Granola is a top snack nowadays as they are versatile, but they are not created equal. With so many brands and varieties on the market, though, it can be confusing to choose a quality one. Knowing the best granola ingredients and what makes a granola healthy will enable you to make a good choice that serves your diet needs and your taste buds.
How to Shop for High-Quality Granola
When selecting granola, it’s important to evaluate the list of ingredients, nutritional value and processing practices. These are some important considerations:
Whole Grains as the Base
Most granola mixes are built on oats. They add fiber, aid digestion, and ensure stable energy levels. Granola (high-fiber, made with whole grains, like oats, quinoa or brown rice): great as a healthy snack option for long-lasting satiety and gut health.
Healthy Fats and Protein: Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, cashews and seeds like chia, flax and sunflower pack in protein, healthy fats and important nutrients. Granola without added sugar, but with plenty of nuts and seeds, is a healthier and more balanced snack.
Natural Sweeteners Over Refined Sugars
The healthiest granolas have natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar, rather than refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Granola that is sweetened naturally still tastes good without the added sugar, which is even better for anyone counting their sugar intake.
Few Additives and Preservatives
Stay away from granolas containing artificial flavors, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils. The more simplistic that ingredient label, the more natural and healthy that granola.
Different Types of Granolas and Their Benefits
This matters because you don't know that there are different types of granolas you could be eating the wrong granola for your dietary needs and health goals.
Organic Granola
As Organic granola industry is growing, granola is made from the ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic granola brands with the best choices offer a cleaner and more eco-friendly solution.
Gluten-Free Granola
Companion gluten-free granola: For people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, granola options made from gluten-free oats (and certified gluten-free) that has not been contaminated are available and healthful.
High-Protein Granola
If you are looking for a snack that is rich in protein, choose granolas with protein boosters such as nuts, seeds or added protein powder. Best granola for diet includes a higher protein content to satisfy your hunger longer.
Granola with Low or No Added Sugar
Store-bought granolas often contain too much sugar, a downside of even the healthiest brands. You can also find granola made without added sugar (wonders!) or naturally sweetened with dried fruits or honey for more healthful choices.
High-Fiber Granola
Fiber plays an essential role in digestive health and helping you feel full. Granola made with whole grain oats, flaxseeds, and other high-fiber whole grains may encourage optimal digestive function and provides sustained energy.
Comparing Store-Bought Granola Brands
With so many granola brands out there, it’s worthwhile comparing brands in the market based on ingredients, sugar, and nutritional exactly. What to keep in mind when assessing the best store-bought granola:
- Ingredient transparency: Brands that provide whole, recognizable ingredients.
- Sugar content: Try to aim for 8g of sugar (or less) per serving
- Fiber and protein content: More of these in a snack makes it more filling.
- All Natural and non-GMO certification to add even more peace of mind.
How to Pick the Best Granola for You
- For Weight Management: Seek out high-protein, high-fiber and low-sugar varieties.
- For an Energy Boost: Opt for granolas with nuts, seeds and whole grains.
- For a healthy diet: Use granola with minimal extras: organic or home-made.
- For those that are gluten sensitive: Look for certified gluten-free labeling.
Conclusion
Choosing the right granola is more complicated than grabbing a cute package. On the other hand, avoiding harmful ingredients in your granola is imperative in addition to selecting the best granola ingredients — whole grains, nuts, seeds, natural sweeteners, etc. So, whatever the case may be: best organic brands in granola industry, gluten-free granola varieties, or granola without added sugar, you can make an educated choice that provides the benefit you’re after without the unwanted additions.
Sources:
Government Agency: USDA FoodData Central
Healthcare Organization: Cleveland Clinic
Company: Whole Foods Market
Media Outlet: Consumer Reports
