What Is Hemp Granola Made Of? A Detailed Ingredient Guide

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil are all generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food. So, what is hemp granola made of? This nutritious breakfast cereal is primarily composed of a base of oats or other grains, combined with fats, sweeteners, and, most importantly, nutrient-dense hemp seeds.

Quick Summary

Hemp granola combines toasted rolled oats with nutty hemp hearts, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners. Optional nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are often included, creating a customizable and nutrient-rich cereal or snack.

Key Points

Hemp Hearts vs. Seeds: Hemp granola can be made with soft, nutty hemp hearts (hulled seeds) or whole seeds, which offer more fiber.
Complete Protein Source: Hemp seeds are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Essential Fatty Acids: Hemp seeds provide a beneficial ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart and brain health.
Customizable: The basic recipe is highly adaptable, allowing for the addition of various nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices to suit individual tastes.
Make Your Own Clusters: For extra crunchy clumps, use an egg white binder or press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet and allow it to cool completely before breaking apart.
Nutrient-Dense: Beyond protein and omegas, hemp seeds are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and zinc.

The Core Ingredients of Hemp Granola

At its heart, granola is a simple mixture of grains, nuts, and seeds, baked until crunchy. What makes hemp granola special is the inclusion of hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts. The two primary components are rolled oats and hemp hearts.

Rolled Oats

Rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats, form the bulk of most traditional granola recipes. They provide a sturdy base and a source of fiber. For those with gluten sensitivities, certified gluten-free rolled oats can be used as a simple substitute. They toast up beautifully in the oven, providing the signature crunchy texture of a good granola.

Hemp Seeds or Hemp Hearts

The star ingredient, hemp seeds, are derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, but contain only trace amounts of the psychoactive compound THC. You can use either whole hemp seeds or hulled hemp seeds, which are called hemp hearts. Hemp hearts have a softer, nuttier flavor and are easier to chew, while whole hemp seeds provide more fiber due to their outer shell. Three tablespoons of hemp hearts offer around 10 grams of protein and a significant dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with magnesium and iron.

Binders, Sweeteners, and Flavor Enhancers

A delicious granola requires more than just oats and seeds. These ingredients help bind the mixture and add flavor.

Fats: A neutral oil is used to coat the oats and seeds, ensuring even toasting. Popular choices include coconut oil, olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
Sweeteners: Natural sweeteners bind the ingredients together and add flavor without excessive refined sugar. Maple syrup and honey are common choices, but you can also use dates, brown rice syrup, or agave.
Spices and Extracts: Ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla extract are added for warmth and aroma. A pinch of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins for Customization

Beyond the basics, you can customize hemp granola to your taste by adding various mix-ins. Some ingredients are baked with the oats, while delicate ones like dried fruit are added after cooling.

Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews add healthy fats and extra crunch.
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds boost the nutrient profile and provide additional texture.
Dried Fruit: Cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or apricots can be stirred in after baking to add chewiness and sweetness.
Other Flavorings: For an even richer taste, you can incorporate shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or chocolate chips.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Granola

Creating your own granola offers significant advantages over buying pre-packaged versions. A comparison highlights the key differences:


Feature	Homemade Hemp Granola	Store-Bought Granola
Ingredients	Full control over every component, including quality and type.	Limited choices, often includes fillers or preservatives.
Sugar Content	You dictate the amount and type of sweetener used.	Can contain surprisingly high amounts of added sugar.
Nutritional Profile	Maximize nutrient density with fresh, high-quality ingredients.	Quality can vary greatly; some brands are less nutritious.
Flavor	Endless customization possibilities; tailor to your exact preferences.	Flavors are pre-determined; often limited to basic options.
Cost	Typically more cost-effective when made in larger batches.	Per-serving cost is often higher, especially for premium brands.

Making Your Own Granola Clusters

For those who love big, crunchy clusters, a few simple tricks can help achieve this texture. The secret lies in a binder and a compact baking process. Beating an egg white until frothy and mixing it with your liquid ingredients can help create larger clusters. Alternatively, pressing the granola firmly onto the baking sheet with a spatula before baking and not stirring it while it bakes is a key step. Letting the granola cool completely and untouched on the pan solidifies the clusters, allowing you to break them into your desired size.

A Simple Recipe Approach

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, hemp hearts, and any other nuts or seeds you are using.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your oil, sweetener, vanilla extract, and spices.
Combine Everything: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Press and Bake: Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing it into an even layer. Bake at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until golden brown, stirring once halfway through if you prefer a less clumpy texture.
Cool and Store: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it apart and adding any dried fruits. Store in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Making hemp granola is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to create a delicious and highly nutritious breakfast or snack. By understanding what is hemp granola made of, you can control every ingredient to perfectly suit your dietary needs and taste preferences. The inclusion of hemp seeds provides a significant protein and omega boost, making this a functional food that supports overall health. It's a satisfying, crunchy, and wholesome way to start your day or refuel on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hemp seeds are the whole seed from the hemp plant. Hemp hearts are the softer, inner part of the seed with the shell removed. Hemp hearts have a milder, nuttier flavor and less fiber, while whole seeds offer more fiber and a crunchier texture.

No. By law, hemp used for food products contains less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound. This amount is far too low to cause any intoxicating effects or register on a standard drug test.

Store homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and crunch, it should be consumed within two weeks. To extend shelf life, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Hemp granola can be made gluten-free by ensuring the rolled oats used are certified gluten-free. Hemp seeds are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur if other ingredients contain gluten.

Hemp seeds provide a high-quality source of complete protein, a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and key minerals like magnesium and iron. These nutrients support heart health, improve digestion, and boost energy levels.

Yes, it is possible to make grain-free hemp granola by using a base of nuts and seeds instead of oats. Common substitutes include combinations of nuts like almonds and pecans with pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and coconut flakes.

Hemp hearts are widely available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. You can find them in the health food, cereal, or baking aisles. Brands often specify 'hulled hemp seeds' or 'hemp hearts' on the packaging.