Gluten Free, Dairy Free Pumpkin Protein Oatmeal Bars; and why avoiding Glyphosate matters

Nothing welcomes fall quite like the scent of pumpkin and spices coming from the kitchen! If you, like me, crave a cozy treat that’s both nourishing and allergy-friendly, these gluten-free, dairy-free pumpkin oatmeal bars are about to become your new seasonal staple!

But there’s more to this recipe than health-conscious substitutions—it’s also about making thoughtful choices, right down to the purity of your oats. Let’s talk about why steering clear of glyphosate can make a real difference for your wellbeing.

Oats, though naturally gluten-free, are often contaminated with a controversial herbicide—glyphosate. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, most commonly known as the active ingredient in Roundup®. It has been used for decades in agriculture to control weeds, particularly in crops like wheat, oats, and corn. In recent years, glyphosate has come under scrutiny due to growing concerns about its potential health risks and environmental impact.

One major issue is that glyphosate can persist as a residue on crops. Oats are often sprayed with glyphosate prior to harvest—a process called “desiccation”—to help dry the plants and make harvesting easier. While this practice is efficient for farmers, it means that glyphosate residues can end up in the oats you buy, and thus in the foods you make for yourself and your family.

The conversation around glyphosate is complex. Some regulatory agencies maintain that glyphosate levels typically found in food are safe. However, several studies and organizations (including the International Agency for Research on Cancer) have raised concerns, suggesting that glyphosate may be a probable human carcinogen. There are also ongoing debates about its effects on gut health, hormone balance, and the health of children and vulnerable populations.

While research continues, many health-conscious consumers—including those with allergies or sensitivities—are choosing to limit their exposure as a precautionary measure. With this in mind, I have been switching over most of my pantry staples to products that have are labeled "glyphosate free" when I can.

A brand I trust for Glyphosate free products is ZEGO. All of their products are free of gluten and top allergens, with strict safety standards from seed selection to harvest processing to ensure the highest level of gluten free safety. They also test products for over 400 toxins, pesticides and heavy metals, so you can enjoy your baking without worry this holiday season!

Now, to the recipe... with just banana and maple syrup for sweetness, these bars are delicious and nutritious! Feel free to get creative with other mix ins or toppings.

Ingredients:

1 banana

1 Cup pumpkin

1/4 Cup maple syrup

1 egg

1 Tsp Vanilla

1/4 Cup nut butter

1/4 Cup vegan chocolate chips

Pumpkin Pie Spice

2 Cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats

1 scoop Collagen or Dairy Free Protein Powder

Directions:

1.) Preheat the oven to 350F.

2.) Mash the banana and then mix the wet ingredients in a bowl.

3.) Combine the dry ingredients, and add to the wet ingredients.

4.) Fold in the chocolate chips.

5.) Grease an 8x8 baking dish with coconut oil.

6.) Bake for 25-30 minutes. Drizzle with chocolate or nut butter. Let cool before slicing. Enjoy! :)