Which Oat Milk is Glyphosate Free? A Comprehensive Guide

According to a 2023 report from Mamavation and the Environmental Health Network (EHN), some oat milk brands were found to contain detectable levels of the herbicide glyphosate. Navigating the market to find out which oat milk is glyphosate free requires careful attention to sourcing, certifications, and independent lab test results.

Quick Summary

This article explores the landscape of glyphosate contamination in oat milk, identifies brands with undetectable levels based on third-party testing, and explains how to decipher certifications like Organic and Glyphosate Residue Free. It provides practical tips for consumers seeking cleaner, safer plant-based milk.

Key Points

• Check for Certifications: The 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification from The Detox Project is the most reliable indicator of a product free from detectable glyphosate residue.

• Organic is Not a Guarantee: While USDA Organic certification reduces the risk, it does not completely eliminate it due to potential cross-contamination.

• Look for Brands That Test Clean: Brands like Oatly, Califia Farms (Organic), Kirkland Signature Organic, and Willa's Organic have passed independent third-party glyphosate residue tests.

• Avoid Conventional Oat Milk: Oat milk made from conventionally grown oats is more likely to contain detectable glyphosate residue due to pre-harvest desiccation practices.

• Stay Informed: Consumer advocacy groups like Mamavation and EWG provide valuable, independent testing data on food products, including oat milk.

• Be Mindful of Additives: Choosing a minimally processed oat milk with a simple ingredient list can also help avoid other unwanted additives.

Understanding Glyphosate in Oat Milk

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Roundup and has been linked to potential health issues, with the World Health Organization's cancer research agency classifying it as a 'probable carcinogen'. Oats are particularly susceptible to glyphosate residue because the chemical is sometimes used as a pre-harvest desiccant to dry crops and aid harvesting, a practice known as 'pre-harvest desiccation'. This can leave behind residues that find their way into the final oat milk product. For consumers, this raises understandable concerns about food safety and the integrity of their dietary choices. The good news is that not all oat milks are affected, and several brands have demonstrated a commitment to producing clean products.

The Problem with Conventional Oats

Conventional, or non-organic, oats are most likely to be treated with glyphosate and other synthetic pesticides. Even with residue levels often falling within legal limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many consumers prefer to avoid any exposure. Third-party testing has revealed that conventional oat products are far more likely to contain detectable glyphosate.

The Complications of Organic Certification

While opting for USDA Organic certified oat milk is a solid first step, it is not a foolproof guarantee of a completely glyphosate-free product. While organic farming prohibits the direct spraying of glyphosate, contamination can occur through cross-contamination from nearby conventional farms, contaminated water, or shared processing equipment. Independent testing, such as that conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), has shown that some organic products have still contained traces of glyphosate, albeit at much lower levels than their conventional counterparts. This highlights the need for brands to go beyond basic organic standards to ensure purity.

Certifications that Offer More Assurance

To find a truly glyphosate-free oat milk, look for brands that go above and beyond standard organic protocols. The most reliable indicator is a Glyphosate Residue Free certification from a reputable third-party organization, such as The Detox Project. This certification requires brands to submit their products for independent lab testing, with no detectable residue down to 10 parts per billion (ppb).

Brands That Passed Independent Testing

In 2023, independent lab testing commissioned by Mamavation and EHN.org identified several brands with non-detectable levels of glyphosate.

• Califia Farms: The Organic Original Oat Milk is certified USDA Organic and Glyphosate Residue Free.
• Chobani: The oat milk line from Chobani was found to have no detectable glyphosate in the 2023 Mamavation study.
• Kirkland Signature Organic Non-dairy Oat Beverage: Costco's private label organic oat milk is Glyphosate Residue Free certified by The Detox Project.
• Oatly: Multiple products from Oatly have been certified Glyphosate Residue Free.
• Oatsome: This brand was also listed among those with non-detectable glyphosate levels in the Mamavation report.
• Planet Oat: Products from Planet Oat were identified as glyphosate-free in the 2023 testing.
• Rise Brewing Co.: The organic oat milk from this company was listed as having no detectable glyphosate.
• Three Trees: This brand was included in the list of oat milks with non-detectable glyphosate levels.
• Willa's Organic: Willa's Organic Oat Milk is certified Glyphosate Residue Free and uses organic, American-grown oats.

