Granola is a versatile food that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. Packed with vitamins and fiber, it can work as a nutritious breakfast, post-workout meal, or a filling snack. There are also multiple flavors for you to choose from, whether you want something sweet, nutty, or fruity. Plus, there are many allergy-friendly and low-sugar options available.
To help you find your new favorite granola out of the hundreds of choices, we carefully picked 10 options that stood out to us. Our number one pick is Nature's Path Love Crunch Premium Granola, which is a delectable blend of peanut butter and chocolate. Read on to see the rest of our list! And for more information on how to choose granola, check out our buying guide, which was reviewed by a registered dietitian.
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Choosing great granola is not an easy task! There are hundreds of options available, all with different ingredients and nutritional information. In this buying guide, we provide you with all of the details you need to know.
Granola varies greatly in how much nutrition it provides. Some granolas are full of fiber and healthy fats, while other granolas are high in sugar.
Granolas are high in fiber due to whole grains, nuts, and dried fruit. If you want to add extra fiber to your diet, you should look for granolas that contain these gut-friendly ingredients.
High-fiber options can help you feel fuller for longer, making them an excellent breakfast or snack. Feeling full can also help you manage your weight if you're prone to over-snacking.
Granola can be surprisingly high in sugar. There are three types of sugar to consider: natural, added, and artificial sweeteners. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 36 grams per day for men and 25 grams for women.
Natural sugars occur in whole foods that are naturally sweet, like dried fruit. Added sugars are added by the manufacturer to make the finished product sweeter, like regular table sugar and natural sweeteners like honey.
Added sugars are indicated on a separate line on the nutrition label. If you're reading the ingredients, note that sugar can go by many names, including sucrose, brown rice syrup, dextrose, and more.
There are many types of artificial sweeteners and their properties vary, but they're generally sweeter than table sugar and lower in carbohydrates. Artificial sweeteners are usually preferred by diabetics and people on low-carb diets.
However, there are more natural sweeteners low in calories nowadays, and these are usually better for your health. Consider options sweetened with stevia or monk fruit if you want to avoid artificial sweeteners but keep your sugar intake low.
Noncaloric sweeteners can make a difference when it comes to overall sugar and carbohydrate content. Be mindful when you are first incorporating new sweeteners. Adding too much at once can lead to GI discomfort. It might be helpful to switch one product or serving at a time rather than finding several sugar-free alternatives and swapping them out immediately.
Getting healthy fat in your diet is great for heart health, hormone regulation, brain function, and satiety. Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts are a great source of monounsaturated fat and omega-6s. Chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts are rich in omega-3s. All of these ingredients provide nutrients, flavor, and crunch!
If you eat a lot of granola, you probably already know whether you like your granola with clumps or without. Depending on the ingredients, granola can consist of crunchy clusters or have a smoother texture like muesli.
Oats and nuts don't naturally clump, so manufacturers often use ingredients like sweeteners and flour to create clusters. You can usually get an idea of the granola's texture by looking at the pictures, but it can also help to read reviews to see what buyers think.
Larger clumps are usually better with liquids or thinner foods, like milk or yogurt, since they won't get soggy and can be easily scooped with a spoon. On the other hand, clump-free options are handy for baking since they are easier to distribute evenly and mix.
One of the great things about granola is how many different flavors there are. You might like your granola plain and or packed with dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate. If you're eating granola on its own, multiple textures and flavors might be best. However, simpler may be better if you're using it for recipes, like granola bars or parfaits.
At its most basic, granola is made from oats that are toasted and lightly sweetened. If you want something simple, you can stop here! However, you can also find granolas with flavorful coatings like peanut butter, maple, and chocolate.
Many granolas go beyond the oats and add other ingredients like puffed rice, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. This adds more texture and flavor to the granola.
Granola tends to have a fairly small serving size. When you're incorporating it into your day, it will likely be a topping. It is easy to get caught up in fears of added sugar or excess calories.
When you're comparing different flavors of granola, the calories and sugar will vary slightly. Most of these differences are minimal and not worth you buying a flavor you don't enjoy. When you are comfortable with food labels, these changes can seem less intimidating.
Before purchasing, you should keep in mind your diet, including any food restrictions or allergies. Some options may have ingredients that don't fit certain diets, like dairy for vegans or gluten for those with celiac disease.
Many granolas contain oats and dried fruit, which are both high in carbohydrates. If you're on a keto or low-carb diet, look for nut and seed-based granolas with items like almonds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and coconut. Be sure to check the nutrition facts as well.
If you're vegan, check to see what type of sweetener is used. Granolas can be sweetened with honey, which some vegans prefer to avoid. For dairy, nut, or gluten allergies, look carefully at the product details to ensure that it meets your dietary needs and is processed in a designated allergen-free facility.
$15.90
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Nature's Path's granola has 13 grams of whole grains per serving, helping you feel satisfied. It's flavored with peanut butter and Fair Trade dark chocolate chunks for an indulgent taste, yet it only has six grams of sugar per serving. Plus, the company donates a bag to food banks for every one sold.
There are reports that the chocolate melts, which may be an issue if you live somewhere warm. Otherwise, the vast majority of reviewers praise its addictive flavor, saying it's a perfect blend of salty and sweet. They also love that it has great crunch and makes a satisfying breakfast or snack.
