100% independent testing

Transparency is our
standard.

Q: Why does David test for Bisphenols, PFAS, and Phthalates?

These are chemical contaminants that can enter food products through packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, and ingredient sourcing. They are not intentional additives, but they show up in finished products across the industry. Significant exposure to these chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm, which is why California's Proposition 65 sets strict exposure thresholds for them. We test to confirm our products stay below the levels specified under Prop65. Few brands in the protein bar category actively test for and publish results for all of these. We believe athletes deserve to know exactly what they are consuming, and that means testing beyond the basics.

Q: How does David approach heavy metal limits?

David tests finished products for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury against rigorous thresholds aligned with widely accepted limits like Prop 65. Heavy metals, along with other contaminants like phthalates, are tested on a recurring six-month cycle to confirm products stay within those limits throughout production. Results are published openly on this page so you can verify the numbers yourself.

Q: Can I view the Certificate of Analysis for a specific batch?

Yes. Use the product and flavor selector on this page to pull the most recent COA for any available SKU. Results include the test date, substance panel, measured values, and the approving lab director's credentials.

Q: What is Light Labs and why did David choose them?

Light Labs is an independent, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory specializing in food and supplement testing. Their team of scientists uses mass spectrometry to deliver accurate results across heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, and more. As an independent lab, their findings reflect the actual state of the product with no influence from the brands they test. That independence is exactly why David chose them.

Q: How often are products tested?

Testing follows a recurring schedule rather than a one-time certification or annual audit. David tests products on a regular cycle, currently every six months for contaminants like heavy metals and phthalates, so results stay current rather than going stale after a single check. This page is updated with our most recent test results.

David meets every regulatory requirement. Then goes further. Every production batch is independently verified by third-party laboratories against a testing panel designed to go beyond legal standards.

VIEW LATEST RESULTS SHOP OUR PRODUCTS

What we test for.

A full analytical panel covering environmental contaminants, packaging chemicals, and macronutrient accuracy, run before any product is shipped.

Protein

Protein content is measured by quantifying actual nitrogen content and converting it to a protein value, confirming that label claims reflect what's in every serving.

Method Dumas - Nitrogen Analyzer

Heavy Metals

Lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are screened at trace concentrations to confirm that levels remain below strict safety thresholds.

Method ICP-MS/MS

Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizers commonly found in packaging and processing equipment that can leach into food. We run a panel of more than 20 regulated phthalates to confirm the product is free of contamination at every stage of production.

Method GC-MS/MS

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time. We test for a comprehensive panel to confirm that none are present at detectable levels.

Method LC-MS/MS

Bisphenols

BPA, BPS, and BPF are industrial chemicals commonly found in food packaging. We screen for all three to ensure packaging materials do not impact product purity.

Method LC-MS/MS

Rigorous standards from the source.

Every supplier is audited and the quality of all raw materials are confirmed before being used in any product. Manufacturing takes place at an SQF Level 3 certified facility, the highest designation in food safety and quality management.

David Protein bars arranged on a manufacturing line

Lab verified, every time.

Each production batch is submitted to an independent third-party laboratory for verification of purity, safety, and label accuracy. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't ship.

Production sample in a laboratory testing container

Results you can see.

All test results are published directly on our product pages, so you can feel 100% confident in what you are consuming.

David Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough protein bar

Tested by Light Labs in Feb 2025

32 of 32 tests passed for purity

4 of 4 within limits

understanding the results for arsenic

1 cup of brown rice has 24.3 ug / serving of arsenic.

Lead
< 0.14 micrograms
Mercury
Not detected
Cadmium
< 0.01 micrograms
Arsenic
< 0.13 micrograms

Results approved by

Accredited lab

View Certificate of Analysis

VIEW TEST RESULTS

Uncompromising quality. Third-party verified.

Frequently asked questions.

These are chemical contaminants that can enter food products through packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, and ingredient sourcing. They are not intentional additives, but they show up in finished products across the industry. Significant exposure to these chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm, which is why California's Proposition 65 sets strict exposure thresholds for them. We test to confirm our products stay below the levels specified under Prop65. Few brands in the protein bar category actively test for and publish results for all of these. We believe athletes deserve to know exactly what they are consuming, and that means testing beyond the basics.