15 Best Granola Brands, According to Registered Dietitians
Our picks for the healthiest choices include low-sugar, vegan, gluten-free and grain-free options.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
We updated this article in November 2022 to ensure all picks were in stock and accurately priced. We added more information about each featured product based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.
Granola cereals and snacks have long been associated with healthy eating, but according to the new proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, maybe our confidence in granola has been misplaced. If the ruling stands, to be considered healthy by the FDA, cereals including granola, must contain 3/4 ounces of whole grains and no more than 1 gram of saturated fat, 230 milligrams of sodium and 2.5 grams of added sugars per serving. While the majority of granola brands may no longer be able to claim the word "healthy" on their packaging, from a wellness perspective many granolas remain a good bet, and some are healthier than others. When you look at the ingredients that make up most granola products, they are usually quite nutritious; it’s the binding ingredients such as sugar and oils that can move most granola outside of the proposed FDA guidelines.
Granola typically consists of rolled oats, nuts, dried fruit and honey or other sweeteners. Over the years, many brands have started to add additional ingredients that contribute a lot of added sugar to make it marketable to a wider audience. That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab has taken the time to separate the healthiest brands from the more sugary stuff.
We evaluate hundreds of food products year-round to help you make the most nutritious choices for you and your family. In our tests, we analyzed over 50 different varieties of granola to find the best of the best. Our experts prioritized varieties with wholesome ingredient lists that you can pronounce, and the first ingredient must be a whole grain or whole food (i.e. oats, nuts, bran, legumes, etc). We looked for granola options with no trans fat, limited saturated fat, less than 230 milligrams of sodium and at least 2 grams of fiber and protein per serving. Since serving sizes vary by brand, we did some math to make sure that 1/3 cup of each variety did not exceed more than 8 grams of added sugar and 250 calories.
Our top picks:
You'll find more information on how the Nutrition Lab evaluates granola at the end of this story, and if you're looking for more healthy options for breakfast check out our picks for the best healthy cereals, best protein bars and best vegan protein powders.
Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola
Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola
Enjoy the warm fall flavors of pumpkin spice and cinnamon year-round with this nutritious and flavorsome granola from Purely Elizabeth. We love that it's packed with a variety of ancient grains including quinoa and amaranth, plus chia seeds for a dose of healthy fats and fiber. This is also one of our top picks for best-tasting granola cereal. Testers agree, with one tester saying, "The toasty blend of warming spices and oats is so satisfying and a small amount goes a long way."
| Ingredients | Organic gluten-free oats, organic coconut sugar, organic raw virgin coconut oil, organic raw pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic puffed amaranth, organic quinoa flakes, organic chia seeds, organic cinnamon, salt |
|---|---|
| Nutrition facts (1/3 cup) | 140 cal, 6g total fat, 3.5g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 17g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 6g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 3g protein |
Nature's Path Organic Love Crunch Premium Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Granola
Nature's Path Organic Love Crunch Premium Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Granola
Peanut butter and chocolate pair together perfectly in this rich granola from Nature's Path. This 100% USDA Organic choice doubles up on the PB action with real peanut butter and roasted peanuts for a tasty treat. One tester says, "The mixture of chocolate and peanut butter with oats is a dream come true," while another reports, "It's hard to put the bag down once you get started." We like it on plain or vanilla yogurt as a snack or dessert.
| Ingredients | Whole grain rolled oats*, cane sugar*, peanut butter*, sunflower oil*, peanuts*, Fairtrade dark chocolate chunks* (cane sugar*, unsweetened chocolate*, cocoa butter*, vanilla*), Fairtrade cocoa powder*, rice starch*, sea salt, chocolate flavor*, tocopherols (vitamin E). *Organic. |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/4 cup) | 150 cal, 5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 18g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 6g sugars, including 6g added sugars, 4g protein |
Alter Eco Cinnamon Raisin Organic Granola
Alter Eco Cinnamon Raisin Organic Granola
This granola stands out because it's sweetened with date powder and a touch of monk fruit instead of added sugar. It has a nice light cinnamon flavor and a toasty crunch with chewiness from the dried fruit. It is a great choice as a yogurt or smoothie topper because it doesn't fall prey to sogginess. One tester liked that this granola had a "crunchy texture and a slight saltiness with hints of cinnamon." Another tester liked the "crunchy clusters that were crisp, toasted and tasty" and called it "one of the higher quality granolas I have tasted."
