As the popularity of protein powders continues to soar across the wellness, fitness, and functional food markets, so too does the scrutiny around the ingredients behind those impressive nutrition labels. A recent study has cast a spotlight on a growing concern—the presence of heavy metals and harmful chemicals in many plant-based protein powders. The findings have raised red flags for consumers and industry professionals alike, especially those involved in sourcing ingredients at scale.
The good news? Whey protein powders, derived from dairy, emerged as some of the cleanest and safest options tested.
The Study That’s Making Headlines
A joint investigation by researchers and health experts, covered in both CNN Health and Dairy News Today, analyzed 134 different protein powders across plant-based and dairy-based categories. The results were startling: many plant-based powders exceeded California’s Proposition 65 lead limits and contained elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. In addition, bisphenol A (BPA)—a chemical known to disrupt hormone function—was also found in some samples.
This poses a significant risk, particularly as consumers increasingly use protein powders as a daily staple for meal replacement, muscle building, or recovery.
Whey Protein: The Clean Alternative
The same study found that whey protein powders were consistently lower in contaminants, with most falling well below safety thresholds for heavy metals and BPA. This isn’t just good news for end consumers—it’s an important signal for manufacturers, food brands, and supplement formulators who are responsible for what goes into their products.
The reason? Whey protein comes from milk, a tightly regulated and highly traceable commodity, particularly in the U.S. and European Union. From farm to processing facility, dairy products are subject to rigorous safety standards, regular testing, and cleaner processing technologies. That traceability and oversight leads to a safer, purer final product.
What This Means for Buyers and Brands
If you’re a buyer, ingredient manager, or brand formulator currently sourcing protein powders—or thinking about switching suppliers—these findings should be a wake-up call. Consumer demand for transparency, clean-label ingredients, and functional health products is stronger than ever. And in a crowded marketplace, ingredient safety can be a key differentiator.
Now is the time to evaluate your protein sourcing strategy and ensure you’re working with suppliers who can offer dependable, food-safe inventory and documentation.
That’s where Ingredient Exchange comes in.
Ingredient Exchange: Your Trusted Partner for Whey Protein
At Ingredient Exchange, we help companies across the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors source high-quality whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI) from reputable dairy processors. Whether you’re responding to consumer demand for cleaner products or transitioning away from plant-based proteins due to contamination risks, we make the process seamless.
Here’s why brands trust us:
- Deep processor relationships: We’ve spent decades building relationships with vetted domestic and international dairy processors.
- Transparent documentation: Full traceability and access to product specs, COAs, and regulatory compliance documents.
- Reliable supply chain support: Inventory solutions and freight coordination to match your production schedules.
- Industry expertise: Our team understands the dairy market inside and out—and we’re always just a phone call or email away.
We don’t just move commodities. We solve sourcing challenges and help our partners stay ahead of the curve.
A Safer Future Starts with Smarter Sourcing
With this latest round of studies shining a spotlight on what’s really in protein powders, consumers are asking better questions—and brands need better answers. Choosing a clean, safe, and high-performing protein source isn’t just smart business; it’s a long-term investment in your brand reputation and consumer trust.
If you’re looking for a safer, more reliable source of whey protein powder, Ingredient Exchange is ready to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our current whey offerings and how we can support your sourcing goals.
