Granola Crunchin'
If you’ve been frequenting the Broccoli Hut for a while, you’ll know that I am a fan of all things crunchy. Although wheat germ is probably my favorite crunch enhancer, granola comes in as a close second. Here are a few of my recent favorites:
Recently, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary gift certificate to MixMyGranola. I delighted in the opportunity to assemble my very own mix, especially when I had over 50 ingredients from which to choose! After much deliberation, I created two mixes: Mango-Almond Melange and Choco-Cherry Treat.
The Mango-Almond Melange consisted of organic muesli, dried mangos, roasted almonds, oat-bran flakes, organic coconut shreds, and, as the label states, “lots of LOVE.” Clearly, I have a great affection for anything containing mango, so this mix satisfies my mango-tooth quite nicely. However, I had expected there to be less muesli and more bran-flake coconut action. There are plenty of almonds and mango pieces though, so a girl can’t complain too much:) 
A look inside the tube.
The Choco-Cherry Treat contained organic muesli, dried Bing cherries, oat-bran flakes, and chocolate mini-morsels. My favorite part about this mix is the size of the cherries–look at those mammoths! I *might* occasionally dig around just to find one of those sweet spots of joy. I was disappointed by the scarcity of chocolate chips in the mix, but then again, I have an insatiable appetite for chocolate.
A look inside the tube.
For my fellow crunch-addicts, the muesli does not provide nearly as much satisfying crunch as traditional granolas.
As a side note, I really like the cool packaging of the MixMyGranola products. They seem to take up less space in my cupboard…plus I just really like spooning food out of a tube.
Last summer, the kind folks at Bear Naked sent me a few bags of their famed granolas. I sampled the Yumberry Goji Currant variety first and was sufficiently impressed…but then I forgot about them. Fortunately, I re-discovered them recently and have had much pleasure in completing the sample process.
Mango Agave Almond, Peak Protein, & Yumberry Goji Currant
Yumberry Goji Currant: I am not really sure what a yumberry is, but it makes for a delicious granola.
Mango Agave Almond: Obviously, I like mangos and almonds together (see above). I must admit, I like Bear Naked’s version better than the one I mixed up–the sugared almonds and overall crunchiness wins major points.
Peak Protein: This variety reminds me of an oatmeal cookie in flavor. I like the bonus of added protein (6 grams per serving), but I am not such a fan of the “chunkiness” of this granola. I often find myself breaking it up when I top my smoothies.
All the Bear Naked varieties mentioned above contain roughly 140 kcalories per half-cup serving, plus 5-7 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar. The chief sweetener in all varieties is honey, which might be of interest to vegans.
I stumbled upon this brand when I noticed that it was a mere $2.99 compared to my usual brand, Nature’s Path, which was priced at $4.69. Hmm…not much of a tough call there. Into the cart it went.
I was not disappointed by the Fruit & Nut flavor. It contains deliciously organic ingredients such as oats, crisp rice, cherries, and even pumpkin seeds! Plus, it provides plenty of crunch factor.
A 3/4 cup serving contains 210 kcalories, 5 grams of fat, and 14 grams of sugar.
As you can see from my pictures above, I typically use my granola for my nightly smoothie fix and as the occasional oatmeal-topper. I could a little help with my granola creativity. How do you use granola?
PS here’s the “alternative” definition of granola. Enjoy:)
Filed under: Feature Post, Product Review
Hello and welcome! I have created this blog for people who love food, especially healthful, vegetarian food.
I currently attend college in North Carolina, where I am studying English and psychology, although I plan on pursuing an additional degree in nutrition after I graduate. Ideally, I would like to combine my love of food and the written word someday as a health writer.
Oooh, love the mango-coconut variety the best!!
How I use granola = I bake with it
ooo granola!!! funnnnnn THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS CAROLINE! U DA BESSSSSSST
Bare Naked also makes a “Fit” variety that is Vanilla Almond. It has a subtle sweet vanilla flavor and WHOLE almonds. My current fave!
It’s not technically granola but Kashi GoLean Crunch is my go to for that crunch factor!
Love your reviews!!
Thanks for the reviews Caroline!
I definitely love throwing granola in hot soy milk as a snack! Also, granola is always delicious with some fruit in yogurt!! From your reviews, I think that I would love the Peak Protein granola!
Welcome to Wordpress – glad you made the switch!
Those dried cherries are huge, and my husband would totally “cherry pick” your granola. He does that with mine – picks all the dried fruit and chocolate out leaving me nothing but the ‘nola.
Have you tried Zoe’s Granola? It’s my favorite, but it’s pretty chunky. Not sure if you’d like it as a smoothie topper.
Hope you had a good weekend my crunch loving friend. Hey, do you like crunchy broccoli? I love broccoli so so much but cannot stand it raw. I like it all soft and steamy.
Great review… I do love adding some granola to muffins!
ahh an orgy of granola!! I would looooove to try that MixMyGranola, looks good!
oH! I love bear naked. granola…hahaha bad joke
WOOHOO.. I’m totally loving this granola post. You know how obsessed I am with Bear Naked granola since I have it on my oatmeal every single morning haha
Thanks for the reviews lovely. I saw that Cascadian Farm granola at the store and I was contemplating buying it… that may be my next granola purchase!
Hope you had a FAB Sunday <3
lovin the new site! i am a huge Bear Naked fan, but ill keep my eye out for Cascadian Farm, the price sounds too good not to! hope u have a great monday!!
I loooove granola! I use it on oatmeal, cereal, etc. And I was just brainstorming and realized it would probably be good on a piece of toast with nut butter for some “crunch” – have you ever tried it that way?? YUM!
Granola is awesome! I don’t eat it nearly enough. Typically I’ll mix it into yogurt or throw some into smoothies. I haven’t tried ANY of the granolas you featured though! I really need to do that. I keep eyeing the Bear Naked stuff at the grocery stores. And granola in a tube wins for packaging creativity.
[...] have decided that Nature’s Path is my absolute favorite granola brand. I did a review of some runners-up a few months ago, but this Acai Apple stuff is downright addictive–I always sneak a few extra [...]
[...] recently for my dad’s birthday in that I gave him a gift certificate to MixMyGranola(reviewed here); one of his favorite breakfasts to order on vacation is a big bowl of muesli, so I figured he [...]
Caroline,
I decovered your blog yesterday and I love it! I am not a vegetarian, but I love vegetarian options. All of the food you eat looks so delicious and so good for you, too! I just ordered some Mix My Granola last night for the first time ever. I put organic granola, goji berries, dried apricots, hazelnuts, aranhath seeds, and chocolate chips. I am so excited to get my tube in the mail!!
Hope you had a fun Thanksgiving!