Grain Free Granola – Paleo Granola Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is grain free granola made of? ›

Grain free granola is made from a base of nuts and seeds instead of oats. This version is bound with coconut oil and nut butter, and it's flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

Because this granola doesn't have any grains, it's extremely nutrient rich: 6.2 grams of protein + 4.7 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup serving! You can either eat it as is or with your favorite dairy-free milk of yogurt.

Clumpy Granola Method: Add Egg White

About this method: According to Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, “Nothing glues like protein.” While there are many granola recipes that include an egg white, I got this tip from the Big Cluster Maple Granola recipe in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.

Paleo Granola is made with real food ingredients.

This recipe comes together with a blend of nuts and seeds, coconut flakes, honey, cinnamon and vanilla. The honey in this recipe provides just the right amount of sweetness and the nuts and seeds add a perfect crunch.

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.

Granola can be packed with sugar, corn syrup, honey, and other added sweeteners, just like many of your favourite cereals that you try to avoid for your health's sake.

Yes, granola can be eaten daily. As part of a balanced diet and if the portions are checked. Go for healthier options with less added sugars and saturated fats to get the most out of it.

Muesli is lower in sugar and fat than granola, making it a better option for people who are watching their calorie intake. Granola is a good source of protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal option for people who want to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

Smoothie with Granola

Try adding it to your favorite smoothie to give it an extra boost of fiber from the whole grains, healthy fats and added flavor. It's also an easy way to increase calories in a smoothie. Personally, I think it would be a delicious addition to my Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie!

Nut butter is a super flavorful fat that serves multiple purposes in granola. It acts as a binding agent—along with additional coconut oil and whatever natural sweetener I've chosen—helping to pull the dry ingredients together into a wet, sticky mass for baking.

Why is my homemade granola not crunchy? ›

I aim to let it hit room temperature, whatever that may be; the real point is to give it ample time to shed excess heat and steam. This should take about 45 minutes; if left out indefinitely, the granola can turn sticky or soft, so do try to put it away as soon after cooling as you can.

The binder is what helps the base ingredients clump together into clusters. Traditionally this is usually a sugar syrup, but it's possible to use any ingredient that has the power to bind. Egg - Egg whites are a great binder for granola if you are trying to avoid sugar.

Both paleo and primal meal plans celebrate nuts and seeds for their healthy fats, protein, and fiber. These are the ingredients that can make granola a potential candidate for your primal meal plan, provided the rest of the ingredients align with primal principles.

As far as nutritional health benefits, it's clear that raw honey is the winner over pasteurised (as long as you're at least one year old). Unadulterated raw honey is also considered a whole food, making it paleo-friendly, whereas pasteurised honey is heat-processed and not recommended in a paleo lifestyle.

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.).

The taste of sweet honey, the whole grain goodness of granola and oats - these are the wholesome ingredients that kick start your day. Packed with 13g of protein per serving, this granola provides at least 26g of whole grain per serving (at least 48g recommended daily).

Grain-free diets exclude all grains including wheat, bulgur, spelt, farro, quinoa, rice, millet and products made from grains like pasta, crackers, breads, cereals, some plant milks, and more. Many grain-free plans also consider corn and corn products off-limits.

On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy.

Most granola contains oats and oats in their pure form are gluten free. However, because most oats are processed in facilities that are producing grains like wheat, barley, and rye, they can contain traces of gluten.