Which Oatmeal Brands are Glyphosate-Free for a Safer Breakfast?

According to a 2023 Environmental Working Group report, while levels are declining, some conventional oat products can still contain traces of the herbicide glyphosate. Choosing glyphosate-free oatmeal brands has become a priority for many consumers seeking a cleaner, healthier start to their day.

Quick Summary

Learn how to identify certified glyphosate-free oatmeal and navigate confusing food labels. Explore a list of trusted brands and understand the differences between organic and residue-free certifications.

Key Points

• Look for 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification: This is the most reliable way to guarantee your oatmeal has been tested and verified to contain no detectable glyphosate.

• Choose organic as a safer alternative: USDA Organic certification prohibits glyphosate use, leading to significantly lower residue levels, though cross-contamination can still occur.

• Not all organic oats are created equal: Some organic brands have performed better in independent testing than others, and third-party certification offers the highest assurance of purity.

• Understand the risk in conventional oats: Conventional (non-organic) oats are often sprayed with glyphosate before harvest, leading to higher residue levels.

• Prioritize brands with transparent farming: Some companies, like One Degree Organics and Flahavan's, are explicit about their farming practices and commitment to avoiding glyphosate.

• Consider the oats' origin: Oats sourced from countries with strict regulations, like Finland's ban on pre-harvest glyphosate, can offer an extra layer of confidence.

What is Glyphosate and Why is it in Oats?

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is not only used to kill weeds during the growing season but also commonly sprayed on non-organic (conventional) oat crops just before harvest as a desiccant, which dries the crop and allows for an earlier, more uniform harvest. This pre-harvest application is the primary reason why high levels of glyphosate residue have been found in many conventional oat-based products. Concerns over glyphosate have increased significantly since 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a “probable human carcinogen”. While regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have different views and set their own safety limits, consumer demand for glyphosate-free options has grown steadily.

How to Choose Glyphosate-Free Oatmeal

For consumers concerned about pesticide residues, simply choosing 'non-GMO' isn't enough, as glyphosate is often applied to non-GMO crops as a desiccant. The two most reliable methods for ensuring your oatmeal is free from or very low in glyphosate are to look for third-party certification or to choose organic products.

Glyphosate Residue Free Certification: This is the most direct way to ensure no detectable glyphosate is present. Certifications from organizations like The Detox Project guarantee that products are tested by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to have no glyphosate residues down to government-recognized limits of detection (typically 10 parts per billion). This certification is often a step beyond standard organic guidelines, as it accounts for potential cross-contamination.

Organic Certification: The USDA Organic standard prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate, in the growing process. While this significantly reduces the risk, it does not completely eliminate it. Cross-contamination from adjacent conventional farms is a possibility, and some historical tests have found low-level traces in organic products. However, studies consistently show that organic products have much lower levels of glyphosate than their conventional counterparts.

Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Oatmeal Brands

Several brands have taken the extra step of earning a third-party certification to guarantee their products are free from detectable glyphosate residues. These are often the safest bet for consumers who prioritize avoiding this chemical.

• Back Roads Granola: This company was one of the first to get certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project for its oats and granola products. Their Just Oats are also certified USDA Organic and gluten-free.
• One Degree Organics: This brand offers a range of sprouted grain products, including protein oatmeal, that are certified glyphosate-free, USDA Organic, and gluten-free. They are transparent about their farming processes.
• Almond Cow: Specializing in plant-based milks, Almond Cow offers certified organic and glyphosate-free whole grain oats (groats) specifically for making oat milk at home.
• Laird Superfood: Co-founded by surfer Laird Hamilton, this brand offers oatmeal blends made with organic oats that are also certified glyphosate-free.
• Mush Foods: This company provides ready-to-eat overnight oats in various flavors. Their oats are certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project, although they are not always organic.
• Seven Sundays: Offering certified glyphosate-free protein oats and muesli mixes, Seven Sundays is also a B Corporation, indicating a commitment to social and environmental performance.
• Wildway: This brand's organic rolled oats are also certified glyphosate-free, gluten-free, and focus on regenerative farming practices.

