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Oat Cereals

Oat Cereals Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Read our review to help you find best oats and oat-based cereals. We tested for ochratoxin A (OTA), gluten and contamination with lead, cadmium, and arsenic. We explain the evidence for the health benefits of oats, including lowering bad LDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Find out which oat cereals passed our tests. We also tested a buckwheat cereal.

Oat Cereals Review

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CL Answer

Should I be concerned about phytic acid in oat cereals? I've heard that it can be harmful, but also that it can have health benefits.

Get information on phytic acid levels found in oats and oat cereals.

Phytic Acid in Oat Cereal -- bowl of oatmeal

CL Answer

Do gluten-free diets increase your exposure to toxins like arsenic and mercury?

Find out if your gluten-free diet is increasing your exposure to toxic heavy metals like arsenic and mercury.

Woman with Freshly Baked Cookies

CL Answer

How concerned should I be about glyphosate in foods and supplements?

Find out if you should be concerned about glyphosate in foods and supplements. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Glyphosate in Food -- bowl of oat o's cereal

CL Answer

I enjoy oat milk in my coffee, but how healthy is it for me?

Is oat milk healthy? Information about oat milk contents, how much sugar and calcium is in oat milk, and if it is a healthy alternative to cow milk.

Is oatmeal milk healthy? -- glass of oatmeal milk and oats in a spoon

Product Review

Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)

Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.

Plant Based Milks reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

How can I find supplements that are gluten-free on ConsumerLab.com?

Gluten-Free supplements & vitamin information including other dietary features like vegetarian, vegan, and kosher on ConsumerLab.com. Our answer explains.

Finding Gluten-Free Supplements -- gluten-free seal

CL Answer

What are "hypoallergenic" supplements? How can I find hypoallergenic supplements on ConsumerLab.com?

Hypoallergenic supplements are typically formulated without ingredients known to be common food allergens, such as milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and nuts, and/or gluten , and certain artificial coloring agents, and fillers. ConsumerLab has tested many hypoallergenic supplements including multivitamins, probiotics, protein powders and more.

Hypoallergenic Supplements

CL Answer

Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

Information about heart health supplements & vitamins that help with cholesterol, including sterol esters, CoQ10, and vitamin D, and which may be bad for the heart, like calcium.

CL Answer

Does taking a laxative interfere with the absorption of vitamins or minerals?

Information on laxative interactions with other medications and supplements such as Maalox, antibiotics, and statins and diabetes medications.

Laxatives and vitamin and mineral absorption

News Release

May 22, 2020

Best Alternative Milks? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really in Plant-Based Milks

White Plains, New York, May 22, 2020 — Plant-based milks such as soy, oat and almond milk are often promoted as a healthy alternative to regular milk.

Clinical Update

5/11/2019

Best Oats for Controlling Blood Sugar?

A recent study compared the effects on blood sugar and insulin levels of steel-cut oats, old fashioned rolled oats, instant ("quick") oats, and honey nut oat cereal. The surprising results are found in the Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Pick for oat cereals.

Clinical Update

5/15/2019

How Do "Overnight Oats" Affect Blood Sugar?

We recently reported on the effects of various types of oats on blood sugar. A study by the same researchers has evaluated overnight oats – rolled oats soaked overnight in milk. Find out how overnight oats compare, see the Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals.

CL Answer

Which foods are a good source of B vitamins?

Find out which foods are a good source of B vitamins (like folate and B-12) and when you should take Vitamin B supplements.

Good Sources of B Vitamins -- selection of healthy foods including eggs, rice, nuts, seeds, salmon, chicken

Clinical Update

1/09/2024

Oats vs Supplement for Cholesterol?

Can eating oats every day reduce total and LDL cholesterol as much as taking a phytosterol/stanol supplement, like Cholestoff? Find out in our Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals, including steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats, and oat bran.

Also learn about red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol and our Top Pick among such supplements.

Product Review

Nutrition Bars & Cookies Review (For Energy, Fiber, Protein, Meal Replacement, and Whole Foods)

Find the Best Nutrition Bar or Cookie. ConsumerLab Tests Reveals Not All Nutrition Bars and Cookies Contain What They Claim.

Nutrition Bars Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com (Energy, Fiber, Meal Replacement, Protein, and Whole Food Bars)

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of nutritional yeast and is it safe?

