Products to Avoid
Popular products with documented issues: recalls, lawsuits, failed testing, and deceptive marketing. Evidence-based reasons to skip these despite their popularity.
Immediate safety risk - recalls, deaths, or serious harm documented
Significant issues - lawsuits, failed testing, or deceptive marketing
Concerns - quality issues, contamination, or poor value
Big Berkey Water Filter System
Berkey
Why People Buy It
Heavy influencer marketing, 'off-grid' appeal, claims to remove everything without electricity
Why to Avoid
EPA issued stop-sale order Dec 2023. Failed IAPMO testing. Pending class action lawsuit. Never obtained NSF certification despite claiming superior filtration. Lead found in spigots.
Better Alternative
AquaTru (NSF 42, 53, 58, 401 certified) or Clearly Filtered pitcher
Fruits & Veggies Supplements
Balance of Nature
Why People Buy It
Extensive talk radio advertising, claims products replace actual fruits and vegetables, heavy marketing to elderly
Why to Avoid
FDA obtained court order to STOP SALES. $1.1M California settlement for false advertising. Claimed to prevent/treat cancer, diabetes, heart disease. Products are 40% sugar. Used smell testing instead of proper verification.
Better Alternative
Eat actual fruits and vegetables. No pill replaces whole food nutrition.
OxyElite Pro
USPlabs
Why People Buy It
Marketed as aggressive fat burner and muscle builder, widely sold before recall
Why to Avoid
1 DEATH, 2 liver transplants, 11 hospitalizations from hepatitis outbreak. 114 FDA adverse events from 33 states. Contained undeclared aegeline. Previously had DMAA linked to 6 deaths.
Better Alternative
No 'fat burners' are safe or effective. Focus on caloric deficit through diet and exercise.
Third-Party Supplements (Unknown Brands)
Various Amazon Sellers
Why People Buy It
Low prices, Prime shipping, high review counts (often manipulated), Amazon's Choice badges
Why to Avoid
50% FAIL independent testing. NOW Foods found 6 brands had ZERO active ingredient. 17 of 22 failing products matched Alibaba wholesale listings. Products labeled vegetarian contained animal gelatin. Systematic fraud ring suspected.
Better Alternative
Buy from brand's official website or verified retailers. Look for NSF/USP certification. Avoid unknown brands.
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Neutrogena
Why People Buy It
Widely available drugstore brand, dermatologist marketing, affordable price
Why to Avoid
Recalled 2021 for benzene contamination (carcinogen). Valisure found benzene in 78 of 224 batches tested. Multiple lawsuits pending.
Better Alternative
Mineral sunscreen: Blue Lizard, Badger, or EltaMD UV Physical
Rock 'n Play Sleeper
Fisher-Price
Why People Buy It
Convenient inclined sleeper, kept babies 'content', heavily marketed to exhausted parents
Why to Avoid
Recalled after 50+ infant deaths. Inclined position caused positional asphyxiation. Company knew of dangers for years before recall.
Better Alternative
Flat, firm sleep surface per AAP guidelines. Newton Baby mattress in approved crib.
Boppy Newborn Lounger
Boppy
Why People Buy It
Convenient lounger for feeding, popular baby registry item, affordable
Why to Avoid
Recalled 2021 after 8 infant deaths from suffocation. Soft, curved surface creates suffocation hazard. Should never be used for sleep.
Better Alternative
Flat tummy time mat (Lovevery). Never use loungers for unsupervised rest.
Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
ByHeart
Why People Buy It
Premium 'clean' formula marketed to millennial parents, claimed to be closest to breast milk, direct-to-consumer subscription model
Why to Avoid
Major recall August-November 2025 after 51 infants across 19 states developed botulism. ALL 51 required hospitalization. FDA found recalled formula still on store shelves after recall.
Better Alternative
FDA-approved formulas from established manufacturers (Enfamil, Similac) with longer safety track records
Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein
Garden of Life
Why People Buy It
Organic certification, NSF Certified for Sport label, heavily marketed to athletes and fitness enthusiasts
Why to Avoid
Class action lawsuit filed Dec 2025 for undisclosed lead contamination. Testing found 61 ppb lead - 564% over California Prop 65 safe harbor limit of 10.8 ppb. Chocolate flavor particularly affected.
Better Alternative
Momentous Whey Protein (NSF Certified for Sport with published heavy metal testing) or Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
Naked Mass - Natural Weight Gainer
Naked Nutrition
Why People Buy It
Clean marketing with 'only 3 ingredients' claim, minimal additives appeal, popular on Amazon with high reviews
Why to Avoid
Clean Label Project 2.0 study found 7.7 mcg lead per serving - 1,570% over 0.5 mcg concern level. Among worst mass gainers tested. 'Natural' and 'clean' marketing hides contamination.
