The Healthiest and Crispiest Granola — Sugar-Free, with Raw Nuts!

When spring begins, many of us crave yogurt with fruit and crunchy granola. Ah, it’s so delicious!
My husband often buys regular granola from the store, and of course, the kids, seeing what he’s eating, want the same. I’ve tried my best to discourage them from this treat, explaining that it contains a lot of sugar, which harms health and damages teeth — but little kids don’t really care about that. They want to eat what’s sweet, crunchy, and tasty… just like dad.

There are already sugar-free granolas available on the market, but they’re usually quite expensive (which is understandable), and most of the ingredients, including the nuts, are baked.
What makes my recipe stand out is that only the oats are baked, while the nuts remain raw — preserving their valuable fatty acids in their natural state. These acids support brain function, so it’s important not to expose them to high temperatures.

To sweeten the granola, I used maple syrup — not only does it have a low glycemic index, but it also gives the perfect crunch. I don’t recommend experimenting with other syrups, as I’ve already tested this. Agave syrup, in particular, doesn’t work well — the granola turns out soft, not crunchy.

Another reason to make your own granola is the ability to consciously choose your ingredients. You can opt for gluten-free or organic oats — or ones that meet both of these criteria. It’s important to remember that oats are one of the crops most vulnerable to pesticide contamination, which can cause many health issues. That’s why it’s best to choose organic oats.

By making granola yourself, you can also adjust the ingredients to suit your needs — for example, you can skip the nuts and add freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries, which are easily available online (especially on Amazon). This addition gives the granola a luxurious touch.

Okay, now it’s time for the recipe for the healthiest, most delicious, and crispiest granola!

Recipe for the Healthiest Crunchy Granola (approx. 450g)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (extra virgin)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup chopped favorite nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) (top and bottom heat, no fan).
2. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake at 160°C for about 20–25 minutes, until the oats are lightly golden. Halfway through baking, you can gently stir the granola to ensure it bakes evenly.
5. Once baked, set the granola aside to cool completely — this will make it crispy.
6. When the granola has completely cooled, add the chopped raw nuts and gently mix.
7. Store the granola in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place.

Making this homemade granola costs around £3.19 for 420-450g, which translates to about £7.1-7.6 per kilogram. This is much cheaper than most store-bought granolas, especially those marketed as “healthy” or “sugar-free.”

Why should you make granola yourself?

Quality control: You choose the best ingredients — organic rolled oats, raw nuts, and natural maple syrup. No artificial additives, refined sugar, or preservatives. More nutrients: Raw nuts retain their valuable fatty acids, which support brain and nervous system health. Better taste and crunch: Homemade granola has an exceptional flavor — by baking only the oats and adding the nuts after cooling, the granola stays crunchy, fresh, and full of natural sweetness. Customization: You can choose gluten-free oats, organic ingredients, or add freeze-dried fruits for a luxurious touch. Savings: Homemade granola is not only healthier but also more cost-effective than premium store-bought mixes.

By making granola yourself, you’re investing in your health, enjoying better breakfasts, and ensuring your children eat truly nutritious meals.

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