Learn about the nutritional content and health benefits of nutritional yeast (nooch), evidence for or against nutritional yeast for boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, plus safety and side effects of nutritional yeast.

Nutritional Yeast

Clinical Update

2/07/2023

Chemical In Oats

Chlormequat – a compound with potential negative effects – has been found in many oat-based food products sold in the U.S. Should you be concerned? Get the details, including products with the highest amounts, in the Quality Concerns section of our Oat Cereals Review.

Clinical Update

11/04/2017

Cereal Fiber Reduces Risk of Death from Colorectal Cancer

Higher intakes of dietary fiber are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. A new study suggests that higher intakes of fiber from cereal may reduce the risk of dying among those who have the disease. How much is needed for a benefit? Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Oat Cereals Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for oat cereals in the Review.]

Clinical Update

1/12/2019

Fiber Benefits

Higher fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of many major diseases in a recent study. However, the average American consumes far below the recommended daily intake of fiber. As oats are a good source of fiber, we’ve added details from the new study in the "Benefits" section of the Oat Cereals Review. (Also see our Top Picks oat cereals.)

Clinical Update

6/14/2019

Glyphosate in Cheerios

A new report shows the amounts of the herbicide glyphosate in oat cereals, like Cheerios, and oat-based snacks. Should you be concerned? See our updated answer to the question: How concerned should I be about glyphosate in foods and supplements?

Clinical Update

5/19/2020

"Whole Grain" Is Not Enough

Not all "whole grain" products are equal when it comes to minimizing swings in blood sugar, according to a new study. Get the details in the Benefits section of the Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals.

Clinical Update

10/19/2016

How Much Do Oats Lower Cholesterol?

A new report shows that you can lower bad cholesterol by nearly 5% when eating certain amounts of whole oats or oat bran. For details, as well as our tests of products, see the Oat Cereals Review >>

Clinical Update

9/20/2022

Oats for Lowering Cholesterol & Improving Gut Health

Regularly consuming oatmeal may lower cholesterol and promote beneficial changes in gut bacteria in people with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details based on a recent study in our Oat Cereals Review.

Also see our article about supplements and foods for lowering cholesterol.

Clinical Update

4/18/2023

Lowering Cholesterol with Beta-glucan?

Consuming oats, which contain beta-glucan, can help lower cholesterol. But do beta-glucan supplements help? See what a study showed in the Benefits section of our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat products.

Also see our article about supplements for heart health to learn which other supplements may help lower cholesterol.

Product Review

Reishi Mushroom Supplements Review

Find the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement. See How Reishi Supplements Differ.

Reishi Mushrooms tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Is it true that most coffee is contaminated with mold?

Learn more about mold toxins that may be present in coffee, including mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1, and ochratoxin A (OTA).

Clinical Update

9/28/2022

Beta-glucan Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol?

Beta-glucan from cereals such as oats and barley may help lower cholesterol, but be aware that other sources of beta-glucan (including some supplements) may not. Find out in our CL Answer about supplements for heart health.

Clinical Update

5/06/2022

Toxin In Coffee?

Is roasted coffee likely to be contaminated with ochratoxin A? Find out what a recent study found in our updated article about contaminants in coffee.

Also see our articles about ochratoxin A in cocoa and chocolate and oat cereals.

CL Answer

How likely are Americans to be deficient in vitamins or minerals?

Read info based on the CDC about vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E, folate, and iron in the United States.

Vitamin Deficiency in Men and Women -- doctor's clipboard with information about vitamin deficiency

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

Clinical Update

6/09/2023

Glyphosate in Oat Milk?

Do oat milks contain glyphosate (the herbicide often used on oats)? Find out what a recent study showed in our Plant-Based Milks Review.

Also see our Top Picks among plant-based milks.

Product Review

Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)

Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.

Greens Review Oct 2023

News Release

September 11, 2019

Some Nutrition Bars Contain More Carbs and Less Fiber Than Listed, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal

White Plains, New York, September 11, 2019 — Nutrition bars and cookies are promoted as a convenient way to get protein, fiber and other nutrients on-the-go, but recent ConsumerLab tests of popular nutrition bars and cookies reveal that some contain more carbohydrates (as well as fat and ...

CL Answer

What is lunasin and does it really reduce cholesterol?

