You picked up a protein powder labeled as clean, organic, or plant-based. Then you flipped it over and saw the cancer warning.
The phrase “chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm” appears on products flagged under Proposition 65, a California regulation triggered when certain substances pass extremely low thresholds.
Image source - Emergency Disaster Systems
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium often enter the supply chain through soil, water, or equipment used during manufacturing. These are not added intentionally, but they’re still present.
The problem is not just the label, it’s the exposure level and lack of transparency behind it.
Most buyers have no way of knowing whether a brand tests for contaminants or discloses the results.
This article explains what Prop 65 actually means, why it shows up on protein powders, and how to choose a clean product without relying on blind faith or marketing claims.
What Is the Prop 65 Warning and Why It on Your Protein Tub
California Proposition 65 requires companies to warn consumers if their product contains any one of over 900 substances linked to cancer or reproductive harm.
These warnings are not based on federal safety limits but on California’s thresholds, which are often hundreds of times stricter.
In the supplement world, protein powders get flagged more than most because they are made from concentrated agricultural ingredients. Soil contamination, polluted water, and industrial processing equipment can all introduce trace levels of lead, cadmium, or arsenic into the final product.
Even powders labeled organic or plant-based are frequently affected. Organic certification does not include testing for heavy metals or industrial pollutants.
A clean farming method does not always prevent uptake of contaminants through the root system.
The Prop 65 label does not mean a product is unsafe, but it also does not mean it was tested. It only confirms that a certain threshold was crossed. This puts consumers in a difficult position, especially when the label appears on products marketed as healthy.
The Dirty Truth: What’s Lurking in Contaminated Powders
Most protein powder buyers never consider the risk of chemical contamination. But independent lab testing has revealed a recurring pattern. A large percentage of popular supplements contain substances linked to long-term health risks.
These contaminants are not declared on the label, and in many cases, the brands may not even know they are present. Here is what commonly shows up:
-
Lead: A neurotoxin that enters powders through soil, especially in plant-based proteins. Chronic exposure is linked to developmental damage and cardiovascular stress.
-
Cadmium: Found in cocoa and leafy crops. This heavy metal accumulates in the kidneys and may affect hormone function over time.
-
Arsenic: Can appear in rice-based proteins. While organic arsenic exists in nature, the inorganic form is a confirmed carcinogen.
-
PFAS: These synthetic chemicals resist breakdown and are often called forever chemicals. They are used in packaging and manufacturing and have been detected in more than half of all protein powders tested.
-
Phthalates: Plasticizers used in packaging or equipment that leach into powder during production. They may disrupt hormone balance and reproductive health.
-
Pesticide residues: Even organic crops can test positive due to contaminated soil or wind drift from nearby farms.
Buyers often ask if clean powders are available at a fair price. The short answer is yes, but most are not.
Is Prop 65 Always a Dealbreaker?
A Prop 65 warning does not automatically mean a product is dangerous. It means the product contains a chemical above California’s daily exposure limit, which is often set far lower than federal safety guidelines.
Some of these limits are so low that even trace levels of lead in spinach or sweet potatoes would qualify. However, that does not make the label meaningless. It is a signal that at least one contaminant exceeds a level considered safe for long-term exposure.
The real concern with protein powders is cumulative intake.
If you use a contaminated product every day, even small amounts of heavy metals can build up in the body over time. This is especially relevant for lead and cadmium, which are stored in bones and organs.
For pregnant women and young children, the risks are even more serious.
Lead is associated with cognitive development issues and lower IQ. Cadmium can impact kidney function and hormone production.
These effects are not immediate, but the damage accumulates with regular exposure.
Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein: What the Lab Results Say
Many people turn to plant-based protein for health or ethical reasons, assuming it offers a cleaner alternative to animal-based options.
In practice, the opposite is often true. Independent testing has repeatedly shown that plant-based protein powders are more likely to contain detectable levels of lead, cadmium, and synthetic chemicals.
Why Plant Protein Fails the Clean Test
Pea protein is the most common base for vegan powders, and it carries the highest contamination risk.
Over two thirds of tested pea protein products contained detectable PFAS, and many exceeded Prop 65 limits for lead. These chemicals are absorbed through the root system of plants grown in contaminated soil or irrigated with tainted water.
Organic labeling does not protect against this. Organic pea protein often tests just as poorly as conventional versions. The farming method does not remove heavy metals already present in the environment. The idea that plant-based always means cleaner is outdated and unsupported by testing data.
This leads many to ask why a supposedly natural and healthy protein would raise so many safety flags. The answer is in the soil, the processing, and the lack of required testing across the industry.
Why Whey Protein Is (Usually) Cleaner
Whey, egg white, and collagen proteins are less likely to show concerning levels of contaminants. In recent studies, three out of four animal-based powders showed no detectable PFAS.
This is largely due to shorter ingredient supply chains and cleaner processing methods.
