Granola

Here's the scoop on this tasty breakfast snack... 

Oats are toasted to golden perfection. Nuts like almonds or walnuts, and seeds like sunflower or pumpkin are added in for a satisfying crunch. Then a drizzle of honey, brown sugar or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and helps everything stick together. Thanks to its sugary coating, granola has a delightfully a chunky, crunchy texture. 

But wait, it's not just about the great taste – granola also boasts some impressive nutritional benefits too. Oats offer fibre for your tummy, while nuts and seeds bring healthy fats and protein to the party. 

When consumed in moderation, granola is generally considered a healthier breakfast choice than many other cereals, due to its high fibre and protein content. 

Absolutely, granola can be a healthy breakfast or snacking option when eaten in moderation. It's packed with a mix of nutrients and plant-based goodness (think nuts, seeds, wholegrains) that could offer various health benefits.  

If you are an active person, granola is often packed with complex carbohydrates which can help to fuel the muscles and supply slow releasing energy.1 Perfect for if you’re a gym bunny, you have an exercise class or you’re going running, hiking, or cycling. 

The oats that make up the base of granola are generally fibre-rich which helps to support a healthy digestive system.2 Hopefully this will take you all the way through until lunch time, without the need for sugary snacks. 

Nuts and seeds bring omega-3 fatty acids to the granola mix, which may have health benefits for our bodies Including supporting the normal function of the heart.3 

As well as this, nuts are high in protein, which is important for muscle building and repair, again this is great if you’re keen on exercise.4 

That said, remember to keep an eye on portions – it's easy to get carried away because it's just that good! Granola (especially shop-bought) can be high in sugar, and so it’s important to stick to the recommended serving size in order to get the best benefits. 

Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet – a sprinkle on yogurt, a topping for smoothie bowls, or a small handful as a snack. 

To enjoy your granola, simply pour a serving into a bowl and add your favourite milk for a tasty balanced breakfast.  

You can also sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl or use it as a topping for protein pancakes, or even mixed with yogurt as a perfect after-dinner treat. 

The possibilities are endless, and you can get creative with how you incorporate granola into your meals. 

You can also add extra ingredients to a ready-made healthy granola mix, for example fresh fruit like berries or bananas or extra nuts or pumpkin seeds – it’s incredibly versatile! 

Use a little granola in your baking to add a little extra crunch as a topping for muffins or baked in bread. 

Muesli is a minimally processed mixture of raw rolled oats, grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Unlike granola, muesli is not baked. 

While granola is baked and typically sweeter and crunchier, muesli is raw and chewier, relying on the natural flavours of its components.  

Choosing between the two depends on your preference for texture, sweetness, and the level of processing you're comfortable with. Both can be part of a balanced diet when chosen wisely, considering factors like added sugars and portion size.

Making your own granola cereal at home means that you’re able to control what ingredients to include in it. Plus, it’s super easy! 

If you don’t like one of the variety of nuts or seeds, then just leave them out or swap them for something else you’d prefer. 

If you fancy making your own, here’s what you will need to make homemade granola: 

For the bulk of this healthy yet super simple granola recipe, you will need rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaked almonds, dried berries, and coconut flakes. 

You can also start your homemade granola with a granola base, oat clusters which have a hint of honey and don’t need to be oven baked. 

Mix all the ingredients, aside from the dried fruit and coconut flakes, with maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil and mix together well. Pour this mixture into baking trays and spread evenly. Bake this in the oven for 15 minutes and then mix in the dried fruit and coconut flakes. 

Bake for 10-15 more minutes before removing and transferring the mixture onto a tray to cool. And then eat!