The Origins of OWYN's Heavy Metal Allegations
Concerns over heavy metals in OWYN products first became public in early 2020. The Environmental Research Center (ERC), a non-profit organization focused on enforcing Proposition 65 (Prop 65), filed notices of violation against OWYN. Prop 65 is a California law that requires businesses to notify citizens about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The ERC alleged that several OWYN products exposed consumers to lead and, in some cases, cadmium, without the required warning.
Products named in the 2020 ERC notice:
- OWYN Only What You Need 100% Plant Protein Powder (Dark Chocolate and Smooth Vanilla)
- OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink (Strawberry Banana, Dark Chocolate, Cold Brew Coffee, and Smooth Vanilla)
- OWYN Only What You Need Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 100% Plant-Based Bar
- OWYN Only What You Need Plant-Based Drink (Cookies n' Cream, Meal Replacement Chocolate, and Turmeric Golden Mylk)
A settlement was reached in March 2021, which included a $200,000 payment to the ERC. Crucially, the settlement required OWYN to either reformulate its products to meet Prop 65 safety levels or include a warning on its labels. Reports indicate that warnings were still present on some products after the settlement, suggesting not all were brought into compliance at the time.
The 2025 Class Action Lawsuit: A Renewed Focus on Lead
Heavy metal concerns resurfaced in August 2025 with a new proposed class action lawsuit against OWYN. This lawsuit specifically focuses on OWYN's chocolate-flavored plant protein powder, alleging that it contains lead levels exceeding California's maximum allowable dose level for reproductive toxicity. The complaint cites laboratory testing commissioned by the plaintiff that found 0.5976 mcg of lead per serving. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing scrutiny regarding the presence of heavy metals, especially in chocolate-flavored plant-based products.
Understanding Why Plant-Based Proteins Are at Risk
The presence of heavy metals like lead and cadmium in plant-based proteins is not unique to OWYN. It is a known industry-wide issue rooted in agriculture and manufacturing practices. These metals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth's crust and can accumulate in the air, water, and soil.
Key factors contributing to heavy metal presence:
- Soil Absorption: Plants absorb minerals and other elements from the soil as they grow. If the soil is contaminated, the plants will absorb those heavy metals. Plant-based ingredients, such as pea and rice protein, are particularly susceptible to this process.
- Industrial Pollution: Human activities, including mining, industrial processes, and some agricultural practices, can increase the concentration of heavy metals in the environment and, subsequently, in the soil.
- Flavoring Agents: The 2025 Clean Label Project report noted that chocolate flavoring is a "high-risk ingredient," with chocolate-flavored powders containing significantly higher levels of certain metals, like cadmium, compared to vanilla-flavored ones.
OWYN's Third-Party Testing Claims Versus Reality
OWYN advertises its commitment to clean ingredients and third-party testing. The company states that it tests every lot for the top allergens, and some products are non-GMO Project Verified. However, the transparency surrounding its heavy metal testing is less clear. Several reviews and reports note that OWYN is not always forthcoming about which lab performs the tests or does not publicly share the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for heavy metals. While the company is reportedly Prop 65 compliant for newer batches, the lack of accessible, detailed heavy metal testing reports makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify the safety of any given product.
Navigating the Market: Choosing a Safer Protein Powder
Given the documented concerns, consumers can take steps to minimize their exposure to heavy metals from supplements. One of the most effective strategies is to look for third-party certifications from independent organizations that conduct specific testing for contaminants. The NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport certifications are highly respected and indicate that a product has been tested for a wide range of banned substances and contaminants, including heavy metals.
Comparison Table: OWYN vs. A Certified Alternative
| Feature | OWYN | NSF Certified Product (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Plant-based (pea, pumpkin, flax) | Varies (whey, plant, etc.) |
| Heavy Metal Allegations | Yes, documented in 2020 and 2025 lawsuits | Independent, audited testing ensures compliance |
| Testing Scope | Advertised for allergens; heavy metal transparency is lacking | Comprehensive testing for heavy metals and other contaminants |
| Transparency | Public COAs for heavy metals are not readily available | Publicly available documentation for testing and certification |
| Certifications | Non-GMO Project Verified (for some), allergen-tested | NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport |
| Consumer Verdict | Concerns persist due to past issues and limited transparency | Higher trust due to third-party verification and transparency |
Conclusion
The question "Does OWYN protein contain heavy metals?" has been a recurring concern, backed by past notices of violation and recent lawsuits. While OWYN has addressed specific issues through settlements and states its commitment to quality ingredients, the lack of comprehensive and public third-party heavy metal testing leaves consumers with unanswered questions. The risk is not isolated to OWYN but is a broader industry issue, particularly for plant-based and chocolate-flavored products. Consumers should exercise caution, especially when purchasing older batches, and consider opting for products with robust, verifiable third-party heavy metal certifications, like those from NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport. This due diligence ensures a higher level of confidence in product safety and ingredient purity.
Important Outbound Link
For more details on the initial notices of violation, consumers can review the settlement information on the Environmental Research Center website.
