Granola is a popular breakfast food that also doubles as the ultimate snack, perfect for mid-morning munches at work or tummy rumbles on hillside hikes — but is it healthy? We’ve got the lowdown here.
What is in granola?
Granola is a type of loose breakfast cereal that contains a mixture of grains such as rolled oats, dried fruit such as raisins and cranberries, nuts, seeds and added sweetener such as honey or golden syrup.
Is granola vegan?
Not all granola is vegan, despite the fact it contains many fruits and grains. This is because honey can often be used as a sweetener and binder in granola clusters, so if on a plant-based diet, always check the label to see whether it is suitable.
Does granola have nutritional value?
Granola is a great source of fibre and protein, especially those with nuts and seeds. If the granola contains oats, it will also contain minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, as well as vitamins E and B.
Is granola healthy?
It depends on what type you are having. Granola can range from being unsweetened to having sweeteners added, which means the calories per serving depends on what type you have. Generally though, look at labels for the quantity of added sugar and salt too if you’re looking for a healthier granola.
And if you want to try making your own, (that way you can control how much of everything you add in!) check out our recipe here.
FAQs
Does granola have nutritional value? Granola is a great source of fibre and protein, especially those with nuts and seeds. If the granola contains oats, it will also contain minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, as well as vitamins E and B.
Is it healthy to eat granola everyday? ›
The Bottom Line
Granola is healthy in small amounts, especially because oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit in granola provide some fiber that's good for heart and gut health. However, granola can also be a rich source of calories, saturated fat and sugar, depending on the brand you buy.
What was the downside to granola as a food? ›
On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy.
What is a healthy amount of granola to eat? ›
The serving size for granola can differ by brand, but a typical portion of granola is 1/3 cup, says Sass, “about the size of one-third of a tennis ball.” That means sitting down to a big bowl of granola for breakfast is excessive.
Is granola better for you than Oatmeal? ›
Which One Is Better for Breakfast? Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.
What is the healthiest breakfast? ›
The healthiest breakfast foods include a protein, healthy fat and source of carbohydrates, according to Smolen. For a healthy breakfast, consider eating foods like oatmeal with nut butter, avocado toast with an egg, chia seed pudding or a greek yogurt parfait with nuts and berries.
What to avoid in granola? ›
As such, watch out for ingredients like chocolate chips, honey, and dried fruit with added sugar. Granola may prompt weight gain if eaten in excess, as it can be high in calories from added fats and sugars. What's more, sugar is linked to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Is granola an inflammatory food? ›
High-fiber foods, like the oats and whole grains found in granola, fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer. Dietary studies have found eating a high-fiber diet can help you lose weight. Dried fruit and nuts also contain antioxidants, like vitamin E, which can lower inflammation in the body.
Is granola bad for cholesterol? ›
Granola, a popular breakfast food that comes in a plethora of varieties, is said to be high in saturated fats and sugar; and as it turns out, is linked to an increased risk of high cholesterol levels. Honey is also linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol.
Is granola a processed food? ›
Store-bought granola bars are counted as ultra-processed, but you can look for options that are more nutritious. Ultra-processed foods typically contain ingredients not used in home kitchens,13 so preparing granola bars at home would make them less processed.
A Quick Review. Peanut butter packs many health-promoting nutrients that benefit heart health, blood sugar, and weight management. The nut butter might help you get a good night's rest and help you feel full longer. Peanut butter can be a good companion to apples, bananas, chocolate, or simply eaten by the spoonful.
What is healthier than granola? ›
Without anything added to it, muesli is healthier than granola in the sense that it has less fat and sugar. However, if it's prepared with juice or contains a lot of dried fruit, muesli gains the sugar, calories, and carbohydrates that already exist in granola.
Is granola a carb or protein? ›
Granola may form part of a varied and balanced diet, but it's best to keep to the recommended portion size because granola is high in calories, carbs and sugar.
Is granola good fat or bad fat? ›
Saturated fat: The fats in many granolas are healthy, but the granolas with a lot of coconut oil or coconut can be high in unhealthy saturated fat. For example, Paleonola Grain Free Cinnamon Blueberry Granola has 10.5 grams in ⅓ cup. Coconut oil is often touted as healthier, but the evidence is thin.
Is granola more healthy than cereal? ›
While both granola and cereal may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. Granola is a healthier, more nutrient-dense, and joyfully versatile option that will not only make your taste buds dance but also keep your body happy and healthy.
Why is granola so high in calories? ›
Granola is also calorie dense – some contain a little more than 300 calories per cup, but others can pack up to 600 calories per cup, from added oils, coconut, chocolate and added sugars including evaporated cane juice, honey, maple syrup, molasses, cane sugar and brown rice syrup.
