Which Oats Are Not Sprayed With Pesticides? Your Guide to Pesticide-Free Options

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), nearly all samples of conventionally grown oats tested contained traces of glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup. For health-conscious consumers, knowing which oats are not sprayed with pesticides is a crucial step towards cleaner eating.

Quick Summary

The most reliable options for pesticide-free oats are those that are certified organic or have undergone testing for glyphosate residues. Organic certification prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides like glyphosate, while third-party certifications like 'Glyphosate Residue Free' offer an extra layer of assurance. Several brands prioritize these standards to provide cleaner products.

Key Points

Organic is the first step: Opt for certified organic oats to avoid synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate, during farming.
Check for Glyphosate Residue Free Certification: For the highest level of assurance, look for the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' seal from The Detox Project, which guarantees no detectable glyphosate traces.
Be cautious with conventional oats: Most non-organic oats contain detectable levels of glyphosate due to pre-harvest spraying to dry crops.
Brand matters more than oat type: Whether it's steel-cut, rolled, or instant, the risk of pesticide exposure depends on the farming and processing practices, not the form of the oat.
Consider international options: Some countries, like Finland, have banned pre-harvest glyphosate on food crops, offering a safer source for oats.
Look for transparent companies: Some brands publicly share their sourcing and testing data, providing full traceability and confidence in their claims.

Understanding the Problem: Glyphosate in Oats

For many years, glyphosate has been widely used in agriculture, including on non-organic oat crops, particularly as a pre-harvest desiccant. This practice involves spraying the crop shortly before harvesting to dry it out evenly, which can increase the levels of herbicide residue on the final product. While regulatory agencies set legal limits for these residues, organizations like the EWG have raised concerns that these levels may still pose health risks, particularly for children. EWG's 2018 and subsequent tests have consistently found detectable levels of glyphosate in many non-organic oat products, with some instances significantly higher than recommended health benchmarks. This widespread use and the potential for chemical drift from nearby fields mean that conventional oats are highly likely to contain pesticide residues.

The Best Solution: Organic and Certified Oats

To ensure your oats are not sprayed with pesticides, the first and most crucial step is to choose certified organic products. The organic farming process prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate. However, as the EWG's 2018 report highlighted, even some organic oat products can show trace amounts of glyphosate due to cross-contamination from nearby conventional farms or processing facilities. While these levels are significantly lower than those found in conventional products, they are not zero. This has led many consumers to seek out additional certifications.

The Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free Certification

For the highest assurance, look for products with the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification from The Detox Project. This third-party verification involves rigorous testing to ensure that finished products contain no detectable levels of glyphosate. Several brands have taken this extra step to certify their oats, giving consumers greater peace of mind about the purity of their food. This certification addresses the risk of cross-contamination that can sometimes affect organic products.

Comparison Table: Oat Types and Pesticide Exposure


Feature	Conventional Oats	Certified Organic Oats	Glyphosate Residue Free Certified Oats
Pesticide Use	Regularly sprayed with synthetic herbicides, including glyphosate, often pre-harvest.	Prohibited from using synthetic pesticides.	No glyphosate or other prohibited pesticides used.
Cross-Contamination Risk	High risk from direct application and environmental factors.	Low risk, but possible due to drift or shared processing equipment.	Very low to negligible risk due to specific testing and sourcing protocols.
Reliability	Not a reliable choice for avoiding pesticides.	Generally reliable for significantly lower pesticide levels.	The most reliable option for avoiding glyphosate.
Availability	Widely available and often the least expensive.	Widely available in most grocery stores; may be more expensive.	Availability varies by brand and retailer; often premium pricing.

Recommended Pesticide-Free Oat Brands

Finding brands committed to clean oats can feel overwhelming, but several companies have transparent sourcing and robust certification processes. When shopping, always check the packaging for USDA Organic and especially the Glyphosate Residue Free seal.

One Degree Organic Foods: Known for its certified organic and certified Glyphosate Residue Free sprouted oats. The company is transparent about its sourcing and testing.
Back Roads: This brand was one of the first to achieve third-party Glyphosate Residue Free certification and sells both organic and glyphosate-free products.
Zego Foods: A strong option for allergy-friendly and traceable organic oats that are grown on glyphosate-free farms.
Seven Sundays: Offers certified glyphosate residue free protein oats and muesli mixes.
MUSH Foods: This ready-to-eat overnight oats brand exclusively uses Detox Project certified glyphosate residue free oats.
Schullo: Imports organic and glyphosate-free oats from Finland, where pre-harvest glyphosate is banned for food crops.
Thrive Market: Offers its own regeneratively grown organic old-fashioned oats that are certified Glyphosate Residue Free.
Flahavan's (Ireland): States that their farmers are prohibited from spraying glyphosate at any stage of oat growth, and they perform extensive testing.

Does the Type of Oat Matter?

It's a common misconception that less-processed oats, like steel-cut, are less likely to contain pesticides. The truth is that the type of processing (steel-cut, rolled, or instant) does not determine whether the oats were sprayed. All forms of oats, if conventionally grown, face the same risk of contamination. The critical factors are the farming practices—organic versus conventional—and any subsequent certifications like Glyphosate Residue Free.

How to Find Truly Pesticide-Free Oats

Look for Certifications: Prioritize USDA Organic and 'Glyphosate Residue Free' seals. The latter offers the highest level of assurance regarding glyphosate specifically.
Research Brands: Some brands, like One Degree Organics, provide extensive information about their sourcing and testing procedures on their websites.
Consider Bulk Bins with Caution: While bulk sections can offer savings on organic products, cross-contamination risks are higher. The scoop used for organic oats could be accidentally used for conventional products, so buying pre-packaged and certified oats is generally safer.
Explore Imports: As mentioned with Schullo, some countries have stricter regulations or bans on pre-harvest glyphosate use. Exploring imported brands can provide additional confidence.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Choosing oats not sprayed with pesticides is a matter of looking for the right certifications. While organic certification is a significant step, the Glyphosate Residue Free seal offers the most rigorous assurance against chemical residues. By supporting brands that prioritize these standards, consumers can enjoy a healthier, cleaner bowl of oatmeal. Armed with this information, you can navigate the grocery store aisles with confidence, knowing you're making the best choice for your health and the environment.

For more detailed information on certified products, you can visit The Detox Project website.(https://detoxproject.org/certification/glyphosate-residue-free/certified-products/)

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary pesticide of concern is glyphosate, the main ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup. It is often sprayed on conventional oat crops as a pre-harvest desiccant to dry them out for easier harvesting.

While organic certification prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides like glyphosate, studies have shown that organic oats can sometimes have trace amounts of residue due to cross-contamination from adjacent fields or processing equipment.

The Glyphosate Residue Free certification, managed by The Detox Project, is a third-party seal that verifies products contain no detectable glyphosate residues through rigorous testing. It provides a higher level of assurance than organic certification alone.

No, the type of oat processing (steel-cut, rolled, or instant) has no bearing on whether the oats were sprayed with pesticides. The pesticide level is determined by the farming practices, whether conventional or organic.

Brands that offer certified glyphosate-free oats include One Degree Organic Foods, Back Roads, Zego Foods, Seven Sundays, and MUSH Foods. Other brands like Schullo offer oats from countries with stricter regulations.

Cross-contamination can occur when pesticide-treated crops are processed in the same facilities as organic ones. It can also happen when pesticides drift from neighboring farms and contaminate organic fields.

Yes, some studies, such as those by the EWG, have also found other chemicals like chlormequat in oat products. Chlormequat is an agricultural chemical that alters plant growth and has been found in conventional oats.