Heavy Metals in Food – World Health Organization (WHO)
Global perspectives on exposure to lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals in food products.