Lunasin supplement information, whether lunasin can lower cholesterol, safety and side effects, foods that contain lunasin, like soy.

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

Find out which supplements can help lower or control blood sugar. Supplements including turmeric/curcumin, fiber, cinnamon, and ginseng are believed to help lower blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Control -- blood test and blood sugar chart

Product Review

Baobab Dried Fruit Pulp Review Article

What Are the Benefits of Baobab Dried Fruit Pulp? Find Out What's In Baobab Super Fruit Products, Safety, Side Effects & More.

Baobab Dried Fruit Pulp Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

I've heard that soaking dried beans for 24 hours reduces the phytate level, allowing for greater access to nutrients. Is this true?

Does soaking dried beans in water help reduce phytate levels to help gain greater access to nutrients?

Soaking Beans to Remove Phytates -- white beans soaking in a bowl of water

CL Answer

I've heard that rice has high levels of arsenic. Does that mean rice bran oil does too?

Find out if rice bran oil can contain high levels of arsenic like whole rice and other rice products do.

Arsenic in Rice & Rice Bran Oil -- bottle of rice bran oil, grains of rice and bowl of rice bran

Clinical Update

5/29/2021

Plant Milks and Kidney Stones

Do almond, cashew, oat, soy or other plant-based milks increase the risk of kidney stones due to their oxalates? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Plant-Based Milks Review and see which carry the highest risk. Also see our Top Picks among plant-based milks.

CL Answer

Top 8 vitamins and nutrients for vegetarians and vegans

Find out which 8 supplements may be needed by vegetarians or vegans to meet all their daily nutrient requirements and learn ways to find supplements that do not contain ingredients objectionable to people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Woman pouring supplements into her hand while sitting in front of a table on which vegetables are placed

Recalls & Warnings

July 24, 2023

ONO Overnight Oats Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On July 18, 2023, ONO LLC issued a voluntary recall of the company’s ONO Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats due to undeclared milk.

CL Answer

What is acrylamide? Is it true that coffee and cocoa contain this toxin?

Find out what acrylamide is, how much is found in coffee and cocoa, and how you can minimize your intake of acrylamide.

Acrylamide in Coffee, French Fries & Cookies

CL Answer

Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low blood cell counts, especially when used in excess.

Woman holding various vitamins and supplements in her hands

Recalls & Warnings

December 13, 2023

Bobo’s Peach Oat Bars Recalled Due to Undeclared Coconut

On December 9, 2023, Bobo’s issued a nationwide recall of multiple lots of Bobo’s Peach Oat Bars because they may contain undeclared coconut.

Clinical Update

4/15/2022

Mushrooms for Lowering Cholesterol?

The beta-glucan in oats can help lower elevated levels of cholesterol, but can the beta-glucan in mushrooms do the same? Find out in our article about Supplements and Foods for Lowering Cholesterol.

Clinical Update

11/18/2022

Psyllium For Lowering Cholesterol?

A CL Member asked if psyllium could help lower cholesterol and how it differs from oats. Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for lowering cholesterol.

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods reduce or increase the risk of kidney stones?

Find out which supplements, foods and beverages may increase or decrease the risk of kidney stones, including information about potassium, calcium, choline, turmeric and curcumin, vitamin C, as well as foods and beverages such as green tea, lemon juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, chocolate and almonds.

Supplements for Kidney Stones

Clinical Update

1/10/2023

More Vitamin D in Cereals

Be aware that more vitamin D can now be added to breakfast cereals and nutrition bars based on a recent FDA ruling. Get the details in the What to Consider When Buying section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.

News Release

August 30, 2016

Surprising Results in Oat Cereals Study by ConsumerLab.com -- Popular Brands Tested for Fungal Toxin, Gluten and Heavy Metals

White Plains, New York, August 30, 2016 — Cheerios, rolled oats, steel-cut oats and other oat cereals can be a healthy choice for breakfast.

Recalls & Warnings

August 01, 2022

53 Protein, Meal Replacement and Nutritional Beverages Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination

On July 29, 2022, Lyons Magnus LLC issued a recall of 53 protein, meal replacement, and nutritional beverages, including those sold under the brand names of Glucerna, Premier Protein, Oatly, and others, due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from Cronobacter sakazakii.

