Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar
Summary
Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar scores 16/100. EWG's February 2024 chlormequat study detected the pesticide at ~170 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. The EWG 2023 panel also found 279.8 ppb glyphosate in this same product — one of the highest readings in either study. Combine two pesticide contaminants with added sugar and instant processing and you get a low-confidence breakfast.
At a glance
Contaminants 2
Source: EWG
Glyphosate 279.8 ppb High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based benchmarks such as EWG's 160 ppb children's-health benchmark. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. 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 279.8 ppb — one of the highest levels found across all products tested.
Chlormequat ~170 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 ~170 ppb in this product. EWG detected chlormequat in 80% of urine samples from a U.S. population in 2023.
Key ingredients 4
Whole Grain OatsVery Good
Whole grain oats are rich in beta-glucan fiber that supports heart health and blood sugar regulation.
See more about Whole Grain Oats →SugarBad
Added sugar contributes to the sweetness but provides empty calories. Listed as the second ingredient.
See more about Sugar →Natural FlavorNeutral
Ambiguous flavoring compound. No transparency on specific composition.
See more about Natural Flavor →SaltNeutral
Added for flavor. Modest amount per serving.
See more about Salt →Processing
Processed Foods
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