Taste-Testers Say These Healthy Granola Brands Are Perfect for Your Next Snack (2024)

These little sprouted buckwheat pieces are free from added sugars and add craveable crunch to a bowl of yogurt, plus 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of filling fiber.

Nutrition per serving: 150 cal, 6 g pro, 32 g carb, 5 g fiber, 0 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 1.5 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 0 mg sodium

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A favorite in the Prevention Test Kitchen, this pick is made with ancient grains, a less processed form of grain than white flours and other white grains. This bag includes amaranth and quinoa, but note that it is higher in sugar per serving than the recommended amount.

Nutrition per serving: 130 cal, 3 g pro, 19 g carb, 2 g fiber, 7 g sugars (7 g added sugars), 5 g fat (3.5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 130 mg sodium

Blue Stripes creates upcycled products made with the leftovers from chocolate production, including this rich and chocolatey granola. They incorporate a blend of cocoa bean shell powder which nutritionally is high in vitamins and minerals including manganese, magnesium, and biotin.

Nutrition per serving: 150 cal, 5 g pro, 12 g carb, 3 g fiber, 5 g sugars (4 g added sugars), 10 g fat (2 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 50 mg sodium

Our tasters said this fruity granola reminded them of a blueberry muffin, with a fresh citrus hit. One taster said, “This granola is delightfully tangy with nice chewy blueberries.” Plus, each serving boasts 6% of your daily iron, key to protecting against anemia. “It’s not too sweet and would be especially good with yogurt,” said another taster.

Nutrition per serving: 140 cal, 3 g pro, 19 g carb, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugars (5 g added sugars), 6 g fat (4 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 70 mg sodium

Our editors love this grain-free granola for its rich, no-sugar-added coffee flavor. Instead of grains like oats, Struesli makes a nut- and seed-based granola, including hemp hearts, which promote healthy digestion.

Nutrition per serving: 150 cal, 3 g pro, 7 g carb, 4 g fiber, 2 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 13 g fat (5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 75 mg sodium

SeedWise granolas provide another grain-free option. Made with seeds instead of nuts, this bag offers a great pick for those with allergies. Note that it is sweetened with monk fruit powder.

Nutrition per serving: 130 cal, 6 g pro, 9 g carb, 6 g fiber, 3 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 9 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 45 mg sodium

If you’re looking for a low-carb granola option, this bag may be for you. It’s sweetened with freeze-dried blueberries, erythritol, and monk fruit instead of other sugars. Note that this granola is higher in saturated fats than others because of the addition of coconut oil.

Nutrition per serving: 160 cal, 5 g pro, 9 g carb, 3 g fiber, 1 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 14 g fat (5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 55 mg sodium

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This nutty pick stood out for the 10 grams of protein in each serving. However, clocking in at the highest amount of added sugars, this pick could make for a good dessert granola. These nutritional values are comparable to some protein bars in grocery stores, so consider swapping in this granola if you want a change.

Nutrition per serving: 260 cal, 10 g pro, 37 g carb, 4 g fiber, 11 g sugars (11 g added sugars), 8 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 115 mg sodium

Because these crunchy clusters are higher in sugar than traditional, they’re best snacked on on their own. While also higher in fat than other picks, this is because they are made with sunflower and pumpkin seeds which are good natural sources of healthy fats like omega-3s—some research shows this nutrient could reduce the risk of heart disease. The coconut adds a tropical flavor and a richness to each bite.

Nutrition per serving: 160 cal, 4 g pro, 11 g carb, 2 g fiber, 7 g sugars (6 g added sugars), 12 g fat (6 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 125 mg sodium

Instead of being sweetened with sugar, this granola contains monk fruit, a melon-like fruit also called luohan guo. This sweetener contains zero calories and is not considered an added sugar, but it’s important to note that it tastes very sweet and can be overpowering to some tasters.

Nutrition per serving: 150 cal, 2 g pro, 19 g carb, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 7 g fat (5 g sat fat), 0 mg chol, 90 mg sodium

Here’s what to consider on granola brand labels:

Ingredients: It’s important to look for whole grains or nuts and seeds as the first ingredient. Dried fruit with no added sugar and coconut are also great additions, says Glassman. “Ideally organic,” she suggests.

Calories: Glassman suggests focusing more on the ingredients list than the calorie amount as this healthy cereal can be naturally packed with higher-calorie ingredients.

Sugar: Granolas can be loaded with added sugars, and just because they’re sweetened with maple, dates, or honey does not necessarily make them healthier, says Glassman. “I prefer dates and honey over other sources such as high fructose corn syrup, but you have to remember it is still sugar.” However if you are consuming a granola with added sugars, pair it with no-sugar-added yogurt or snack on a handful on its own.

Nutritional benefits: Granola is not naturally high in protein or fiber, so it’s a good sign if brands tout these nutrients on the label. It probably means there is added protein powder or a high concentration of whole grains, but check ingredients lists to be sure it’s coming from a natural source.