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.

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.

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.

Higher temperatures can cause ingredients like nuts, seeds, and coconut to burn before the batch has a chance to properly dry out and crisp up, Perry says. Stick with a low temperature, keep an eye on your mixture, and stir it from time to time to help it brown evenly.

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.

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.

Chia seeds are often praised for their binding powers. In fact, they secure ingredients so well that they can even be used as an egg replacer. Adding just a spoonful of chia seeds to your favorite granola bar recipe will make a huge difference in its texture.

Keep in mind that the granola won't be dry right out of the oven — it will dry as it cools. So take it out of the oven when it looks lightly toasted and smells like cooked honey. We're going for a toasty smell here. Add dried fruit after baking.

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.

What is a good substitute for granola? ›

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.

Is Homemade Granola Cheaper? Initially, you'll have to spend more money on homemade granola than store-bought. However, over the long run (depending on your recipe) you'll most likely spend less on making your own granola.

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.

Your homemade granola will continue to crisp up as it cools. It's tempting to start eating it as soon as it comes out of the oven, but if you let it rest for 15 minutes on the sheet pan, it'll be extra crisp and toasty – totally worth the wait!

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.

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.