Wondering how to avoid glyphosate in your diet? Find out what glyphosate is, why some people avoid it, and get a complete list of glyphosate-free foods.
Key Takeaways:
These days, more people are starting to question what’s really in their food — not just ingredients like sugar or fat, but chemicals used during farming. One chemical that’s gotten a lot of attention is glyphosate. If you’re reading this, you might already be wondering why some people go out of their way to avoid it.
Glyphosate is commonly used in agriculture, and while it helps farmers grow crops more easily, that convenience comes with growing concern. Families with young children, pregnant women, or anyone focused on eating clean may choose to limit or avoid it altogether.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know, including what glyphosate is, whether or not it’s dangerous for your health, and a complete list of glyphosate-free foods.
Glyphosate is a chemical used to kill weeds that grow around crops. It’s one of the most common herbicides (plant-killing chemicals) used by farmers around the world. It helps them grow more food by preventing weeds from stealing water and nutrients from their plants.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), glyphosate has been used in agriculture since 1974. It’s often sprayed on crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, and canola. These crops are sometimes genetically modified to survive the chemical, which means the weeds die but the crops live ❶.
Even though glyphosate helps increase food production, it can leave small amounts of residue on crops. That means it may be present in the foods we eat ❷.
Related: What is Food Adulteration?
It is believed that glyphosate might be harmful, especially when people are exposed to it often or in large amounts. While it doesn’t usually cause instant symptoms in adults, recent research shows it could cause damage to the nervous system over time.
Studies have shown that glyphosate and the chemicals it’s mixed with (known as glyphosate-based herbicides or GBHs) can affect the brain and nervous system in animals and in human cells. In some cases, glyphosate has been linked to:
Researchers found that glyphosate can cross both the placental barrier and the blood-brain barrier (which usually protects the brain from harmful substances). That means it may reach the brain and possibly affect how it works, especially in unborn babies and young children whose brains are still developing ❸.
However, not all experts agree. Some say glyphosate is safe in small amounts found in food. But because of the risks shown in lab studies and real-life exposures, many people choose to limit their intake — especially for children, pregnant women, or anyone with health concerns.
Some crops are much more likely to be treated with glyphosate than others. In fact, more than half of the non-organic versions of the foods listed below are regularly sprayed with this chemical.
These are considered the worst glyphosate culprits — meaning, if you're trying to reduce your exposure, it's best to buy these organic or look for alternatives.
Here’s a simplified look at which foods tend to carry the highest risk ❹:
| Crop | % of Non-Organic Crops Treated with Glyphosate |
| Soybean | 100% |
| Cotton | 95% |
| Almonds | 95% |
| Cherries | 85% |
| Corn | 85% |
| Canola | 80% |
| Apricots | 80% |
| Apples | 70% |
| Wheat | 70% |
| Asparagus | 70% |
Avoiding glyphosate is easier when you know which foods are safer. Choosing organic, certified glyphosate residue-free, or naturally low-risk foods is key. This list will help guide your shopping, whether you're at the farmers market or your local grocery store.
These foods are naturally low in glyphosate when organic and not grown in glyphosate-heavy regions:
Many grains are dried with glyphosate before harvest. Choose these only if organic or certified glyphosate-free:
Look for meat labeled organic and pasture-raised to avoid exposure through feed:
Avoiding glyphosate in your diet starts with choosing organic foods whenever possible. Organic farming standards do not allow the use of glyphosate or similar synthetic herbicides, which makes organic produce, grains, and packaged goods a safer choice.
While it may not be realistic to buy everything organic, focusing on the most heavily sprayed foods — such as oats, wheat, legumes, and soy — can significantly reduce your exposure. Shopping seasonally or at local farmers markets can also help make organic options more affordable.
In addition to buying organic, look for products labeled “Glyphosate Residue Free.” This label, offered by third-party testing programs like The Detox Project, indicates that a food product has been tested and contains no detectable levels of glyphosate. It's especially useful when buying packaged or processed items like cereals, snack bars, and crackers, which often contain ingredients sourced from glyphosate-treated crops.
Moreover, preparing meals at home using whole ingredients gives you even more control over what ends up on your plate.
Making informed food choices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information, you can nourish your body, reduce harmful chemical exposure, and feel more confident about what you consume.
When it comes to cooking oils, one of the easiest swaps you can make is choosing an option that’s not only free from glyphosate but also high in healthy fats and heat-stable.
That’s where algae oil from Algae Cooking Club comes in. Made from sustainably grown microalgae, it’s a clean, chef-trusted oil that supports both your health and the planet.
Tiffany Joy Yamut is a registered nurse with a focus on health and wellness. With over 10 years of writing experience, she combines her expertise in diet and nutrition coaching to help others adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced eating habits. A foodie at heart, Tiffany believes that food is essential to feeling your best.
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