What Brand of Granola is the Healthiest?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Consumer Reports, many granolas contain surprising amounts of added sugar, with some exceeding healthy limits by over 60% per serving. Navigating the cereal aisle to find out what brand of granola is the healthiest can be surprisingly tricky, as many options are laden with sugar and unhealthy fats masked by a 'healthy' halo. This comprehensive guide provides expert insights and comparisons to help you choose the best granola for your health goals.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals the healthiest granola brands by examining key nutritional indicators like added sugar, fiber, and healthy fats. This guide details what to look for and compares top options to aid your search for a genuinely nutritious granola.

Key Points

Check Added Sugar: Prioritize granolas with less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving to avoid excess intake.
Look for High Fiber: Choose options with at least 3-5 grams of fiber from whole grains, nuts, and seeds to aid digestion and promote fullness.
Choose Healthy Fats: Opt for granolas made with olive or nut-based oils over processed vegetable or canola oils to support heart health.
Scrutinize the Ingredients List: Select granolas with simple, whole-food ingredients you recognize and can pronounce, avoiding long lists of additives.
Consider Going DIY: For ultimate control over sugar and ingredients, making homemade granola is the healthiest choice.
Top Contenders: Brands like Back Roads Original and Brekky Mix consistently receive high marks for their low sugar, high fiber, and simple ingredient profiles.
Read Labels Carefully: Always compare nutrition labels, especially for serving size and ingredient quality, as many products mask high sugar content.

What to Look For in Truly Healthy Granola

When evaluating what brand of granola is the healthiest, looking beyond the front-of-package marketing is crucial. Many so-called "healthy" granolas are actually loaded with hidden sugars, processed oils, and minimal fiber. Here’s what experts say you should prioritize when reading a nutrition label.

Prioritizing Low Added Sugar

The most important factor is the added sugar content. Many popular brands pack as much sugar as a donut into a single serving. The goal is to find granola with less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving. Some brands use alternative sweeteners like monk fruit or allulose, but even natural sweeteners should be checked, and some experts recommend caution with alternatives due to limited long-term research. Look for brands that are naturally sweetened with fruits or spices like cinnamon.

The Importance of Fiber and Whole Grains

Healthy granola should provide a significant fiber boost from whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Fiber is essential for digestive health, blood sugar control, and prolonged satiety. Aim for at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber per serving. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and buckwheat are excellent fiber sources, and grain-free options can also be fiber-rich if they include ingredients like chia or flax seeds. However, as Consumer Reports highlights, some companies add isolated fiber like chicory root, and it is uncertain if these offer the same benefits as whole-food fiber.

Choosing Healthy Fats

Fats in granola typically come from nuts, seeds, and oils. The type of oil used is particularly important. Opt for brands that use heart-healthy plant-based fats like olive or avocado oil over processed vegetable, canola, or inflammatory seed oils. Be mindful of brands that use excessive coconut oil or coconut, as these can significantly increase saturated fat content.

Finding Sufficient Protein

Protein contributes to satiety and sustained energy. A healthy granola should provide at least 5 grams of protein per serving, sourced from nuts, seeds, or legumes. Pairing your granola with Greek yogurt can further increase protein intake for a balanced breakfast.

Evaluating Sodium Content

While not as obvious as sugar, many granolas contain surprisingly high sodium levels, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Zero-sodium granolas exist, but they are rare. If you're managing your blood pressure, prioritize brands with the lowest sodium count.

Comparison of Top Granola Brands

Comparing popular granola brands reveals significant differences in nutritional profiles.


Brand	Added Sugar (per 1/3 cup)	Fiber (per 1/3 cup)	Protein (per 1/3 cup)	Oil Type	Key Takeaway
Back Roads Original	3g	4g	5g	N/A	Low sugar, high fiber, zero sodium.
Kodiak Honey Oat	Low (specifics vary)	Varies	16g (per serving)	Varies	Known for high protein content.
Cascadian Farm No Added Sugar Blueberry Vanilla	0g	3g	2g	N/A	No added sugar, but lower in protein.
Purely Elizabeth Original	7g	2g	3g	Coconut Oil	Uses ancient grains, but high saturated fat.
Brekky Mix Original	2g	4g	5.3g	Olive Oil	Low sugar, high fiber, zero sodium.