$12.99
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If you're looking for a keto, paleo, or low-carb granola, consider Low Karb's Keto Nut Granola. One serving has three grams of net carbs, four grams of fiber, and five grams of protein. It's made from a blend of nuts, seeds, and coconut chips, with dried blueberries and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Some reviewers note that the serving size is only one-third of a cup, which is quite small and may not be filling. However, most reviewers on low-carb diets are amazed at how tasty the granola is, especially the blueberries. They liked the crunch and level of sweetness, saying it's delicious with yogurt or as a snack.
$13.59
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This peanut butter granola is made from 100 percent whole grains, including oats, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa. It's made with soy isolate for 10 grams of protein per serving, helping you feel full. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free!
A few reviewers are skeptical about the quality of this granola on Amazon, so we included a link to Kind's official e-commerce site. But, reviewers overwhelmingly love its peanut butter flavor and crunchy texture. Overall, they say it's delicious with milk, on yogurt, or by the handful straight out of the bag!
$12.97
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This cinnamon almond granola is perfect for those on a keto diet that don't want to give up sweets. It has less than one gram of sugar per serving, and the sweetness comes from monk fruit, stevia, and erythritol. These sweeteners have a low glycemic index, meaning that they don't dramatically affect blood glucose levels.
It should be noted that there might be an aftertaste from the sweeteners used. Overall, however, many reviewers say it has a great crunch and strong cinnamon flavor. They also confirm that it's sweet enough to satisfy their sweet tooth!
$4.59
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This granola is full of fiber and protein, helping you feel full and stay energized. It's made with whole grain oats, wheat, and almonds, and it has an impressive 45 grams of whole grains per serving! It's sweetened with brown sugar and honey, too.
Some reviewers note that it's higher in sugar if you have more than one serving, which is half of a cup. On the other hand, many complimented the granola's taste and crunch, saying the almonds and honey are delicious. They also confirm that it's very filling!
$22.99
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This variety pack of granola from Wildway is free of wheat, corn, and oats. Instead, it gets its soft and chewy texture from a mix of dried fruit and nuts. There are no added sweeteners or artificial flavors, just dates, apples, and vanilla! There are three flavors in this variety pack: banana nut, apple cinnamon, and coconut cashew.
A handful of reviewers note that the serving size is too small, so it may be better as a snack than a meal. Still, the majority of reviewers praise it for being full of nutritious whole food ingredients that fit a variety of diets. They loved the flavor and said the fruit provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
$24.99
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This unique organic granola is coconut-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free. It's produced in the USA using a solar-powered bakery, and all of the ingredients are fair-trade certified. So, if the environment and fair working conditions are important to you, this is an excellent choice!
Overall, reviewers love the crunch and flavor of this granola, with some saying it's the best gluten-free and paleo-friendly option they've tried! They appreciate that it's filling and tasty while still being low-sugar. Many enjoy it with yogurt for breakfast!
$9.99
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Looking for granola with a stronger flavor? This coconut-rich option includes warming spices, like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, to create a chai flavor. Plus, it has only five grams of sugar per serving from coconut sugar and monk fruit extract.
This granola receives praise for its unique, addicting flavor. Many confirm that it tastes like a chai latte, and others say it reminds them of gingerbread cookies. Reviewers also like that it's sweet without being cloying, and many appreciate that it's made with wholesome ingredients.
$4.29
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This simple granola is made with only nine ingredients, including vanilla, almonds, and quinoa. Its straightforward flavor profile makes it a more versatile choice for mixing in yogurt or baking. It's also higher in protein, helping you feel full. Plus, it has large clumps, making it excellent with milk or as a snack.
A few reviewers note that it's quite crunchy, possibly overly so. On the other hand, many reviewers say it's tasty and has just the right amount of sweetness. They also confirm that it's delicious in yogurt, milk, or smoothie bowls.
$23.34
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Bear Naked's granola keeps things simple with just eight ingredients, consisting primarily of sweetened whole grain oats. It has six grams of protein per serving but only five grams of fat. Plus, it's richer in minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.
A couple of reviewers wish that there were more almonds per bag. However, many reviewers appreciate the simple ingredient list. They also like that it has large, crunchy clusters and a nice balance of sweetness. Many enjoy it with milk, as a snack, or on oatmeal.
If you want full control over the ingredients in your granola, why not try making your own? Follow along with Alix from Tasty as she demonstrates how to make customizable granola at home.
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Rachel helped us not just by fact-checking our article, but she offered to answer some common questions about granola, too.
Rachel says, "Yes, oats are gluten-free. However, they are often processed in facilities with gluten. This can cause contamination. There are granola and oat brands that specify that they are gluten-free. Granola can also be made with ingredients other than oats. Look out for other foods that may contain gluten such as wheat, flour, cereals and cookies."
Rachel says, "If you are focused on weight loss, I would encourage you to look at added sugars and protein on the food label. Added sugars can be fairly high and provide calories that aren't as necessary. Granola can also be low in protein. If you can pair it with some yogurt or nut butter, it will make your snacks much more substantial. All foods have their place in a healthy lifestyle."
Do you have a sweet tooth, or are you more of a salty snacker? Either way, check out some of our recommended healthy snacks below!
There are a ton of granolas on the market, and we only covered 10 of them! To check out even more options, take a look at Amazon's best sellers below.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
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