What are the ingredients in Quaker granola?

January 14, 2026 •

2 min read

According to product labels, all Quaker granola products begin with a foundation of whole grain oats, which are baked with sweeteners and oils to create their signature crunchy clusters. So, what are the ingredients in Quaker granola beyond just the oats? The specific composition varies significantly depending on the product line and flavor, with added nuts, dried fruits, and flavorings defining each unique blend.

Quick Summary

A breakdown of Quaker granola ingredients reveals a base of whole grain oats, whole grain wheat, and sweeteners like sugar and honey. Additional components include various vegetable oils, nuts, dried fruits, and milk-based additives, which differ across varieties like Simply Granola and Chewy Bars.

Key Points

Whole Grain Base: Most Quaker granola and bars feature a foundation of whole grain oats and often whole grain wheat.
Sweeteners Vary by Product: Recipes use different sweeteners, including brown sugar and honey for clusters or corn syrup and molasses for chewier bars.
Oils for Texture: Vegetable oils such as canola and soybean oil are standard, providing crunch and binding.
Mix-ins Determine Flavor: Flavor-specific ingredients like almonds, raisins, chocolate chips, and dried fruit are added to create variety.
Additives and Preservatives: Ingredients like tocopherols (preservative) and glycerin (softener) are used for freshness and texture.
Allergens Are Common: Many products contain common allergens such as milk, wheat, tree nuts (almonds), soy, and coconut, which are clearly listed.

Core Ingredients in Quaker Granola

Quaker granola products share several fundamental ingredients, though specific recipes vary. The base typically includes whole grains, sweeteners and binders for texture and flavor, and oils for baking.

Grains

Whole grains provide the primary structure. Common grains include whole grain oats and often whole grain wheat for texture. Brown rice crisp is used in products like Chewy Granola Bars for a lighter texture.

Sweeteners and Binders

Sweeteners such as sugar and brown sugar are used for taste and to help create clusters. Honey is a key sweetener and binder in varieties like Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds. Syrups like corn syrup and molasses are frequently used in Chewy Granola Bars for a softer texture.

Oils

Vegetable oils are essential for baking, contributing to color and crunch. Canola and soybean oil are commonly used. Some Chewy bars may also contain palm or palm kernel oil.

Specific Additions by Variety

Quaker distinguishes its flavors and product lines with various add-ins.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds are added to some Simply Granola and Protein Granola flavors. Peanuts or peanut-flavored chips are found in specific Chewy bar flavors.

Fruits and Chocolate

Raisins, dried cranberries, or apples provide fruity notes in some Simply Granola options. Semisweet chocolate chips or chunks are popular in Chewy Granola Bars.

Dairy and Protein

Whey and nonfat dry milk are included in many granolas for flavor and texture. Protein Granola contains added milk protein isolate and whey protein.

Other Ingredients

Minor ingredients include natural flavorings, which may contain allergens like coconut. For a detailed comparison of ingredients between Simply Granola and Chewy Granola Bars, including specific components like grains, sweeteners, oils, mix-ins, texture enhancers, allergens, and preservatives used, please refer to the table provided on {Link: Cash Wise Foods https://shop.cashwise.com/store/cash-wise-foods/products/24655109-quaker-variety-granola-cereal-or-fruit-bars-25-3-oz}.

Additives and Preservatives

Quaker uses additives and preservatives for quality and shelf life. Tocopherols act as antioxidants to maintain freshness. Ingredients like sorbitol and glycerin are used in Chewy bars to keep them soft. While generally approved, some consumers may prefer products with fewer additives. Always consult the product label for full details.

Conclusion

Understanding what are the ingredients in Quaker granola involves recognizing the common base and the variations across product lines. All varieties start with whole grain oats and are baked with sweeteners and oils. Beyond this, ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate differentiate flavors. Reviewing the specific ingredient list on the packaging is the best way to know exactly what is in a particular Quaker granola product and to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many Quaker granola varieties, particularly the Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds, list honey as a key ingredient for sweetness and binding.

Not all Quaker granola products are peanut-free. While some products may be made in a peanut-free facility, others like the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar contain peanuts and may contain other nuts, so always check the allergen statement on the packaging.

Quaker uses a variety of vegetable oils depending on the product, including canola and/or soybean oil. Some Chewy Granola Bars also contain palm and palm kernel oils.

Yes, Quaker Simply Granola is made with whole grains, with whole grain oats and whole grain wheat being primary ingredients.

According to product information, many Quaker granolas state 'no artificial flavors' or 'no added colors'. However, they do use natural flavorings and a preservative called tocopherols to maintain freshness.

Quaker granola is a loose cereal, while Quaker Chewy bars are pressed and bound into a softer, portable snack bar. This difference in texture is reflected in their ingredient list, with bars containing additional binders like corn syrup and glycerin.

No, many Quaker granola products are not vegan. The ingredient lists for popular varieties like Simply Granola and Protein Granola include milk derivatives such as whey, nonfat dry milk, and honey.