What brands of granola are vegan?

Did you know many popular granola brands use honey, a non-vegan ingredient, as a binder? This makes it essential for plant-based eaters to know exactly what brands of granola are vegan before they buy.

Quick Summary

Identify reliable vegan granola brands and learn how to check nutrition labels effectively. This guide covers common animal-derived ingredients and offers alternatives to ensure your granola is plant-based.

Key Points

• Read the Label: Always check the ingredients list for non-vegan items like honey, whey, casein, and certain additives like Vitamin D3.

• Trustworthy Brands: Brands like Purely Elizabeth, Wildway, and specific options from Nature's Path consistently offer vegan-friendly granola.

• Look for Certifications: The "Certified Vegan" logo is the most reliable indicator that a product is free of animal-derived ingredients.

• Be Wary of Flavors: Even from vegan-friendly brands, some flavors might contain non-vegan mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips with milk solids), so read labels on a product-by-product basis.

• Honey is a Common Culprit: The most frequent non-vegan ingredient used as a sweetener and binder in granola is honey.

• DIY for Certainty: Making your own granola at home is the surest way to control every ingredient for a 100% vegan outcome.

What Makes Granola Non-Vegan? Key Ingredients to Check

Not all granola is created equal in the vegan world. While the base ingredients of oats and nuts are plant-derived, many manufacturers add animal-based components for flavor, texture, or as a binder. To be a savvy shopper, you must know what to look for on the ingredients list.

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients

• Honey: The most common offender, honey is produced by bees and is therefore not considered vegan. Many brands use it as a natural sweetener and to create those signature crunchy clusters. Fortunately, many alternatives like maple syrup and agave are widely used in vegan options.
• Milk Products: Derivatives of milk, such as whey, casein, and milk solids, are sometimes added to enhance flavor or texture. These are not vegan. Always check the allergen information for milk warnings.
• Vitamin D3: A lesser-known non-vegan ingredient, Vitamin D3 is often sourced from lanolin, which comes from sheep's wool. Vegan-friendly brands will use a plant-based form of Vitamin D2 or specifically state their D3 is from a vegan source.
• Natural Flavors: The term "natural flavors" is a broad category and can sometimes include animal-derived products. While this is less common in granola, it is a point of vigilance for strict vegans.

A List of Reliable Vegan Granola Brands

Fortunately, several brands make a point of offering delicious, certified vegan granolas. When in doubt, always confirm on the manufacturer's website or check for a clear vegan label.

Brands Known for Vegan Options

• Purely Elizabeth: A highly popular brand with many vegan varieties, including their Ancient Grain Granola line. They often use coconut sugar or coconut nectar as sweeteners.
• Nature's Path: Many of their organic granolas are vegan-friendly, particularly flavors within their Love Crunch line. However, some flavors may use honey, so checking the label is crucial.
• Bear Naked: While not all Bear Naked products are vegan, several are, including certain Fit flavors like V'nilla Almond and various grain-free options. The product label is the final authority.
• Wildway: This brand specializes in grain-free granola and is fully vegan, using sweeteners like maple syrup.
• Cascadian Farm: Offers several vegan options, such as their French Vanilla Almond Granola, made with plant-based ingredients.
• Go Raw: Known for sprouted granolas, this brand offers many raw, vegan products.
• Michele's Granola: Many of their varieties, such as their Original, are vegan.

How to Read a Granola Label Like a Pro

Navigating the grocery store aisle can be quick and easy with these tips for checking granola labels:

1. Search for a Certified Vegan Logo: This is the easiest and most reliable method. The logo guarantees the product and its ingredients are free of animal products.
2. Scan the Ingredients List: Look for keywords like honey, casein, whey, lactose, and milk. Be particularly mindful of the sweetener used.
3. Check the Allergen Statement: The "Contains" section will always list milk if it is present. This is a quick way to rule out dairy.
4. Look for Vegan Sweeteners: Search for maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or brown rice syrup as a positive sign.

