Heavy Metals in Huel – What You Need to Know

A recent article from Consumer Reports raised concerns about heavy metals in some protein powders, and Huel was among the brands mentioned. We understand that headlines like these can sound worrying, and we want to give you clear, evidence-based answers.

While we respect efforts to investigate food safety, the comparison used in that report doesn’t reflect how trace minerals are evaluated by scientists or regulators. Here’s what’s important to know.

Trace minerals such as lead occur naturally in crops because plants absorb them from the soil as they grow. This isn’t unique to Huel, it’s a normal part of how food is grown. For context, a typical meal of sausage, potatoes, and vegetables can contain around 5 micrograms (µg) of lead, and most adults naturally consume 20 to 80 µg per day through everyday foods. Huel is no different from everyday meals in this respect.

Huel’s data tells a very different story from the one presented in that article. All of our products are independently tested, and the results consistently show that the naturally occurring minerals found in our formulas are well within globally recognised food safety standards.

We’ve always built our reputation on facts, transparency, and science — not speculation. Below, we’re sharing exactly how we test, what the data shows, and why the methods used by Consumer Reports don’t reflect how food safety is evaluated by regulators, scientists, or public health authorities.

TL;DR: Heavy Metals in Huel: The Facts at a Glance

Recent U.S. media coverage has raised concerns about heavy metals in food products, including Huel. Here are the facts:

• Huel is safe. Every product is tested by independent, accredited laboratories in the UK and U.S.

• Huel Black Edition Powder has been tested 17 times in recent years and is NSF Certified, meeting one of the strictest global safety standards.

• The most recent NSF test showed no detectable lead at their 3.6µg tolerance.

• Trace minerals like lead occur naturally in soil and plants — and are found in virtually all foods.

• Huel’s results are consistent with everyday meals and fall well within global food safety standards.

What Are Heavy Metals and Why Do They Appear in Food

Let’s start with the basics. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are naturally occurring elements found in soil and water. Because plants absorb minerals as they grow, trace amounts end up in nearly all plant-rich foods from oats and nuts to rice, spinach, and beans.

This is completely normal. For example, a typical meal of sausage, potatoes, and vegetables can contain around 5 micrograms (µg) of lead, and most adults naturally consume 20 to 80 µg per day through everyday foods.

So when a laboratory detects a few micrograms in a serving of Huel, that isn’t contamination — it’s simply how food grown in soil behaves. The key question is whether those trace levels remain within safe, scientifically recognised thresholds. In Huel’s case, they absolutely do.

How Huel Tests Its Products (for Heavy Metals and More)

Testing isn’t something we do in response to headlines — it’s something we’ve always done. Every batch of Huel is analysed by independent, accredited laboratories in both the UK and U.S.

Over the past few years, Huel Black Edition has undergone 17 separate tests for heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. The results have been consistent every time: safe, stable, and compliant with international standards.

In 2025, Huel Black Edition was also certified by NSF International, considered the gold standard for verifying product safety and quality. That test found no detectable lead in the product, confirming that Huel meets some of the most stringent criteria in the world.

And testing doesn’t stop there. We analyse raw ingredients, production batches, and finished products to maintain complete oversight of our supply chain. Our approach is transparent, rigorous, and constant.

Read our full independent report here.

What the Data Shows About Heavy Metals in Huel

We understand that seeing words like “heavy metals” can sound concerning, so let’s look at what the data actually shows. Here are the facts from our independent laboratory testing:

• Lead levels in Huel Black Edition: 1.5 and 2.2 µg per 90g serving (17 separate reports)

• Consumer Reports’ published figure: 6.3 µg per serving

• Typical daily dietary intake: 20–80 µg (from regular meals)

To put this in perspective, here’s how global safety thresholds compare:

Even when using Consumer Reports’ own data, Huel remains well within every recognised food safety threshold worldwide.

Understanding California’s Proposition 65 and How It Relates to Huel’s Safety Standards

Consumer Reports based its comparison on California’s Proposition 65, which sets an exceptionally conservative threshold for lead exposure. It’s not a food safety limit — it’s a warning law designed to flag even the tiniest theoretical exposure.

To establish the Prop 65 level, California regulators took the lowest level ever associated with harm in humans and divided it by 1,000 to create a vast safety buffer. The resulting figure — 0.5 µg/day — is far below typical dietary intake. 

That means a product can meet every international safety standard and still exceed California’s unique threshold. That doesn’t make it unsafe — it simply reflects how ultra-precautionary Prop 65 is. Most public health authorities, including the WHO, EFSA, and NSF, set limits dozens or hundreds of times higher, based on real-world evidence.

Independent Testing and Real-World Evidence That Huel Is Safe

We don’t just talk about safety, we prove it.

Our testing record is clear: across 17 tests, every result confirms that Huel products meet international standards. NSF certification adds another layer of validation, showing no detectable lead in Huel Black Edition.

But perhaps the most telling evidence comes from real people. Many long-term Huel customers, some who’ve consumed several servings per day for years, have shared their own blood test results showing normal lead levels. Their experiences align perfectly with what the science shows: the trace minerals found in Huel are typical of any balanced diet and present no health risk.

We know trust is earned through openness, not words. That’s why we’ll continue to test, publish results, share data, and listen to your questions. It’s what responsible nutrition looks like, and it’s what we’ve always done.

Huel’s Commitment to Safe, Transparent Nutrition

We understand that reports like this can raise questions. But facts matter, and the facts show that Huel’s products are rigorously tested, independently verified, and safe.

We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t wait for others to tell us what’s important. Testing and transparency have always been part of our DNA. Our products consistently meet the strictest international standards, and our latest NSF certification confirms that commitment.

We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: testing frequently, sharing our data openly, and improving as science evolves. Your health and trust have always been our priority,  and that won’t change.

Huel Testing FAQs

Is Huel tested for heavy metals?

Yes. Every Huel product is tested by independent, accredited labs in the UK and U.S. for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

Why would heavy metals appear in plant-based foods?

Because plants naturally absorb minerals from soil as they grow. These trace elements appear in all foods grown in soil, from oats to spinach.

How do Huel’s results compare to global standards?

Lead levels in Huel Black Edition (1.5–2.2 µg per serving) are consistent with what’s found in everyday meals and meet all international safety benchmarks.

What is California’s Proposition 65?

It’s a California state law with an extremely conservative threshold for certain elements. For lead, that limit (0.5 µg/day) is roughly 1,000× lower than levels shown to cause harm.

Should long-term users be worried?

No. Scientific evidence and real-world data show that Huel’s trace mineral levels are safe for daily consumption.

Will Huel share test data?

Yes. We’re committed to transparency and will continue to publish verified results and certifications, including our NSF reports.