Are you a fan of oat milk?
It’s a popular alternative to dairy milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. However, recent studies have shown that many of the most popular oat milk brands on the market contain glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide RoundUp.
Glyphosate has been linked to health concerns, and many consumers are now wondering if their oat milk is safe to drink.
In this article, we’ll explore the presence of glyphosate in oat milk and what you can do to ensure that your oat milk is free from this harmful chemical.
Is Glyphosate Found In Oat Milk?
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that is sprayed on crops to control weeds. Unfortunately, it has been found in many popular oat milk brands on the market. A 2018 study by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate in many oat-based foods, including oat milk.
Glyphosate has been linked to health concerns, including cancer and other serious illnesses. While the safety of chronic, low-level exposure to glyphosate is not yet proven, it is advisable to avoid conventional oats to minimize glyphosate residue intake.
What Is Glyphosate And Why Is It Used?
Glyphosate is a chemical herbicide that is widely used in agriculture to control weeds. It was first introduced by Monsanto in the 1970s and is now one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world. Glyphosate works by disrupting the growth of plants, causing them to die.
The use of glyphosate has been controversial due to its potential health and environmental impacts. Studies have linked glyphosate exposure to an increased risk of cancer, as well as other serious health concerns like celiac disease and endocrine disruption. In addition, glyphosate has been shown to harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can have serious consequences for ecosystems.
Despite these concerns, glyphosate continues to be widely used in agriculture. In the case of oats, glyphosate is often sprayed on crops to speed up drying at harvest. This means that even organic oats can contain trace amounts of glyphosate residue. However, certified glyphosate-free oat milk is available on the market for those who wish to avoid this chemical.
How Is Glyphosate Getting Into Oat Milk?
Glyphosate can get into oat milk in several ways. Firstly, glyphosate is often sprayed on oat crops to speed up drying at harvest. This means that even if the oats used in oat milk are not sprayed directly, they can still contain glyphosate residue from being grown in fields where glyphosate was used.
Secondly, glyphosate can also enter the oat milk during the manufacturing process. For example, if the oats are not thoroughly washed before being processed into oat milk, any glyphosate residue on the oats can end up in the final product.
Thirdly, some oat milk brands use non-organic oats that have been treated with glyphosate. This means that even if the oats are washed and processed thoroughly, there may still be glyphosate residue present in the final product.
To avoid consuming glyphosate through oat milk, it is important to choose brands that use organic oats or are certified to be free of glyphosate residue. While some popular oat milk brands have been found to contain glyphosate, there are also brands like Willa’s, Pacific Foods, and Rise Brewing Co. that use organic oats or do third-party testing to guarantee their oat milk is glyphosate-free.
Health Concerns Associated With Glyphosate Exposure
The health concerns associated with glyphosate exposure are significant and cannot be ignored. Glyphosate has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the State of California and the World Health Organization have both classified it as a probable carcinogen. Glyphosate exposure has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bladder cancer. In fact, Monsanto, the makers of Roundup, lost a lawsuit in which Edwin Hardeman claimed that Roundup exposure caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the court ordered Monsanto to pay more than $80 million in damages to Hardeman. Glyphosate exposure has also been linked to liver and kidney damage, reproductive and developmental issues, and an increased risk for pregnant women and children.
Glyphosate isn’t just harmful to humans; it can also harm our pets. Exposure to glyphosate can cause cancer, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excess drool, and fatigue in our pets. While short-term exposure to glyphosate is not a significant concern, long-term exposure may be. Studies show conflicting results on how much risk is involved, but most studies involve animals, not people.
Glyphosate works by inactivating an enzyme used in the shikimate pathway of plants to form aromatic amino acids. By inhibiting the enzyme, glyphosate causes the death of the plant. The shikimate pathway is not present in animals, which is why glyphosate has long been considered non-toxic. However, changing use patterns of glyphosate and advances in understanding of potential risks have led many researchers to reassess early claims of safety for the herbicide.
Which Oat Milk Brands Contain Glyphosate?
According to the Environmental Working Group, glyphosate residue has been found in many popular oat-based foods, including oat milk. However, there are some oat milk brands that are certified to be free of glyphosate residue. The best store-bought oat milk is organic and/or certified glyphosate-residue free; has no added sweeteners, thickeners, oils, or stabilizers; and has only a few necessary, familiar ingredients. Some oat milk brands that fit this bill include Willa’s, Pacific Foods, Rise Brewing Co., and Oatly, which does third-party testing to guarantee their oat milk is glyphosate-free. It is worth noting that the EWG did find glyphosate residue on organically grown oats, however the levels were significantly lower than that of conventional oats. Therefore, it is advisable to buy oat milk made with organic oats or certified to be free of glyphosate residue to minimize exposure to this potentially harmful herbicide.
How To Choose Glyphosate-free Oat Milk
If you’re looking for glyphosate-free oat milk, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for oat products that are certified organic. Organic foods have been shown to reduce exposure to some pesticides, including glyphosate. While organic oat milk may still have trace amounts of glyphosate, the levels are significantly lower than those found in conventional oats.
Second, look for oat milk that has been certified by a third-party to be free of glyphosate residue. Some oat milk brands, such as Oatly Oatmilk and Willa’s, have undergone testing to ensure that they are glyphosate-free.
It’s also important to note that while some oat milk brands may not be certified organic or glyphosate-free, they may still be using environmentally friendly oats. For example, Oatly claims that their oats are sourced from operations that do not engage in deforestation and are glyphosate-free.
Finally, consider the ingredients in the oat milk you’re buying. Look for brands that use simple ingredients and avoid additives like gums. While some oat milk brands may use rapeseed oil, look for non-GMO and hexane-free options.
Alternatives To Oat Milk For Those Concerned About Glyphosate.
If you’re concerned about glyphosate in your oat milk, there are plenty of alternative milk options available. One option is almond milk, which has a smaller carbon footprint than other dairy alternatives. However, almonds are water-intensive and their cultivation can damage bee populations.
Another option is cashew milk, which is naturally sweet and creamy. It also has a lower environmental impact than almond milk since cashews require less water to grow. Soy milk is another option that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a good choice for those on a low-carb diet.
For those who prefer a nut-free option, coconut milk is a great choice. It has a creamy texture and a mild flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Rice milk is another alternative that is low in fat and calories but may be higher in sugar.
If you’re looking for an alternative to oat milk that is free of glyphosate residue, it’s best to look for certified organic options or those made with oats that are glyphosate-residue free. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
