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Yogurt with Granola – Start your Day with the Perfect Parfait
When it comes to a healthy breakfast, yogurt with granola is a perennial favourite. It’s a universally acknowledged truth that a healthy breakfast is not only the key to a balanced diet but also the best way to make an energetic start to your day. The winning combo of yogurt and granola isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutritional benefits that can kick-start your morning, and keep you feeling satisfied and energetic throughout the day.
Whether you’re an early riser or a reluctant morning person, let’s dive in to discover why a yogurt bowl with granola might just become your new favourite way to start the day.
It all Begins with a Healthy Breakfast
A healthy breakfast sets the tone for an energetic and productive day. While we sleep, our bodies are still working, using up stores of energy that need to be replenished when we wake. A nutritionally balanced breakfast provides us with the essential nutrients and energy to perform effectively throughout the day.
What’s more, a healthy breakfast can help regulate metabolism and prevent snacking on high-calorie foods later in the day. Skipping this crucial meal can lead to increased hunger and potentially overeating, which can be counterproductive if you’re aiming for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
So, why is yogurt with granola healthy?
Yogurt with granola is super nutritious, providing a harmonious blend of proteins, healthy fats, fibres, and essential vitamins and minerals that complement each other perfectly. Throw in some fruit and the list of benefits just gets longer.
The health benefits of yogurt
Yogurt is renowned for its numerous health benefits, making it an excellent choice for breakfast.
- High in Protein: Yogurt is packed with protein, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues. Not only that, but it keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
- Rich in Calcium: A great source of calcium, yogurt is ideal for helping to maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth.
- Good for Gut Health: Yogurt contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can enhance gut health and aid digestion.
- Boosts Immunity: The probiotics in yogurt can also strengthen your immune system, helping your body resist infections.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Yogurt is rich in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus.
The health benefits of granola
Granola, a crunchy and delicious addition to your breakfast, also boasts numerous health benefits:
- Packed with Fibre: Granola is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Healthy Fats: Many granolas include nuts and seeds which contain healthy fats, essential for heart health and maintaining cholesterol levels.
- Energy Booster: Granola is a concentrated source of energy, ideal for kick-starting your day or fueling physical activity.
And then there’s fruit. All around general good guy.
Fruit offers some incredible health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, fruit can aid digestion, strengthen the immune system, and even promote skin health. Most fruits are packed with antioxidants, which fight against harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, the natural sugars in fruit provide a quick, healthy energy boost, making it a perfect addition to your morning yogurt bowl.
Is granola with dried fruit good for you?
Absolutely. Granola with dried fruit can be a healthy choice, but it’s important to consider the quality and quantity of ingredients. Dried fruits can enhance the nutritional profile of granola by adding fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, they can also increase sugar content, so it’s recommended to choose options with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Find out more about the sugar content of granola in our article on low-sugar granola.
The Perfect Pairing – Yogurt with Granola
As we have seen, from a nutritional standpoint yogurt and granola make the perfect pair. Especially when a portion or two is thrown into the mix. But just why do granola and yogurt work so well together?
Yogurt and granola create a symphony of taste and texture that is simply irresistible. The creaminess of yogurt provides a perfect contrast to the crunch of granola, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite. The tangy flavour of yogurt enhances the sweetness of the granola, which can be further enriched by the inclusion of dried fruits or a drizzle of honey. Also, the cool freshness of yogurt is balanced by the comforting oven-baked homeliness that is granola.
Creating the perfect breakfast yogurt bowl
The beauty of this pairing lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. You can make endless combinations of yogurt, granola, and fruit yet there is one thing that won’t change. Your yogurt bowl will only be as good as the quality of your ingredients.
Choose healthy yogurt
- Opt for Plain Yogurt: Flavoured yogurts often contain high quantities of added sugars. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt.
- Check the Fat Content: Yogurts come in non-fat, low-fat, and full-fat versions. Depending on your dietary requirements and preferences, choose one with a suitable fat content. However, remember that full-fat yogurt tend to be more satiating.
- Look for Live Cultures: Yogurts with live and active cultures are a fantastic source of probiotics, which can enhance gut health. Look for labels that indicate the presence of these beneficial bacteria.
- Choose Organic: If possible, go for organic yogurt. This is made from the milk of cows that haven’t been given antibiotics or artificial growth hormones.
- Consider Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is strained more times than traditional yogurt, making it thicker and creamier. It is also packed with protein, making it a great option for a filling breakfast.
- Avoid Artificial Additives: Some yogurts contain artificial flavours, colours, or sweeteners. Check the ingredient list thoroughly to ensure your choice is as natural and healthy as possible.
Choose healthy granola
- Read the Ingredients List: Always check the ingredients list. The healthiest granolas are usually those with the fewest and most recognisable ingredients.
- Look for Whole Grains: Make sure whole grains are at the top of the ingredient list. Find out more in our article about whole grains for a healthy breakfast.
- Check the Sugar Content: Some granola can be high in added sugars. Look for granola with less than 6g of sugar per serving. Be aware of different names for sugar like honey, brown rice syrup, or cane sugar.
