Healthy Granola

wildest_jjk · 5 Jul 2015 at 13:58

Hi everyone,

I've been trying a few different types of granola lately but have noticed that virtually all the different variations are not as healthly as one might assume.

Is it possible to buy healthy granola anywhere?

Thanks

D3K · 5 Jul 2015 at 14:00

What health aspects are you looking for?

If its fibre then nothing comes close to all bran.

wildest_jjk · 5 Jul 2015 at 14:06

To me it just seems that the fat, saturate fats and sugar are all quite high for what it is. Perhaps I'm just expecting it to be less?

Thanks

D3K · 5 Jul 2015 at 14:10

Obligatory dm link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...-coke--fat-fries-Busting-diet-food-myths.html

Jolteh · 6 Jul 2015 at 13:32

wildest_jjk said:
Hi everyone,

I've been trying a few different types of granola lately but have noticed that virtually all the different variations are not as healthly as one might assume.

Is it possible to buy healthy granola anywhere?

Thanks

Yea, healthy granola is available in pretty much any shop. It's called 'Porridge Oats'.

FrenchTart · 6 Jul 2015 at 13:50

I'd argue that granola is perfectly healthy. You simply need to be aware of what it contains and appropriate amounts to eat based on your requirements.

uv · 6 Jul 2015 at 17:13

Make it yourself. It's super easy, and you'll know exactly what's in it. It'll also be a fraction of the cost, unless you were buying stuff that barely counts as food.

Jolteh · 7 Jul 2015 at 02:54

FrenchTart said:
I'd argue that granola is perfectly healthy. You simply need to be aware of what it contains and appropriate amounts to eat based on your requirements.

I agree insofar as if you make your own you can make a granola that isn't quite as bad as the store-bought stuff, but I don't think I'd go as far as perfectly healthy.

It seems to me that granola is just taking something that most people agree is a pretty great food to eat (oats) and then covering it in honey and brown sugar and baking it. You might also chuck some nuts or whatever in there to make it look wholesome.

I think of granola compared to oats in the same way as I think of fruit juice compared to an actual piece of fruit. They're close enough that some clever marketing would have you believe that they're healthy, but they're actually probably not.

I love the stuff, but I definitely consider it a treat rather than a healthy breakfast.

Freefaller · 7 Jul 2015 at 08:00

Just look for one with low sugar content.

FrenchTart · 7 Jul 2015 at 08:21

Jolteh said:
I agree insofar as if you make your own you can make a granola that isn't quite as bad as the store-bought stuff, but I don't think I'd go as far as perfectly healthy.

It seems to me that granola is just taking something that most people agree is a pretty great food to eat (oats) and then covering it in honey and brown sugar and baking it. You might also chuck some nuts or whatever in there to make it look wholesome.

I think of granola compared to oats in the same way as I think of fruit juice compared to an actual piece of fruit. They're close enough that some clever marketing would have you believe that they're healthy, but they're actually probably not.

I love the stuff, but I definitely consider it a treat rather than a healthy breakfast.

Oh, I agree. I was being a little glib in my other reply

I eat granola either as the equivalent of a chocolate bar or if I'm out on a long ride as a great source of carbs.

Freefaller · 7 Jul 2015 at 08:48

The good quality granola is a million times better than frosties or other cereals, but of course oats wins

FrenchTart · 7 Jul 2015 at 08:53

I'm sure it is. To be honest in my case I really only eat granola bars. Cereals for breakfast have never done it for me (well, maybe when I was in primary school or something). Before a ride I'll usually make up some oats of some kind.

cheesyboy · 7 Jul 2015 at 09:43

Granola is only really any good as a "treat". It's just so sugary.

Can anyone recommend a specific low-sugar version? I generally eat un-sweetened muesli, but it does get a bit boring after a while and I need to mix it up a bit.

wildest_jjk · 7 Jul 2015 at 10:59

Thanks everyone for responding

cheesyboy said:
Granola is only really any good as a "treat". It's just so sugary.

Can anyone recommend a specific low-sugar version? I generally eat un-sweetened muesli, but it does get a bit boring after a while and I need to mix it up a bit.

This is what I was hoping for but unfortunately it does sound like this isn't really possible. I think I will just move to All Bran or something lol.

It is a shame that there isn't a healthy equivalent as it does look healthy, until you read the nutritional information for a 45g serving!

uv · 7 Jul 2015 at 14:28

cheesyboy said:
Can anyone recommend a specific low-sugar version?

If I'm aiming for lower-sugar, I'll make it with Maple Syrup - though I usually make granola primarily as a source of carbs for cycling. You can also use less syrup/honey/agave, and add sweetness via desiccated coconut, dried apricots, things like that.

Freefaller · 7 Jul 2015 at 14:35

There are plenty of "low sugar" granola available but you pay a premium for it. You can buy it from health food stores (or online), or look for it in supermarkets and just look at the sugar content.

I love granola, but it's a snack/treat for me, I normally have it with quark and some berries (blueberries, raspberries etc...). Making your own isn't too complicated and you can control the sugar content better.

PlanetGong · 8 Jul 2015 at 10:24

I've made this one before and it tasted pretty good!

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1590/goodforyou-granola

boxman2000 · 8 Jul 2015 at 11:40

My wife has recently gotten into Ella Woodward's (Deliciously Ella) cook book. She has made this a few times and it actually really quite nice, although it's a bit OTT on cinnamon (or just needs to be mixed in slowly).

I would have that with other cereal or in porridge as it's quite rich on it's own (as I find most granola).