| Ingredients | Organic oats, organic coconut oil, organic date powder, organic raisins, organic cinnamon, sea salt, organic rosemary extract (for freshness), organic monk fruit |
|---|---|
| Nutrition facts (1/3 cup) | 150 cal, 7g total fat, 5g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 19g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 6g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 2g protein |
Michele’s Granola Original Granola
Michele’s Granola Original Granola
This granola is as close to homemade as you can get. It is made in small batches with simple, organically sourced non-GMO ingredients that are full of flavor. Founder Michele Tsucalas began her company by selling in farmers' markets in Maryland in 2006 and her namesake product is now available nationwide. With so many delicious combos to choose from including seasonal cranberry pecan, lemon pistachio and ginger hemp, it's hard to pick a favorite. One of our testers reported this granola tastes like the "real homemade deal. It is crunchy, crispy and never gets soggy."
| Ingredients | Organic gluten-free oats, organic brown sugar, expeller-pressed non-GMO canola oil, organic sunflower seeds, organic unsweetened coconut, almonds, pure vanilla extract |
|---|---|
| Nutrition facts (1/3 cup) | 110 cal, 3g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 19g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 6g total sugars, 4g added sugars, 3g protein |
Paleonola Granola Grain Free Original Granola
Paleonola Granola Grain Free Original Granola
This low-carb granola option from Paleonola features a signature nut and seed blend including almonds, pecans, pepitas, walnuts, sunflower seeds and more. We love the wholesome ingredients list, low added sugar count and 4 grams of protein per serving. One of our testers reported they "loved the fresh taste and awesome crunch" of this granola, while another said, "The hearty mix of nuts and seeds fills you up and makes for a great addition to trail mix."
| Ingredients | Almonds, pecans, pepitas*, honey*, walnuts, coconut oil*, sunflower seeds*, flax seeds*, sweetened dried cranberries (cranberries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil), dried coconut*, vanilla extract, cinnamon. *denotes organic |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/4 cup) | 170 cal, 15g total fat, 3.5g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 7g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 4g total sugars, 4g added sugars, 4g protein |
gr8nola The Original Superfood Granola
With only 5 grams of sugar per serving, this variety from Gr8nola is tasty and features ingredients like almonds, honey, flaxseeds and a dash of cinnamon. It also gets some sweetness from monk fruit. One of our testers reported they "appreciated the perfect texture and crunch and just the right amount of sweetness." This option is made with coconut oil and is free from soy, dairy and refined sugar.
| Ingredients | Whole grain oats, honey, organic virgin coconut oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, dried unsweetened coconut, flaxseed meal, sea salt, cinnamon, monk fruit extract |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/3 cup) | 130 cal, 6g total fat, 3g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 17g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 5g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 3g protein |
KIND Dark Chocolate Clusters Granola
KIND Dark Chocolate Clusters Granola
The rich chocolate flavor of this KIND granola made it a standout pick for us. Made with cocoa powder and superstar ingredients like flax seed, buckwheat and amaranth, we found it to be one of the best granolas for parfaits and even for a healthy dessert. Plus, it's a good source of dietary fiber and contains an impressive 10g of protein. Our testers report this granola has a delicious nutty and rich chocolate flavor.
| Ingredients | Oats, tapioca syrup, soy protein isolate, semi-sweet chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), cane sugar, canola oil, millet, cocoa powder, brown rice, buckwheat, natural flavor, amaranth, quinoa, sea salt, brown rice syrup, Vitamin E (tocopherols to maintain freshness) |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Info (1/3 cup) | 240 cal, 6g total fat, 1.5g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 38g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber, 7g total sugars, 7g added sugars, 10g protein |
YOLEEZ The Granola Bakery Cinnamon Keto Granola
YOLEEZ The Granola Bakery Cinnamon Keto Granola
This low-carb granola has an overall 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with over 17,200 reviews. Reviewers say that it's the best keto granola and give it high marks for taste. One of our testers exclaimed, "This granola is a breakfast game-changer. It has big crunchy clusters with a nice depth of flavor in each bite — the perfect topping on yogurt." Although this pick has no added sugar, it does contain sugar alcohols which can cause gastrointestinal distress, so start with a small serving to see how you tolerate it.
