OWYN Protein Powder Lawsuit: "Pro Elite" Label Masks Lead?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims OWYN Chocolate Plant Protein Powder contains undisclosed lead levels that exceed California's daily exposure limit, despite being marketed as safe and premium.

Consumers Affected: California residents who purchased OWYN Chocolate Plant Protein Powder in the last four years.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Despite the bold promises of OWYN Chocolate Plant Protein Powder of having “ONLY WHAT YOU NEED” and “NOTHING YOU DON’T,” the product contains undisclosed lead levels that exceed California’s daily exposure limit, a new lawsuit claims.

Only What You Need, Inc., the parent company of OWYN, is accused of misleading shoppers about the safety and purity of its products. The company’s marketing suggests a premium, heavy-metal-free product, but independent lab testing found 0.5976 micrograms of lead per serving, which is above the state’s maximum daily level for reproductive toxicity.

Health authorities, including the World Health Organization, warn that no amount of lead exposure is considered safe.

Consumers Say They Paid Premium for Falsely Advertised Product

Allison Barton, who filed the proposed class action lawsuit, says she purchased a 1.32-pound container of the chocolate flavor protein powder from a Sprouts Farmers Market in California in early 2024, paying about $35. 

She chose the product for personal use after reviewing its labels, which advertised “Pro Elite” quality, immune and digestive health benefits, and a long list of absent allergens and additives, the lawsuit states.

Barton claims she relied on these statements when making her purchase, believing she was getting a safe, high-quality supplement. She argues she would not have bought the powder had she known about the lead content. The lawsuit says she, and other buyers, paid a “price premium” based on the product’s marketing.

Independent Testing Allegedly Found Alarming Lead Levels

Barton commissioned testing of the protein powder, according to the legal filing. The tests, conducted in January 2025 by an accredited laboratory, used Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry, a highly sensitive method recognized by the FDA for detecting heavy metals. 

The results show that the lead content per serving exceeds the state’s reproductive toxicity threshold.

The complaint stresses that other plant-based protein powders on the market either do not contain lead or provide a warning about potential exposure, giving consumers the information needed to make informed choices.

Protein and Supplement Brands Face Legal Challenges

OWYN is not the only company under fire for alleged ingredient misrepresentation. Other recent cases target Vital Amine for allegedly overstating protein content in its supplements, with a consumer alleging in a lawsuit that she got far less than what she’d been promised when buying the product.

Meanwhile, Amazon is facing legal action for selling rice allegedly contaminated with toxic metals. Filed by two consumers in California, claims Amazon failed to disclose that certain rice sold through its platform contains arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury—substances known to cause serious long-term health issues, especially for children and pregnant people.

Even the Girl Scouts are facing legal action for cookies reportedly containing heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicide residues.

Barton aims to represent all California residents who purchased OWYN protein powder in the past four years. She is suing for unfair business practices, deceptive advertising, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, and related claims. 

The suit seeks damages, legal costs, and a court order to stop the alleged mislabeling, essentially asking for refunds, accountability, and honest labeling for consumers.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Barton v. Only What You Need, Inc.
• Case Number: 3:25-cv-01849-BAS-KSC
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Naomi B. Spector (Kamberlaw, LLP)

Do you use OWYN protein powder? What are your thoughts on these allegations? Share your concerns below.