- Avoid Artificial Additives: As with yogurt, granola should be as natural as possible. Avoid brands that include artificial flavours, preservatives, or colours.
- Look for Healthy Fats: Granola containing nuts, seeds, or oils like olive or coconut can provide healthy fats which are essential for your body and brain.
- Consider Protein Content: To make your granola more filling, look for options that contain nuts, seeds, or a source of protein like whey or casein.
- Watch Serving Sizes: Granola can be dense in calories, so pay attention to serving sizes. A serving is usually 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup.
Putting Together the Perfect Breakfast Parfait
Wait, what? Isn’t parfait a kind of ice cream? Sadly, no. Actually, it is but when it comes to breakfast, parfait is just a fancy name for yogurt with granola. Yogurt parfait tends to be layered in a glass, rather than piled in a bowl, in order to maximise the surprise factor of contrasting ingredients on the spoon. It is also, of course, utterly Instagrammable.
Whether you choose to layer your ingredients in a glass, or simply put them in a bowl, the concept remains the same. Take some good yogurt, some great granola, and add some fruit; fresh or otherwise. Depending on the content of your granola, you may wish to add any number of extra toppings such as nuts and seeds.
Healthy yogurt bowl ideas
Australian Berries: Layer Greek yogurt, a handful of your favourite local berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), granola, and a drizzle of honey. Top with a sprinkle of chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost.
We think this would be great with our classic almond crunch granola.
Apple Cinnamon Autumn Crisp: Combine natural yogurt with stewed cinnamon apples, granola, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. For added crunch, toss in some sliced almonds.
Try something a little different with our crispy apple paleo granola.
Nuts About Bananas: Layer banana slices with Greek yogurt and granola. Top it off with a sprinkle of walnuts and a drizzle of almond butter.
Make it extra nutty with our award-winning maple nut crunch granola.
Choc Cherry Forest: Blend Greek yogurt with a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder, and add in some tart cherries and granola. Top with a sprinkle of cacao nibs.
This cranberry crunch granola would be a great substitute for sour cherries.
Pretty as a Peach: Layer peach slices, Greek yogurt, and granola. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flax seeds.
This honey and macadamia crunch would be the perfect granola here.
And there you have it. We reckon yogurt and granola not only make for a delicious start to your day but also a nutritious one, providing the energy you need to power through. Remember, the beauty of a yogurt bowl breakfast is in its versatility. You can mix and match flavours, layer in your favourite fruits, or even throw in some nuts and seeds for added crunch. And don’t forget, choosing the healthiest types of yogurt and granola makes a big difference, so always read the labels. Armed with these tasty ideas, why not have a go at getting creative with your granola bowl?
Take a look at our range of healthy cereals, including some great crunchy granola to get you started.
This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Granola Manufacturers”.
See original article:- Yogurt with Granola – Start your Day with the Perfect Parfait
Choose Low Sugar Granola
With low sugar granola you don’t have to give up your favourite breakfast cereal. When you are reducing your carb intake, or keeping an eye on the sugar you consume, the advice for breakfast is usually along the lines of ditching your breakfast cereal for something more protein focused. Which tends towards the savoury.
But what happens if you happen to like your breakfast routine? What if the crunch of cold milk and cereal is what propels you out of bed in the mornings? Nutritional benefits of cereal and milk aside, the thing that can be lacking from many a low carb diet is crunch. Or is it crisp. Maybe it is the two combined, but whatever it is it is different from the bite of apple or a stick of raw carrot.
The more foods that you eliminate from your diet, the harder it can be to find food that satisfies on all levels. Granola is often the first to go, with its combination of grains, fat and sugar. No wonder we like it so much. But there is just something about granola, and as a foodstuff it is entirely unique. More than muesli, not quite flapjack, and defo not porridge; when you want granola nothing else will do.
What is low sugar granola?
There are gluten free options for granola, and even completely grain free granola, but today we are focusing on sugar.
Overconsumption of sugar is a big issue, and most of underestimate the amount we eat or even the ill effects it can have in the long term. Sugar in breakfast cereals is a massive problem, with many cereals containing over 40% sugar. That’s a big number, when you really stop and think about it.
For cereal to be considered low sugar, ideally it should contain less than 10% sugar and above 3% fibre (the fibre content helps to offset the glycaemic load). Remember we mentioned the fat in granola? That’s the stuff that makes it clump together and sets it apart from muesli. That also helps to lower the glycaemic load.
The final thing you are looking for in a low sugar granola or cereal is that it contains no refined sugars.
The difference between refined and unrefined sugars
The first thing that you need to understand is that sugar is sugar. Keeping your intake to a minimum is always the goal. But when it comes down to it, natural unrefined sugars are always going to trump the refined white stuff. Not to mention all the weird commercial ingredients that are ultra refined, such as corn syrup.
But unrefined sugars are closer to natural whole foods, and as such contain more of the nutritional good stuff in the plant.
