It’s no secret that choosing a gluten-free lifestyle is more and more common. Many people are giving up gluten in an effort to improve their health, lose weight, or simply because they feel better when they don’t eat it.
But what about granola? Is this delicious breakfast food really safe for people who can’t have gluten? Let’s take a look and find out if granola is gluten free.
Is Granola Gluten Free or Not?
Is granola gluten free or not? Granola is deliciously awesome, so this question makes a lot of sense. The answer is, unfortunately, not completely straightforward. Like many things in the gluten free world, it depends on the ingredients used.
Most granola is made with rolled oats, which are naturally gluten free. However, some manufacturers add wheat germ or bran, which can increase the gluten content.
So, if you’re wondering whether or not granola is gluten free, it’s best to check the label to be sure. There are several brands that offer certified gluten-free granola that are guaranteed to be free of any traces of gluten. With the threat of cross-contamination, this is the safest bet and the only way to ensure a store-bought granola is gluten free.
Another option is to make your own granola at home using safe ingredients (see recipe suggestions below). Either way, it is possible to enjoy your delicious bowl of granola guilt and worry free!
Related Article: Top 13 Gluten Free Cereals
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s what gives bread its chewy texture and helps it to rise.
Some people choose to go gluten-free for health reasons, while others simply prefer the taste of gluten-free foods.
For people with celiac disease, gluten can trigger an immune reaction that damages the small intestine. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other icky problems. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also have some symptoms after eating gluten. While the cause is not well understood, it still feels pretty darn uncomfortable!
No matter the reason, however, now is a great time to try a gluten free lifestyle because there are many many delicious options available for those looking to avoid gluten. And the list of gluten free granola below is just a start!
What is Granola Made Of?
You’ve probably seen granola in the cereal aisle of your grocery store, or maybe you’ve had it on top of yogurt or in a homemade trail mix. But what exactly is granola, and is it healthy?
Granola is a type of cereal made from old-fashioned oats, nuts, and dried fruit. It usually contains sugar or honey for sweetness, and it can be flavored with spices like cinnamon or ginger.
Granola is often considered a healthy food because it is high in fiber and low in fat. However, some brands of granola are very high in sugar and calories, so it’s important to read the nutrition label before you buy.
Top Gluten Free Granola Brands
There are a lot of gluten free granola brands on the market these days. With so many options, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking a gluten free granola brand:
- Taste: Of course, you want your gluten free granola to taste good! Make sure to read reviews or ask around before settling on a brand.
- Ingredients: Pay attention to what’s in your granola. Some brands use healthy ingredients while others load up on sugar and preservatives. Choose a brand that uses real, whole ingredients that you can pronounce.
- Price: Gluten free anything can be pricey and granola is no different. Compare prices between brands for the best deals.
Here are some yummy certified gluten free options to try!
- Purely Elizabeth Gluten-Free
- Kind Healthy Grains Oat and Honey Clusters
- Simple Truth Oats and Honey Granola Clusters
- Udi’s Granola (many varieties)
- Nature’s Path Organic Coconut and Cashew Nut Butter Granola
- Erin Baker’s Chocolate Coconut Crunch
5 Yummy Ways to Use Granola
Granola is a delicious and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some of my favorite ways to use granola:
- For breakfast, you can enjoy granola with milk or yogurt. You can also add granola to pancakes or waffles for a hearty and tasty breakfast.
- Granola makes a great topping for desserts such as pies, cakes, and ice cream. It adds a nice crunch and sweetness to any dessert.
- You can also enjoy granola as a snack on its own. It’s a great way to satisfy your hunger between meals.
- Granola is also a great addition to trail mix. Simply add it to your favorite nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a delicious snack.
- Make your own granola bars at home by adding granola to a mixture of melted butter, honey, and brown sugar. Press the mixture into a pan and refrigerate until firm. Then, cut into bars and enjoy.
Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
Want to try making your own gluten free granola bars? Check out these awesome recipes!
Does Granola Go Bad?
A lot of people ask “Does granola go bad?” The answer is yes, like all foods granola will eventually go bad. However, if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, granola can last for several months.
Bottom Line
Whether or not granola is safe for those with a gluten free lifestyle really depends on the ingredients used. Most granolas are made with rolled oats, which are naturally gluten free. However, it’s always best to look for certified gluten free granola or use a recipe to make your own at home!
Want to Know More?
Want to know if your other favorite foods are really okay to eat when following a gluten free diet? Check out this helpful category here on Breadish, Can I Eat That?
