29 oatmeal products in eco test: some have questionable ingredients

Whether granola, pancakes or vegan meatballs, oat flakes are highly sought after by many people. In addition to its versatility, the superfood is also healthy and even acts as a miracle weight loss weapon. But how good are flakes really? “Öko-Test” tested the products in 2022 – with shocking results. We show which products contain dangerous toxins and what benefits the test winners have.

In the clip: These types of oatmeal contain harmful substances

It is not for nothing that oatmeal is a constant trend: it contains protein and fiber, is low in calories and also helps to lose weight. Whether in pancakes, smoothies or savory dishes, the superfood is versatile and tastes simply delicious! It’s no wonder healthy oatmeal ends up on many dishes. But are the products really good? “Öko-Test” took a close look at 29 hearty oat flakes. While many brands can be recommended, some products have been found to contain toxic substances.

Substances that are harmful to health are often discovered in products. Be careful when shopping: Öko-Test has found suspected carcinogenic ingredients in fish stick products. Cat food has also been tested by Öko-Test: we have the results! Also: Toothpaste tested by Öko-Test in 2023: These brands performed particularly well or poorly. Here you can also find detergents in the Öko-Test: these products are particularly good!

Abundant oat flakes in the “eco test”: surprising results

Oatmeal has become an integral part of some menus, both as an entire meal and as a small snack in between. This trending food contains many valuable vitamins and nutrients and is one of the healthiest grains. “Öko-Test” has so far tested 29 hearty oat flakes from supermarkets, discounters and (organic) pharmacies, of which 16 have the organic seal. They have been tested for heavy metals such as arsenic and nickel, as well as pesticides, mold and mineral oil components.

Many organic flakes and even some conventional products proved convincing in the ecotest. But some brands have brought sobering results: Pesticides have been found in nearly all conventional oatmeal, and traces of mold have been found in nearly all organic packaging.

Be careful, there are dangerous toxins in these oatmeals

Perhaps you can hardly imagine a breakfast without oat flakes: we like to eat them as breakfast cereals or in the form of pancakes to start the day with energy. But some products apparently also contain unhealthy, if not harmful, toxins, such as glyphosate, mold and mineral oils.

Hearty oatmeal with toxic glyphosate

In the Öko-Test glyphosate was detected in 4 different products, including “Knusperone Kernige Oatmeal” from Aldi and “Golden Breakfast Oatmeal” from Norma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warns that the spray is “probably carcinogenic to humans”, so the flakes should not be consumed. However, glyphosate can not only harm our bodies, but also biodiversity and is therefore responsible for the decline in insects.

These products are contaminated with mold

In some flakes, poisonous fungi were discovered that apparently already affect oats in the fields: the so-called T-2 and HAT-2 toxins. These molds damage our living cells and can weaken our immune system. “Significantly increased” values ​​were again found in the Oeko-Test in oat flakes from Aldi and Norma, but also the result “Yes!” Rewe’s oat flakes have attracted negative attention. Apparently Norma has now removed the affected oatmeal from her range.

By the way: according to the Öko-Test, adults with a body weight of 60 kg would exceed the tolerated daily intake of mold with a portion of just 40 g of oat flakes.

Öko-Test warns about mineral oil components in oat flakes

In the eco-test process, MOSH mineral oil components/MOSH analogues were detected in 4 products. These are harmful to our body and can lead to extreme contamination. Öko-Test points out that mineral oil components can find their way into products, for example through machine lubricating oils, and could therefore be avoided.

Mineral oils in particular are often found in other products: We will reveal here which grilled sausages from discounters we should be careful about, which olive oils contain mineral oils and which harmful substances have been discovered in paper straws.

The best oatmeal – these products are recommended

To all the oatmeal fans among us: don’t worry! You don’t have to give up flakes in the future. While some products gave shocking results, 18 of the 29 oat flakes tested scored “very good.” Among the 2022 test winners are 11 organic and 7 conventional products, including Alnatura Large Leaf Oat Flakes, Dm Organic Large Leaf Oat Flakes and Echte Kölln Kernige.

So you can buy these oat flakes with a clear conscience and continue to integrate them into your diet. Already known? Oatmeal is also very popular in children’s diets. The abundant nutrients promote the healthy physical and mental development of the little ones.

Trendy Oatmeal: The superfood brings these benefits

• Healthy helpers: Thanks to the vitamins and nutrients they contain, flakes are good for our immune system and can even prevent diabetes. The reason: Oats contain many beta glucans, which can lower cholesterol levels.
• Oatmeal Weight Loss Booster: For many people it is difficult to imagine life without oatmeal, especially in diets. Not only do they provide a lot of energy, but the complex structure of carbohydrates keeps you full for a long time and stimulates fat burning.
• Digestive: Oatmeal is rich in fiber and can support our healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
• Universal application: Whether it’s for sweet dishes like cakes and pancakes or patties for hearty burgers, oat flakes are popular in many cuisines and can be used in a variety of ways.
• Delicate and robust: Flaked favorites can be found in supermarkets and discount stores in delicate but also crunchy form. While delicate oat flakes are perfect for creamy porridge, crunchy oats give a nice bite to granola.