The Hidden Dangers of Roundup: Why Choosing Organic Pantry Goods Matters

Amber Charboneau
Mar 20
2 min read

When you pick up a bag of wheat berries, oats, or popcorn at the store, the last thing you may think about is herbicides. But in today’s agricultural landscape, crops are often treated with Roundup, a widely used herbicide containing glyphosate. While it’s marketed as a solution for weeds, research suggests that glyphosate and other chemicals in Roundup may pose risks to human health. If you’re looking for a reason to switch to organic pantry goods, here’s what you need to know.

How Roundup Affects Common Crops

Roundup is sprayed heavily on genetically modified (GM) crops like corn and soybeans, but it’s also used on non-GMO grains, including wheat and oats, as a pre-harvest drying agent. This means that even non-GMO conventional wheat berries, popcorn, and other grains can carry glyphosate residues.

Crops most affected include:

Wheat & Oats – Often treated with Roundup before harvest to speed up drying.
Corn & Soybeans – Over 90% of these crops in the U.S. are genetically modified to withstand glyphosate.
Popcorn – Though non-GMO, conventional popcorn may still be exposed to glyphosate through soil and water contamination.

Unfortunately, glyphosate residues don’t just stay in the field—they make their way into processed foods, cereals, and even snacks, increasing daily exposure levels.

What’s in Roundup, and Why Should You Be Concerned?

Glyphosate isn’t the only concerning ingredient in Roundup. Other harmful chemicals include:

POEA (Polyethoxylated Tallow Amine) – A surfactant that helps glyphosate absorb into plants but is more toxic than glyphosate itself.
Heavy Metals – Some formulations of Roundup contain trace amounts of arsenic and other contaminants.
AMPA (Aminomethylphosphonic Acid) – A breakdown product of glyphosate that lingers in soil and water.

Studies have linked long-term glyphosate exposure to health risks such as:

Cancer – The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen" in 2015.
Hormone Disruption – Research shows glyphosate can interfere with hormone function and fertility.
Gut Health Issues – Glyphosate has antibiotic-like effects that can harm beneficial gut bacteria.

The Organic Difference

One of the best ways to avoid exposure to glyphosate and other chemicals is by choosing organic grains and pantry goods. Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic herbicides like Roundup, meaning your wheat berries, popcorn, and oats are grown without these harmful residues.

By choosing organic, you’re not just protecting your health—you’re also supporting sustainable farming practices that promote soil health and biodiversity.

Final Thoughts on Organic Pantry Goods

Your pantry staples may seem simple, but they can have a big impact on your well-being. Opting for organic wheat berries, oats, and popcorn ensures that your food is free from glyphosate and other harmful chemicals. At The Well Collection, we’re committed to providing high-quality organic dry goods that nourish both you and the planet—because what you eat matters.

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