Do almonds have glyphosate? A guide to informed nutrition and sourcing

October 3, 2025 •

5 min read

According to EPA documents from 2015, over 85% of conventional almonds are treated with glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. This statistic, coupled with public concern over pesticide residues, raises important questions for consumers prioritizing a healthy nutrition diet: do almonds have glyphosate, and what does this mean for our food?.

Quick Summary

This article examines the use of the herbicide glyphosate in conventional almond agriculture and contrasts it with organic farming methods. It reviews scientific findings on residue levels in commercially processed almonds, discusses health considerations related to pesticide exposure, and provides practical guidance for consumers seeking to minimize their dietary intake of glyphosate. The piece also highlights the significant nutritional benefits of almonds.

Key Points

Conventional Almonds Use Glyphosate: Glyphosate is a common herbicide used in conventional almond farming to control weeds on the orchard floor, not on the edible nut itself.
Organic Almonds are Glyphosate-Free: Certified organic almonds are grown without synthetic herbicides, including glyphosate, offering a clear alternative for concerned consumers.
Processing Reduces Residue: Commercial shelling and processing effectively remove most glyphosate residue, with testing showing very low or non-detectable levels in finished kernels.
Differing Health Perspectives Exist: While some regulatory bodies deem glyphosate safe at current dietary levels, other organizations and studies have raised conflicting concerns about its long-term health effects.
Almonds Retain High Nutritional Value: Regardless of the farming method, almonds are a nutrient-dense food, providing healthy fats, fiber, protein, Vitamin E, and important minerals.
Informed Choices are Possible: Consumers can choose organic or third-party certified 'Glyphosate Residue Free' almonds, or simply incorporate different nuts, to align their diet with their personal preferences.

The Widespread Use of Glyphosate in Almond Farming

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in modern agriculture, and almond orchards are no exception. Farmers primarily apply glyphosate to control weeds on the orchard floor, which compete with young trees for water and nutrients, and to maintain a clean surface for mechanical harvesting. In California, the source of nearly all US-grown almonds, data shows that most almond growers incorporate glyphosate into their weed control programs. The edible kernel is protected by two outer layers: a fleshy hull and a hard shell. The herbicide is not applied directly to the almond kernel itself.

Concerns exist regarding potential exposure pathways for the herbicide. For example, during harvesting, trees are shaken, and almonds fall to the ground, potentially coming into contact with treated soil. Research has also shown that pesticide residues can travel through air and water, potentially affecting neighboring farms. However, the good news for consumers is that commercial processing steps are effective at removing most residues.

The Role of Commercial Processing

Studies have shown that after commercial processing, glyphosate residues in almond kernels are often non-detectable or well below established maximum residue limits (MRLs). A study published in Weed Science found that while glyphosate was detected in almond hulls and shells, it was below the limit of detection in the edible kernels at all preharvest intervals. Rinsing the kernels was found to further reduce residue levels, suggesting that much of the surface contamination is associated with dust and debris. While these findings are reassuring for conventional almond consumers, they do not alleviate all concerns, especially considering the differing classifications of glyphosate's health risks by various organizations.

Conventional vs. Organic Almonds: Understanding the Differences

For consumers concerned about glyphosate, the choice between conventional and organic almonds is critical. The fundamental difference lies in the farming methods and regulatory standards governing each practice.

Comparison of Almond Farming and Residue


Feature	Conventional Almonds	Organic Almonds
Pesticide Use	Regularly use synthetic herbicides, including glyphosate, for weed control.	Prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate. Use natural methods instead.
Residue Potential	Higher potential for glyphosate residue, primarily on the hulls and shells, though commercially processed kernels show very low to non-detectable levels.	Very low potential for residue, as glyphosate is not used. Trace contamination from environmental drift is possible but less likely.
Certification	No specific pesticide residue certification is required beyond standard regulations.	Certified by the USDA or other accredited bodies, which prohibits synthetic pesticides for a minimum of three years prior to harvest.
Cost	Typically less expensive due to lower production costs associated with synthetic chemical use.	Generally more expensive due to more labor-intensive, sustainable farming practices.
Health Focus	Provides all the inherent nutritional benefits of almonds, but carries the potential for low-level pesticide residue exposure.	Offers nutritional benefits without the concern of synthetic pesticide residue, aligning with preferences for cleaner, less processed foods.

