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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Mar 2, 2023 · Modified: May 19, 2023 by Andrea· This post may contain affiliate links · 42 Comments

    Healthy Low-Sugar Granola

    Jump to Recipe

    Have you ever tried making your own granola? It's way cheaper, totally customizable, and you know exactly what’s going into it. This Low-Sugar Granola is not only healthier than the stuff on the shelves but it's a big enough batch to keep you munching happily for days.

    Yogurt in a glass topped with blueberries and granola. Jar of granola and dish of blueberries on the side.

    If you love my High Protein Overnight Oats and Killer Grain and Seed Cereal you are going to love this granola! You may also enjoy my recipe for High Protein Ricotta Pancakes too!

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this recipe
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Expert Tips
    • Can I use quick oats to make granola?
    • How to store granola
    • What to eat with homemade granola
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you will love this recipe

    • Easy to prepare - once you gather all your ingredients it's just a matter of mixing and baking.
    • Less expensive than store-bought - with today's food prices who doesn't want that?
    • Customizable - as long as you keep the dry to wet ratios relatively the same you can switch up the bits and bites as much as you like!
    • Low in sugar - This recipe only has 6 g of sugar per ¼ cup serving.
    • High in protein - with 6 g of protein per ¼ cup serving, you can boost the protein content in your yogurt, oatmeal or anything you like.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Please refer to the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.

    labeled ingredients to make low sugar granola

    This recipe is very versatile and customizable. Keeping the ratio of dry to wet ingredients relatively the same feel free to substitute or add in any of the following:

    • Nuts of your choice. Be sure to use unsalted and untoasted nuts and seeds as they will toast during the baking time.
    • Flax seeds or hemp hearts
    • Dried fruit. If adding dried fruit, do so after the granola has baked to avoid it drying out.
    • Add more protein with the addition of your favorite protein powder. Add up to ½ a cup to the mix before baking.
    • Other sweeteners such as brown rice syrup or date syrup can be used. Any type of sugar can also be used but you will need to dissolve it first. Place the oil, honey or maple syrup if using, and sugar into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
    • Nut butter - melt ¼ to ½ cup of your favorite nut butter with the oil and sweeteners to add more healthy fat and protein.
    • Other oils - coconut oil or olive oil make great healthy fat substitutes. Keep in mind that both oils can add a slight flavor change and coconut oil may need to be melted first.
    • Vanilla extract makes a lovely addition to the mix. Also feel free to bump up the cinnamon or ginger if you like a bit more spice.

    How to make this recipe

    Please see full instructions in the recipe card below.

    Mixing the wet ingredients and then the dry. Mix everything together then spread on a tray.
    1. Mix together the oil, honey, and maple syrup.
    2. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
    3. Add the honey mixture to the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
    4. Spread on a parchment lined baking tray then bake, stirring every 15 minutes, for approximately 45 minutes.
    golden baked granola on a baking tray with a wooden spoon.

    Expert Tips

    • Baking granola at a low temperature for a longer period of time ensures that everything bakes evenly and it doesn't burn.
    • Stirring often also prevents burning and even baking.
    • If you prefer a more "chunky" granola, press it down firmly right when you take it out of the oven and let it cool without stirring.
    • If you like it even more crunchy with larger clusters beat one egg white and mix it into the oil and sweetener mixture. You can also increase the amount of sweetener by an extra ¼ cup or so. Play around with it!

    Can I use quick oats to make granola?

    Quick or instant oats won't work for granola. Old fashioned, rolled, or large flake oats are your best option. You can use steel cut oats keeping in mind the texture will be more firm and chewy.

    How to store granola

    Keep granola at room temperature, in a sealed container for 2 to 3 weeks. I like to keep mine in a glass jar just because it looks so darn good!

    What to eat with homemade granola

    My favorite way to enjoy this low-sugar granola is with plain Greek yogurt but any yogurt will do. Granola is also delicious with your favorite milk or sprinkled on top of oatmeal, pancakes or waffles. Try it on top of these High Protein Overnight Oats.

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      Easy Baked Frittata
    • two bowls of protein overnight oats topped with fruit, pumpkin seeds and coconut.
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    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

    Want to say thank you?

    📖 Recipe

    A glass of plain yogurt topped with granola and blueberries. A jar of granola and a dish of blueberries are on the side.