Forms of natural sugar
Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar is ideal when you need a crystallised sugar replacement. Sugar is used in so many products partly because it brings specific qualities that syrups do not. Coconut sugar does not taste of coconut, but has a light caramel sweetness like pale brown sugar. A natural source of vitamins and minerals, coconut sugar has a lower GI (35) than most sugars and syrups.
Honey
The original natural sweetener, honey is very very sweet and has a high GI of 50. A little, however, does go a very long way. Raw honey is of huge nutritional value. It has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, as well as a rich and varied vitamin and mineral profile. Honey also offers huge depth of flavour, that other sweeteners can lack.
Coconut nectar
Coconut nectar is the liquid version of coconut sugar. It is less sweet than honey.
Maple syrup
Rich in minerals, with a distinctive flavour, maple syrup has a high GI of 54. Again though, a little goes a very long way.
Agave syrup
Agave syrup is often used as a vegan alternative to honey. It has a fairly neutral taste, and a low GI of 17. Despite this, it is very sweet and, as with most of these natural liquid sugars, goes a long way. It is easier to use and control than honey as it is far runnier.
Dried fruit
Dried fruit may be a source of concentrated sugar, but is also full of fibre, as well as vitamins and minerals. Still intact, as a whole fruit, dried fruit is one the best natural sources of sweetness. When sweetening with dried fruit, you don’t need to add as much of the other sources of natural sugar.
Spices
Often overlooked, there are several spices that can be used to bring sweetness to foods. Not inherently sweet, the sweet spices such as cinnamon and cardamom do help to enhance sweet flavours. Cinnamon is also know to help lower blood pressure. Vanilla is also excellent at increasing the sensation of sweetness in a dish.
What’s in my low sugar granola?
Our famous roasted almond crunch does contain very small quantities of sugar to allow for it’s superior texture yet still comes in at under 10% sugar. The bulk of the sweetness comes from natural agave syrup and cinnamon.
Our equally popular maple nut crunch granola is naturally sweetened with agave and maple syrups, with a touch of cinnamon. With 8.9% sugar it is our lowest sugar granola, and contains 0% refined sugar.
Our spelt and agave nut crunch is also sweetened with agave and maple syrups, with a touch of cinnamon and cardamom. It also contains less than 10% sugar, and no refined sugar at all.
Explore our range of low sugar cereals, available to buy online now with bulk buy discounts.
This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Healthy Cereal Suppliers”.
See original article:- Choose Low Sugar Granola
Why Oats are Still the Backbone of a Healthy Cereal
What with keto, and the controversial avenin/gluten content debate, oats have begun to get as much bad press as wheat. Yet the truth is that its very low in gluten and unless you have clearly identified that avenin causes you problems, then you should strongly consider including oats as a regular part of your diet.
The Heart of a Healthy Cereal
At Opera Foods we take our breakfast pretty seriously. We spent a long time considering ‘what makes a healthy breakfast‘ and reached the conclusion that wholegrain cereal is the healthiest breakfast of them all.
So what does that mean? Certainly not all wholegrain cereals are equal. Staying away from the big commercial brands, especially those marketed towards children, is probably a good start. When choosing a healthy cereal, muesli, granola, and porridge, are at the top of most people’s lists.
Speciality blends (such as keto or Paleo ) aside, most of these breakfast cereals have one thing in common. And that is oats. If wholegrains are truly the heart of a healthy cereal, then oats are most definitely the backbone.
Oats in Granola
The entire point of granola is those crunchy, possibly even chewy, clusters. It is one of the things that sets granola apart from muesli. Btw, which side are you on? This may help; muesli vs granola.
We have lots of lovely oat based granola blends for you to try. As well as a few that aren’t.
Oats in Muesli
When Mr Bircher first created his restorative recipe, he didn’t reach for the buckwheat or the quinoa. He choose to base his easily digestible breakfast around the restorative power of oats.
Have you tried our premium muesli blends?
Oats in Porridge
Likewise, generations of Scots have started their day on a warming bowl of porridge oats, which are a staple ingredient in Scotland. Granted, this is largely because they grow really well there and traditional foods do tend to evolve through availability. Yet oats behave in a certain way when cooked in liquid that makes porridge so appealing. They have a certain creaminess, even when cooked in water, that is inherently easy to eat. A bowl of porridge at breakfast will certainly see you through to lunch, and possibly all the way though to dinner. It is just that good.
Our five grain porridge blend is based on organic jumbo oats.
The Health Benefits of Oats
Oats have a ton of beneficial properties and can be considered a true superfood. Which is why we recommend that you only eliminate them from your diet if the downsides outweigh the good.
In short, oats can…
- help lower cholesterol
- help control insulin secretion
- help lower anxiety
- prevent blood sugar spikes
- soothe your gut
- supercharge your skin
Which is quite a lot for an unassuming and often misunderstood little grain. So how do oats manage to provide all these benefits. What supercharges this super grain?
Beta – glucan; heart healthy fibre
Beta-glucan is a soluble fibre found in many grains, yet is particularly abundant in oats.
