The Short Answer
Standard Quaker Oatmeal is not clean. While the brand is a household staple, its conventional (non-organic) oats have consistently tested positive for multiple pesticides.
Most concerning is chlormequat, a plant growth regulator linked to reproductive toxicity. In 2024 testing, Quaker Old Fashioned Oats contained 291 ppb of chlormequat—the highest level detected in the study.
The flavored instant packets are worse. Beyond the pesticide concerns, they are ultra-processed sugar bombs. One small packet contains 12 grams of added sugar (3 teaspoons) and "natural flavors," turning a healthy grain into a dessert.
Verdict: Cleanest Oatmeal|Switch To Organic. Quaker’s Organic line is a safer choice, but brands like One Degree or Bob's Red Mill offer better transparency.
Why This Matters
Pesticides don't belong in breakfast.
For years, the main concern with oats was glyphosate (Roundup). While levels have dropped in recent years due to consumer pressure, it is still present in conventional Quaker products. Now, we have to worry about chlormequat, a chemical used to keep oat stalks standing upright for easier harvesting. Glyphosate In Oatmeal
It accumulates in your body.
The 2024 study found that chlormequat was present in the urine of 80% of people tested, with levels rising significantly in samples from 2023 compared to previous years. This suggests exposure is increasing as the chemical becomes more common in the oat supply chain.
It affects reproduction.
Animal studies link chlormequat to reduced fertility, harmed reproductive systems, and altered fetal growth. While human studies are still catching up, the widespread presence of this chemical in a "heart-healthy" breakfast food is a massive red flag.
What's Actually In Quaker Instant Oatmeal
The "Maple & Brown Sugar" packet is the most popular, but it's barely oatmeal anymore.
- Whole Grain Oats — The base ingredient. In conventional Quaker packets, these likely contain residues of glyphosate and chlormequat. Is Oatmeal Healthy
- Sugar — The second ingredient. A tiny 43g packet contains 12g of sugar. That means by weight, this product is nearly 30% pure sugar.
- Salt — Added for flavor enhancement.
- Natural Flavor — The black box of processed food. This lab-made mixture mimics the taste of maple and brown sugar without using the real thing. It can contain dozens of incidental chemicals not listed on the label.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Certified Organic — This is your primary shield. Organic regulations prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides like glyphosate and chlormequat.
- "Glyphosate Residue Free" Seal — The gold standard. Brands like One Degree Organics third-party test every batch.
- Sprouted Oats — Easier to digest and usually sourced from higher-quality, cleaner farms.
Red Flags:
- "100% Natural" — A meaningless marketing term. Quaker was sued because their "100% Natural" oats contained glyphosate. "Natural" does not mean pesticide-free.
- Conventional Oats — If it doesn't say organic, assume it was sprayed with desiccants (drying agents) before harvest.
- High Sugar Content — If an instant packet has more than 4-5g of sugar, it's a treat, not breakfast.
The Best Options
You don't have to give up oatmeal—just swap the brand.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Degree | Sprouted Rolled Oats | ✅ | Certified organic & glyphosate-free. The cleanest option. |
| Bob's Red Mill | Organic Old Fashioned | ✅ | Reliable organic sourcing; tested clean in most independent reviews. |
| Quaker | Organic Old Fashioned | ⚠️ | Better than conventional, but lacks the transparency of dedicated organic brands. |
| Quaker | Instant Maple & Brown Sugar | 🚫 | High pesticide risk + 12g sugar + artificial processing. |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the Instant Packets. They are sugar-loaded and processed. Make your own Instant Oatmeal No Sugar|Instant Oats by soaking rolled oats overnight.
2. Buy Organic Only. Oats are a crop where the organic label matters immensely. It is the only way to avoid the pre-harvest spraying of glyphosate and chlormequat.
3. Check for Certification. If you eat oats daily, look for the Bio-Checked Non-Glyphosate Certified seal for peace of mind.
FAQ
Does Quaker Oatmeal have glyphosate?
Yes. While levels have decreased from the extreme highs seen in 2018, conventional Quaker Oats consistently test positive for trace levels of glyphosate. Organic Quaker Oats are significantly cleaner. Glyphosate In Oatmeal
What is chlormequat?
It is a plant growth regulator used to keep oat stalks from bending over. A 2024 EWG study found it in 92% of oat products tested, with Quaker Old Fashioned Oats having the highest concentration. It is linked to reproductive toxicity.
Is Quaker Organic safe?
Generally, yes. Organic certification bans the use of synthetic pesticides like glyphosate and chlormequat. While cross-contamination is always possible, Quaker Organic is a much safer choice than the conventional variety.
References (17)
- 1. alibaba.com
- 2. bakeryandsnacks.com
- 3. ewg.org
- 4. non-gmoreport.com
- 5. heb.com
- 6. draxe.com
- 7. foxbusiness.com
- 8. thelyonfirm.com
- 9. ewg.org
- 10. newhope.com
- 11. non-gmoreport.com
- 12. cbsnews.com
- 13. ewg.org
- 14. forbes.com
- 15. walmart.com
- 16. tastyrewards.com
- 17. organicauthority.com