Behind The Scenes

A new Consumer Reports investigation found high levels of lead in many popular protein powders and shakes. Our testing of 23 products revealed that more than two-thirds contained lead concentrations well above what our experts consider safe. 

Exposure to lead is linked to serious health risks, including neurological and developmental harm, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and immune suppression. 

Despite these risks, there are no federal standards limiting how much lead can be present in protein powders. Join us in calling on the Food and Drug Administration to set strict limits on heavy metals in protein supplements.

This investigation builds on CR’s ongoing efforts to shine a light on toxic heavy metals in the food supply to help people make informed choices and push manufacturers to make healthier products. For CR’s latest work, visit our new Heavy Metals in Food page. Your support makes this work possible.

Millions of homeowners face steep premium hikes, shrinking policy options, and opaque decisions from insurers. Consumer Reports is driving a campaign for a Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights to define basic protections all policyholders should expect. 

CR’s research shows that insurers often raise rates or refuse renewals without clear explanation. Hidden algorithmic pricing and climate‑risk models are increasingly shifting burdens onto homeowners rather than sharing them.

The proposed Bill of Rights would require insurers to provide transparent reasons for rate changes, give meaningful notice for non‑renewal, and guarantee fair access to coverage, even in disaster‑prone areas. CR is also calling for better national data from the Federal Insurance Office to help reveal where coverage is most under threat.

By mobilizing consumer voices and pushing for clear protections, CR is holding insurance companies and regulators accountable. Your support powers this campaign and helps ensure that homeowners are treated fairly when the unexpected happens.

Consumer Reports recently tested toddler towers, the popular stools with guardrails that help little kids reach the countertop. While they offer developmental benefits, CR’s independent testing of 16 models revealed serious safety concerns:

• 13 failed stability tests, creating tip-over risks
• 11 failed entrapment tests, raising the risk of a child’s head getting stuck
• 5 lacked adequate warning labels
• Many had unclear or conflicting age recommendations

Watch testing video on Instagram.

Some models did perform better in CR’s testing, including the Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper Toddler Tower, the Honey Joy Kitchen Step Stool, and the Simplay3 Toddler Tower Adjustable Stool. See the full results.

No mandatory safety standard exists for toddler towers, despite injury reports and growing popularity among parents of toddlers. CR is calling on manufacturers to improve design and testing, and on regulators to adopt standards that will better protect children.

In the meantime, parents can take steps such as choosing heavier, wider models, checking screws and fasteners regularly, and closely supervising kids while the towers are in use.

In 2025, we delivered meaningful change across consumer safety, privacy, and fairness. CR’s testing, research, and advocacy translated into real‑world influence: we informed policy, drove corporate responses, and empowered consumers with trusted guidance. See the 2025 Impact Report.

This year:
• We tested more than 2,300 products and services in over 100 categories
• We heard from over one million consumers through national surveys and research tool
• CR members and activists took 1.24 million actions, including petition signatures and emails to lawmakers and company leaders

Because of this work, Kraft Heinz removed its Lunchables meal kits from the National School Lunch Program after CR’s tests revealed concerning levels of sodium, lead, and cadmium. 

Supermarket giant Kroger announced it would hire 15,000 new employees just one day after CR exposed widespread overcharging tied to expired sale tags.

CR was also recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 for its work to advance the auto industry and help consumers identify cars that produce less pollution and cost less to fuel.

This is the power of collective action. Your support fuels the investigations, tools, and advocacy that advance safety and fairness for everyone. Together, we are turning research into results, and we are ready to do even more in 2026.