Soluble fibre dissolves in water to form a gel, unlike insoluble fibre that passes straight through. Although both are types of fibre, they actually have the opposite effect on the body. Together they provide powerful protection for your gut.
The mucus-like gel coats and lubricates the gut lining, slowing down digestion and keeping you fuller for longer. This, in turn slows down the absorption of sugar and helps to stabilise blood sugar levels as well as improve overall blood sugar regulation.
Beta-glucan has been shown to to drastically lower LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol levels, leading to a marked improvement in total cholesterol.
Essential mineral magnesium
Things rarely work in isolation, especially when it comes to health and nutrition. Oats are known to be one of the best foods for helping to control blood sugar levels. Not only does the beta glucan help with blood sugar regulation, but oats are also a rich source of magnesium that helps to regulate insulin secretion. A diabetic double whammy, if you like.
Gramine; nature’s sedative
Oats are a traditional remedy for insomnia, depression and anxiety. We now know that they contain the alkaloid gramine, that acts as a natural sedative.
Water loving polysaccharides
Oats are also well known for their skin softening properties, and again feature highly in traditional beauty remedies. Their excellent moisturising properties are down to the sugars that they contain, which attract and hold water to lubricate the skin.
Silica; skin care’s best kept secret
The mineral silica is involved in the making of collagen and elastin, which provides the structure for firm youthful looking skin. It is also found in hyaluronic acid (yes, that one) which helps to keep the skin matrix supple.
Tocotrienol; skin soothing vitamin E
Oats are very soothing for the skin. They contain a compound known as tocotrienol, which is actually a member of the vitamin E family. As well as its skin soothing properties, it is thought to offer some protection against UV damage too.
Zinc; for problem skin and hair
As if all of this were not enough, oats also contain zinc, which is helpful in controlling sebum production. Greasy hair and breakout skin are often caused by out of control sebum production, and zinc can certainly help with this.
So that’s the lowdown on why oats are such a valuable part of a healthy diet, unless of course you do have issues with avenin sensitivity. Oats are very low in Gluten. In the USA they allow it to be called Gluten Free. Including them in your diet may reap more rewards than excluding them so we believe it is well worth serious consideration.
As always, feel free to explore our range of premium healthy cereals, available to buy online in bulk today.
This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Australian Breakfast Cereal Manufacturers”.
See original article:- Why Oats are Still the Backbone of a Healthy Cereal
Rice Bran – Spotlight on Whole Grain Cereals
Rice bran, indeed rice in general, has been finding its way into all kind of breakfast cereals as the focus moves away from wheat. Following on from our article on the benefits of eating whole grains for breakfast, we have been exploring some of these whole grains in more detail. This time it is the turn of rice.
Rice in your breakfast cereal
How breakfast cereal has changed. Variations of crisped rice, made with super crisp refined white rice and a ton of added sugar, have been a childhood (and late night snack time) favourite forever. Yet, generally speaking, rice does not appear in the ingredients lists of your average granola, muesli or porridge.
As one of the few true gluten-free grains, rice is having a bit of a moment. Versatile beyond its side dish status, and with all the benefits that whole grains have to offer, it is no surprise that brown rice for breakfast has become a thing.
Where might you find rice in your healthy cereal? Rice comes in a variety of forms suited to breakfast cereals, so look out for puffed rice, rice flakes, or rice bran.
Puffed rice, especially puffed brown rice, is not as crisp and shell like as commercial rice crispy type cereals. It has a texture and taste closer to that of popcorn. Rice naturally has a different texture to corn so it is steamed to add moisture before being air popped in the usual manner. Puffed rice can be found in many gourmet granola mixes, particularly in gluten-free granola, but is also great on its own.
Our gluten free maple nut crunch granola contains puffed rice.
Rice flakes are thinner than oats, with a texture unlike most flaked grains. Usually steamed and then flattened most rice flakes are not meant to be eaten raw, requiring cooking or soaking to soften them. This makes them ideal for porridge style blends.
Our fig and apricot bircher muesli contains brown rice flakes.
Is rice gluten free?
Yes, rice is gluten-free.
What does brown rice taste like?
Brown rice has more flavour than refined white rice and a slightly chewier texture. It tastes slightly sweet and nutty.
Does rice have protein?
Both brown and white rice have similar levels of protein. Rice does contain some protein, but it is not considered a high protein grain such as quinoa. Quinoa is also a complete protein, whilst rice protein lacks certain amino acids.
Is rice healthy?
Most of the nutrients in rice are contained within the bran and the germ. These parts are removed in the production of white rice, yet remain intact in brown rice.
Brown rice has twice as much fibre than white rice, and is abundant in antioxidant plant compounds known as flavonoids. Rice bran is particularly rich in lignans. These are another beneficial plant compound that it is suggested can help to lower the risk of many diseases, particularly female concerns such as osteoporosis, menopause and breast cancer.
The vitamin and mineral content of brown rice is higher than that of white rice, and it is particular rich in manganese, as well as a good source of magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins.
Which rice is the healthiest?
As we have seen, brown rice has far more nutrients than white rice, making it a healthier choice than white rice.
