Grain Free Granola – Paleo Granola Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is grain free granola made of? ›

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut, nuts, chia seeds, flax seed, cinnamon, coconut sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil and maple syrup and pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Quinoa granola is easy to make and packed with 9 real, good-for-you ingredients! Unlike other quinoa granola recipes, protein-packed quinoa fully replaces the oats.

This granola skips the oats (no wheat allowed on paleo), instead using 2 whole cups of nuts and 1 1/4 cups of seeds to compensate. For the sweetener, we go with honey, which produces a granola with nice clusters, and coconut oil for the fat.

Grain-free granola is indeed healthy. One of the critical nutrients in granola is the fiber that it provides. Grain-free granola still provides a hefty serving of fiber. Nutnola from Square Root is actually higher in antioxidants than traditional grain granola.

Grain-free usually features nuts and seeds rather than oats. These ingredients are sources of fiber and protein, both of which slow digestion and curb post-meal glucose. Fiber also increases the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. High levels of SCFAs are associated with improved insulin sensitivity.

Sugar varies by brand, but one example is a popular brand of low-fat granola, which packs more than 1 tablespoon of added sugar per serving. To know for sure, scan the ingredient list for sugars like honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup or molasses. Then head to the Nutrition Facts label to scout out added sugars.

But the best bet is to choose a granola with minimally processed sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey and agave. Dried fruit will also add fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Granolas fortified with extras like flaxseed and chia seeds are fabulous for a post-workout snack or for a dose of Omega-3 fats.

Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

Since muesli and granola are made from the same ingredients, their nutritional value is pretty much the same. Without anything added to it, muesli is healthier than granola in the sense that it has less fat and sugar.

The paleo diet allows for natural sweeteners like honey in addition to maple syrup, raw stevia and coconut sugar, so use your judgment when including these in your food.

Can I eat sunflower seeds on paleo diet? ›

Nuts and seeds such as macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds play an important role on the paleo diet. As do healthy fats and oils from fruits or nuts (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil coconut oil, walnut oil, etc.).

Why are Oats not Paleo-friendly? Although oats are a non-fattening healthy food for a more mainstream diet, oats do contain anti-nutrients that the Paleo diet aims to avoid such as phytic acid, lectins, and avenin. Not only do oats contain a few anti-nutrients, but they are also often contaminated with gluten.

For example, a granola that contains higher amounts of carbohydrates and added sugars but less protein and fiber may be more likely to spike your blood sugar.

Gluten-Free: Going grain-free means avoiding gluten, making this granola suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Our recipe features nutrient-dense ingredients like seeds, nuts, and coconut flakes, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Granola may prompt weight gain if eaten in excess, as it can be high in calories from added fats and sugars. What's more, sugar is linked to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

The Original Crunch. Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey Crunchy Granola Bars are a tasty snack made with whole-grain oats and a touch of honey.

We hear these questions all the time, and the quick answer is: YES. Pure oats are naturally gluten-free. However, oats are often farmed, transported and stored together with grains that do contain gluten (such as wheat, barley and rye), which causes cross-contamination.

Granola bars are pre-packaged or homemade portable bars consisting of grains like oats or breakfast cereals, nuts, seeds, honey or other sweeteners, and sometimes dried fruit.