Are you a fan of oat milk?
It’s a popular dairy-free alternative that’s been gaining traction in recent years. However, did you know that some oat milks may contain glyphosate residue, a controversial herbicide that has been linked to health concerns?
With the rise of organic food sales, many consumers are wondering which oat milks are glyphosate-free and safe to consume. In this article, we’ll explore the issue of glyphosate in oat milk and highlight some brands that are certified or claim to be glyphosate-free.
So, if you’re an oat milk lover, keep reading to find out which brands you can trust for a healthier and more sustainable choice.
Which Oat Milks Are Glyphosate Free?
Glyphosate is a chemical herbicide that is commonly used in agriculture to control weeds. Unfortunately, it has been found to have negative health effects and has been linked to cancer and other health concerns. Glyphosate is often used on oat crops to speed up drying at harvest, which can lead to residue in oat-based products like oat milk.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently reported high levels of glyphosate residue in popular oat-based cereals. This has raised concerns among consumers about the safety of consuming conventional oats and oat milk.
However, there are some oat milk brands that are certified or claim to be glyphosate-free. For example, Planet Oat Original Oatmilk and Unsweetened Original Oatmilk and Shelf Stable Original Oatmilk are certified glyphosate-free. These products have a base of filtered water and oats, with no added oils. While the lesser ingredients aren’t ideal, they are typical for standard oat milks. The unsweetened product has far less sugar than the others.
Other brands like Willa’s, Pacific Foods, and Rise Brewing Co. are certified organic, which means they are free from synthetic pesticides like glyphosate. Oatly also claims to be glyphosate-free and does third-party testing to guarantee their oat milk is safe for consumption.
It’s worth noting that the EWG did find glyphosate residue on organically grown oats, but the levels were significantly lower than that of conventional oats. Therefore, it is advisable to choose oat milk made with organic oats to minimize glyphosate residue intake.
What Is Glyphosate And Why Is It A Concern?
Glyphosate is a chemical herbicide that has been widely used in agriculture for decades to control weeds. However, it has been linked to negative health effects, including cancer and other health concerns. Glyphosate is often sprayed on oat crops to speed up drying at harvest, which can lead to residue in oat-based products like oat milk.
Studies have shown that chronic, low-level exposure to glyphosate may not be safe for human consumption. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reported high levels of glyphosate residue in popular oat-based cereals, raising concerns about the safety of consuming conventional oats and oat milk.
While some argue that organic food is safer due to reduced exposure to pesticides, it is worth noting that the EWG found glyphosate residue on organically grown oats as well, although at significantly lower levels than conventional oats.
Therefore, it is advisable to choose oat milk made with organic oats or certified glyphosate-free oats to minimize glyphosate residue intake and reduce potential health risks associated with this chemical herbicide.
Glyphosate In Oat Milk: How Does It Get There?
Glyphosate can get into oat milk in a few different ways. One common way is through the use of glyphosate-containing herbicides in conventional farming practices. Farmers may spray non-organic oats with Roundup before harvest to speed up the drying process, which can lead to contamination of the oats and oat products.
Another way glyphosate can get into oat milk is through cross-contamination during processing. Even if the oats themselves are not sprayed with glyphosate, they may come into contact with equipment or surfaces that have been contaminated with the chemical.
To avoid glyphosate contamination in oat milk, it is important to choose certified glyphosate-free or organic oat milk. These products are made with oats that are grown without the use of glyphosate-containing herbicides, and are processed in facilities that take measures to prevent cross-contamination. By choosing these products, consumers can enjoy the benefits of oat milk without worrying about potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure.
Brands That Are Certified Glyphosate-Free
More than 70 brands have secured ‘Glyphosate Residue Free’ certification for 1,500+ products, according to The Detox Project. Some of these brands include Chobani, Oatly, PURIS, Once Upon a Farm, Foodstirs, Chosen Foods, and Thrive Market. The certification ensures that the products have been tested and found to contain less than 10 parts per billion of glyphosate residue.
Magryta recommends Oatly! milk as it is made from gluten-free oats, certified Non-GMO, doesn’t contain gums or traditional thickeners, and carries the Glyphosate Residue Free certification by The Detox Project. Willa’s oat milk is also certified organic and uses a milling process that results in zero food waste. Pacific Foods and Rise Brewing Co. are also certified organic and free from glyphosate residue.
Consumers should be cautious when choosing oat milk products and opt for those that are certified glyphosate-free or organic to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Brands That Claim To Be Glyphosate-Free But Are Not Certified
Some oat milk brands claim to be glyphosate-free but do not have certification to back it up. Oatly, for example, is a Swedish company that does third-party testing to ensure their oat milk is free from glyphosate residue. While they are not certified, they have been around for decades and have a good reputation in the industry. Their US market rapeseed oil is non-GMO and hexane-free.
Thrive Market’s Organic Oat Milk is another brand that claims to be glyphosate-free but is not certified organic. According to registered dietitian Trista Best, this oat milk has one of the shortest ingredient panels among other oat milk brands, with no preservatives, added sugar, or oils. However, it does contain 13 grams of sugar per serving.
Consumers should be aware that while some brands claim to be glyphosate-free, without certification, there is no guarantee that their products are completely free from glyphosate residue. It is best to choose certified organic or certified glyphosate-free oat milk products to ensure safety and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Tips For Choosing Glyphosate-Free Oat Milk
If you are looking to consume oat milk that is free from glyphosate residue, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a brand. Here are some tips:
1. Look for certification: Choose oat milk brands that are certified glyphosate-free or organic. This ensures that the product has been tested and meets certain standards for safety and quality.
2. Check the ingredient list: Opt for oat milk made with just oats and water, without added oils or sweeteners. Some oat milks marketed as “barista” varieties may contain seed oils, which can disrupt our omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and cause inflammation.
3. Avoid conventional oats: Conventional oats are commonly sprayed with glyphosate as a drying agent before harvest, so it is best to choose oat milk made with organic oats.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are consuming oat milk that is free from harmful glyphosate residue.
Conclusion: Making The Healthiest And Most Sustainable Choice
When it comes to choosing the healthiest and most sustainable oat milk, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to choose a product that is certified glyphosate-free or made with organic oats to minimize exposure to this harmful chemical. Additionally, look for oat milks that have a simple ingredient list with no added sugars, oils, or stabilizers.
In terms of sustainability, soy milk may be the most environmentally friendly option due to lower greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen fixation in the soil. However, soybeans require a lot of land and are often grown in monocropped systems that use phosphorus fertilizers and are genetically engineered to withstand glyphosate.
While oats are not the most environmentally friendly crop, some oat milk brands like Oatly and Planet Oat are making efforts to source environmentally friendly oats. It’s also worth considering the packaging of the oat milk, as some brands offer more sustainable options like cartons made from renewable resources.
Ultimately, the healthiest and most sustainable choice will depend on individual preferences and priorities. By choosing certified glyphosate-free or organic oat milk with simple ingredients and considering factors like packaging and sourcing, consumers can make a more informed decision when selecting their oat milk.
