Original Cheerios
At a glance
Summary
Original Cheerios scores 37/100. EWG's February 2024 chlormequat study detected the pesticide at ~110 ppb. Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator linked to reduced fertility and developmental toxicity in animal studies; it is not approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S., so its presence indicates pre-harvest spraying on imported oats. EWG's 2023 panel also found up to 129.5 ppb glyphosate in this product. The ingredient deck is otherwise modest (no seed oils, no artificial colors), but two-pesticide contamination is the dominant signal.
Contaminants 2
Source: EWG
Glyphosate 129.5 ppb Moderate
Detected at a moderate level — a meaningful amount worth factoring in if this product is eaten regularly. Glyphosate is classified as a probable human carcinogen by IARC, and glyphosate-residue-free supply chains exist — so its presence reflects ingredient sourcing.
EWG 2023 testing detected glyphosate at up to 129.5 ppb across multiple samples (51.3, 106.2, 129.5 ppb).
Chlormequat ~110 ppb High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator (PGR) used to shorten cereal stalks pre-harvest. Animal studies link chlormequat exposure to reduced fertility, delayed puberty, and developmental toxicity (Environmental Health Perspectives 2018; Reproductive Toxicology 2020). Chlormequat is not approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S., so its presence in this product indicates pre-harvest spraying on imported (likely Canadian or European) oats. There is no FDA tolerance for chlormequat in oat-based foods sold in the U.S.
EWG's February 2024 study detected chlormequat chloride at ~110 ppb in this product. EWG detected chlormequat in 80% of urine samples from a U.S. population in 2023.
Key ingredients 4
SugarBad
Added sugar, though amount is relatively modest compared to other cereals.
See more about Sugar →Tripotassium PhosphateBad
Phosphate additive — mineral-balance concern for frequent consumers.
See more about Tripotassium Phosphate →Corn StarchNeutral
Binding agent used for texture.
See more about Corn Starch →Whole Grain OatsVery Good
Rich in beta-glucan fiber that supports heart health and blood sugar regulation.
See more about Whole Grain Oats →Processing
Processed Foods
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