Is Simply Nature oats and honey granola gluten-free?: A Nutritional Guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Spoonful app, Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola Cereal is explicitly listed as not gluten-free due to containing barley malt syrup. Therefore, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid this particular product, despite oats being naturally gluten-free.

Quick Summary

The Simply Nature Oats & Honey granola variety is not suitable for a gluten-free diet because it contains barley malt syrup, an ingredient derived from barley. Not all Simply Nature granolas are the same, and consumers must inspect the label carefully to identify suitable, certified gluten-free versions.

Key Points

The Oats & Honey variety is NOT gluten-free: The Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola Cereal contains barley malt syrup, which is a source of gluten.
Barley malt syrup is the key ingredient to avoid: This ingredient, used for flavor and sweetness, is derived from barley and renders the product unsafe for a gluten-free diet.
Oats can be a source of cross-contamination: Even when oats are naturally gluten-free, they can be processed in facilities that also handle gluten grains, leading to contamination, which is another risk factor.
Not all Simply Nature granolas are the same: While the Oats & Honey flavor is not gluten-free, Simply Nature offers other varieties, like Apple Almond Honey and Coconut Cacao, that are specifically labeled and marketed as gluten-free,.
Always check the label for certifications: The most reliable way to ensure a granola is gluten-free is to look for a specific certification logo, such as that from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Read the full ingredient list, every time: Manufacturers can change recipes, so it is essential to check the ingredient list on every package, looking for words like 'barley malt', 'wheat', or 'malt' to prevent accidental gluten consumption.

The Definitive Answer: Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola is NOT Gluten-Free

For anyone following a gluten-free diet, careful label reading is non-negotiable. While the name "oats and honey" might sound safe, the Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola is not a gluten-free product. The key culprit is the presence of organic barley malt syrup in its ingredient list. Barley is a grain that contains gluten, making this granola unsuitable for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. This is a crucial distinction to make, as many individuals assume that all oat-based products are automatically safe.

Why Oats are Tricky for a Gluten-Free Diet

Oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, yet products containing them can pose a risk. This is because conventional oats are often grown, harvested, or processed in close proximity to or on the same equipment as gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. This common practice leads to cross-contamination, where minute particles of gluten can mix with the oats. For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a severe autoimmune response. This is why many certified gluten-free oat products exist—they use oats that have been handled separately to ensure purity. Since the Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola contains non-certified oats and an added gluten ingredient, it is doubly unsuitable for a strict gluten-free regimen.

The Importance of Reading the Full Ingredient List

It is a common pitfall to assume a product is safe based solely on its name or appearance. This is why reading the complete ingredient list is so vital. In the case of Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola, the presence of barley malt syrup is the clear disqualifier. This ingredient serves as a sweetener and flavoring agent but introduces gluten into the product. Other common hidden sources of gluten in granolas can include various types of malt, oat syrup solids (which can be derived from barley), and processing warnings about wheat contamination. A quick glance at a label is not enough; one must examine every component to ensure dietary safety.

Different Simply Nature Granola Varieties Have Different Gluten Statuses

This is a critical point of confusion for consumers. Just because one Simply Nature granola is not gluten-free does not mean all of them are. For instance, the brand also produces a Simply Nature Coconut Cacao Granola, which Gluten Free Watchdog identified as gluten-free and lists "gluten-free oats" in its ingredients. Similarly, a Simply Nature Apple Almond Honey Granola is also marketed as gluten-free. This highlights the need for due diligence on every individual package purchased. The manufacturer may change formulations over time, so checking the label each and every time is the only way to be certain.

Comparing Simply Nature Granola Varieties

To better illustrate the difference, consider the table below comparing the Oats & Honey variety with a confirmed gluten-free Simply Nature option.


Feature	Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola	Simply Nature Apple Almond Honey Granola	Certified Gluten-Free Product (Example: Coconut Cacao)
Gluten-Free Status	No (contains barley malt syrup)	Yes (clearly labeled)	Yes (clearly labeled and certified)
Oats Type	Organic Whole Rolled Oats	Not specified, but product is labeled GF	Gluten-free Oats
Key Sweetener	Organic Barley Malt Syrup, Honey	Honey	Honey, Cane Sugar
Primary Allergens	May contain tree nuts, wheat, and soy	Almonds, Honey	Almonds, Coconut
Certifications	USDA Organic	USDA Organic	Gluten-Free Certification (e.g., GFCO)

What to Do If You've Consumed the Wrong Product

Accidental gluten consumption can be distressing for those with celiac disease. Symptoms can vary greatly, from digestive issues to fatigue and skin problems. If you've realized you ate the Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola and believe you've had a gluten exposure, here are some steps to consider:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush your system.
Rest: Give your body time to recover. Symptoms can last for days or weeks.
Focus on Bland Foods: Stick to foods that are naturally easy to digest, such as rice, bananas, or plain cooked vegetables.
Consider Activated Charcoal (with caution): Some individuals find that activated charcoal can help with gas and bloating, but it is not a cure and should be used under a doctor's guidance.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms are severe or persistent, it's always best to consult with a doctor or dietitian. They can offer personalized advice and support.

Navigating Granola Choices for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

For those seeking a safe granola option, the best practice is to look for specific gluten-free certification logos from recognized organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These certifications indicate that the product has been tested to meet strict standards for gluten content. Relying on ingredient lists alone, while essential, doesn't always account for potential cross-contamination. Certifications offer an extra layer of assurance. Many brands offer a variety of certified gluten-free granolas, so there are plenty of delicious and safe options available for your dietary needs.

Conclusion: A Clear Verdict on Simply Nature Oats & Honey Granola

In conclusion, the specific answer to "Is Simply Nature oats and honey granola gluten-free?" is no, it is not. This is due to the presence of organic barley malt syrup, a gluten-containing ingredient. However, this does not mean all Simply Nature products are off-limits. The brand offers other granola varieties that are labeled as gluten-free, such as the Apple Almond Honey and Coconut Cacao options,. The ultimate takeaway is the absolute necessity of reading product labels thoroughly, verifying certifications, and avoiding assumptions based on a product's general description. This vigilance is key to safely and successfully managing a gluten-free diet.

For additional verification and information on products from this manufacturer, an excellent resource is the Gluten Free Watchdog, which has tested various Simply Nature items sold at ALDI.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the Oats & Honey flavor is not gluten-free, Simply Nature offers other varieties that are, such as the Coconut Cacao and Apple Almond Honey granolas,. You must check the label of each specific product to confirm.

No, you should still avoid the Simply Nature Oats & Honey granola. The presence of barley malt syrup makes it unsuitable for anyone with a gluten sensitivity, regardless of whether it is a celiac diagnosis.

Barley malt syrup is a sweetener derived from barley, a grain that naturally contains gluten. It's often used as a flavoring agent in foods like granola, but it introduces gluten into the final product.

It is important to buy certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often grown and processed in facilities with gluten-containing grains, which can introduce gluten during manufacturing.

No, not all Simply Nature products are gluten-free. While the brand offers many gluten-free options, like certain granolas and broths, others contain gluten, such as the Oats & Honey granola and organic shells & cheese. You must check each product's label.

No, the USDA Organic certification only guarantees that a product meets specific organic farming and processing standards. It does not automatically mean a product is gluten-free. You must look for a specific gluten-free certification logo.

Beyond checking the ingredient list for gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye, look for a 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging and, ideally, a certification logo from an organization like GFCO.