Is Granola Good for You? Pros & Cons, Plus How to Choose the Healthiest Type

Certain foods, like flaxseeds, fruits, and whole grains, have been shown to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure). Making diet and lifestyle changes like eating a diet rich in whole grains and vegetables may reduce the amount of medication you need to take.

Health Benefits of Granola

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 6%
• Vitamin B6 0%
• Magnesium 0%
• Calcium 2%
• Vitamin D 0%
• Cobalamin 0%
• Vitamin A 0%

Crunchy, sweet, and satisfying, granola is a popular breakfast topping or daily snack. It tastes good — and it’s good for you. There are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Sprinkle a little on top of yogurt or ice cream, mix it with milk, or add hot water for a nourishing meal that will warm you up on a cold day.

If you’re making your own granola, you can use a number of different ingredients, such as:

• Oats
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Flax seeds
• Vanilla
• Maple syrup
• Coconut flakes
• Dried fruits
• Sunflower seeds

The health benefits will vary depending on the ingredients, but this beloved breakfast food is a healthy and delicious snack.

Health Benefits

These ingredients are full of fiber and good fats, making granola a nutrient-dense food. Here are some of the ways eating granola can benefit your health:

It’s not just health insurance premiums, but also deductibles, that keep on rising. In 2018, the average deductible was $3,000 for a gold-tier family plan, $8,000 for a silver-tier family plan and $12,000 for a bronze-tier family plan, according to USC Annenberg’s Center for Health Journalism.

Weight Loss

High-fiber foods, like the oats and whole grains found in granola, fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer. Dietary studies have found eating a high-fiber diet can help you lose weight.

Disease Prevention

Dried fruit and nuts also contain antioxidants, like vitamin E, which can lower inflammation in the body. Antioxidants prevent cell damage that can cause serious diseases such as cancer.

Improves Blood Pressure

Certain foods, like flaxseeds, fruits, and whole grains, have been shown to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure). Making diet and lifestyle changes like eating a diet rich in whole grains and vegetables may reduce the amount of medication you need to take.

Decreases Cholesterol Levels

Oats contain a compound called beta-glucan, which has been shown to reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol clogs blood vessels and can lead to heart disease or other health problems.

Other whole grains found in granola types, like quinoa or teff, contain important amino acids and protein.

Reduces High Blood Sugar

Whole grains and dried fruits contain fiber. Eating more fiber slows the rate at which your body digests sugar and carbohydrates, preventing a spike in blood sugar levels.

Boosts Gut Health

Certain grains in granola contain prebiotic fiber, which may increase the levels of healthy gut bacteria compared to cereals made with refined grains.

Nutrition

Granola provides protein and important micronutrients like iron, vitamin D, folate, and zinc. Serving sizes vary from 1/4 cup to a full cup depending on the type and brand you choose.

Granola can also be an excellent source of:

• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Calcium

Nutrients per Serving

Here’s a sample of nutrition information for a 2/3 cup serving of Quaker® low-fat granola with raisins:

• Calories: 213
• Fat: 3 grams
• Cholesterol: 1 milligram
• Sugar: 14 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 44 grams
• Vitamin A: 0 milligrams
• Vitamin C: 0 milligrams
• Calcium: 400 milligrams
• Iron: 1.6 milligrams

Portion Size

Granola contains dried fruit, which is high in sugar, and high-fat tree nuts like almonds or walnuts. If too much is eaten, you could develop health problems or take in too many calories. Read the label before you buy and check the overall calories, total sugar, and fat content.

Look for brands with more grains, oats, seeds, and dried fruit, and avoid granola with added sweeteners or honey. Alternatively, you could make your own granola! Portion control is also important to avoid consuming excess calories. It may be helpful to measure out one or two servings first, so you don’t overeat.

How to Prepare Granola

Granola is prepackaged and easy to prepare. These are a few ways to eat granola:

• Pour granola into a bowl or container
• Add dairy milk, nut milk, or hot water to enjoy hot or cold
• Sprinkle on top of yogurt
• Take a small handful right from the bag

You can also make your own granola, which is a good way to avoid the excess fats and sugars you may find in store-bought brands.

Show Sources

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Nutrient-Rich Foods: What is a Whole Grain?”

British Journal of Nutrition: “Whole-grain wheat breakfast cereal has a prebiotic effect on the human gut microbiota: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Micronutrient Facts.”

ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon.

Food Science and Nutrition: “The effect of fiber on satiety and food intake: A systematic review.”

Irish Journal of Medical Science: “Non-pharmacological management of hypertension: in the light of current research.”

MedlinePlus: “Soluble vs. insoluble fiber.”

Science News: “Antioxidants: Preventing Diseases, Naturally.”

The World’s Healthiest Foods: “Granola with Fresh Fruit.”

Is Granola Good for You? Pros & Cons, Plus How to Choose the Healthiest Type

Whether you’re looking for a sugary fix or something more filling that’s made with nuts, seeds and whole grains, there’s no shortage of granola cereal options in grocery stores. Considering it makes for a quick and easy breakfast when mixed with things like fruit or yogurt, it can be tempting to eat granola almost every day.