Better Alternative
For weight gain: clean whey + real food (oats, bananas, nut butter). If powder needed: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer (third-party tested)
Huel Black Edition
Huel
Why People Buy It
Marketed as complete meal replacement, appeals to productivity-focused tech workers, strong brand presence in fitness community
Why to Avoid
Clean Label Project 2.0 study found 6.3 mcg lead per serving - 1,290% over 0.5 mcg concern level. Premium pricing ($$$) doesn't correlate with purity. Plant-based formulation accumulates heavy metals.
Better Alternative
Real food meals > meal replacements. If convenience needed: Soylent (lower heavy metals) or whole food smoothies with tested whey protein
Zantac (Ranitidine) - If You Still Have It
Sanofi/GSK
Why People Buy It
Was one of the best-selling heartburn medications for decades, available OTC and prescription, trusted by millions
Why to Avoid
Completely withdrawn April 2020 due to NDMA contamination (probable human carcinogen). NDMA levels INCREASE over time/heat. Linked to multiple cancers. Sanofi paid $200M+ to settle 10,000+ lawsuits.
Better Alternative
Zantac 360 (famotidine-based, different drug) is safe. Other H2 blockers: Pepcid (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine)
Prevagen Regular Strength
Quincy Bioscience
Why People Buy It
Heavy TV advertising targeting elderly, claims to improve memory using jellyfish protein
Why to Avoid
FTC sued for false advertising. No evidence apoaequorin reaches the brain. Company's own study showed no improvement vs placebo. $2M FTC settlement.
Better Alternative
Focus on proven cognitive health: exercise, sleep, omega-3s from food
RAW Organic Protein
Garden of Life
Why People Buy It
Organic certification, clean marketing, Whole Foods presence, vegan-friendly
Why to Avoid
Failed ConsumerLab testing for heavy metals (lead, cadmium). Clean Label Project found elevated arsenic. Multiple formulations affected.
Better Alternative
Protein Factory Native Whey Isolate or Legion Whey+ (both third-party tested)
Various Supplements & Shakes
Herbalife
Why People Buy It
Global MLM with billions in sales, extensive distributor network, marketed as weight loss solution
Why to Avoid
$200M FTC settlement - company operated as PYRAMID SCHEME. FTC stated 'virtually impossible to make money selling Herbalife.' 80% of distributors make $0. Products linked to acute hepatitis.
Better Alternative
Real food diet. If protein shakes needed: Momentous or Thorne (third-party tested, not MLM)
Melatonin Sleep Supplements
Olly
Why People Buy It
Attractive packaging, widely available at Target/CVS/Walmart, owned by Unilever, marketed as fun/approachable
Why to Avoid
Testing showed products overdosed 165-274% of labeled amounts. Melatonin alters brain chemistry - accurate dosing is critical. Class action lawsuit survived dismissal (Nov 2024). Consumers report daytime grogginess and intense dreaming.
Better Alternative
Nature Made or Thorne melatonin (USP verified, accurate dosing). Start with 0.5-1mg, not 5-10mg.
Thrive Experience (Patches, Supplements)
Le-Vel
Why People Buy It
MLM with aggressive social media presence, 'lifestyle patch' novelty factor, weight loss/energy claims
Why to Avoid
BANNED in Canada - product classified as drug. 16 FDA adverse events including hospitalizations. Heart palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness reported. 99% of MLM participants lose money. Company sues critics.
Better Alternative
No supplement patches are proven effective. Address energy through sleep, diet, and exercise.
GLP-1 Daily Supplement
Lemme
Why People Buy It
Celebrity founder (Kourtney Kardashian), social media marketing, positioned as 'natural Ozempic alternative' at $89.99/month
Why to Avoid
Class action lawsuits filed (2025) for unsubstantiated weight loss claims. Plaintiff GAINED 5 lbs after 3 months. GLP-1 from supplements has 1-2 minute half-life vs 7 days for actual GLP-1 drugs. Exploiting Ozempic trend.
Better Alternative
If medically indicated, consult physician about actual GLP-1 medications. No supplement mimics their effect.
Non-Stick Cookware (PTFE/Teflon)
Various
Why People Buy It
Convenient, easy cleanup, affordable, widely marketed
Why to Avoid
PFAS 'forever chemicals' linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune issues. Breaks down when overheated (>500F). DuPont knew of dangers for decades (Dark Waters documentary).
Better Alternative
Cast iron (Lodge), carbon steel (de Buyer), or stainless steel (All-Clad D3)
Ashwagandha Supplements (Most Brands)
Various
Why People Buy It
Trending 'adaptogen' promoted for stress relief, endorsed by wellness influencers, available everywhere
Why to Avoid
ConsumerLab testing (May 2024) found 8 of 13 products contained only 7.8% to 83% of claimed active compounds. Most contained less than HALF expected amount. 60% failed quality standards.