Yet, even white rice, although not as nutritious as brown rice, has its virtues. Not just gluten-free, it also has the benefit of being really easy on the digestion. Particularly good for those who may not even tolerate oats, white rice flakes make the ideal porridge and are a gentle way to start your day.
Next time you are buying breakfast cereal, look out on the label to see if it includes brown rice. And don’t forget that we have a range of healthy cereals at our online wholesale grocery store.
Find out more about what makes a healthy breakfast in our in-depth article.
This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Healthy Cereal manufacturers and distributors”.
See original article:- Rice Bran – Spotlight on Whole Grain Cereals
Quinoa Flakes: Spotlight on Whole Grain Cereals
What are quinoa flakes? Healthy cereal, especially muesli and granola, goes way beyond wheat. We have already looked at how wholegrains are the heart of a healthy cereal, and would now like to investigate some of these healthy grains in more detail. Starting with quinoa flakes.
Quinoa in your breakfast cereal
With more and more people on the lookout for healthy breakfast cereals that will meet their dietary needs, or even just a bit more interest in their morning bowl, quinoa has found itself in the ingredients list of many a premium muesli or granola.
Most of us are, by now, familiar with quinoa as an ingredient. Something we may cook instead of rice, or stir into a healthy grain salad. It looks like a round seed, bigger than chia, that softens and expands when cooked. But breakfast cereal requires a different approach. Raw, whole grains are completely unpalatable. Yet cooked grains are no longer dry; a state which is kind of crucial to the whole concept. The answer lies, and always has, in some kind of mechanical processing.
So, you will find quinoa in your breakfast cereal in two forms. Puffed quinoa, and quinoa flakes. Puffed quinoa is less raw than quinoa flakes as it is popped using heat (like puffed rice). Quinoa flakes, on the other hand, are pressed raw (like rolled oats). Both forms are just alternative versions of whole quinoa, so have the same nutritional benefits and properties.
Quinoa flakes are found in our 5 Grain Porridge mix, as well as our gluten-free granola Maple Nut Crunch.
Is quinoa a grain?
Unlike true grains, quinoa is the seed of a plant rather than a cereal grass. We think of it as a grain, as it behaves in very much the same way, but it is a pseudograin, not a true grain.
Are quinoa flakes gluten free?
Yes, quinoa flakes are gluten free.
Is quinoa a carb or a protein?
Quinoa is both carb and protein. As a grain-like food we tend to cook and serve it like a carbohydrate, and it does indeed contain carbohydrates. But it also provides us with all the essential amino acids and is considered a complete protein. For that reason, it has bonafide superfood status.
What does quinoa taste like?
Quinoa tastes slightly sweet and nutty. It does have a little bitterness, with grassy undertones. The taste and texture of quinoa flakes is not unlike rolled oats; when toasted they are more nutty and sweet.
Are quinoa flakes healthy?
Quinoa flakes share all the nutritional benefits of quinoa, which is higher in nutrients than most grains.
Good for your heart –
Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the LDL cholesterol that leaves fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack. They also help to reduce inflammation.
Good for growth and repair –
One of the best sources of plant protein, quinoa helps to keep hunger at bay and therefore maintain a healthy weight. It is particularly rich in amino acid lysine, which is important for tissue growth and repair and is believed to be particularly effective at burning fat.
Full of antioxidants –
A great source of antioxidant vitamin E (hello healthy skin), quinoa is also rich in the polyphenol quercetin; another powerful antioxidant.
Rich in minerals –
Quinoa is an abundant source of minerals. There’s…
Manganese for metabolism.
Phosphorus for bones.
Iron for blood.
Copper for the heart.
Quinoa flakes are also really easy to digest, which makes them perfect for breakfast.
Explore our range of healthy cereals, all of them packed full of wholegrains and other natural ingredients.
Or find out more about what makes a healthy breakfast.
This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “gourmet cereals manufacturer”.
See original article:- Quinoa Flakes: Spotlight on Whole Grain Cereals
Cereal smackdown – muesli vs granola
Are you a diehard devotee of granola or do you prefer your healthy breakfast with a little less crunch? Do you think muesli got a raw deal whilst granola evolved into muesli plus?
It’s a cereal smackdown but who will win the battle of muesli vs granola?
The difference between granola and muesli
If you stood the main ingredients of muesli and granola side by side they would be fairly similar. A healthy breakfast of wholegrains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, the major difference between granola and muesli is that muesli is raw whilst granola is baked. To facilitate this baking, and turn raw wholesome muesli into crunchy granola, oil and sugar are added. But there is more to granola than just oil and sugar, and in fact it never evolved from muesli at all.
Which came first – muesli or granola?
Most of us are by now familiar with the story of Bircher muesli and how it came about. But did you know that Bircher muesli was actually the first muesli invented? Never intended as a breakfast food, Swiss muesli was the poster child of healthy living. Other parts of Europe soon caught on, enticed by the clean image of fresh mountain air and pastures green. By 1960, commercial muesli was widely available.