Is granola good for you? Ultimately, it depends on the specific kind you eat— since some types, including those with less sugar and fewer processed grains, are much healthier options than others.

What Is Granola?

Granola is a cereal-like product that’s usually made with oats, sugar, oil, and some blend of dried fruit, nuts and seeds.

There are lots of different types of granola, so ingredients within these products can really vary. This is why it’s important to read ingredient labels when picking out granola in stores and to watch your portion size too.

Nutrition Facts

The tricky thing about granola is that it’s easy to overeat, since a standard serving size is only about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup. If you double this portion, which is easy to do, you consume lots of calories, sugar and fat without even realizing it.

The nutrition content of granola depends on the specific kind and how it’s made, especially how much sugar and oil are used.

One fourth-cup serving of store-bought granola (which is only about four tablespoons) contains approximately:

• 130 calories
• 13 grams carbohydrates
• 4 grams protein
• 8 grams fat
• 2 grams fiber
• 1.1 milligrams iron (6% DV)

Is Granola Good for You?

Is granola good for you? It certainly can be, but it depends on which type you consume.

What are the benefits of eating granola? If you choose a healthy granola — for example, one made with rolled oats, minimal sugar and nuts/seeds — then benefits can include:

• Providing fiber — Ingredients like rolled oats, dried fruits and seeds are good sources of dietary fiber, which is filling and beneficial for digestive health. Studies show that consuming whole grain cereals, including granola with oats, can improve gastrointestinal health by having prebiotic effects that feed healthy microbes in the gut.
• Supporting heart health — The same ingredients mentioned above can help lower cholesterol due to their fiber content, while nuts and seeds can increase HDL “good” cholesterol.
• Providing nutrients like iron and potassium — Dried fruits, such as raisins, figs and cranberries, are good sources of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium and iron. These minerals support healthy blood flow, blood pressure, cellular functions, oxygenation, muscle contractions and more. Oats are also a relatively good source of iron, magnesium, calcium and B vitamins.
• Supplying carbohydrates for energy — For athletes or people about to work out, a bit of granola is a good source of fast-acting carbs that can fuel the muscles and brain. If you have a sweet tooth, having a bit in place of sugary snacks like cookies can be a smart swap.
• Shelf-stable and portable — Another pro is that it’s easy to pack and eat anywhere, including when traveling, camping, etc.

Downsides (Risks and Side Effects)

Just because granola may be labeled as “natural” or even “gluten-free” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.

Is granola good for losing weight? Not exactly, considering it’s relatively high in calories, even for a small serving,

If you choose a brand that’s full of sugar, sweeteners, refined grains and oil, it becomes a food that’s bad for your metabolism. That’s because sugary granola can spike blood sugar levels and lead to overeating.

Here are downsides and potential risks of consuming granola:

• Often high in added sugar and other sweeteners, which are used to bind the ingredients together and improve the taste. High consumption of sugar raises the risk for health issues like weight gain, obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• High in calories, with about 200 to 240 calories per half-cup serving (which isn’t very big!). Granola can be a sneaky source of calories, especially when you mix it with whole milk, honey and other toppings.
• Can be made with refined oils and fats, such as corn oil, sunflower oil and others. Compared to oils like virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil, refined vegetable oils are higher in omega-6 fatty acids, which many people already consume too many of.

How to Pick the Healthiest Granola

Like choosing other packaged foods, make sure to carefully read the ingredient and nutrition labels of granolas you’re considering buying.

Pay attention to the sugar content and how many different types of sugars are added, including those under the names:

• dextrose
• syrups
• fructose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
• honey
• lactose
• maltose
• maple syrup
• molasses
• nectars
• sucrose

Some things to look for in healthy granola include:

• Low sugar content — It’s OK if granola contains a small amount of sugar, but ideally you want to the amount to be about four grams or less of added sugar per serving. Opt for types made with natural sweeteners like fruit, honey or maple syrup.
• High fiber content — A good way to tell if granola is made with quality ingredients is to check the fiber. Look for types that provide three to five grams of fiber per serving.
• Recognizable ingredients — Look for brands that have straightforward ingredients, such as oats and fruit, but no artificial ingredients you don’t recognize. Other healthy ingredients can include cinnamon, vanilla, almonds, walnuts, puffed brown rice, wheat germ, wheat bran, cocoa, and chia, flaxseed, hemp, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
• Unrefined fats/oils — The healthiest granolas contain a small amount of oils like olive oil, coconut oil or canola oil but do not contain trans fats.
• Grain-free/gluten-free options — If you follow a low-carb or Paleo diet, opt for low-sugar granolas that contain no grains at all, such as those made with nuts and seeds instead of oats. This is also a good option if you follow a gluten-free diet.

Recipes

To get the most benefits from granola, keep portion sizes small, and pair with other healthy ingredients. Try about 1/3 cup of low-sugar granola with unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened yogurt or a bit of fruit.

