Which Oat Milk is Free of Glyphosate?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2023, a report found detectable levels of the controversial herbicide glyphosate in some popular oat milk brands, raising consumer concerns. However, many brands exist that are confirmed to be free of glyphosate, providing safer alternatives. This article helps you identify which oat milk is free of glyphosate by examining certifications and test results.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals which oat milk brands are certified Glyphosate Residue Free through independent lab testing, helping you make informed purchasing decisions. Find lists of confirmed brands and understand why relying on organic labeling alone may not be sufficient for total glyphosate avoidance.

Key Points

Seek a 'Glyphosate Residue Free' Label: The Detox Project's seal is the most reliable indicator of independent testing and verification for zero glyphosate residue.
Organic is Not a Guarantee: While organic oats are not intentionally sprayed with glyphosate, cross-contamination can occur, so organic certification alone is not a guarantee of purity.
Several Certified Brands Exist: Reputable brands like Oatly, Califia Farms (Organic version), Willa's, Elmhurst, and Kirkland Organic are certified Glyphosate Residue Free.
Research Conventional Brands Carefully: Some conventional brands have tested clean in recent reports, but others have shown detectable levels of glyphosate. Third-party testing is key.
The DIY Method is Safest: For complete control, make your own oat milk at home using certified organic and glyphosate-free rolled oats.
Check for Hidden Additives: Some commercial oat milks, even if low in glyphosate, may contain oils, sugars, and additives. Read labels to ensure ingredients align with your health goals.

Understanding Glyphosate and Oats

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. While it's primarily used to kill weeds, a practice known as pre-harvest desiccation involves spraying glyphosate on oat crops shortly before harvest. This kills the crop and speeds up the drying process, which can lead to higher levels of the chemical residue in the harvested oats.

The Health and Environmental Concerns

For years, there has been a debate about the potential health effects of glyphosate exposure. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans," though this is contested by some regulatory bodies. Concerns have also been raised about its potential to cause endocrine disruption and damage to gut bacteria. Environmentally, the widespread use of herbicides like glyphosate harms soil quality and can contaminate waterways through agricultural runoff, negatively affecting biodiversity.

The Limitations of Organic Certification

Many health-conscious consumers assume that buying a product with a USDA Organic label is enough to avoid glyphosate. While organic farming practices prohibit the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, organic certification doesn't guarantee a product is 100% residue-free. Glyphosate is pervasive in the environment and can contaminate organic crops through spray drift from neighboring conventional farms or from residues in soil and water. For this reason, consumers looking for the highest assurance often need to look for additional certifications.

The Importance of Third-Party Testing

This is where third-party testing and certification programs become essential. Organizations like The Detox Project offer a "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification. This program involves regular, independent testing of products from the supermarket shelf to ensure they contain no glyphosate residues down to very low limits of detection. Brands can voluntarily opt into this program, offering consumers a level of transparency and assurance that goes beyond standard organic claims.

Confirmed Glyphosate-Free Oat Milk Brands

Several brands have been certified Glyphosate Residue Free by third-party programs or have tested clean in independent reports. Here are some options to consider:

Oatly: Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project, with regular random testing of products.
Califia Farms: The Organic Original Oat Milk is certified glyphosate-free by The Detox Project.
Willa's: Uses certified USDA Organic oats and is Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project.
Minor Figures: This brand offers an organic oat milk that is certified glyphosate-free.
Kirkland Signature Organic: Costco's house brand organic oat milk is certified by The Detox Project as free of glyphosate.
Elmhurst Milked Oats: Certified Glyphosate Residue Free and non-GMO.
Chobani: Is certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project.
Three Trees: Tested for no detectable glyphosate in a 2023 Mamavation report.
Rise Brewing Co.: Also tested for no detectable glyphosate in the 2023 Mamavation report.

Comparison Table of Glyphosate-Free Oat Milks


Brand	Status (Organic/Tested)	Third-Party Certification	Notes
Oatly	Certified	The Detox Project (Glyphosate Residue Free)	Known for barista and standard options.
Califia Farms	Certified Organic	The Detox Project (Glyphosate Residue Free)	Offers both organic and conventional lines; look for the organic version.
Willa's	Certified Organic	The Detox Project (Glyphosate Residue Free)	Uses whole organic oat groats, minimally processed.
Minor Figures	Certified Organic	Certified Glyphosate-Free	Popular among baristas; also a Carbon Neutral B Corp.
Kirkland Organic	Certified Organic	The Detox Project (Glyphosate Residue Free)	Affordable option available at Costco.
Elmhurst	Certified	The Detox Project (Glyphosate Residue Free)	Simple, whole-food ingredients; also non-GMO certified.
Three Trees	Tested Clean (2023)	N/A	Found to be free of detectable glyphosate in Mamavation report.
Rise Brewing Co.	Tested Clean (2023)	N/A	Found to be free of detectable glyphosate in Mamavation report.

What to Look for on the Label

When shopping for oat milk, discerning consumers should go beyond simple marketing claims and look for specific indicators of a glyphosate-free product. The most reliable signal is a certification seal from a trusted third-party organization like The Detox Project. If a product doesn't have this specific label, your next best step is to look for USDA Organic certification, combined with any company transparency statements regarding their sourcing and testing. Be aware that conventional oat milk, even if non-GMO, does not protect against pre-harvest glyphosate desiccation. Brands that are transparent about their sourcing and display clear certification seals are prioritizing consumer health and environmental responsibility.

The DIY Option: Homemade Oat Milk

For those who want absolute control over their ingredients and processing, making oat milk at home is a simple and cost-effective solution. By purchasing certified organic and glyphosate-free oats (such as those from Detox Project-certified oat millers like Avena Foods) and following a basic recipe, you can be sure of the final product's purity. This method also eliminates any additives, gums, or oils often used in commercial products, catering to those with sensitivities or a desire for simpler ingredients.

Conclusion

While glyphosate contamination in oat products is a valid concern, consumers are not without options. By prioritizing brands that hold third-party certifications like The Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free seal, you can confidently choose an oat milk that is verified to be free of this herbicide. While organic certification is a good baseline, it is not a foolproof guarantee against contamination. Brands like Oatly, Califia Farms Organic, and Willa's have taken the extra step to provide transparent testing results, making them reliable choices. By paying close attention to labeling and considering alternatives like making your own, you can enjoy oat milk while minimizing exposure to unwanted chemicals.

Visit The Detox Project's website for their full list of certified products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Oatly's oat milk products sold in the U.S. are certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project, with random quarterly testing performed by a third-party lab.

No, organic certification does not guarantee a product is 100% free of glyphosate. Cross-contamination from nearby farms can occur, and the certification process does not always include testing for final chemical residues.

The Detox Project's certification verifies that a product contains no detectable glyphosate residues down to very low government-recognized limits through independent, third-party lab testing.

Glyphosate is sometimes used as a pre-harvest desiccant on conventionally grown oats to dry them out and speed up the harvesting process, which can lead to higher residue levels.

In their 2023 report, Mamavation found no detectable glyphosate in oat milks from Three Trees, Rise Brewing, Oatsome, Kirkland, Califia, Planet Oat, Oatly, Nut Pods, Elmhurst, and Chobani.

The Organic Original Oat Milk from Califia Farms is specifically certified glyphosate-free by The Detox Project. It is important to check the specific product label, as some conventional products may not carry this certification.

You can make your own glyphosate-free oat milk by purchasing certified organic and glyphosate-free oats. These can be ground and blended with water to create a fresh, clean-label plant-based milk.