Which Oatmeal Has No Glyphosate? Your Guide to Finding Clean Brands

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reported detectable levels of the herbicide glyphosate in many conventional oat-based products. For consumers concerned about pesticide exposure, finding out which oatmeal has no glyphosate has become a priority for ensuring a truly clean breakfast.

Quick Summary

Many oat products contain residual glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. Choosing certified organic, Purity Protocol, or third-party tested brands helps minimize exposure.

Key Points

Third-party certification is key: Look for Glyphosate Residue Free certification from the Detox Project or BioChecked, as it is the most reliable way to ensure oats are tested for the herbicide.
Organic is better, but not foolproof: While organic farming prohibits glyphosate use, low levels of residue can still be present due to cross-contamination from neighboring conventional farms or processing facilities.
Check brand reputation: Opt for brands like Back Roads, One Degree Organic Foods, or Seven Sundays that are specifically noted for their commitment to glyphosate-free products and public testing.
Beware of conventional brands: Some conventional brands like Quaker and Bob's Red Mill have historically shown detectable levels of glyphosate, though recent tests may show improvement.
Consider international sourcing: Oats from regions with strict regulations, like Finland, where pre-harvest glyphosate use is banned, can also be a safe bet.
Research company claims: Don't rely solely on a brand's website. If they claim to be free of glyphosate without third-party certification, investigate their testing protocols or check the certifying bodies' websites.

The Rise of "Clean" Oats: Why Glyphosate Matters

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Roundup. While it's used to control weeds, conventional oat farmers often spray it on crops as a desiccant, or drying agent, right before harvest. This practice can leave chemical residues on the oats, which then end up in the final food product. Health-conscious consumers have grown increasingly concerned about the potential long-term effects of ingesting these residues, prompting a search for genuinely clean alternatives.

The Problem with Contamination

Past studies have shown that glyphosate contamination isn't limited to conventional oats. A 2018 EWG report revealed that while levels were much lower, some organic oat products also contained traces of the chemical. This can happen through cross-contamination from nearby fields via wind drift or in shared processing facilities that also handle non-organic crops. This makes it more complex to identify a truly pesticide-free product, pushing consumers to look beyond just the standard organic label.

Navigating the Labels: Organic vs. Glyphosate-Free Certification

For shoppers trying to find the purest oats, understanding the different labels is critical. Simply choosing a "non-GMO" label does not guarantee the product is free of glyphosate, as the herbicide can be used on non-GMO crops.

USDA Organic: While organic farming prohibits the use of glyphosate, it doesn't prevent accidental contamination from external sources. The risk is significantly lower than with conventional products, but not zero.
Glyphosate Residue Free Certified (Detox Project): This third-party certification program involves rigorous testing to ensure products are free of glyphosate residues down to a zero-tolerance policy. This offers the highest level of assurance for consumers seeking to avoid the chemical entirely.
BioChecked Non-Glyphosate Certified: Similar to the Detox Project, this is another third-party verification process used by brands like One Degree Organic Foods, which also conducts its own testing to verify purity.
Purity Protocol Oats: This method focuses on segregation from the farm to the facility, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination with gluten and other chemicals. Some certified glyphosate-free brands also adhere to this protocol.

Top Brands for Glyphosate-Free Oatmeal

Several brands have made a commitment to providing products that are certified free of glyphosate. Here are some of the most reliable options:

Back Roads Granola: This company was one of the first to achieve the Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free certification. They offer a product called "Just Oats" which is also USDA Organic, kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified.
One Degree Organic Foods: This brand offers sprouted quick, rolled, and steel-cut oats that are USDA Organic, certified gluten-free, and BioChecked Non-Glyphosate Certified. They go a step further by offering full traceability via a QR code on their packaging.
Seven Sundays: Known for its muesli and protein oats, Seven Sundays is a B Corporation that also has Detox Project certification for its glyphosate-free mixes.
MUSH Foods: This brand specializes in pre-made overnight oats and exclusively uses Detox Project certified oats. While their oats are certified, not all ingredients are organic.
Healthy Traditions: Sourcing organic oats from a family farm in Italy, this brand tests for glyphosate and GMOs using a third party, Eurofins. They also use environmentally conscious packaging.
Schullo: With oats sourced from Finland, where the pre-harvest use of glyphosate is prohibited, Schullo offers organic and glyphosate-free options. Finland's geographic and climatic conditions contribute to the cleanliness of their oats.

