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How to Avoid Glyphosate in Your Food

By Joe Boland

September 26, 2025

Concerns about glyphosate in food have been steadily growing as more research and awareness around pesticides and herbicides come to light.

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used weed killers in the world, often applied to genetically modified crops as well as conventionally grown grains, fruits and vegetables. While its effectiveness in farming is undeniable, many are asking the big question: What does glyphosate in food mean for human health?

Understanding where glyphosate is found, what the potential risks are and how to avoid it can help you make smarter food choices.

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide introduced in the 1970s. It works by inhibiting a plant enzyme needed for growth, which makes it highly effective in controlling weeds.

Because it’s cheap and efficient, glyphosate quickly became one of the most commonly used agricultural chemicals worldwide.

Unfortunately, this means glyphosate residue is frequently detected in our food supply.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set “tolerance levels” for glyphosate residues on crops, but studies show traces can still be found in a wide variety of everyday foods, sometimes even in products marketed as “healthy.”

Most common foods with glyphosate

Research indicates that glyphosate is especially common in processed and ultra-processed foods and crops that are heavily sprayed. Some of the most common foods with glyphosate include:

• Grains: Wheat, oats, barley and rye are often sprayed with glyphosate before harvest to speed drying. Breakfast cereals and granola bars made with these grains frequently test positive for it.

• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, soybeans and beans can contain glyphosate residues, especially when conventionally farmed.

• Corn products: From corn tortillas to corn chips and popcorn, corn is one of the most heavily treated crops in the U.S.

• Soy-based products: Soy protein powders, soy milk and tofu may contain glyphosate when not organic.

• Almonds and nut butters: Testing has found glyphosate residues in some conventionally grown almonds and processed nut butters, especially when made from bulk non-organic nuts.

• Hummus and dips: Since hummus is often made with conventionally farmed chickpeas and other legumes, it can carry measurable amounts of glyphosate. Prepackaged dips may also contain glyphosate through added ingredients like soybean oil.

• Snack foods: Crackers, cookies and even some protein bars often test positive for glyphosate due to the grains and legumes used.

• Fruits and vegetables: While less common than grains and legumes, non-organic apples, grapes and potatoes may carry trace amounts.

Potential risks of eating foods with glyphosate

The long-term health effects of glyphosate are still being debated, but concerns continue to mount. Potential risks of eating foods with glyphosate include:

1. Gut health disruption

Glyphosate may alter gut microbiota balance, which can affect digestion, immunity and nutrient absorption.

Glyphosate can negatively affect the balance of gut microbiota, reducing beneficial bacteria while allowing harmful strains to thrive.

Since gut health plays a major role in immunity, nutrient absorption and even mental health, long-term imbalance may contribute to digestive issues or weakened immune function.

2. Hormone disruption

Some studies suggest glyphosate may act as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone regulation. This can impact thyroid health, fertility and metabolism, especially when combined with other chemical exposures.

3. Oxidative stress and inflammation

Glyphosate exposure has been linked to higher levels of oxidative stress in the body, which occurs when free radicals outweigh antioxidants and contributes to aging (aka inflammaging) and chronic disease. This imbalance can accelerate cellular damage, contribute to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of degenerative conditions.

4. Possible cancer risk

While regulatory agencies differ on their conclusions, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” The concern is particularly high with long-term, repeated exposure to foods containing glyphosate residues, raising questions about its role in increasing cancer risk.

5. Impact on nutrient absorption

Some researchers believe glyphosate may interfere with mineral uptake, particularly manganese and zinc, which are essential for immune and metabolic function. Over time, this could contribute to subtle nutrient shortfalls in women and men alike.

Even though more research is needed, limiting exposure to glyphosate in food is considered a wise precaution.

How to avoid glyphosate in food

Avoiding glyphosate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are practical steps you can take:

1. Choose organic whenever possible

Certified organic crops are grown without glyphosate, making this one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure. Prioritize buying organic versions of high-risk foods like oats, wheat, beans and corn.

2. Check for certifications and “Glyphosate Residue Free” labels

Some companies now test their products and display this certification, providing extra assurance beyond organic labeling. This is especially helpful for packaged foods and supplements.

3. Prioritize whole foods and limit processed foods

Minimizing processed foods can reduce your risk since processed grains and snacks often contain the highest levels. Processed crackers, cereals and protein bars, in particular, often contain glyphosate-contaminated ingredients.

