The Rise of Healthy Snacking: Why Granola Is a Smart Choice
This gradual shift towards healthy eating has also influenced snacking habits. As more and more consumers are turning their backs on processed foods, added sugars and other unhealthy nasties, a demand for healthy snack alternatives that provide nutrition with convenience is emerging. Granola to the Rescue with so many products on the market, healthy snacking with granola easily comes time and time again as one of the simplifying options, as it not only packs nutrition in but also is versatile and filled with energy to keep you going.
The Rise of Snack Healthier Options
Snack foods such as potato chips, candy bars, and pastries usually have high amounts of calories, unhealthy fats, and artificial components. The growing awareness with people around their health has also increased the demand for healthy options. High granola health benefits make it a go to snack of specially for the health cautious person looking to once swap processed snack with something healthier.
Consumers want snacks these days that deliver protein, fiber and natural ingredients without sacrificing flavor. This has spawned also low-sugar granola, high-protein snacks and organic ingredients that will fit clean eating.
Granola vs. Other Popular Snack Options
When it comes to deciding on a snack, many people often consider granola alongside other seemingly wholesome foods like protein bars and trail mix. Here’s how granola compares to them:
- Granola vs. Protein Bars: Protein bars are deceptively marketed as healthy options, but most include artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other processed ingredients. Granola made from nuts and seeds that’s high in protein is a great natural source of protein without the secret ingredients of so many protein bars.
- Granola vs Potato chips: Potato chips are typically high in saturated fat and sodium but low in nutrition. Granola, by comparison, offers a punch of fiber, protein and vitamins, making it the wiser offering for nutritious snacks while at work or on the go.
- Granola vs Trail Mix: Trail mix can be healthy, but it can pack a calorie punch, and often has added sugar from dried fruits or chocolate pieces. Granola — particularly low-sugar granola — is easier to portion than oatmeal and can still provide fiber and nutrients.
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Granola
The balanced macronutrient composition is one of the reasons granola for energy is so effective. Good granola mixes naturally contain:
- Fiber-Rich Whole Grains Oats: The main ingredient in granola, and a source of an abundance of fiber, which supports digestive health as well as heart health.
- Healthy Fats from Nuts and Seeds: They're full of healthy fats in the form of essential fatty acids which help to stimulate brain function including nuts such as; almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, as well.
- Natural Sweeteners: So many brands use honey or maple syrup and have removed refined sugar, making is granola a healthy snack? a resounding yes if done wisely.
- Protein for Sustained Energy: Ingredients like nuts, seeds and protein-packed grains help keep you fuller longer.
Granola for Weight Loss & Special Diets
If you are looking for the best granola for losing weight, go with kinds that:
- Low in added sugars
- High in fiber and protein
- Simply made with whole natural ingredients
There are also low-sugar granola options for those sticking to a lower-carb or sugar-conscious eating plan, as well as gluten-free and keto-friendly granolas if you're following one of those tighter diets.
How to Add Granola to Your Diet
Perhaps one of the best things about granola, though, is its utter versatility. There are several ways to enjoy it:
- As a craving-builder for yogurt and smoothie bowls
- Combined with milk or plant-based alternatives for a gooey breakfast
- Sprinkled into baked goods such as muffins or energy bars
- Shattered on salads for a crispy crunch
Conclusion
Granola industry is popular for snack food that's made up of rolled oats, nuts, honey or other sweeteners, and can be eaten alone, added to breakfast cereals, or used as an ingredient in all sorts of recipes. It is more nutritious than protein bars, chips, uses more natural ingredients and allows you to be very flexible with your meals. The best granola will help you feel energized, manage your weight, or simply provide you with that extra bite to satisfy your palate, so there’s no denying that finding the right granola to incorporate into your diet is key to helping you stay healthy.
When making smart choices and selecting for a low-added sugar high-protein granola, you can reap all the rewards of eating granola without sacrificing your wellness goals. If you want to know more about this and the various granola varieties and the growing industry (and how they fit into it) read our granola industry guide.
Sources:
News Outlet: Healthline
Trade Organization: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Whole Grains Council
Company: Bob’s Red Mill