Recalls & Warnings

July 18, 2017

Oat Cereal Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

On July 18, 2017, Garden of Light, Inc., recalled Woodstock Organic Matcha Vanilla Oats because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Recalls & Warnings

April 17, 2024

FDA Warns Lipari Foods for Mislabeled Walnuts, Other Violations

On April 9, 2024, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lipari Foods Operating Company, LLC following multiple complaints and subsequent product recalls in August and September of 2023, which found the company did not follow the requirements of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP), Hazard ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 09, 2023

Orgain Protein Powder Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On October 4, 2023, Orgain LLC issued a recall of four lots of the company’s Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor protein powder after a co-manufacturer informed the company that the product contained undeclared sesame, which is now one of nine food ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 10, 2020

Seller of Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Warned for Drug Claims

On October 29, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natural Sprout Co.

News Release

August 12, 2008

ConsumerLab.com finds improvements in labeling of nutrition bars but potential pitfalls exist -- New report compares 20 bars, including those for protein, fiber, energy and whole food

WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 12, 2008 — Labeling on nutrition bars has become more accurate, according to a new report by ConsumerLab.com.

Recalls & Warnings

November 27, 2017

Protein Bars Recalled After Consumer Finds Piece of Plastic in Bar

On November 23, 2017, Leclerc Foods recalled one lot of Fit & Active Chocolatey Chip Protein Meal Bars distributed to ALDI stores, as a precautionary measure after a small piece of yellow plastic was discovered by a consumer.

News Release

February 15, 2007

ConsumerLab.com survey shows brands and merchants rated highest by dietary supplement users

CONSUMERLAB.

Recalls & Warnings

August 03, 2017

Protein Bars Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

On August 2, 2017, Amrita Health Foods recalled several varieties of protein bars due to potential contamination with Listeria monoocytogenes.

Recalls & Warnings

July 24, 2017

Protein Bars Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

On July 21, 2017, Bhu Foods recalled a number of their products after their organic sunflower seeds, distributed by Hudson Valley Foods, Inc., were potentially contaminated with Listeria monoocytogenes.

News Release

July 18, 2005

ConsumerLab.com tests menopause supplements — Alternatives to hormonal therapy — Report available for 38 products including soy and red clover isoflavones, black cohosh, and progesterone creams

WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 18, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released a new report on the quality of supplements used to treat symptoms of menopause, notably hot flashes.

Recalls & Warnings

July 10, 2020

Sundial Herbal Recalls More Than Sixty Products Including Turmeric, Cinnamon & Tea

On July 9, 2020, Sundial Herbal Products issued a recall of more than 60 herbal products because they were misbranded and/ or promoted with drug claims. Their labels contain drug claims stating the products can diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease.

Recalls & Warnings

December 05, 2014

Maker of Immune Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On November 20, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Urban Moonshine, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

April 25, 2017

Soylent Powder Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On April 24, 2017, Soylent issued a recall of 890 boxes (containing 7 x 15 oz pouches) of Soylent 1.8 Powder, because the product may contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

October 13, 2016

Soylent Recalls Bars As It Investigates Complaints of Gastrointestinal Issues

On October 12, 2016, Soylent announced it is halting all Soylent Bar purchases and shipments while it investigates consumer complaints of gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea, after consuming the bars.

Recalls & Warnings

April 16, 2012

Protein Supplement Maker Fails FDA Audit -- Many Products Affected

The FDA sent a Warning Letter (dated April 2, 2012) to Theta Brothers Sports Nutrition, Inc. regarding numerous violations of good manufacturing practices at its Lakewood, New Jersey facility.

Recalls & Warnings

June 17, 2004

FTC Challenges Deceptive Weight Loss Claims for Supplement Targeted at Hispanics

On June 17, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new law enforcement action challenging false advertising for the 1-2-3 Diet Kit, a purported weight loss product.

Recalls & Warnings

June 13, 2013

Seller of Cardio, Immune, Greens Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims

On May 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement company Nature's Answer, following a review a the company's website, www.naturesanswer.

Recalls & Warnings

September 19, 2012

FDA Reports Arsenic in Rice Products -- Particularly Brown Rice

On September 19, 2012, the U.S. FDA released results of its testing of nearly 200 samples of rice and rice products, finding appreciable levels in many products, although the amounts in only a few exceed the cancer-warning threshold of the State of California (10 mcg per daily serving).