If you’re like most people, you love granola. It’s the perfect topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or just to eat by the handful. But if you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you might be wondering if granola is safe for you to eat.
Granola is traditionally made with oats, which are gluten-free, but there are so many variations and recipes for granola that add ingredients that are not gluten-free. It is important to pay attention to the ingredient list. Anything with wheat, barley, or rye in it has gluten and will trigger gluten sensitivities.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the health benefits of granola and point out some of the best gluten-free granola options available.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s what gives bread its chewy texture and helps it to rise when baking.
For people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, ingesting gluten can cause a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, itchiness, rashes, fatigue, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to anaphylactic shock. That’s why it’s so important for people with these conditions to avoid foods that contain gluten.
What are the health benefits of granola?
Granola is a delicious and nutritious snack that can provide a lot of health benefits. Here are 5 healthy reasons to eat granola:
It’s high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full after eating.
Granola is loaded with antioxidants, which fight against free radicals that can damage your body cells.
Granola is also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential for good health.
Granola contains healthy fats and proteins that support your immune system.
Quality, healthy granola should have some or all of these ingredients after oats: flax, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, super grains, chia seeds, high-quality chocolate chips, and even a peanut butter coating.
Is granola gluten-free?
Those who require a gluten-free diet are very aware of its effects on their body. Gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivities can result in severe discomfort, bloating, rashes, and sore joints and can progress to full-blown celiac disease if foods with gluten, like wheat flour, are eaten.
Originally, granola was made without gluten, but over time, some granolas have been found to contain gluten. If you’re gluten-free or have celiac disease, granola made without barley or rye is a great breakfast option. There are some wonderful gluten-free granola varieties on the market today, so it’s important to read the labels carefully.
How to choose a gluten-free granola
Two good strategies to utilize when shopping for gluten-free granola are:
- Look for a gluten-free granola that is made with either organic or non-GMO ingredients. These products typically have fewer additives and are less likely to contain cross-contamination traces from wheat flour.
- Consider the ingredients. Look for GF granolas that contain only grain-free ingredients (no wheat, barley, rye, or malt).
We found 3 high-quality gluten-free granolas that you’ll be sure to love!
Granola is great to add to other healthy foods like Greek yogurt and baking recipes. For those who like a little extra sweetness, maple syrup or brown sugar are good additions.
3 delicious, highly rated gluten-free granolas:
1. Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Summer Berries Granola
Why we love Nature’s Path Summer Berries granola:
- Labelled gluten-free
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Pack of 8
- All natural ingredients from the package: Organic gluten free rolled oats, organic evaporated cane juice, organic sunflower oil, organic yogurt chips (organic sugar, organic palm kernel oil, organic non-fat milk powder, lactic acid, organic soy lecithin, salt, organic vanilla), organic rice starch, organic freeze-dried blueberries, organic freeze-dried berry blend (organic freeze-dried strawberries, organic freeze-dried raspberries), sea salt, natural flavor, tocopherols (Vitamin E).
- Highly rated on Amazon
2. KIND Healthy Grains Clusters, Dark Chocolate Granola
Why we love Kind Healthy Grains gluten-free granola:
- Labelled gluten-free
- Made with 5 super grains: oats, millet, buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa
- No artificial preservatives, sweeteners or artificial colors
- 100% whole grains
- Non GMO
- 0g trans fat
- Highly rated on Amazon
3. Purely Elizabeth Organic Original, Ancient Grain Granola
Why we love Purely Elizabeth gluten free granola:
- Organic
- Labelled gluten-free
- Non GMO
- Nothing artificial
- Made with super grains
- Delicious and mildly sweet
- Highly rated on Amazon
How long does granola last?
Granola is usually fresh for 6–12 months in an unopened bag. Once the bag is opened, the quality can last anywhere from 1–4 months, depending on whether it is stored properly in a resealed bag.
How to Determine Whether Granola Is Bad
You will know if your granola has gone bad if you open it and pantry bugs fly out at you. Also, if it smells funny, it could be moldy or rancid. Granola in these two scenarios is a great reason to toss it and buy a new bag.
We hope that you have the information you need to enjoy a healthy bowl of gluten-free granola.
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