Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack

Common questions

Is Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack healthy?

Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack scores 16/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack scores 16/100.

Does Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack contain seed oils?

No — Scout's ingredient analysis marks Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack as seed-oil free.

Has Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack been lab-tested?

Yes. Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack carries an independent laboratory panel from EWG covering 1 contaminant (including Glyphosate) — the full results are on this page.

How processed is Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack?

Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack compare to other oats?

Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack ranks #27 of 28 oats in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is One Degree Organic Foods Organic Sprouted Rolled Oats at 99/100.

Which ingredients drive Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whole grain rolled oats counts in its favor; Caramel color is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack

Quaker
Seed oil free Lab tested
16 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by PepsiCo
Category Oats
Summary

Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal Original Value Pack scores 16/100. While the base is whole grain rolled oats, EWG 2023 testing found glyphosate at up to 279.8 ppb in Quaker instant oatmeal products from the same supply chain. Also contains caramel color, a potentially harmful additive. The high glyphosate contamination is the primary concern.

Contaminants 1

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 in Quaker instant oatmeal (Maple & Brown Sugar) and 261.4 ppb in Old Fashioned Oats.

Key ingredients 7

Caramel color
Bad

Caramel color is a widely used food coloring. Some types may contain harmful byproducts like 4-MEI, which is a potential carcinogen. Its use is primarily cosmetic, adding no nutritional value.

See more about Caramel color →
Calcium carbonate
Neutral

Calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement and food additive. A common source of calcium in fortified foods.

See more about Calcium carbonate →
Salt
Neutral

Added for flavor. Should be consumed in moderation as part of overall daily sodium intake.

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Guar gum
Neutral

A thickening agent derived from guar beans. Generally considered safe, but may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

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Reduced iron
Neutral

Iron fortification additive to help prevent deficiency. Generally safe.

See more about Reduced iron →
Vitamin A palmitate
Neutral

A synthetic form of vitamin A used to fortify foods. Important for vision and immune function.

See more about Vitamin A palmitate →
Whole grain rolled oats
Very Good

Whole grain rolled oats are a nutritious source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They are minimally processed, retaining most of their natural nutrients. Oats are known for their heart health benefits due to their beta-glucan content.

See more about Whole grain rolled oats →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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