Weighing the Health Implications: Glyphosate and Diet

The health risks associated with glyphosate exposure are a subject of ongoing scientific and public debate. Different regulatory and health organizations have reached conflicting conclusions regarding its potential carcinogenicity. For example, the U.S. EPA has stated that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer in humans when used as directed, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. This division highlights the complexity of assessing the long-term impacts of exposure to herbicides.

Beyond cancer, other health concerns have been raised. Research suggests potential effects on the gut microbiome, with some studies indicating that glyphosate can negatively impact gut bacteria. Given the strong links between gut health and overall well-being, this is a significant area of interest for diet and nutrition. Chronic, low-level exposure to glyphosate has also been linked to potential neurological issues in animal studies, highlighting the need for more research into human exposure at dietary levels.

Almonds as a Nutritional Powerhouse

Despite the concerns surrounding conventional farming, the almond remains a nutritional powerhouse with substantial health benefits. For those prioritizing a healthy nutrition diet, almonds offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.

Rich in healthy fats: Almonds are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" HDL cholesterol.
Excellent source of Vitamin E: Just one ounce provides a significant portion of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
High in fiber and protein: With 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per ounce, almonds contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Mineral-dense: They provide essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health and proper bodily function.

Making an Informed Decision: Choosing Your Almonds

For consumers, making an informed choice about almonds involves weighing the nutritional benefits against the potential risks of pesticide residue. Here are some tips for minimizing glyphosate exposure while still enjoying the many health benefits of almonds:

Prioritize Organic: The most straightforward way to avoid glyphosate is to choose USDA-certified organic almonds. These are grown without the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. When shopping, always look for the official organic label.
Look for Glyphosate-Free Certifications: For added peace of mind, seek out products with third-party certifications like the "Glyphosate Residue Free" label from The Detox Project. This ensures the finished product has been tested and contains no detectable levels of glyphosate.
Explore Different Almond Varieties: Even within the conventional market, some growers may use fewer chemical sprays. While difficult to verify without specific brand research, opting for almonds from regions with stricter regulations can be a strategy.
Consider Raw vs. Processed: As the processing of almonds includes rinsing, purchasing raw, unroasted, and unblanched organic almonds can further reduce potential residue risk.
Expand Your Nut Intake: For a diverse nutritional profile and to reduce reliance on one type of nut, consider incorporating other healthy options like hazelnuts or peanuts into your diet.

Conclusion

The question of "do almonds have glyphosate?" does not have a simple yes or no answer. While the herbicide is widely used in conventional almond agriculture, the edible kernels are well-protected and undergo processing that effectively removes most residue. For those with heightened concerns, organic almonds or products with "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification offer a clear path to minimization. Ultimately, for a robust nutrition diet, the almond's substantial health benefits—including healthy fats, fiber, and Vitamin E—should be weighed against personal dietary priorities and comfort levels with conventionally grown products. With conscious purchasing decisions, consumers can easily continue to enjoy the nutritional value of this popular nut. For further information, visit the Almond Board of California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used by farmers to control weeds. In almond orchards, it is sprayed on the ground to reduce competition for resources like water and to prepare the orchard floor for mechanical harvesting.

Studies show that while glyphosate may be present on the hull and shell of conventional almonds, commercial processing, including hulling and shelling, significantly reduces or eliminates residue in the edible kernel, often to non-detectable levels.

Organic almonds are grown without synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, significantly reducing the risk of residue. However, due to environmental factors like drift, a tiny trace amount from neighboring farms can sometimes be detected, though at much lower levels than in conventional almonds.

Different health and regulatory agencies have conflicting views on glyphosate's long-term health risks. Some organizations like the IARC have classified it as a probable human carcinogen, while other agencies consider it safe when used correctly. Research has also explored potential impacts on the gut microbiome and nervous system.

To minimize glyphosate exposure, you should choose USDA-certified organic almonds or look for third-party certifications like the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' label. These ensure that the almonds have been grown without the herbicide or tested to be free of detectable residue.

Not all conventional almonds will have detectable glyphosate residue in the final product due to the effective protection of the hull and shell and the rigorous processing they undergo. However, the use of the herbicide in conventional farming makes them more likely to have come into contact with it.

Almonds are a nutrient-rich food offering healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. They are beneficial for heart health, weight management, and bone health.

The core nutritional content of almonds, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, and vitamin E, is generally consistent whether they are grown organically or conventionally. The primary difference lies in the farming methods and potential for synthetic pesticide residue.