Heavy Metals in Protein Powders: Your Questions Answered
Thank you for reaching out.
We've heard from many of you after a recent Consumer Reports article mentioned Huel alongside other protein powder brands. We completely understand why headlines about heavy metals can be concerning, and we're grateful you're taking the time to ask questions and look into this.
Here's what you need to know:
Your Huel is safe. Every batch is independently tested by accredited laboratories in both the UK and U.S., and our results consistently show that trace minerals in our products are well within globally recognized food safety standards.
In fact, Huel Black Edition recently earned NSF Certification—one of the strictest global safety benchmarks available. The most recent NSF test showed no detectable lead in the product.
The trace minerals mentioned in the report (like lead and cadmium) occur naturally in soil and are absorbed by plants as they grow. They're found in virtually all plant-based foods—from oats and spinach to rice and beans. A typical meal of sausage, potatoes, and vegetables contains similar levels. What matters is whether those levels stay within safe thresholds, and with Huel, they absolutely do.
Want more detail?
We've published a comprehensive breakdown of our testing data, how we compare to international safety standards, and why California's Proposition 65 (the benchmark used in the report) doesn't reflect how food safety is evaluated by regulators or scientists.
👉 Read the full article: Heavy Metals in Huel – What You Need to Know
Let's talk.
We stand firmly behind our products and the science that supports them. If you'd like to discuss this further, have specific concerns, or just want to understand more about our testing process, we'd genuinely love to hear from you. Reach out anytime—your trust matters to us, and we're here to answer your questions.