The Problem with Glyphosate in Conventional Cereals
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the world's most widely used herbicide, Roundup. While not used by organic farmers, conventional agriculture often uses it as a pre-harvest desiccant to dry out crops like oats, wheat, and barley, which can result in herbicide residue on the final product. This has led to growing concern among consumers, especially after reports from organizations like the EWG found traces of the chemical in many popular breakfast cereals.
Independent testing, such as that commissioned by the EWG in 2018, has repeatedly shown the presence of glyphosate in conventional oat-based products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats. Even some organic products have shown low levels of contamination, likely due to pesticide drift from nearby farms or cross-contamination at processing facilities. For health-conscious consumers, this raises the question of how to reliably find a cereal that is free of this weedkiller.
The Role of Organic Certification and Third-Party Testing
While opting for certified organic products is the best first step, it is not a complete guarantee against contamination. Organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, but low-level exposure from environmental factors is still possible. This has led to the rise of specialized third-party certifications aimed at providing extra assurance.
Trusted Certifications for Glyphosate-Free Products
- The Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free: This certification verifies through testing that a product has no detectable levels of glyphosate residue. Brands that voluntarily participate in this program and pass regular lab tests can display the seal on their packaging, offering consumers a high level of confidence.
- Clean Label Project Purity Award: This certification goes a step further, testing for a wider range of contaminants, including heavy metals and other pesticides in addition to glyphosate. A brand with this award has demonstrated a significant commitment to clean ingredient sourcing and processing.
- BioChecked Non-Glyphosate Certified™: Another independent certification that conducts third-party testing to ensure products are free of glyphosate residues.
Cereal Brands with Low or Non-Detectable Glyphosate
Finding a cereal that does not contain glyphosate is achievable by focusing on brands that prioritize organic ingredients and third-party testing. Many of these brands, though not as widely available as conventional products, can be found in health food stores, specialty markets, or online.
Leading Brands and Their Glyphosate-Free Options
- Nature's Path: A long-time leader in organic cereals, Nature's Path offers many products, including granolas and O's, that have shown non-detectable levels of glyphosate in past EWG testing. Their strong commitment to organic farming minimizes risk. Nature's Path
- One Degree Organic: This brand is transparent about its supply chain and goes beyond USDA Organic by using BioChecked Non-Glyphosate Certified™ ingredients. Customers can use a QR code on the packaging to trace ingredients back to the farm.
- Cascadian Farm Organic: As an organic brand owned by General Mills, many of its organic products, like Harvest Berry Granola Bars, have been found to have non-detectable glyphosate levels in some independent tests. It is important to look for their specific organic labeled items.
- Simple Truth Organic (Kroger): The Simple Truth Organic brand's instant oatmeal has tested free of glyphosate residue, making it a good option for those shopping at Kroger stores.
- Lovebird Cereal: This brand has earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award, certifying it has been tested for glyphosate and other contaminants. They focus on simple, organic ingredients.
- Grandy Oats Granola: Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by the Detox Project, Grandy Oats is a reliable choice for granola.
- ZEGO Oats & Muesli: ZEGO provides exceptional transparency by making third-party lab test results for glyphosate and other contaminants publicly available via QR codes on their packaging.
- Back Roads Granola: This brand was one of the first to receive the Glyphosate Residue Free certification from The Detox Project and is also USDA Organic.
Comparison of Cereal Options
| Feature | Conventional Cereal | Organic Cereal (General) | Glyphosate-Residue Free Certified Cereal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Uses standard conventional farming, including pre-harvest desiccants. | Uses USDA Organic standards, prohibiting synthetic herbicides. | Uses organic and non-GMO sourcing, with added third-party lab testing. |
| Glyphosate Risk | High risk, as most conventional oat products show detectable levels in independent tests. | Lower risk, but still possible due to cross-contamination from adjacent farms. | Negligible risk, as products are routinely tested to ensure non-detectable levels. |
| Certifications | None related to glyphosate. May have Non-GMO Project Verified, but this doesn't guarantee glyphosate-free status. | USDA Organic seal; may not have specific glyphosate-free certification. | USDA Organic, plus Detox Project or BioChecked seals. |
| Price Point | Generally the lowest cost option on the market. | Often a moderate price, higher than conventional. | Typically the highest price point due to increased oversight and testing costs. |
| Example Brands | Cheerios, Quaker Oats. | Bob's Red Mill Organic, some Cascadian Farm products. | One Degree Organic, Lovebird, ZEGO. |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
To find a cereal that does not contain glyphosate, the most reliable approach is to look for brands that combine USDA Organic certification with specific third-party testing, such as the Glyphosate Residue Free certification from The Detox Project. While organic labeling significantly reduces the risk, the added layer of residue testing provides maximum assurance for concerned consumers. For oats and oat-based products, which are particularly susceptible to contamination, this due diligence is essential. By supporting brands committed to transparency and strict testing protocols, you can make a safer and healthier choice for your breakfast every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is glyphosate and why is it found in some cereals? A: Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, which is used to kill weeds and is also sprayed on some conventional crops, like oats, just before harvesting to dry them out faster. This practice is why detectable levels can appear in conventional oat products.
Q: Does buying organic cereal guarantee it is glyphosate-free? A: Not entirely. While organic farming prohibits the direct use of synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate, certified organic crops can still be contaminated by drift from nearby conventional farms or during processing in shared facilities. However, organic products consistently show significantly lower levels compared to conventional alternatives.
Q: Which cereals have tested non-detectable for glyphosate? A: Based on independent testing by organizations like the EWG, brands such as Nature's Path Organic Honey Almond Granola, Simple Truth Organic Instant Oatmeal, and Kashi Heart to Heart Organic Honey Toasted Cereal have shown non-detectable levels in some samples.
Q: What is the Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free certification? A: The Detox Project is a third-party organization that certifies food products through independent lab testing. Brands that meet the criteria can display the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' seal, giving consumers extra confidence that the product is free of detectable glyphosate residues.
Q: Can I trust the 'Non-GMO' label to mean glyphosate-free? A: No. A 'Non-GMO' label only means the ingredients are not genetically modified but does not regulate the use of pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate. It is possible for a non-GMO crop to be sprayed with glyphosate, making it crucial to look for organic or glyphosate-specific certifications.
Q: How can I find brands that provide maximum transparency? A: Brands like One Degree Organic and ZEGO offer high transparency. One Degree allows you to trace ingredients via a QR code, while ZEGO posts third-party lab test results for glyphosate and other contaminants on its website.
Q: Are there any non-oat cereals that are less likely to have glyphosate? A: Yes. Since the pre-harvest desiccation practice is most common for oat and wheat crops, cereals based on other ingredients, especially those certified organic and plant-based, may pose less risk. Look for brands that are certified Glyphosate Residue Free to be sure.