Granola began life in the United States yet it was not the lovechild of muesli and flapjack at all. Muesli and granola both came into being around the end of the nineteenth century but the original granola was made from wheat, not oats. It was not until the 1960s that fruit and nuts were added by health conscious hippies, and commercial granola was not available until the 1970s. As it turns out, the two cereals may share many similarities but are in fact completely different things.
Muesli vs granola
So, other than grains, nuts, seeds and fruit, what’s in the bag? Many commercial brands of muesli may have sugar and milk powder added. If your muesli makes the milk taste rich and sweet, chances are it has plenty of both. Gourmet muesli has far less, if any, of these additions. Granola will have some form of fat, and some form of sweetener, added. What these actually are will vary. Commercial varieties of granola are unlikely to be made with butter as it would turn rancid quickly, but they can contain high amounts of unhealthy hydrogenated or trans fats. Sugar content will vary from refined white sugars and corn syrup to the more acceptable face of honey or maple syrup. Even then, quantity counts.
Muesli is served cold, with milk or juice added. It can be soaked, as in Bircher muesli or overnight oats, or even cooked and served hot like porridge. Muesli is pretty versatile but you probably wouldn’t want to snack on a dry handful straight from the box. Granola, on the other hand, was seemingly made for to be eaten naked and unadorned as a snack. Usually served cold, with or without milk, it is not unheard of to serve granola with hot milk. Granola is also an important feature of a granola bowl, smoothie bowl, or acai bowl.
Yet muesli got stuck with the health-food-as-penance reputation whilst granola got to be the good time girl. The acceptable face of oat eating. Both may have began life as health foods, but by the time the food industry got its wicked way neither muesli or granola could claim to be health foods.
Thankfully things have changed and most gourmet granola and muesli are full of the healthy grains, fruits, nuts and seeds that make cereal and milk the ideal healthy breakfast. But is muesli better than granola? Muesli may be less moreish, largely because it has no fat or sugar, but gourmet granola is not all about butter and syrup. Most of our healthy granola has no added sugar and is made with healthy fats.
Toasted muesli vs untoasted muesli
What even is toasted muesli? Is there a difference between granola and toasted muesli? Well, toasted muesli sits somewhere between granola and muesli. It can be made with no sugar or oil, but a little of each helps it along. Toasted muesli won’t clump together into crunchy clusters like granola can, but the toasting adds an extra dimension of texture and flavour. Gourmet granola sometimes has more in common with toasted muesli than it does with granola. Which is no bad thing.
Can you make granola from muesli?
Well, yes you can. But why would you want to when there are so many delicious healthy alternatives available? Here’s some of our favourite healthy granola, all baked by hand here in Australia.
Apple Supreme Paleo, gluten-free granola
This one is grain-free as well as gluten-free. A blend of fruit, nuts and seeds for the perfect Paleo granola.
A classic double baked muesli. Made with Australian pesticide-free almonds, cranberries, pecans and cinnamon alongside organic rolled oats.
Maple Nut Crunch, gluten-free vegan granola
The gluten-free version of our award winning granola. A gourmet granola with quinoa and puffed buckwheat instead of oats. Because contrary to popular belief, oats are not gluten-free.
An award winning granola made with agave and maple syrup.
Spelt and Agave Nut Crunch Granola
A healthy breakfast idea made with ancient grain spelt as well as organic rolled oats. Uniquely favoured with cinnamon and a touch of cardamom.
Here is a great Bircher Muesli: Fig & Apricot Bircher.
Head over to our online store where our healthy breakfast cereals are available to buy in bulk.
So who wins the cereal smackdown? We think both muesli and granola are absolute winners. Aaah.
This article was reproduced on this site only with permission from our parent company operafoods.com.au the “Gourmet Online Wholesale Grocer”. See the original article here:- Cereal Smackdown – Muesli vs Granola
Can you eat granola on keto?
We all know that cereals are carbs, right? And that carbs are the enemy of ketosis. But can you eat granola on keto?
What is the keto diet?
Keto is short for ketogenic. The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that may help you lose weight and benefit your health.
How does the keto diet work?
As the name suggests, the aim of the keto diet is to put your body in ketosis. A metabolic state that enables the body to become more efficient at burning fat for energy, ketosis is said to reduce blood sugar and regulate insulin levels. In ketosis, your body uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, yet normally the metabolism relies on glucose for energy. Limiting intake of carbs reduces the availability of glucose, causing the metabolic pathways to shift direction and burn fat for energy instead.
Keto macros
The principles behind keto are not quite as simple as just reducing carbs. Successful ketosis relies on a ratio of macronutrients that will not only be slightly different for each individual but will also alter over time and according to changing variables. Measuring the macronutrients of carbs, protein and fat ensures optimal calorie intake but also affects the equilibrium of ketosis. You can start your keto diet on a certain ratio but from there it is all about observation and fine-tuning.
The standard ratio for keto is 10% carbs, 20% protein, 70% fat. Guidelines recommend levels between: 5-10% carbs, 15-30% protein, 60-75% fat.