Other Options for Minimizing Glyphosate Exposure

For consumers without access to the certified brands above, or who are looking for other alternatives, here are some options:

• Simple Truth Organic Instant Oatmeal: Found in a 2018 EWG test to have no detectable levels of glyphosate.
• 365 Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Another organic brand that showed no detectable glyphosate in a past EWG test.
• Nature's Path: Their organic Honey Almond granola has also tested negative for glyphosate in some past tests.
• Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats: While a 2018 test found a low level in one organic sample, the company states they require suppliers to avoid glyphosate. It remains a popular organic option.
• Flahavan's (Irish Oats): This brand explicitly prohibits the use of glyphosate at any stage of their oat production.
• Schullo Oats (Finnish Oats): Sourced from Finland, where the pre-harvest treatment of cereals with glyphosate for food is banned.

Comparing Oatmeal Purity Options

Feature	Conventional Oats	USDA Organic Oats	Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Oats
Glyphosate Use	Often sprayed pre-harvest as a desiccant.	Prohibited from being used in the growing process.	Not permitted at any stage, verified by testing.
Residue Levels	Can contain high levels of residue, as shown in past tests.	Generally have very low or non-detectable levels, but cross-contamination is possible.	No detectable glyphosate residues are found during testing.
Third-Party Testing	Not typically tested for glyphosate residues at a consumer level.	Testing for residue is not required for organic certification.	Required and verified by a third-party lab.
Price	Generally the most affordable option.	Often more expensive than conventional due to farming methods.	Can be a premium product due to additional testing and certification costs.
Best For	Consumers not concerned with pesticide residues.	Consumers seeking a significant reduction in pesticide exposure.	Consumers who want the highest assurance of no detectable glyphosate.

The Detox Project: Verification for a Healthier Choice

For those who prioritize minimizing exposure, seeking out the "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification from The Detox Project is an effective strategy. This certification provides a higher level of assurance than organic labeling alone, as it involves product-specific testing to ensure no detectable residue. As consumer demand for cleaner food increases, this label is becoming a valuable tool for making informed purchasing decisions. You can view the list of certified brands on their website.

Conclusion

The increasing awareness of glyphosate's use in conventional oat farming has led many consumers to seek out cleaner alternatives. For the highest level of assurance, choosing a brand that is certified "Glyphosate Residue Free" by a third party like The Detox Project is the most effective method. For those with a tighter budget, opting for USDA Certified Organic oats is a strong second choice, as it dramatically reduces the likelihood of pesticide residues, even if it doesn't completely eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. By making informed choices, consumers can enjoy a nutritious bowl of oatmeal while minimizing their exposure to unwanted chemicals.

Sources:

• The Detox Project: Glyphosate Residue Free Certified Products
• Is Any Oatmeal Really Glyphosate-Free? - LeafScore
• Going, going, gone? EWG finds glyphosate levels drop in oat ... - EWG
• Glyphosate Free Oats and Wheat from Finland - Schullo
• Glyphosate in food and water | The Detox Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between organic and glyphosate-free certified?

Organic certification prohibits the use of synthetic herbicides like glyphosate during farming, but it doesn't guarantee a product is 100% free of it due to potential cross-contamination. Glyphosate-free certification, like from The Detox Project, requires that the finished product be tested and contain no detectable glyphosate residues, offering the highest level of assurance.

Are all organic oat brands guaranteed to be glyphosate-free?

No. While organic standards prohibit the direct use of glyphosate, low-level contamination can occur through drift from nearby conventional farms or shared processing equipment. For the highest guarantee, look for products that are also certified "Glyphosate Residue Free".

What is the significance of the Detox Project certification?

The Detox Project's certification confirms that a product has been tested by an independent laboratory and contains no detectable glyphosate residues above a very low limit. It provides a credible, third-party verification that goes beyond what is required by standard organic labeling.

How can I check if a specific food brand is certified glyphosate-free?

You can visit the Detox Project's website and look up their list of certified products. They maintain a database of brands that have passed their stringent testing protocols for no detectable glyphosate residue.

Do oats from Finland really contain less glyphosate?

Yes. Finland has banned the pre-harvest treatment of cereals, including oats, with glyphosate. This practice significantly reduces the risk of contamination, making oats from Finland a particularly clean option.

Why was glyphosate used on oat crops in the first place?

Glyphosate was used as a pre-harvest desiccant to dry out the crops evenly and speed up the harvesting process, allowing for a more efficient and earlier harvest. This practice is a major source of glyphosate residue in conventional oats.

Is low-level glyphosate exposure in food actually dangerous?

Opinions on the health risks of low-level exposure differ. The IARC has labeled glyphosate a "probable carcinogen," while regulatory agencies often set higher acceptable daily intake levels. Many consumers choose to minimize their exposure out of precaution, especially for children.