What Oats Do Not Have Glyphosate? A Guide to Finding Clean Oats

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 43 out of 45 samples of conventionally grown oat products contained glyphosate. For consumers seeking to minimize exposure to this herbicide, finding out what oats do not have glyphosate is a crucial step towards cleaner eating.

Quick Summary

This guide details how to identify oats free from glyphosate residue, focusing on the differences between conventional, organic, and third-party certified products. It provides information on specific brands known for their transparency and commitment to testing, empowering consumers to make informed choices.

Key Points

Third-Party Certification is Best: The most reliable way to find oats without glyphosate is to look for a third-party certification, such as the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' label from The Detox Project.
Organic Doesn't Guarantee Zero Residue: While organic standards prohibit the intentional use of glyphosate, environmental drift can still lead to trace amounts in organic crops.
Prioritize Transparency: Brands like Back Roads Granola and One Degree Organic Foods are transparent about their sourcing and testing procedures, providing more confidence to consumers.
Seek Specific Brands: Notable brands known for their glyphosate-free commitment include One Degree Organic Foods, Back Roads Granola, Healthy Traditions, and Flahavan's Irish Oats.
Check Provenance: Oats sourced from countries with bans on pre-harvest glyphosate, such as Finland, are also a reliable option for avoiding residues.

Understanding the Glyphosate Problem in Oats

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that has been a subject of controversy regarding its potential health risks. While most people associate glyphosate with weed control, it is also frequently used as a pre-harvest desiccant on conventional oat crops. This practice dries the crop to allow for an earlier and more uniform harvest, but it can lead to higher residue levels of the chemical in the final product.

The Limitations of 'Organic' and 'Non-GMO'

Many assume that choosing organic oats is a surefire way to avoid glyphosate, but this is not always the case. While certified organic farming prohibits the intentional use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, organic crops can still be exposed through environmental drift from nearby conventional farms or contaminated water sources. Several independent tests, including some by the EWG, have detected low levels of glyphosate in some organic products, though significantly less than in their conventional counterparts. Similarly, the 'Non-GMO' label simply means the oats are not genetically modified; it does not guarantee they were not treated with glyphosate during the desiccation process.

The Gold Standard: Third-Party Certification

For those who want the highest level of assurance, looking for products certified by an independent third party is the best approach. The Detox Project's 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification is a key standard to look for. This certification requires products to be tested by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to have no detectable levels of glyphosate down to a specific threshold. This testing and verification process goes beyond standard organic certification and provides the consumer with a higher degree of confidence in the product's purity.

Brands That Do Not Have Glyphosate

Many brands have committed to rigorous testing and sustainable practices to offer oats free from glyphosate. The following list includes some notable brands, although product availability may vary by region.

Back Roads Granola: This company was among the first in the U.S. to receive the Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free certification. Their 'Just Oats' are also certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with a transparent supply chain.
One Degree Organic Foods: Known for its commitment to transparency, One Degree Organics ensures its organic oats are also third-party tested and certified glyphosate-free by BioChecked. They even include QR codes on their packaging to trace ingredients back to the farm.
Healthy Traditions: Sourcing their oats from a single, traditionally farmed organic farm in Italy, Healthy Traditions guarantees its products are free of glyphosate. They emphasize a truly raw and minimally processed product.
Flahavan's Irish Oats: This long-standing Irish company prohibits the use of glyphosate on its oats at any stage of production. They use independent laboratories for third-party testing, with recent harvests showing no detectable levels.
Seven Sundays: Offering certified glyphosate residue-free muesli and protein oats, Seven Sundays is also a B Corporation committed to clean, transparent sourcing.
Thrive Market: This online retailer offers Regeneratively Grown Organic Old-Fashioned Oats, which are certified glyphosate-free, supporting sustainable farming methods.
Wildway: With Regenerative Organic Certified oats, Wildway emphasizes sustainable farming that builds soil health and promises glyphosate-free products.

Making an Informed Choice: A Comparison


Feature	Conventional Oats	Organic Oats	Certified Glyphosate-Free Oats
Use of Glyphosate	Often used as a pre-harvest desiccant.	Prohibited in farming, but environmental drift is a risk.	Explicitly tested and verified to have no detectable residue.
Contamination Risk	High risk due to direct application of herbicide.	Low risk, but cross-contamination from adjacent farms is possible.	Very low risk due to rigorous testing and verification protocols.
Certification	No specific certification for glyphosate.	USDA Organic, which prohibits intentional use of the herbicide.	Specialized third-party certification, such as the Detox Project's badge.
Transparency	Generally low transparency regarding chemical use.	Some transparency, but not guaranteed to be tested for final product residue.	High transparency, with many brands providing test results or ingredient traceability.
Cost	Typically the lowest cost option.	Mid-to-high cost, reflecting organic farming methods.	Often the highest cost, reflecting extra testing and care.

Strategies for Sourcing Clean Oats

To ensure you are purchasing oats without glyphosate, a multi-pronged approach is most effective:

Look for Explicit Certification: Seek products with the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification from reputable organizations like The Detox Project. This is the most reliable indicator that the final product has been tested and cleared.
Choose Certified Organic: Prioritize products with a USDA Organic or equivalent certification. While not a complete guarantee, it drastically reduces the likelihood of high contamination compared to conventional options.
Read the Packaging and Website: Many transparent brands will proudly state their commitment to being glyphosate-free on their packaging. Check their websites for more detailed information on their sourcing, testing methods, and farmer partnerships.
Consider Oats from Specific Regions: Certain countries, like Finland, have banned the use of pre-harvest glyphosate, making their oats a reliable option. Look for products sourced from these regions for added assurance.
Shop at Health-Focused Retailers: Specialty health food stores, both physical and online, are more likely to carry brands that prioritize third-party certifications and transparent sourcing. Check retailers like Whole Foods Market or Thrive Market for certified options.

Conclusion

While the presence of glyphosate in oats is a valid concern for many consumers, it is possible to find and purchase clean, residue-free products. The key lies in understanding the difference between conventional, organic, and certified glyphosate-free options. By prioritizing brands with rigorous third-party certifications like the Detox Project or those with transparent sourcing from regions with strict regulations, consumers can make more informed choices for their health and the environment. Choosing oats without glyphosate not only supports personal wellness but also encourages more sustainable agricultural practices across the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide. It is a concern in oats because it is often used as a pre-harvest desiccant on conventional crops, leading to residue in the final food product. Some studies have raised health concerns about frequent exposure.

Buying organic significantly reduces your exposure, as the chemical is prohibited in organic farming. However, it does not guarantee zero residue due to the potential for environmental drift or cross-contamination from conventional farms.

This is a third-party certification from The Detox Project that verifies a food product has been tested by an accredited lab and contains no detectable levels of glyphosate residue.

Brands that have achieved this certification include Back Roads Granola, Seven Sundays, and Almond Cow, among others. Many brands will also display the Detox Project badge on their packaging.

Some oat processors in countries with stricter regulations, such as Finland and some Canadian farms, prohibit glyphosate use as a pre-harvest treatment. However, checking for specific certifications is still the most reliable method.

Glyphosate-free oats can be found at health food stores, specialty online retailers like Thrive Market, and directly from brands known for their transparency. Checking brand websites and certifications is key.

No. A 2018 EWG report showed higher glyphosate levels in conventional oat products compared to organic ones, with some organic brands having no detectable residue. The levels and brand's commitment to testing vary widely.