Some Oats Surprisingly High in Gluten, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, NY, December 5, 2024 —  Oats are a healthy source of fiber and naturally gluten-free. However, it’s not uncommon for oats to become contaminated with gluten during processing, which can cause problems for people with celiac disease and others who follow a gluten-free diet. Recent ConsumerLab tests of rolled (“old-fashioned”) and steel-cut oats revealed two popular products contained unexpectedly high amounts of gluten.
 

Key Findings:

• The good news about “gluten-free” claims: All products labeled as "gluten-free" met this claim by the FDA standard (no more than no more than 20 ppm of gluten) and further met ConsumerLab.com's more stringent ultra gluten-free standard (no more than 5 ppm). These standards were also met by some products not labeled as gluten-free.
• But not all oats are gluten-free: Although oats are naturally gluten-free, cross contamination can lead to high levels of gluten in some products. ConsumerLab tests revealed unexpectedly high amounts of gluten in two popular products, one of which had nearly 700 ppm of gluten.
• Heavy metals, yeast, and mold: Heavy metals, particularly cadmium, were found in all products, but at levels that did not exceed strict safety limits. Small amounts of yeast and mold were found in two products.

Among products that passed all tests of quality and were Approved, ConsumerLab selected its Top Picks for rolled (“old-fashioned”) oats and steel-cut oats which contained no detectible gluten and represented the best quality and value.
 

Access the Full Report:

ConsumerLab’s full Rolled Oats and Steel-Cut Oats Review can now be accessed online by ConsumerLab.com members – who now number over 100,000.

The report includes test results and comparisons for eight rolled and steel-cut oats products selected for testing by ConsumerLab: 365 [Whole Foods Market] Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats Whole Grain, Bob's Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats, McCann's Imported Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal, One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Rolled Oats, One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Steel Cut Oats, Quaker Oats 100% Whole Grain Oats Old Fashioned, and Trader Joe's Steel Cut Organic Oats.

As discussed in the review, oats are a healthful source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, particularly when the whole grain is used. Oat fiber includes beta-glucan, which can help lower levels of bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The report discusses the clinical evidence, including amounts of oats and beta-glucan shown to have a cardiovascular benefit, and well as other proposed health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels and the risk of colorectal cancer. It also discusses what to look for when choosing oat products and how to reduce the risk of choosing products cross-contaminated with gluten.

ConsumerLab has tested other gluten-free grains and pseudograins, including buckwheat, quinoa, sorghum, millet, and teff in its Gluten-Free Grains Review and its Chia Seed Review, as well as wheat-based grains farrow and bulger, which do naturally contain gluten, it its Farro and Bulgur Review.

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to continually updated reviews of nearly every popular type of dietary supplement and health food, answers to reader questions, and product recalls and warnings. ConsumerLab also provides independent product testing through its voluntary Quality Certification Program. The company is privately held and based in New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.