| Ingredients | Pecans, coconut smiles (smile-shaped coconut pieces), almonds, sunflower seeds, chicory root fiber, coconut cream, pumpkin seeds, coconut chips, erythriotol, virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract, monk fruit concentrate, grey sea salt |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/3 cup) | 160 cal, 15g total fat, 6g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 8g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 1g total sugar, 0g added sugar, 2g sugar alcohol, 4g protein |
Lil Bucks Sprouted Buckwheat Crunch Matcha
Lil Bucks Sprouted Buckwheat Crunch Matcha
These little pearls of sprouted buckwheat seeds are cute and super tasty. The matcha variety is made with buckwheat seeds, maple syrup, hemp protein powder, matcha and pure vanilla extract (all USDA organic ingredients). That's it! This is also a fantastic nut-free granola option for those with nut allergies. (It's even made in a gluten-free and nut-free facility). A small 1/4 cup serving packs in a hefty 5 grams of protein. One of our testers reports, "These taste great on smoothie bowls, oatmeal and even ice cream because they add a punch of flavor and crunch without being overly sweet." We also highly recommend the Snickerdoodle Clusterbucks which are just as tasty as they are nutritious.
| Ingredients | Organic sprouted buckwheat seeds, organic maple syrup, organic hemp protein powder, organic pure vanilla extract, organic matcha powder |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/4 cup) | 150 cal, 1.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 31g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 2g total sugars, including 2g added sugars, 6g protein |
Grandy Organics Classic Granola
Grandy Organics Classic Granola
Looking for a grain-free granola choice? This option from Grandy Oats uses all gluten-free ingredients such as organic unsweetened coconut, organic cashews, organic pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic walnuts and more. We found it super tasty and appreciate that it's USDA Organic as well. One of our testers noted that this granola "tastes less sweet than typical granola but is still delicious and perfect for mixing with fruit and yogurt." Take note that this variety is free from almonds, which is rare since most grain-free granolas contain them.
| Ingredients | Organic oats, organic honey, organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic sunflower seeds, organic sesame seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, organic unsweetened coconut, organic walnuts, organic cashews, organic wheat bran, sea salt, and organic vanilla (water, organic alcohol, organic vanilla bean extractives) |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Info (1/4 cup) | 150 cal, 12g total fat, 4g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 8g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 4g total sugars, 4g added sugars, 4g protein |
One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Quinoa Cacao Granola
One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Quinoa Cacao Granola
Sprouted oats are the star of the show in this flavorful granola from One Degree Organic Foods. The brand works with small farmers and producers who use sustainable farming methods such as plant-based fertilizers and rotating crop varieties. A QR code on the packaging takes you straight to videos of the individual farmer's stories. This variety is certified gluten-free, certified vegan, USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Plus, it's low in calories, fat and sodium and contains only 4 grams of added sugar. Our testers rave that this granola adds a delicious and rich chocolate flavor to whatever it is paired with one saying it "has a great chocolate crunch to it."
| Ingredients | Sprouted gluten-free organic oats, organic cane sugar, organic date syrup, sprouted organic brown rice, organic sunflower oil, sprouted organic quinoa, organic cacao powder, unrefined salt, tocopherols (Vitamin E) |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/3 cup) | 110 cal, 3g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 19g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 6g total sugars, 4g added sugars, 3g protein |
Seven Sundays Farmers Market Mix Muesli
Seven Sundays Farmers Market Mix Muesli
Inspired by Seven Sundays' humble beginnings of waking up at the crack of dawn to get its product to farmers' markets, this blend is a mix of nutritious and delicious whole grains, nuts and seeds. It is a muesli which is an uncooked version of granola and can be enjoyed cooked or raw, prepared with milk or made overnight-oats style. The ingredients are wholesome and include organic buckwheat, dates, sorghum flakes, flax and sunflower seeds. One tester said, "This high-quality muesli provided a filling breakfast that tasted great with fresh berries mixed in and a dash of cinnamon."
