TIP OF THE DAY: What Makes The Best Granola Cereal | The Nibble Webzine Of Food Adventures - The Nibble Webzine Of Food AdventuresTIP OF THE DAY: What Makes The Best Granola Cereal | The Nibble Webzine Of Food Adventures
Many Americans start the day with a bowl of granola or a yogurt-granola combination, or carry bags of granola for a healthy snack on-the-go.
With all the brands on the grocer’s shelf, what constitutes the best granola cereal?
The best granola is a healthy granola. As with all foods, choose a brand that starts with the highest-quality natural ingredients, and scan the nutrition label for:
Fiber. Here’s your opportunity to start the day with fiber-rich whole grains. Breakfast granola should offer at least 25 grams of whole grains per serving, including 3 grams of fiber. The usual whole grain in granola is oats. The government recommends 48 grams of whole grains daily: See a list of whole grains.
Nutrition. Look at the nutrition label for calcium, magnesium and vitamin E. These nutrients will fuel you throughout the day.
Natural Sweeteners. Look for a naturally sweetened whole grain granola, which means agave, honey, maple syrup or molasses rather than refined sugar, corn syrup or HFCS.
Read the nutrition label before buying granola. You want something healthy, like Bob’s Red Mill granola. Avoid granola that is as sweet as children’s cereals. Photo by Elvira Kaliste | THE NIBBLE.
Make Your Own Granola
Many pre-made granolas have unnecessary added ingredients, such as preservatives, and too much added sugar. Making a healthier granola at home is easy and cost effective: Most ingredients can be bought for significantly less in the bulk foods aisle of your grocery store. If you want to limit your gluten intake, you can find gluten-free oats. You can even give containers of your special blend as house gifts, special treats and stocking stuffers.
Use natural sweeteners like agave or honey.
Add your favorite type of nut, seed and dried fruit.
Toss in a handful of flax seeds for added fiber.
Why Are Whole Grains So Important?
Check out this article on whole grains. It may change your eating habits. It certainly changed ours!
Find more of our favorite cereal brands, plus recipes.