Although foods are generally classed in groups according to the main macronutrient, most (if not all) foods contain a proportion of each. So, when calculating, the entire macronutrient composition must be taken into account.
How many carbs per day on keto?
To get from a percentage to a usable measurement, such as grams, you need to do some calculations based on your overall daily calorie target. You also need to know that carbs provide 4 kcal energy per gram.
For instance, on 2000 kcal a day, 10% carbohydrate would be 200 kcals. Divide 200 by 4 and you get a carb goal of 50g per day. When calculating carbs, you need to use the figure for net carbs, as oppose to total carbs. The numbers for net carbs do not include fibre, as this is not absorbed by the body and therefore provides no energy. On the other hand, the numbers for total carbs include the grams of fibre.
Healthy fats for keto
A successful keto diet is as much about quality as it is quantity. A diet based around whole natural foods, with a focus on nutrient density and macronutrients is as important on keto as any other eating plan.
Whilst saturated fats are accepted as vital sources of nutrients, there are a wide range of plant-based fats that support overall health. Nuts and seeds, and their derivative oils, as well as coconut oil and olive oil are all healthy fats for a keto diet.
How much protein on keto?
It can be easy to get too much protein on a keto diet. When you eat too much protein it may inhibit ketosis as the body can convert amino acids (the building blocks of protein) into glucose. As protein releases the same amount of energy as carbohydrates, the calculation for optimal intake is the same. Again, nuts and seeds are recommended sources on the keto diet. A pretty much perfect food, they are low in carbohydrate, and high in protein as well as healthy fats.
Did you know that almonds are one of the most versatile nuts for a keto diet?
Keto breakfast
Breakfast is hard enough when you are gluten-free, but low-carb? A potential minefield.
Nutritionally speaking, the best foods for a healthy breakfast are believed to be grains, dairy and fruit, and the benefits of cereal and milk are widely accepted. Eggs are the go-to ingredient for a keto breakfast, closely followed by pork products such as bacon and sausages. But what if you want a keto breakfast with no eggs? What if you are mindful of saturated fat and excess protein? Not to mention sodium. It’s an Atkins nightmare all over again. And then there is time. Or not. Very few people can manage to cook, let alone eat, a hot meaty breakfast before heading out the door in the early morning. Sure, where there’s a will there’s a way but that’s why breakfast cereal was invented yeah? Convenient, crunchy, and easy on the digestion.
Keto cereal
Breakfast cereal is generally made from grains. Aka cereals. Aka carbs. Which of course are a big nay-nay for the fat-burning bod.
What cereal can you eat on the keto diet?
Some breakfast cereals are lower in carbs than others yet will still use up your entire weekly carb allowance in one glorious bowl. The market has got wiser as far as individual dietary preferences are concerned and the available range is far wider than it once was. You do need to check your labels carefully though. Grain-free is your best bet, but may come with whopping amounts of sugar. Better still would be a breakfast cereal labelled keto. Imagine that 😉
Can you eat granola on keto?
The short answer is pretty much no. But keto granola does exist. Based on nuts and seeds, with a handful of healthy fat thrown in, keto granola is just the thing for a cold and crunchy keto breakfast.
Try Almond Blueberry Keto Granola which is also a Gluten free Vegan granola. Check out our article ‘muesli vs granola’ for a comparison of the two.
Can you have milk on a keto diet?
But what about the milk? It is that combo of cold cold milk and crunchiness that makes granola such a lovely thing. Can you have milk on a keto diet?
Dairy milk, from cows or goats, might be chock full of nutrients including protein and fats, but they also come with a moderately high amount of carbs. One cup of cows milk has 12g net carbs. Goats milk has marginally less.
And it is not just dairy. Many alternative milks come with a ton of carbs too. Oat milk (unsurprisingly) has 17g net carbs per cup. Rice milk is even higher at 21g.
Also unsurprisingly, almond milk is THE milk of choice for keto, with just 1g of carbs per cup. Yay. If you make your own almond milk it tastes better and has no sweeteners of fillers that you didn’t put there yourself.
What about keto-friendly fruit?
A bowl of granola needs a bit of fruit, but unfortunately this is also a keto minefield. Our advice is to go for berries, some of the lowest carb fruit around. At between 6-9g carbs in half a cup of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, they certainly aren’t for everyday but make an excellent nutrient boost to breakfast a few times a week.
Watch out for our keto granola coming soon…
In the meantime, check out our other low sugar granola or buy healthy cereals at wholesale prices from our online bulk food store.
This Article was reproduced with permission from Opera Food’s article:- “Can you eat granola on keto?” dated 22nd June 21
The benefits of cereal and milk for breakfast
The benefits of cereal and milk for breakfast, with a portion or two of fruit added, are widely accepted within the nutritional community.
In our article ‘what is a healthy breakfast‘ we saw that a healthy breakfast is composed of –
A 30g serving of wholegrains
A 150g portion of fruit
A 250ml serving of milk
So, it is all good to go on that granola!
Why are cereals important in our diet?
