Do Blue Diamond almonds contain glyphosate? An in-depth look at pesticide use in almond farming

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Almond Board of California, many almond growers incorporate glyphosate into their weed management practices. This raises important questions, especially for consumers asking: Do Blue Diamond almonds contain glyphosate? To find the answer, it's necessary to understand the company's specific policies, the almond's natural protection, and the journey from orchard to shelf.

Quick Summary

This guide investigates the presence of glyphosate in Blue Diamond almonds, clarifying the company's statements and detailing how pesticides are used in conventional almond orchards. It explains the protective role of the hull and shell, examines scientific studies on residue transfer, and contrasts conventional almonds with organic alternatives.

Key Points

Blue Diamond's Position: Blue Diamond Growers state they do not apply glyphosate directly to their almond trees or products.
Indirect Application: When used by growers, glyphosate targets weeds on the orchard floor, not the almonds themselves.
Natural Protection: The almond kernel is shielded from ground-level pesticides by its protective hull and hard shell.
Scientific Findings: A Cambridge University study confirmed that processed almond kernels did not contain detectable levels of glyphosate, even when the herbicide was used in the orchard.
Organic Alternative: For zero pesticide risk, USDA Certified Organic almonds are the safest option, as synthetic herbicides like glyphosate are prohibited.
Regulatory Oversight: Almond products must adhere to strict government-set Maximum Residue Limits for pesticides like glyphosate.

Understanding the Use of Glyphosate in Almond Farming

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide commonly known by its brand name, Roundup®, and is widely used for weed control in agricultural settings. In almond orchards, its primary use is to manage weeds on the orchard floor, which competes with trees for water and nutrients. The application is not typically on the almonds themselves but on the surrounding ground. This distinction is critical for understanding the potential for contamination. The almond industry, particularly in California where Blue Diamond operates, is highly regulated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, which products must meet to be sold.

Blue Diamond's Statement and Practices

Blue Diamond Growers, a cooperative owned by many of California's almond growers, has explicitly stated that they do not add glyphosate to any of their almond products. They also clarify that glyphosate is not applied directly to the almond trees or the almonds themselves. The company's official FAQ states that if glyphosate is used by their member growers, it is only applied to actively growing weeds on the orchard floor. The company argues that the almond kernel is well-protected from potential exposure because of its multi-layered structure.

The Almond's Natural Protection

The almond kernel, the edible part we consume, is protected by two distinct layers during its growth cycle:

The Hull: A fleshy outer covering that is removed after harvest.
The Shell: A hard inner surface that encases the kernel.

This robust protection significantly minimizes the risk of the edible kernel being exposed to pesticides, including glyphosate, which is applied to the ground. The hull and shell are detached from the kernel after the nuts are harvested and removed from the orchard, further reducing the chance of contact.

The Journey from Orchard to Kernel: How Residues Are Mitigated

Almonds are harvested by shaking the trees, which causes the nuts to fall to the orchard floor. They remain on the ground to dry before being swept into rows and collected. During this process, some contact with the soil can occur. However, scientific research on herbicide transfer during harvest sheds light on the actual risk.

A Cambridge University study published in Weed Science investigated how glyphosate and other herbicide residues move from the soil to almond kernels during harvest and processing. The researchers conducted field experiments to evaluate the potential contribution of preharvest herbicide treatment. The study's key finding was that glyphosate was not detected in any almond kernel samples at the end of processing. While low levels of residues can transfer from soil particles to hulls and shells, they are effectively removed during the processing steps before the final product is packaged. This research provides strong evidence that the risk of glyphosate contamination in the final, processed almond kernel is minimal, even if the herbicide is used in the orchard.

Conventional vs. Organic Almonds: Making an Informed Choice

For consumers concerned about pesticide residues, understanding the difference between conventional and organic almonds is key. The USDA Certified Organic label prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate. While Blue Diamond's conventional almonds are processed to minimize residue, organic options offer a guaranteed glyphosate-free alternative, though they are often more expensive.

Comparison Table: Conventional vs. Organic Almond Almonds


Feature	Conventional Almonds	Organic Almonds
Glyphosate Use	Used for weed control on the orchard floor by many growers, but not on the nuts or trees directly.	Prohibited. Growers use natural methods for weed control.
Pesticide Residue	Low risk of residue in the final kernel due to protective layers and processing.	Certified Glyphosate Residue Free. No synthetic pesticides used.
Cost	Generally more affordable due to higher yields and conventional farming methods.	More expensive due to stricter regulations and lower yields.
Certification	Adheres to state and federal regulations on pesticide use, including MRLs set by the EPA.	Must adhere to USDA Certified Organic standards, which prohibits synthetic herbicides.

Mitigating Personal Exposure and Understanding the Bigger Picture

While the risk of consuming glyphosate from processed almonds is very low, some consumers may still want to minimize their exposure entirely. Here are some strategies:

Choose Organic: Purchasing USDA Certified Organic almonds is the surest way to avoid products grown with synthetic herbicides.
Support Local Growers: Buying from local farmers' markets and asking about their farming practices can provide transparency. Some smaller, non-certified growers may follow chemical-free practices.
Focus on the Whole Diet: Glyphosate is found in many other non-organic foods, so adopting a holistic approach to reduce exposure might be more effective than focusing on a single product.

The broader concern around glyphosate extends beyond direct food residue. Environmental impacts on bee populations and potential effects on the gut microbiome and nervous system are ongoing research areas. While the scientific debate continues regarding low-level exposure and human health, informed consumer choices can help support farming practices that align with personal values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on company statements and scientific studies, Blue Diamond almonds do not contain detectable levels of glyphosate in their final kernel product. This is primarily due to the application method (on the orchard floor), the almond's natural protective layers, and the efficacy of post-harvest processing. Consumers who want to entirely avoid exposure to any pesticides can opt for certified organic almonds, which are guaranteed to be grown without synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. For the average consumer, Blue Diamond's conventional almonds present a very low risk of glyphosate exposure, backed by both industry practice and scientific evidence. Making an informed dietary choice depends on weighing personal priorities regarding food safety, cost, and farming practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Blue Diamond's statement is consistent with conventional almond farming practices, where glyphosate is used for weed management on the orchard floor, not on the nuts. Furthermore, scientific studies confirm that post-harvest processing effectively eliminates any low-level residue transfer from soil, meaning glyphosate isn't detected in the final kernel product.

Glyphosate is typically applied to the ground of conventional almond orchards to control weeds, which compete with trees for water and nutrients. It is not sprayed directly onto the almond trees or the edible kernels.

Yes. USDA Certified Organic standards explicitly prohibit the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. Choosing organic almonds is the surest way to avoid all pesticide residues.

While washing can remove surface contaminants, it cannot remove residues absorbed by the plant. However, studies show that because the almond is protected by a shell and hull, which are removed before processing, residue transfer to the edible kernel is extremely low and often non-detectable.

The key difference is in the farming practices and certification. Conventional Blue Diamond almonds may be grown with glyphosate (used for weed control on the ground), while organic almonds are grown without it entirely. Both meet strict regulatory residue limits, but only organic is certified free of synthetic pesticides.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as a 'probable human carcinogen,' though regulatory bodies like the EPA disagree based on different methodologies. Studies have also explored links to reproductive and neurological issues and impact on the gut microbiome.

The most effective way to ensure your almonds are glyphosate-free is to purchase products labeled 'USDA Certified Organic' or from brands that specifically advertise as 'Glyphosate Residue Free'.