Whey protein that is cold processed avoids exposure to high heat, reducing the chance of chemical byproducts. This also helps preserve bioavailability and taste.
For consumers prioritizing purity, whey is currently the most reliable option based on third-party test results.
Goliath Labs = No Prop 65
Get Our Protein Powder Bucket That’s Heavy Metal Testing In U.S Labs
When it comes to protein supplements, nothing matters more than knowing what is in the product and how it was made. That is why we have built our reputation on transparency, testing, and consistent results.
Our protein powders do not carry a Prop 65 warning because they are formulated, sourced, and manufactured with safety in mind.
We do not rely on loopholes or clever branding. We rely on clean ingredients and strict standards.
Transparent and Honest Labels
Goliath Labs has never used proprietary blends or vague dosing. Our labels show exactly what you are getting, and in what amounts. This commitment to clarity is part of why our products have built long-term loyalty with serious athletes and everyday users alike.
We maintain control over our production process and ingredients by working only with trusted, qualified suppliers. That consistency shows up in every container.
Benefits of our label policy include:
-
Every ingredient listed with exact dosage
-
No filler amino acids or “protein spiking”
-
No artificial dyes or banned substances
-
No synthetic hormones or endocrine disruptors
-
Clear macros with nothing hidden behind marketing terms
This approach is not new. We have followed the same formula for more than twenty years.
Third-Party Tested for Safety
Every Goliath Labs protein product is tested by independent laboratories for heavy metals, PFAS, and other environmental contaminants.
These tests are conducted regularly and apply to every production batch. Results are reviewed before release to ensure that all levels remain well below Prop 65 thresholds.
The outcome is simple. Our products require no Prop 65 warning, because they do not contain harmful levels of any listed substances. This is a direct result of responsible sourcing, rigorous testing, and a company culture that does not cut corners.
The Safe Picks: Two Goliath Proteins You Can Trust
Choosing a safe protein powder should not involve guesswork. You should not have to choose between quality, price, or purity.
That is why Goliath Labs offers two protein formulas designed for real-world performance with full transparency. Both options are manufactured without the contaminants that trigger Prop 65 warnings. Each one is batch tested and clearly labeled.
1. Whey Protein (Undenatured and Mixes Like a Dream)
This is our best-selling formula for a reason. It is made from cold-processed whey to preserve structure and taste. There is no grittiness, no bitter aftertaste, and no bloating.
Features include:
-
Smooth mixability in water or milk
-
No stevia, sucralose, or chemical sweeteners
-
Clean flavor profile with natural ingredients
-
Gentle on digestion for everyday use
-
Zero Prop 65 contaminants verified by third-party labs
This is an ideal option for people who want a clean, daily-use protein with dependable results and consistent safety testing.
2. Muscle Protein (For Strength and Recovery)
This formula combines whey and casein to support both immediate and extended muscle repair. Fast absorption after training, with slow-release support through the day or night.
Key advantages:
-
Dual-source protein for multi-phase recovery
-
Perfect for strength training and lean mass goals
-
No artificial fillers or added sugar
-
Clear label with no unlisted ingredients
-
Third-party verified clean, with no Prop 65 warning required
Both options are shipped within 24 hours and backed by our quality guarantee. This is protein that performs without compromise.
How to Avoid Hidden Contaminants in Your Protein Powder
Avoiding contaminants in protein powder does not require a chemistry degree, but it does require paying attention to details that most brands do not emphasize.
Clean packaging and marketing terms do not guarantee a clean product. To stay clear of harmful substances like lead, cadmium, or PFAS, you need to evaluate how the product is made, what it contains, and what the company is willing to disclose.
Here are four ways to lower your exposure to hidden contaminants:
-
Check the label: Avoid products that use proprietary blends or vague ingredient names. Legitimate brands will show full dosages for every active ingredient.
-
Avoid pea protein: If you are aiming for the lowest possible levels of heavy metals and PFAS, plant-based formulas made with pea protein carry the highest risk based on recent lab findings.
-
Seek third-party testing: Look for companies that verify each batch through an independent lab. Results should be available or confirmed by the brand.
-
Use protein supplements in moderation: Protein powder is a tool, not a full diet. Rotate in whole foods and vary your sources to reduce the chance of building up trace contaminants over time.
Following these steps will help you move from marketing promises to measurable safety.
No Scares with Clean Products
Clean protein powders do exist. You do not have to settle for a warning label or trust vague claims about purity. With the right information and the right standards, it is possible to find supplements that support your goals without exposing you to harmful additives or contaminants.
Brands that invest in transparent labels, third-party testing, and responsible sourcing are not hard to spot once you know what to look for.
Goliath Labs was built on those principles.
Our protein products are clean, tested, and fully disclosed down to the last gram. If you are ready to upgrade to protein that matches your values and your performance needs, visit our product page below.