What are the main ingredients in muesli?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for his hospital patients, the traditional preparation of muesli was to soak oats in water overnight. Modern interpretations are still built upon a foundation of whole grains, nuts, and dried fruit, but with endless possibilities for customization.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the core components of muesli, explaining the role of whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. It details the variations in recipes and provides a comparison with similar breakfast foods like granola and oatmeal, covering both traditional and modern approaches.

Key Points

Whole Grains Foundation: The base of most muesli recipes consists of whole grains, with rolled oats being the most common and traditional ingredient.
Nut and Seed Inclusions: Essential for added texture and nutrition, a variety of nuts and seeds are mixed in, providing protein, healthy fats, and minerals.
Natural Sweetness from Dried Fruit: Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates are used to provide natural sweetness and additional vitamins without the need for refined sugar.
Muesli vs. Granola: A key distinction is that muesli is typically uncooked and contains no added oil or binders, unlike granola, which is baked to create a crunchy, clustered texture.
High in Fiber and Nutrients: The combination of whole grains, nuts, and seeds makes muesli a significant source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which support heart health and digestion.
Versatile and Customizable: Muesli is highly adaptable, allowing for personal customization with different grains, mix-ins, and preparations, including soaking it overnight for a softer texture.

Muesli's journey from a medicinal preparation to a global breakfast staple is a testament to its simple yet nutritious composition. While variations abound, the essence remains a wholesome blend of raw, natural ingredients. The core components—whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit—create a versatile base that can be customized to individual taste and dietary needs.

The Foundational Grains: The Base of Every Muesli

At the heart of every muesli recipe are whole grains, providing the bulk, fiber, and chewy texture. The most common and traditional grain used is rolled oats. Unlike quick-cooking or steel-cut oats, old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape and chewiness well, especially when soaked overnight. However, the grain component can be expanded to include other flakes for a more complex flavor and nutrient profile.

Common Grains Used:

Rolled Oats: The quintessential muesli ingredient, offering soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that is beneficial for heart health and digestion.
Rye and Barley Flakes: These grains contribute a denser texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Wheat Bran: The outer layer of the wheat kernel, it is an excellent source of insoluble fiber.
Quinoa Flakes: A gluten-free option, quinoa adds a complete protein and earthy taste.

The Rich Additions: Nuts and Seeds

Adding nuts and seeds transforms muesli from a simple cereal into a powerhouse of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They also provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the softness of soaked grains. Many recipes involve toasting these ingredients to enhance their flavor before mixing.

Popular Nuts and Seeds:

Almonds: Sliced or whole almonds offer vitamin E and monounsaturated fats.
Walnuts and Pecans: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they contribute a distinct, earthy taste.
Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): These are excellent sources of magnesium, iron, and other essential minerals.
Chia and Flax Seeds: Small but mighty, these seeds are packed with fiber and omega-3s, and thicken the mixture when soaked.

The Sweet Enhancements: Dried Fruits and Flavorings

Dried fruit provides natural sweetness, eliminating the need for excessive added sugars. It also adds extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the mix. The variety of dried fruits used can significantly change the flavor profile of the muesli.

Common Dried Fruits:

Raisins and Sultanas: The most traditional choices for their sweet, chewy texture.
Apricots and Cherries: Chopped dried apricots or cherries lend a tart, fruity flavor.
Dates: Diced dates or date pellets offer a deep, caramel-like sweetness and extra fiber.
Coconut Flakes: Add a tropical flavor and a pleasant chewiness.

Muesli vs. Granola: A Comparison

Although they share many ingredients, muesli and granola differ primarily in preparation and fat/sugar content. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right breakfast for your needs.


Feature	Muesli	Granola
Preparation	Typically served raw, soaked in milk, yogurt, or juice, or briefly cooked.	Baked in the oven with a sweetener (like honey or maple syrup) and oil.
Texture	Loose, raw, and chewy when soaked. Can be crunchy if grains are toasted but not baked with a binder.	Crunchy and often clumped into clusters due to the baking process.
Ingredients	Usually features whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit without binders.	Uses similar ingredients but includes oil and a binder to create clusters.
Sugar/Fat Content	Generally lower in sugar and fat, as sweetness comes from natural fruit.	Often higher in sugar and fat due to the added sweeteners and oil used in baking.
Serving	Can be served cold as a cereal, hot as a porridge, or as overnight oats.	Best served cold, often over yogurt, as a snack, or with milk.

Customizing Your Muesli

One of the greatest appeals of muesli is its flexibility. You can create your own blend based on your taste preferences, dietary requirements, and nutritional goals. To make a homemade mix, simply combine your preferred grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in an airtight container for storage.

For a different twist, try creating a Bircher-style muesli by soaking the raw grains overnight with grated apple, lemon juice, and milk or yogurt. The soaking process softens the oats and makes them easier to digest. You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cardamom for extra warmth. The possibilities are truly endless.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Nutritious Choice

The main ingredients in muesli—whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit—work together to create a balanced and satisfying meal. From the fiber-rich foundation of rolled oats to the nutrient density of its mix-ins, muesli offers a healthy start to the day. By understanding its core components, you can easily craft a customized blend that is both delicious and tailored to your specific health needs.

Visit WebMD for more information on the health benefits of muesli

Frequently Asked Questions

The core ingredients in traditional muesli are rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. The original Bircher-Benner recipe also included grated fresh apple, lemon juice, and condensed milk.

Yes, muesli is typically made with raw, untoasted rolled oats, unlike granola which is baked. Some recipes may lightly toast the oats and nuts to enhance flavor, but they are not bound together with oil and sugar.

Muesli is a loose mix of raw grains, nuts, and dried fruit, while granola is baked with a sweetener and oil to bind the ingredients and create clusters. Muesli generally has less sugar and fat than granola.

You can customize muesli by swapping in different types of rolled grains (like rye or barley flakes), nuts (walnuts, cashews, pistachios), seeds (chia, flax, sesame), and dried fruits (cherries, figs, coconut flakes).

Muesli can be eaten in several ways: as a cold cereal with milk or yogurt, soaked overnight in liquid for a creamier texture, or cooked briefly on the stove as a warm porridge.

Muesli is not inherently gluten-free, as it often contains rolled oats and other grains that may be processed with gluten-containing items. However, certified gluten-free versions are available if specifically made with gluten-free grains.

Muesli is rich in fiber from its whole grains, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy fats, protein, and minerals, while dried fruits add vitamins and antioxidants.