By cutting back, you automatically lower your exposure.

4. Buy from local farmers you trust

Farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs often offer produce grown without glyphosate. Talking directly to growers allows you to ask about their farming practices.

5. Choose non-GMO grains and legumes

Many genetically modified crops are designed to tolerate heavy glyphosate spraying. Opting for non-GMO or heirloom varieties can reduce risk.

6. Diversify and rotate your diet

Eating a wide variety of foods lessens the chance of consuming high levels of glyphosate from a single source.

7. Support gut health

Since glyphosate may negatively impact gut bacteria, incorporating probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha can help maintain balance.

8. Pay attention to the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15

Every year, the Environmental Working Group releases its Dirty Dozen list of the most heavily sprayed and contaminated crops, along with a Clean 15 list of the produce that typically has the lowest levels of pesticides and herbicides.

Be especially careful with the Dirty Dozen, which includes the following foods for 2025: spinach, strawberries, certain leafy green (kale, collards and mustard greens), grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries and potatoes.

Conversely, some of the safest options include the following from the 2025 Clean 15: pineapple, sweet corn (fresh and frozen), avocados, papayas, onions, sweet peas (frozen), asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangoes, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi.

Best foods to choose for minimizing glyphosate exposure

Looking for safer, nourishing options? In addition to the Clean 15 mentioned above, here are some of the best glyphosate-free foods to build your meals around:

• Organic fruits and vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots and broccoli.

• Organic grains: Quinoa, millet, buckwheat and amaranth are naturally gluten-free and at lower risk for glyphosate residues.

• Organic legumes: Lentils, black beans and chickpeas when certified organic.

• Pasture-raised animal products: Organic eggs, grass-fed beef and pasture-raised poultry that come from farms avoiding glyphosate-treated feed.

• High-quality proteins: Bone broth protein powders, organic pea protein and collagen from trusted and tested sources.

• Filtered water and herbal teas: A simple way to stay hydrated without added chemical exposure.

Frequently asked questions

Is glyphosate in food?

Yes. Multiple studies and food safety reports have confirmed that glyphosate residues are present in many everyday foods, including cereals, breads, crackers, beans and soy products.

What is glyphosate in food?

Glyphosate in food refers to the residues of glyphosate herbicide that remain on crops after spraying. It is most commonly found in conventionally grown grains, legumes and processed foods made with these ingredients.

Why is glyphosate in food?

Glyphosate is used by farmers to control weeds and sometimes to dry crops before harvest (a process called desiccation). Because of its widespread agricultural use, residues often remain in the food supply.

What food is glyphosate in?

Glyphosate is most often found in wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn, soy, beans, lentils and products made with these ingredients, such as cereal, crackers, protein bars and snack foods.

How do you avoid glyphosate in food?

The best way to avoid glyphosate in food is to choose organic products, look for “Glyphosate Residue Free” certifications, and reduce your intake of processed snacks made with conventional grains and legumes.

Can you completely eliminate glyphosate from your diet?

It may be difficult to completely eliminate glyphosate exposure since it is so widely used. However, choosing organic and certified glyphosate-free products can significantly lower your intake.

How can I detox from glyphosate exposure?

While there’s no single “glyphosate detox,” supporting your body’s natural detox pathways can help. Eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated, consuming probiotic foods for gut health and reducing overall toxin exposure are all smart strategies.

Conclusion

Glyphosate in food is an issue worth paying attention to, especially if you want to support gut health, reduce toxic burden and promote overall wellness. While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate exposure entirely, focusing on organic and certified glyphosate-free foods can significantly lower your risk.

By making conscious choices, like choosing organic grains, supporting local farmers and minimizing processed foods, you can promote your health and enjoy nutrient-dense meals while minimizing glyphosate consumption.

Key takeaways

• Glyphosate in food is a growing concern due to its widespread use as a weed killer and crop-drying agent.

• It’s most found in grains, legumes, corn, soy products and many processed foods.

• Potential risks of glyphosate include gut health disruption, hormonal effects, oxidative stress and possible links to cancer.

• The best way to reduce exposure is by choosing organic foods, looking for “Glyphosate Residue Free” labels and minimizing processed snacks.

• Safe options include organic fruits, vegetables, legumes, and clean proteins like bone broth and collagen.