Vegan Granola Brands Comparison Table

Brand	Vegan Options Available?	Common Sweetener	Certifications to Look For	Notes
Purely Elizabeth	Yes (Multiple)	Coconut Sugar/Nectar	Certified Gluten-Free, Organic	Many ancient grain options.
Nature's Path	Yes (Specific flavors)	Varies (e.g., cane sugar, honey)	Organic	Must check label; some flavors contain honey.
Bear Naked	Yes (Specific flavors)	Varies (e.g., maple syrup)	N/A	Check each variety, as not all are vegan.
Wildway	Yes (All)	Maple Syrup, Dates	Grain-Free	Specializes in all-vegan, grain-free granola.
Cascadian Farm	Yes (Specific flavors)	Cane Sugar	Organic	Verify each product for vegan status.
Bob's Red Mill	Yes (Specific flavors)	Varies (e.g., maple syrup)	Gluten-Free	Offers some vegan granola, but some contain honey.

Deep Dive: Brands with Vegan Options

• Purely Elizabeth: This brand is a favorite in the health food space for a reason. Their Original Ancient Grain Granola is an excellent entry point, featuring organic oats, quinoa, and amaranth sweetened with coconut sugar.
• Wildway: For those seeking a grain-free alternative, Wildway is an ideal choice. Their Coconut Cashew Granola is a best-seller, relying on nuts and seeds for crunch and natural sweetness from dates.
• Nature's Path: The Love Crunch line offers several decadent vegan flavors, including Dark Chocolate & Red Berries. The company is committed to organic ingredients, but the presence of honey in some products requires a careful glance at the ingredient list.

The DIY Option: Making Your Own Vegan Granola

If you prefer complete control over your ingredients, making your own vegan granola at home is a simple and rewarding process. This is the surest way to avoid all non-vegan additives and tailor the recipe to your taste and dietary needs. The formula is typically simple: a base of oats, a mix of nuts and seeds, a binder, a sweetener, and your choice of dried fruit or spices.

• Binder: Vegan alternatives to honey include maple syrup, agave, brown rice syrup, or even mashed banana for a softer texture.
• Fat: Use coconut oil or a neutral-flavored vegetable oil for crispiness.
• Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative with dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Make sure any additions, like chocolate chips, are clearly labeled vegan.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Knowing what brands of granola are vegan starts with a combination of brand awareness and careful label reading. While manufacturers like Purely Elizabeth and Wildway offer reliable vegan options, many other brands require closer scrutiny of the ingredient list. By watching out for common non-vegan items like honey and dairy and looking for official vegan certification logos, you can confidently choose a delicious and ethical breakfast. For total peace of mind, homemade vegan granola is always an option, allowing for complete customization and control over every ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common non-vegan ingredient in granola?

The most common non-vegan ingredient in granola is honey, which is frequently used as a sweetener and binder to create crunchy clusters.

Is all granola made with oats vegan?

No, while oats are naturally plant-based, granola often contains non-vegan ingredients like honey, dairy products (casein, whey), or certain additives. Always check the full ingredient list and allergen warnings.

How can I tell if a granola brand is truly vegan?

The most reliable method is to look for a "Certified Vegan" logo on the packaging. Without that, you must carefully read the ingredients list and allergen section to ensure no animal products are present.

Are there any vegan alternatives to honey in granola?

Yes, many vegan granolas use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or coconut sugar. These offer a similar taste and binding effect without using bee products.

What are some hidden animal-derived ingredients in granola?

Besides honey, look out for milk products like casein, whey, and milk powder. Some products might also contain gelatin or certain forms of Vitamin D3 derived from lanolin.

Do all granola bars from vegan-friendly brands contain only vegan ingredients?

Not necessarily. It's important to check each specific product and flavor variant. Some brands that offer vegan options might still produce varieties that contain non-vegan ingredients, like certain types of chocolate chips.

Is making my own granola a good alternative for vegans?

Yes, making homemade granola is an excellent alternative that provides full control over every ingredient. You can use your preferred vegan sweeteners and add-ins to ensure it is 100% plant-based.