Note: Serving sizes and nutritional information can vary based on flavor and updates from the brand. Always check the latest label.

The Ultimate Healthiest Choice: DIY Homemade Granola

For complete control over every ingredient, making your own granola at home is the best option. You can eliminate processed sugars and inflammatory oils, and pack it with your favorite whole-food ingredients. This ensures your granola aligns perfectly with your health goals.

Here is a simple, healthy homemade granola guide:

Start with a whole-grain base: Use 4 cups of rolled oats.
Add healthy fats: Mix with 1/2 cup of melted olive oil or a preferred nut butter.
Sweeten naturally: Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of maple syrup or honey, or for a no-added-sugar version, use date paste.
Boost nutrients with add-ins: Incorporate 1/2 cup each of your favorite nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Flavor with spices: Cinnamon and vanilla extract add flavor without extra sugar.
Bake and cool: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool completely to achieve maximum crunch.

How to Find Your Best Granola

Finding the healthiest granola isn't about finding a single "perfect" brand, but about finding the one that best fits your dietary needs and preferences. For those seeking the lowest added sugar and sodium, brands like Back Roads and Brekky Mix are strong contenders. If high protein is your priority, Kodiak is a solid choice. If convenience is key, be a meticulous label reader. Pay special attention to added sugars, fiber, and the ingredients list. By being an informed shopper, you can confidently choose a genuinely healthy and delicious granola that supports your well-being.

Disclaimer: Product formulations and availability can change. Always check the nutritional information on the package for the most up-to-date data.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, determining what brand of granola is the healthiest is a personal journey that relies on careful label reading and understanding your nutritional priorities. The market offers a wide spectrum of options, from heavily processed, high-sugar versions to minimally processed, whole-food alternatives. Brands like Back Roads Original and Brekky Mix consistently rank well for their low sugar and simple ingredients, making them excellent choices for many. However, if maximum ingredient control is your goal, making a homemade version is the unparalleled option. By following the guidelines of low added sugar (under 5g), high fiber (3-5g+), healthy fats, and simple ingredients, you can find a delicious and healthy granola that truly benefits your health, rather than harming it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Back Roads Original, Cascadian Farm Organic No Added Sugar, and Brekky Mix are known for having very low or no added sugar. Some brands use natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup, but it is important to still check the amount on the label.

While coconut oil can be a part of a healthy diet, granola containing a lot of coconut oil may be high in saturated fat. Health experts recommend focusing on healthy plant-based fats like olive oil or avocado oil instead.

For complete control over ingredients, sugar content, and portion size, homemade granola is generally the healthiest option. You can tailor it to your specific dietary needs, but some store-bought brands are also excellent if you read labels carefully.

Look for granolas that list whole grains, nuts, and seeds (like oats, quinoa, chia, and flax) high up on the ingredients list. Brands focusing on ancient grains or nut and seed varieties, like Purely Elizabeth or Brekky Mix, can be good sources.

Check the ingredient list and avoid products that list sweeteners (like cane sugar, corn syrup, or brown rice syrup) in the first few ingredients. Also, watch for processed seed oils like canola or sunflower oil, and long lists of unpronounceable additives.

Not necessarily. While grain-free options exist, they often replace grains with nuts, seeds, and sometimes more saturated fat from coconut oil. Whole grains are a well-established source of fiber, and some grain-free granolas can be very high in calories.

Granola can be part of a weight loss plan, but it is calorie-dense, so portion control is vital. Choose a low-sugar, high-fiber, and high-protein variety and use it as a topping for yogurt rather than eating it as a standalone meal.