Better Alternative
Only brands that passed ConsumerLab or Labdoor testing with certificate of analysis showing actual withanolide content
B Vitamin Supplements (Untested Brands)
Various
Why People Buy It
Common energy and metabolism claims, widely recommended, inexpensive, available everywhere
Why to Avoid
ConsumerLab testing (Oct 2024) found 19% of B vitamin supplements contained far less or far more than claimed. One B-12 had only 14% of claimed amount. Another had 2x listed folic acid.
Better Alternative
B vitamins with third-party verification (USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab approved) - Nature Made, Thorne
Supplements with 'Proprietary Blends'
Various
Why People Buy It
Flashy marketing with long ingredient lists, claims of 'secret formulas', often cheaper than transparent alternatives
Why to Avoid
'Proprietary blend' hides actual ingredient amounts. Common practice: 18 ingredients in 200mg blend = ~11mg each (clinically useless). Companies use expensive ingredients at trace amounts while bulking with cheap fillers.
Better Alternative
Only supplements with full ingredient disclosure. Third-party tested brands: Momentous, Thorne, Transparent Labs
Chocolate Plant Protein Powders
Various
Why People Buy It
Plant-based and organic marketing appeals to vegans and health-conscious consumers, chocolate is most popular flavor
Why to Avoid
Clean Label Project (2024-25) found 47% exceed Prop 65 thresholds for toxic metals. Chocolate-flavored had 4x more lead, up to 110x more cadmium than vanilla. Plant-based had 9x more lead than whey.
Better Alternative
Whey or collagen protein (lowest heavy metals). Vanilla or unflavored. Brands with published heavy metal testing: Transparent Labs, Momentous
AG1 (Athletic Greens)
Athletic Greens
Why People Buy It
Massive podcast sponsorships, influencer marketing, 'all-in-one' convenience appeal
Why to Avoid
Uses proprietary blend hiding exact doses. $5/day extremely overpriced for what you get. Lead contamination lawsuit 2024. Many ingredients at ineffective doses.
Better Alternative
Individual supplements with disclosed doses: separate vitamin D, fish oil, magnesium from NSF-certified brands
ACV & Ashwagandha Gummies
Goli Nutrition
Why People Buy It
Social media marketing, celebrity endorsements, positioned as healthy alternative to liquid apple cider vinegar
Why to Avoid
NAD ruled against them 3 TIMES in 18 months. ACV gummies lack acetic acid needed for any health benefits. Company filed for bankruptcy (March 2024). Former manufacturer sued for $900M. Essentially expensive candy.
Better Alternative
Actual apple cider vinegar (Bragg's) if desired. Or skip entirely - benefits are minimal.
Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set
Caraway
Why People Buy It
Instagram-friendly aesthetics, 'non-toxic' marketing, influencer partnerships
Why to Avoid
Ceramic coating chips and wears off quickly (1-2 years). Once coating degrades, you're cooking on exposed aluminum. Not truly 'non-toxic' - just different chemicals.
Better Alternative
Cast iron lasts forever and is truly chemical-free. Season it once and it becomes non-stick.
Organic Protein Powder
Orgain
Why People Buy It
Organic label, Costco availability, plant-based options, celebrity endorsement
Why to Avoid
Clean Label Project found elevated heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) above safe thresholds. Multiple batches tested positive.
Better Alternative
Momentous or Thorne protein (NSF Certified for Sport, regularly tested)
Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler
Stanley
Why People Buy It
TikTok viral sensation, color variety, 'VSCO girl' aesthetic, celebrity endorsements
Why to Avoid
Lead solder scandal 2024 - lead found in base seals. Stanley confirmed lead in construction. If base cap is damaged, lead is exposed.
Better Alternative
Hydro Flask (lead-free since 2014) or Klean Kanteen (verified lead-free)
Gummy Multivitamins (Most Brands)
Various
Why People Buy It
Taste good and easier to take, marketed to kids and adults who dislike pills, widely available
Why to Avoid
ConsumerLab found 27.6% of multivitamins failed quality standards. Gummies particularly unreliable - manufacturing process degrades nutrients. Found 2x expected folic acid, 88% more iodine than listed.
Better Alternative
Tablets/capsules are more reliable than gummies. Choose third-party tested brands (Thorne, Nature Made USP)
GreenPan Ceramic Cookware
GreenPan
Why People Buy It
First mainstream 'PFAS-free' ceramic cookware, green marketing appeals to health-conscious consumers, lower price point
Why to Avoid
2019 class action alleged false 'toxin free' claims. Company stopped releasing test reports after 2020. NAD cited false claims. Studies show ceramic coatings release nanoparticles when scratched.
Better Alternative
Cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel (most transparent/safest). For ceramic: Xtrema (100% ceramic) or brands publishing current test results