Comparison of Oat Milks Based on Glyphosate Status and Certifications

Brand	Glyphosate Status (2023 testing)	Key Certifications	Organic	Notes
Califia Farms Organic	Undetectable	Glyphosate Residue Free, USDA Organic	Yes	Simple ingredients, but some varieties use oils and gums.
Chobani	Undetectable	Uses organic oats, does not use glyphosate as a drying agent.	Yes	Wide variety of flavors; 2023 test showed no residue.
Kirkland Signature Organic	Undetectable	Glyphosate Residue Free, USDA Organic	Yes	An affordable, certified organic option available at Costco.
Oatly	Undetectable	Glyphosate Residue Free, Non-GMO	Some organic options.	Popular brand with various formulas, including barista blends.
Willa's Organic	Certified Glyphosate Residue Free	Glyphosate Residue Free, USDA Organic	Yes	Uses whole-grain oats and is made without added oils or gums.
Silk Extra Creamy	Detected (14 ppb)	Non-GMO Project	No	Detected glyphosate in 2023 testing, though not certified organic.
MALK Organic	Detected Arsenic (12 ppb)	USDA Organic	Yes	Detected arsenic, but not glyphosate, in 2023 testing.

How to Find a Glyphosate-Free Oat Milk

Here are some steps to help you find a trustworthy, clean oat milk product:

1. Prioritize Certified Organic: Always start by looking for a USDA Organic label, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of glyphosate contamination. Be aware, however, that it's not a complete guarantee of zero residue due to cross-contamination risks.
2. Look for Glyphosate Residue Free Certification: The most reliable way to ensure a product is free of detectable glyphosate residue is to look for a third-party certification from a program like The Detox Project. This label confirms that the final product has been tested for and passed strict glyphosate residue limits.
3. Read the Ingredient List: Some oat milk brands achieve creaminess by adding oils and gums, which can sometimes come with their own processing concerns. Look for simple, transparent ingredient lists that focus on water and oats, and potentially a little sea salt or vitamins.
4. Stay Informed with Independent Testing: Reports from organizations like Mamavation and EWG offer valuable, independently verified data on which products pass and fail testing. While these tests are snapshots in time, they provide a strong indication of a brand's sourcing and quality control.
5. Be Wary of 'All-Natural' Labels: Claims like 'all-natural' are not regulated and offer no assurance regarding the presence of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate. Rely on official certifications instead.

Conclusion

Finding a glyphosate-free oat milk requires a discerning eye, but with the right information, it's an achievable goal. While organic certification is a crucial starting point, the most definitive assurance comes from brands that have obtained independent Glyphosate Residue Free certification. Several well-regarded brands, including Califia Farms, Oatly, Chobani, and Willa's Organic, have demonstrated a commitment to providing clean products by passing independent lab tests. By prioritizing organic products and seeking out third-party certifications, consumers can confidently choose an oat milk that aligns with their health and safety standards.

What to Look For: A Checklist

Organic Certification: Check for the USDA Organic seal, which ensures oats were grown without synthetic herbicides, though cross-contamination is still possible.

Third-Party Testing: The most conclusive proof is a Glyphosate Residue Free certification from an organization like The Detox Project.

Minimal Ingredients: A simpler ingredient list, often comprising just oats, water, and salt, reduces the chance of unwanted additives.

Independent Reports: Consult independent lab testing results from consumer advocacy groups like Mamavation and EWG for additional brand-specific data.

Brand Transparency: Choose brands that are transparent about their sourcing and testing practices, as this indicates a commitment to quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glyphosate and why is it found in some oat products?

Glyphosate is a widely used synthetic herbicide, also known as Roundup, and is sometimes used as a pre-harvest drying agent on conventional oats. This can lead to residues appearing in finished oat products like oat milk.

Does organic oat milk guarantee zero glyphosate?

No. While organic standards prohibit direct glyphosate use, cross-contamination can occur. This makes a third-party certification like 'Glyphosate Residue Free' a more reliable indicator.

What is The Detox Project's 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification?

This is a third-party certification that confirms a product has been independently tested and contains no detectable glyphosate residue down to 10 parts per billion (ppb).

Which specific brands have been reported as having no detectable glyphosate?

In a 2023 Mamavation report, brands like Three Trees, Rise Brewing, Oatsome, Kirkland Signature Organic, Califia Farms (Organic), Planet Oat, Oatly, and Chobani were found to have non-detectable levels of glyphosate.

Did all oat milk brands tested in 2023 pass the glyphosate test?

No. The 2023 Mamavation test found detectable glyphosate in Silk Extra Creamy Oatmilk and detectable arsenic in MALK Organic Oat Milk.

Is Oatly oat milk glyphosate free?

Yes, several Oatly products carry the Glyphosate Residue Free certification and were included in the list of brands with undetectable glyphosate in the 2023 Mamavation report.

What's the best way to choose a glyphosate-free oat milk brand?

The best approach is to look for a product with a third-party Glyphosate Residue Free certification, preferably alongside a USDA Organic label, and consult recent independent testing reports.