Granola is a common breakfast and snack meal that is loved for its delicious tastes, satisfying crunch, and adaptability all over the world. But a lot of granolas you buy at the shop come with non-vegan components like dairy, honey, or additives derived from animals. The good news is that you can easily and affordably make vegan granola at home, and you can customize the ingredients to get the best possible taste and nutrients. All the information you require to make vegan granola—such as its advantages, necessary components, and a basic recipe to get you started—will be covered in this blog.
What Is Granola Made Vegan?
Granola that is vegan is basically the same as regular granola, except it doesn’t contain any components that come from animals. Usually, to make it, oats, sugars, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are combined, and the mixture is baked until brown and crispy. The versatility of vegan granola allows you to modify the ingredients to fit your dietary requirements and taste preferences.
The Advantages of Plant-Based Granola
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with plant-based components, vegan granola is a great way to get important nutrients like fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts and seeds offer a fantastic source of plant protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and oats are high in fiber and heart-healthy.
- Sustainable and Ethical: You’re selecting a more ethical and sustainable product when you go vegan with your granola. When comparing vegan cuisine to animal-based food, the environmental impact is usually smaller. Additionally, you won’t support businesses that abuse animals.
- Healthy Digestive System: Granola’s high fiber level, particularly when mixed with whole grains and nuts, supports a healthy digestive system and can help ward against conditions like constipation. In addition to being high in fiber, ingredients like chia seeds and flaxseeds also include mucilage, which promotes digestive health.
- Energy-Boosting: Granola is an excellent source of slowly digesting carbs, which makes it an ideal choice for a breakfast that will make you feel satisfied and energized all day. Complex carbohydrates, fiber, and lipids work together to offer sustained energy without bursts and crashes.
- Free from Unnecessary additions: You may steer clear of undesirable preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and other additions that are frequently present in store-bought vegan granola by making it at home. You are in total control of the caliber of the ingredients you eat.
Essential Components of Vegan Granola
A few basic ingredients are all you need to make your own tasty and healthy vegan granola. The following are the necessary elements to incorporate:
- Oats as the base
- The main ingredient in every granola recipe is old-fashioned rolled oatmeal. They have the ideal texture for crunchy granola and are naturally gluten-free (though some oats may get contaminated during processing; look for certified gluten-free oats if necessary). Oats are high in fiber, especially beta-glucan, which has been shown to have a lowering effect on cholesterol.
- Sweethearts and Oil as Binders
- Oil: You’ll need a small amount of oil to get a crispy texture. Because it is stable at high temperatures and offers a sense of sweetness, coconut oil is a popular option. You can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other preferred neutral-flavored oil.
- Sweeteners: Use a natural sweetener to give your granola a little sweetness and to help it hold together in fun clusters. Brown rice syrup, agave nectar, maple syrup, and date syrup are typical vegan substitutes. Steer clear of honey; it is not vegan-friendly.
- Seeds and Nuts: Crunch Nuts and seeds offer crunch, texture, and an additional source of protein and good fats. Popular options include cashews, almonds, walnuts, sunflower, pumpkin, and flaxseeds. Depending on the desired flavor profile, you can combine or separate your favorites.
- Spices and Extracts as Flavor Enhancers Adding a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or cinnamon to your granola will improve its flavor. Almond or vanilla extract also provides a beautiful depth of flavor.
- Extras and Dried Fruits as Add-ins
- You can add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or apricots to your granola after it has done baking. Additional ingredients like cacao nibs, coconut flakes, or even vegan chocolate chips might be included. Because they can burn on high heat, add these after baking.
Easy Recipe for Plant-Based Granola
This is a basic recipe for a flexible vegan granola that you may alter to suit your preferences.
Components:
- Three cups of traditional rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped raw almonds
- Half a cup of pumpkin seeds
One-fourth cup of sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
- One-third cup agave nectar or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil, melted
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- One teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
A half-cup of dried cranberries (to be added after baking; optional)
Guidelines:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and place parchment paper on a baking pan.
- Combine the oats, coconut, almonds, seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a sizable mixing basin.
- Combine the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or agave) in a different small bowl.
- After adding the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, swirl everything to ensure that it is all coated.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into a single layer on the baking sheet that has been ready.
- Bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until it is crisp and golden brown.
- Take the granola out of the oven and allow it to cool fully. As it cools, it will get harder still.
- Once chilled, mix in additional ingredients, such as dried cranberries, if preferred.
- For up to two weeks, keep at room temperature in an airtight container.
Ingenious Taste Adjustments
There is no limit to the taste variations you can make after you have mastered the fundamental recipe. Here are some suggestions:
- Chocolate Lover’s Granola: After baking, mix in vegan chocolate chips with the dry ingredients that have been powdered.
- Tropical Granola: To give it a tropical flair, mix in macadamia nuts along with dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes.
- Spiced Apple Granola: To add an autumnal taste, combine cinnamon, a pinch of cloves, and dried apple slices.
- Peanut Butter Granola: For a nutty, high-protein variation, substitute melted peanut butter for part of the oil and add peanuts.
How to Savor Granola That’s Vegan
Your homemade vegan granola can be enjoyed in a million different ways. Here are some recommendations:
- With Plant-Based Milk: Granola is traditionally eaten as a hearty breakfast or snack with almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk.
- Over Vegan Yogurt: Sprinkle granola over a bowl of vegan yogurt for a filling, crunchy-creamy snack.
- Smoothie Bowl Topping: To add crunch and extra nutrients to a smoothie bowl, sprinkle granola on top.
As a Snack: When you need a pick-me snack that will give you a quick energy boost, grab a handful of granola.
As a Dessert: For a nutritious dessert, drizzle it over baked fruit, vegan ice cream, or fruit salads.
Final Reflections
Making your own vegan granola is an easy and satisfying procedure with lots of tasty customizing options and lots of nutritional advantages. You may make a nutritious snack or breakfast that is full of taste, nutrients, and sustainable deliciousness by selecting premium plant-based components. Vegan granola is a delicious and adaptable option that blends seamlessly into a plant-based lifestyle, whether it is eaten as a snack, with plant-based milk, or as a topping for your favorite recipes.
