Quaker Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar
At a glance
Summary
Quaker Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar scores 1/100. EWG's February 2024 chlormequat study detected the pesticide at ~100 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. EWG's 2023 panel also found 445.1 ppb glyphosate in this product — extremely high. The two-pesticide contamination plus maltodextrin and three sweeteners drive the score below 20.
Contaminants 2
Source: EWG
Glyphosate 445.1 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 445.1 ppb — extremely high.
Chlormequat ~100 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 ~100 ppb in this product. EWG detected chlormequat in 80% of urine samples from a U.S. population in 2023.
Key ingredients 3
MaltodextrinBad
Highly processed starch with glycemic index of 85-105, higher than table sugar.
See more about Maltodextrin →Sugar + Brown Sugar + MolassesBad
Three separate sweeteners. 9g sugar per serving.
See more about Sugar + Brown Sugar + Molasses →Whole Grain Oat FlourGood
Provides fiber and nutrients from whole grain oats.
See more about Whole Grain Oat Flour →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.