| Ingredients | Organic gluten free oats, organic dates (dates, rice flour), organic buckwheat, organic almonds, organic currants, organic sorghum flakes, organic sunflower seeds, organic flax seeds |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/2 cup) | 240 cal, 6g total fat, 1g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 39g total carbohydrate, 6g dietary fiber, 7g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 8g protein |
Bear Naked Fit V'Nilla Almond Granola
Bear Naked offers this granola variety with 45% less sugar than its leading granola. A generous half-cup serving only has 6 grams of added sugar and packs in 5 grams of dietary fiber making it a great option for sugar-conscious consumers. It has a classic granola taste and texture as well. One tester commented that this granola "really hits the spot when you're craving something crunchy." Another tester reported the "fresh, crunchy flavor tasted amazing on smoothie bowls and yogurt."
| Ingredients | Whole grain oats, brown rice syrup, almonds, cane sugar, oat bran, brown rice, ground flax seeds, natural flavors |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts (1/2 cup) | 210 cal, 5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 40g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 7g total sugar, 6g added sugar, 6g protein |
Ladera Foods Almond Pecan Granola
Ladera Foods Almond Pecan Granola
Started by a mother-son team, this granola is unique because it uses olive oil instead of coconut oil which reduces the overall saturated fat. It is also one of the lower sugar picks on our list with just 3 grams per serving coming from a touch of maple syrup and brown sugar. Cinnamon and cardamom also add a natural and unique sweetness. One of our testers reported the "taste and texture of this granola is unbeatable. The crunch is just right and the sweetness level is perfect." While other testers report it pairs perfectly with yogurt and fresh fruit. This brand also offers a nut-free Vanilla Quinoa flavor for those with nut allergies.
| Ingredients | Whole grain oats, olive oil, almonds, maple syrup, pecans, brown sugar, spice, salt |
|---|---|
| Nutrition facts (1/4 cup) | 150 cal, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 15g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 3g total sugars, 3g added sugars, 3g protein |
Nature's Path Almond Butter Vanilla Granola
Nature's Path Almond Butter Vanilla Granola
You won't miss the sugar in this granola sweetened with date powder and made with whole-grain oats and almond butter. It receives a gold star from our experts for being low in saturated fat, sodium and containing no added sugar. Enjoy it with milk, yogurt and fresh fruit or grab a handful for a quick snack on the go. One of our testers commented, "You don't even realize that there isn't sugar added!" Another tester reported, "It has a nice mild flavor of vanilla and almond with a light crunch to it. If you are looking for big chunky clusters this is not the granola for you but its looser texture makes it a great choice to mix with other cereals and in yogurt."
| Ingredients | Whole grain rolled oats*, date powder*, sunflower oil*, almond butter*, rice starch*, vanilla flavor*, sea salt, tocopherols (Vitamin E). *Organic |
|---|---|
| Nutrition facts (1/3 cup) | 150 cal, 6g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 19g total carbohydrate, 3g dietary fiber, 4g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 3g protein |
How we evaluate granola
When looking for a healthier granola option, we chose brands that contain 100% whole grain or whole food as the first ingredient (such as whole-grain oats, nuts, buckwheat, bran, legumes, etc.) and a hearty combination of protein and fiber. Aim for at least 2g of each per serving.
We sent granola to testers across the country for feedback on taste, texture, crunch and overall flavor profile and quality. Although taste is subjective, we tried to pick choices that have balanced flavor profiles. We also took into account how the granolas stood up to yogurt, smoothie bowls and milk.
We limited our picks to choices that contained less than 230 mg of sodium, less than 8 grams of added sugar and limited saturated fat. The amount of sugar and saturated fat in granola can at times be excessive, so keep that in mind when you choose what to pair with your granola. Every teaspoon of sugar is equal to roughly 4 grams of sugar, and that can add up quickly.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As a registered dietitian, Amy Fischer has worked with thousands of patients to improve their health through whole foods and a nutritious diet. Amy believes that food is to be enjoyed whatever your diet goals may be and that ideally, the focus should be on improving overall health, eating and living better.
Stefani Sassos handles all of GH's nutrition content, product testing and evaluation as Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab. She stays up to date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition and also runs large-scale tests and analyses for products ranging from protein bars to supplements for GH's annual Healthy Snack Awards. Stefani has extensive knowledge of food labeling and nutrition requirements on food products, rigorously evaluating hundreds of claims for products that apply for the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
Amy (she/her) is a registered dietitian with the Nutrition Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering nutrition- and health-related content and product testing. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. Prior to Good Housekeeping, she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company start-ups.
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