Because it’s not very high in protein on its own, it’s a good idea to consume granola with a source of protein if you’re eating it as a meal, such as by topping yogurt or a protein smoothie with some.

Here are some recipe ideas for enjoying healthy granola, including the type you can easily make at home, which helps you control the ingredients:

• No-Bake Homemade Granola Bars
• Grainless Granola Recipe
• Coconut Yogurt Chia Seed Smoothie Bowl
• Berry Protein Smoothie Recipe

Conclusion

• Granola is a type of cereal product made with ingredients like oils, fruit, nuts, seeds, and usually added sugar and oil.
• Is it OK to eat granola every day? It really depends on the kind, since many types are high in sugar, fat from refined oils and calories.
• On the other hand, brands that make healthy granola, or homemade versions, can be a good source of fiber, complex carbs, iron, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and more.
• Will eating granola make you fat? Possibly, if you eat big servings of it. It’s important to keep an eye on how much you consume, since the calories can add up fast. Stick to about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day, and pair it with other healthy ingredients, like yogurt, almond milk and fruit.

Popular Nutrition Posts

Is Granola Healthy? Benefits and Downsides

Granola is usually considered a healthy breakfast cereal.

It’s a toasted mixture of rolled oats, nuts, and a sweetener like sugar or honey, though it can also include other grains, puffed rice, dried fruit, seeds, spices, and nut butters.

Yet, some ingredients — such as chocolate, oils, and syrups — may be high in added sugars and fats.

This article explains whether granola is healthy and examines its benefits and downsides.

Granola is calorie-dense, as well as rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients. In particular, it may provide iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin E.

However, its nutritional profile varies widely depending on the specific ingredients used.

The table below compares the nutrients in two different brands of granola ( 1 , 2 ):

The first is lower in fat and calories but much higher in carbs and sugar, while the second is higher in fat and calories but also higher in protein and fiber.

In general, granola with more dried fruits or added sweetener is higher in sugar, nut- and seed-based varieties are higher in protein, and those with more whole grains are higher in fiber.

Summary

The nutrients in granola vary depending on the ingredients, though some are a good source of micronutrients and fiber. Certain brands may have more calories, protein, fiber, fat, or sugar than others.

Although there’s little scientific research on granola itself, common ingredients, including oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, and almonds, are linked to numerous health benefits.

Filling and high in fiber

Most granola is rich in protein and fiber, which both contribute to fullness.

Protein even influences levels of important fullness hormones like ghrelin and GLP-1 ( 3 , 4 , 5 ).

High-protein ingredients in granola may include nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, and seeds like hemp, pumpkin, and sesame.

Additionally, high-fiber foods like oats, nuts, and seeds slow down the emptying of your stomach and increase digestion time, which can help you feel fuller for longer — and may aid appetite control ( 6 , 7 )

Other potential health benefits

Granola may also:

• Improve blood pressure. High-fiber ingredients like oats and flax seeds have been shown to help reduce blood pressure ( 8 , 9 ).
• Reduce cholesterol levels. Oats are a good source of beta glucan, a type of fiber that works to reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, two risk factors for heart disease ( 10 , 11 ).
• Reduce blood sugar. Whole grains, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds may help reduce and control blood sugar levels, particularly in people with obesity or prediabetes ( 12 , 13 , 14 ).
• Improve gut health. Granola has been found to increase levels of healthy gut bacteria, compared with refined breakfast cereals ( 11 ).
• Provide many antioxidants. Ingredients such as coconut, chia seeds, and Brazil nuts are good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants like gallic acid, quercetin, selenium, and vitamin E (15, 16 , 17 ).

Easy to take on the go

Granola has long been a top choice for hikers and backpackers, as it’s easy to store and keeps for a long time.

Much like trail mix, it provides extra energy and protein during endurance activities.

Granola is also made into snack bars, which are easier to portion out and pack. However, these tend to be more highly processed and loaded with added sugars, oils, and additives.

Summary

Many types of granola contain healthy ingredients that may offer numerous benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and gut health.

Although granola contains several healthy ingredients, it can be high in calories and packed with added fats and sugars.

Fats like vegetable oil, coconut oil, and nut butters are often included to help bind the ingredients, add flavor, and aid in the toasting process.

However, these can supply excess calories. Eating more than the specified portion may lead to unwanted weight gain, increasing your risk of obesity and metabolic disease ( 18 ).

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends limiting sugar intake to 10% of your total daily calories, which equates to about 12 teaspoons (50 grams) of sugar for someone following a 2,000-calorie diet ( 19 ).

Some granolas have nearly 4 teaspoons (17 grams) of sugar in a single serving. Because it’s common to eat more than the standard serving size, you could be getting a substantial amount of sugar in just one bowl.

Eating too much sugar may increase your risk of many conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cavities, and even some types of cancer ( 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ).

As such, watch out for ingredients like chocolate chips, honey, and dried fruit with added sugar.

Summary

Granola may prompt weight gain if eaten in excess, as it can be high in calories from added fats and sugars. What’s more, sugar is linked to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.