Explore the many ways to utilize granola beyond breakfast. Get inspired by our unique and tasty recipe ideas.
Granola is more than a popular breakfast option, it’s super snackable, a nutritious ingredient, a healthy pantry staple to have on hand and the perfect combo of healthy and yummy.
Let’s take a quick look at the main ingredients in granola and how they can contribute to a healthy eating plan.
- OATS offer a plethora of health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fibre and in particular beta glucan, a type of fibre that supports a healthy balance of cholesterol which supports the heart. They are rich in prebiotics (what are prebiotics?) and contain the unique antioxidant called avenanthramides, which is shown to offer many health benefits.
For further benefits, choose a granola made with organic oats. Conventional oat crops are commonly sprayed with Glyphosate (commonly known as RoundUp), a pesticide that has been linked to cancer and consequently has been banned in many countries. Learn more about the current controversy around glyphosate in New Zealand.
2. Nuts are nutrient dense and offer a bioavailable plant-based protein, dietary fibre, essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals. Including nuts in your diet can offer benefits such as supporting a healthy heart, assisting with weight loss, preventing diabetes or improving mental function.
3. Seeds are packed with nutrients, plant-based protein, dietary fibre and antioxidants. Including seeds in your diet can help support weight loss, a healthy digestive system and fight free radical formation.
4. Coconut oil is a smart choice to use for making granola. It has a higher smoke point and is a healthy plant-based option. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which is a “healthy” form of saturated fat. The body metabolizes these fats in the liver, quickly converting this into energy, rather than being stored as fat. MCFA’s contains lauric acid, which contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties that support the body’s wellbeing and boosts the immune system.
Some granola is packed with sugar, so it’s important to check the ingredient list and the nutrition panel.
Beyond Breakfast
Granola has become a pantry staple in many households, and it’s use goes way beyond breakfast. Here are some untraditional ways we love using granola.
Snacking Solutions
- Make your own trail mix, including your favourite granola.
- Use granola as an ingredient to make granola bars, Ginger Crunch and Date Caramel Slice or energy balls.
- Use granola to sprinkle on top of recipes for added texture, crunch and flavour. Try this yummy Banana Bread topped with Ginger Crunch Granola.
- Try apple sandwiches. Spread nut butter on a round slice of apple, sprinkle with granola, and add another layer of apple slice.
- Roll a banana in nut butter or melted chocolate and roll in granola. Freeze for a refreshing summer treat.
- For busy lifestyles, sometimes all you have time for is to grab and snack. We highly recommend eating Blackcurrant, Raspberry & Vanilla Granola straight from the bag!
Baking & Dessert
- Add granola to baking for a boost of nutrition and additional texture. Use granola to replace oats in cookies, bread, or muffins.
- For a quick fruit crumble, use granola as the topping.
- Sprinkle on top of cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes for a pretty finish and a lovely crunch.
- Add to rocky road, for a healthier version.
- Sprinkle on a bowl of ice cream or dunk your ice cream cone in granola. The sweet/salty combo is delightful!
Breakfast Inspo & Light Lunches
- Switch it up by using granola to make Baked Oat Bran Ramekins, Smoothie Granola Bowl, or Granola Pancakes.
- Sprinkle it on yoghurt, chia pudding, a smoothie bowl, or oatmeal for a boost of flavour and texture.
- Use granola to make your own yoghurt parfait. Perfect for before school, after school or even a night-time nibble. This Granola Chia Parfait will get you inspired.
- Cookies for breakfast!? Try these Breakfast Cookies for on-the-go.
Savoury Ideas
- Try this Pumpkin & Lentil Savoury Crumble. It uses Swiss Bircher Muesli, the unbaked cousin to granola.
- Use granola as a savoury sprinkle over roasted vegetables, rice dishes, green salads, or coleslaws.
- Try granola as an innovative soup topper.
What makes your favourite granola so delicious and how do you use it? If you’re looking to add more organics to your diet, Chantal Organics have a delicious range of organic oat-based granola, as well as gluten free and keto granola too.
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