The question of the importance of cereals in our diet is a divisive one. Partly carbohydrate conundrum, with issues of gluten involved, and concern over phytic acid thrown in, the eating of grains is certainly a contentious topic. Largely, we agree on the fact that over-consumption of refined grains can lead to health problems. Yet there are many benefits associated with wholegrains.
Wholegrains are the seeds of grass type plants called cereals. Rice, wheat and sorghum are all grains. Buckwheat and quinoa are pseudo-cereals. Intact, with minimal processing, they contain a wide range of minerals, vitamins, fibre, fat, protein and carbohydrate.
A regular diet of wholegrains may help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and regulate blood sugar levels. Wholegrains are excellent for digestive health because they are full of fibre. Grains are also a comparatively low cost food, providing bulk to our diet.
Gluten-free cereal
For those of us with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance it can be simpler to avoid eating grains altogether but there are gluten-free grains out there. Which makes it possible to find gluten-free granola. Yay!
Sorghum and rice are both true grains that are gluten-free. Buckwheat and quinoa are not true grains, although they are gluten free.
Is quinoa a cereal grain?
Quinoa is technically not a grain but a seed belonging to a family of leafy plants, not grasses. By definition, cereal grains belong to the family of plants known as grasses. However, quinoa is generally grouped together with wholegrains and is an excellent gluten-free grain alternative. As well as being free of gluten, quinoa is high in protein and a great source of all nine essential amino acids. It also provides fibre, iron, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Is granola cereal?
Granola is one of the most popular breakfast cereals around. Made from cereal grains it most certainly classifies as cereal. Often made with oats as a base, granola is now available in many forms beyond the classic oat/fat/sugar scenario. One of our most popular varieties is a gluten-free granola made with quinoa, rice, sorghum and buckwheat.
Buckwheat cereal
As a gluten-free option, cereal made from buckwheat is becoming increasingly popular. Like quinoa, buckwheat is actually a seed. It has a robust nutty flavour with a slightly bitter undertone and is, in fact, what soba noodles are made from.
Is cereal with almond milk healthy?
Although nutritionists agree on the benefits of cereal and milk for breakfast, and that dairy forms an important part of that particular nutritional combo, there is an increasing number of people turning to non-dairy milks such as almond milk. Commercial almond milk often has added ingredients in the form of fillers and preservatives. It can also have added sugar. It is however easy enough to make your almond milk at home with just almonds and water. Many shop-bought almond milks do have the benefit of being fortified with calcium and Vitamin D. Chipped and broken grades of Almonds can be a perfect way to buy these highly nutritional nuts for food ingredients where presentation of the kernel is not important.
Low-sugar cereals
The nutritional quality of your breakfast not only depends on choosing wholegrains but also making sure that you only opt for low-sugar cereals too. Many brands of wholegrain cereal will be full of added sugar, so again it is a matter of reading the label carefully.
Vegan cereal
Many cereals are vegan. Look for good quality varieties and always read the label. You can find out here what goes into the best granola. Usually it is the choice of milk that determines how vegan your breakfast is so stick with something like almond milk and you are good to go.
How much cereal should you eat for breakfast?
The recommended portion of cereal is 30g. The only way to be accurate with this is to weigh it. If you stick to the same cereal you can measure your weighed portion of cereal so that you do not need to weigh it every time. For a new cereal though, it is best to weigh it out.
Does eating cereal make you gain weight?
You shouldn’t gain weight by eating cereal if you stick to the recommended portion size and always choose low-sugar varieties. There is some evidence that cereal can help to control weight. If it has plenty of fibre it can help to fill you up and satiate hunger, as well as control blood sugar levels and aid insulin resistance. It is also suggested that magnesium can help to burn calories more efficiently.
We have many healthy breakfast cereals to choose from and all of our muesli and granola is available to buy in bulk.
Cranberry Crunch Granola – a Healthy Breakfast Cereal – On Sale 1kg $8
Cranberry Crunch Organic Granola, a healthy breakfast cereal by Plum Foods, is On Sale as a monthly Special right now at $8 per large 1kg pack at operafoods.com.au
Our Cranberry Crunch is a majority organic ingredient granola. Manufactured in Sydney by Plum Foods, this is a really crunchy and crispy granola. Plum Foods want consumers to get to know some of their other granola products (we are famous for Maple Nut Crunch), so they are offering an introductory deal to see if you like this variety.
You can make an easy breakfast with Cranberry Crunch granola. Cranberry Crunch granola contains no sugar or artificial preservatives. Cranberries contain phytonutrients particularly proanthocyanidin antioxidants that are important for all-round wellness. Berries provide several health benefits including protection from urinary tract infection, tooth cavities and inflammatory diseases. Our whole food natural ingredients are majority either organic or pesticides free. Cranberry crunch granola is a stable mate to one of the best selling breakfast cereals in Australia.
Cranberry Crunch granola is foil lined pack with zip seal in order to keep freshness. Cranberry crunch granola 1kg is perfect for large families or cafes whereas cranberry crunch granola 500g is ideal for home use.
Visit Opera Foods online gourmet store to know more information about the granola products. Book your favorite product now and get online discounts on this product.