The Natural Preservation of Whole Oats
For consumers focused on clean eating, the good news is that plain, rolled, or steel-cut oats are typically free of artificial preservatives. The long shelf life of these products is a result of meticulous and natural processing methods, not chemical additives. The raw oat grain, or groat, contains enzymes called lipases that can cause fats within the oat to go rancid over time. The milling process for creating stable, shelf-ready oats includes a crucial step to deactivate these enzymes:
- Cleaning: The raw oats are thoroughly cleaned to remove foreign materials, dirt, and debris.
- Hulling: The tough, inedible outer husk is removed, leaving the edible oat groat.
- Kilning: This is the key stabilization step. The groats are subjected to steam and heat, which permanently deactivates the lipase enzymes. This process also gives oats their characteristic nutty flavor.
- Drying: The kilned oats are then dried to remove excess moisture, which prevents mold and bacterial growth.
- Cutting or Rolling: The stabilized groats are either cut into pieces for steel-cut oats or rolled flat into flakes for rolled and quick-cooking oats.
- Packaging: Vacuum-sealed or airtight packaging further protects the naturally preserved oats from moisture, oxygen, and pests, ensuring a long shelf life.
This robust, chemical-free process ensures that simple, unprocessed oats can last for years in your pantry without any added preservatives.
Common Preservatives in Processed Oat Products
While whole oats are clean, many processed oat products, such as flavored instant oatmeal, granola bars, and oat-based cereals, often contain additives to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. It is crucial to read the ingredient list on these products.
BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are two artificial, fat-soluble antioxidants commonly used as preservatives in cereals and other packaged foods. Their purpose is to prevent the fats in the product from oxidizing and becoming rancid. Concerns have been raised regarding their safety, with some animal studies suggesting a link to carcinogenic activity. For this reason, many organic or health-focused brands avoid using BHA and BHT. If you want to avoid these, look for products that specifically state “no artificial preservatives” or check for the USDA Organic certification, which prohibits these chemicals.
Pesticide Residues (Chlormequat and Glyphosate)
Beyond traditional preservatives, some oat products have been found to contain residues from agricultural chemicals. Environmental advocacy groups have published research highlighting the presence of these substances:
- Chlormequat: This chemical is used as a plant growth regulator and has been found in some conventional oat products. While not used on U.S. food crops, it can be present in imported oats. Studies on animals have raised concerns about its potential to cause reproductive and developmental issues. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has detected chlormequat in popular oat cereals.
- Glyphosate: The active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, glyphosate, has also been detected in a wide variety of oat-based products. Farmers sometimes use glyphosate as a desiccant, or drying agent, on crops like oats just before harvest. Buying certified organic is recommended to minimize exposure, though low levels have sometimes been detected even in organic products.
Comparison of Oat Products and Preservatives
To help you make informed choices, the following table compares different oat products based on their likelihood of containing preservatives and other additives.
| Oat Product Type | Processing | Preservatives & Additives | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned) | Cleaned, hulled, steamed (kilned), rolled, and dried. | No added preservatives. Naturally stabilized. | Low. Clean, simple product. |
| Steel-Cut Oats | Cleaned, hulled, steamed (kilned), and cut into pieces. | No added preservatives. Naturally stabilized. | Low. Clean, simple product. |
| Quick Oats | Cleaned, hulled, steamed (kilned), and rolled into thinner flakes for faster cooking. | No added preservatives, but check instant flavor packets. | Low. The base product is clean, but check for additives if in a packet. |
| Instant Oatmeal Packets | Finely processed oats, often with added sugars, flavorings, and colorings. | May contain BHA, BHT, and other artificial ingredients, especially flavored varieties. | High. Depends on the brand and flavor. Read labels carefully. |
| Oat-Based Cereals | Extruded, baked, and often coated with sugars and fortifiers. | May contain BHA, BHT, and high levels of sugars. Can also contain pesticide residues. | High. Similar to instant oatmeal packets. |
| Organic Oats | Cleaned, hulled, steamed, dried, and guaranteed to be grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. | No added preservatives. Minimal pesticide risk. | Very Low. Highest standard for clean eating. |
Conclusion: Navigating Preservatives in Oats
When considering what preservatives are in oats, the answer depends entirely on the product you choose. Plain, minimally processed oats like rolled and steel-cut varieties are naturally stabilized through heat treatment and do not require chemical preservatives. However, heavily processed oat products like instant oatmeal and flavored cereals frequently contain synthetic preservatives, including BHA and BHT, to ensure shelf stability. Furthermore, consumers should be aware of potential pesticide residues like chlormequat and glyphosate, which can be present in conventionally grown oats. The most effective way to avoid these additives is to select certified organic and plain oat products and always scrutinize the ingredient list on packaged cereals and instant oatmeal. Your choice can ensure your oatmeal is not only healthy but also free of unwanted chemicals.
For more information on the impact of agricultural chemicals on food, consider visiting the Environmental Working Group's website, an authority on the topic.