Comparing Oat Options: Conventional vs. Certified Clean


Feature	Conventional Oats (e.g., Quaker)	Certified Clean Oats (e.g., Back Roads, One Degree)
Glyphosate Use	Often used as a pre-harvest desiccant.	Prohibited in organic farming and explicitly tested for by certifiers.
Contamination Risk	High risk of residue, historically with significant ppb levels in some products.	Significantly lower risk due to organic standards, third-party testing, and careful sourcing.
Certification	May have no specific pesticide-related certifications.	Carries third-party certifications like Detox Project or BioChecked.
Sourcing	Oats sourced from various conventional farms where glyphosate use is standard.	Sourced from vetted organic farms and/or specific regions with stricter regulations.
Traceability	Generally limited or no direct traceability to the farm.	Many certified brands offer traceability, sometimes down to the specific farm.
Price Point	Often the most affordable option.	Typically a higher price point due to stricter farming practices and testing.

Beyond Brands: How to Ensure Your Oats are Clean

If you're unsure about a specific brand, there are proactive steps you can take to make the best choice.

Check the Detox Project: A definitive step is to check the official Detox Project website to see if a brand is listed as "Glyphosate Residue Free" certified. This removes any guesswork regarding the company's claims.
Contact the Manufacturer: If a brand claims to be glyphosate-free but isn't third-party certified, reach out to their customer service. Ask about their testing protocols, the frequency of testing, and their method for preventing cross-contamination.
Consider International Sourcing: As seen with Schullo oats, some countries have more stringent or outright bans on glyphosate use for food crops, providing a lower inherent risk.
Buy from a Reputable Store: Buying organic or certified products from stores that specialize in natural or organic foods can also increase your confidence in the product's sourcing and handling. Look for store brands that carry organic certification, as they can sometimes be more affordable.

Conclusion: A Clear Choice for Your Morning Bowl

While the presence of glyphosate in popular oatmeal brands has raised valid concerns, the market now offers clear, verifiable alternatives. By prioritizing brands that carry reputable third-party certifications, such as the Glyphosate Residue Free certification from the Detox Project, consumers can confidently select oats that have been specifically tested to contain no detectable levels of the herbicide. The extra step of seeking out certified organic, Purity Protocol, or internationally sourced brands ensures a cleaner, healthier, and more transparently produced breakfast for you and your family. For more information, visit the Detox Project website.

Disclaimer: Product certifications and availability can change. Always check the most current labels and company information before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic oatmeal is grown without the intentional use of glyphosate, but cross-contamination can occur from nearby farms. Glyphosate-free certified oatmeal, often verified by third parties like the Detox Project, is specifically tested to contain no detectable glyphosate residue.

Glyphosate is a chemical herbicide that has raised health concerns among consumers. Its presence in food products, particularly those consumed frequently like oatmeal, prompts people to seek cleaner alternatives to minimize exposure.

It depends on the country's regulations. For example, oats sourced from Finland are less likely to contain glyphosate because the pre-harvest treatment of cereals with glyphosate is prohibited there. Always check sourcing and local laws.

Even with organic farming practices, wind can carry glyphosate from neighboring conventional farms onto organic crops. Contamination can also happen in processing facilities that handle both conventional and organic products.

Historically, tests commissioned by groups like the EWG have found detectable levels of glyphosate in conventional products from both Quaker and Bob's Red Mill. While some levels have decreased, certified glyphosate-free brands offer a higher level of assurance.

'Purity Protocol' is a production method for growing and processing oats that are strictly segregated from other grains, like wheat and barley. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, especially for gluten, and also contributes to lower chemical residue.

For those who eat oatmeal frequently or are particularly sensitive to chemical residues, paying a premium for certified products provides peace of mind. For others, buying standard organic oats may be a sufficient balance of cost and concern.