    Healthy Low-Sugar Granola

    This low-sugar high-protein granola will get your day off to the right start!
    5 from 23 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: All
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 167kcal
    Author: Andrea Mut
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup honey
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • ⅓ cup avocado oil
    • 3 cups large flake or old fashioned oats
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup coconut
    • ½ cup pumpkin seeds raw unsalted
    • ½ cup sunflower seeds raw unsalted
    • ¼ cup sesame seeds
    • ¼ cup chia seeds

    Instructions

    • Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat to 300 degrees F.
    • In a small bowl whisk together the honey, maple syrup, and oil.
    • In a large bowl stir together oats, cinnamon, ginger, salt, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and chia seeds. Pour the oil mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine well.
    • Pour everything onto a 12 x 18-inch baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil. Spread everything into an even layer.
    • Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, or until the granola is nicely browned and toasted. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
    • Let cool completely. If you like chunks or clusters of granola pack it down after removing from the oven and let cool completely. Store in a jar or airtight container on the counter for 2-3 weeks.

    Notes

    • Use large flake or old fashioned oats for best results.
    • As long as you keep the ratios of wet to dry ingredients relatively the same you can mix and match other ingredients as you like. 
    • If adding dried fruit or chocolate let granola cool completely before mixing it in. 
    • Nutritional Facts are only an estimate using an online calculator. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1(¼ cup) serving | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MyPocketKitchen or tag #mypocketkitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 23 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    1. Danielle says

      November 30, 2024 at 9:15 pm

      I can't wait to make this. I'm wanting to add vanilla and just wondering how much you would recommend adding?

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      • Andrea says

        December 01, 2024 at 7:04 am

        Hi Danielle! I would start with 1 teaspoon mixed in with the liquid ingredients. Then after you mix everything together taste and add more if you think it needs it. Hope that helps and let me know how it turns out!

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    2. Johanna Masko says

      November 29, 2024 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this granola many times- a great go-to recipe!!

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    3. Mary Muur says

      November 29, 2024 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never used avocado oil before but I’m game. I love granola and this one looks like a winner. Thank you again Andrea

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      • Andrea says

        November 29, 2024 at 5:32 pm

        My pleasure! You can also use a different neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil too. Hope you enjoy it!

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    4. Suzanne says

      June 19, 2024 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      Such yummy granola - and quick and easy to make. Great served with almond milk or coconut ver Greek yogurt with some berries! My go-to breakfast most days!!

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      • Andrea says

        June 20, 2024 at 6:42 am

        I’m so happy you are enjoying the granola! Thanks so much for commenting 🤗

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    5. Johanna Masko says

      February 07, 2024 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      This granola is excellent!!!!! I added some pecans and a Super Seed Mix from the bulk food store- it’s very adaptable to what I had on hand. Makes a nice big batch- delicious!!!

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      • Andrea says

        February 08, 2024 at 3:52 pm

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it Johanna!

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    6. Joy Paul says

      July 15, 2023 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe. Love making it all the time

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    7. Edie says

      May 12, 2023 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! This granola is light and crunchy. I add it to my yogurt every morning for extra taste and extra protein.

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    8. Darlene says

      May 06, 2023 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      Wow. Was searching for low glycemic index granola and came across this. The first thing is the amazing smell of the granola baking. I couldn’t wait until breakfast so had a bit straight out of the oven. So delicious. I used cashews and pecans in the recipe but keeping the total measurement of dry the same. Hubby commented that he would even take this as trail mix. Question - Is it ok to cut back the rolled oats and increase the nut content?
      Can’t wait to try with my yogurt and berries. Thanks so much for sharing.

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      • Andrea says

        May 07, 2023 at 7:57 am

        Hi Darlene! Im so happy you and your husband enjoyed the granola! You absolutely can play around with the ratios of ingredients to make it just how you like! Thanks so much for the lovely comment.

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    9. Dale says

      April 02, 2023 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love this recipe! It is so easy to incorporate into my breakfast or snack with fruit or yogurt. My grandkids love to dip a banana in their own little container of this granola. I much prefer it to the store bought.

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      • Andrea says

        April 02, 2023 at 10:35 am

        I love that and I'm so happy you are all enjoying the granola!

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    10. Chris L says

      March 26, 2023 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I have this granola on my yogurt and fruit, it’s so tasty! I have to make this every weekend because my family have discovered it thanks to the amazing smell while it’s baking, and of course, the taste. Thanks Andrea!

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      • Andrea says

        March 26, 2023 at 5:20 pm

        My pleasure! I'm so happy everyone is enjoying it!

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    11. Michelle Thornley says

      March 24, 2023 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      Incredible! I crave this granola. Easy to make. Good for you and added bonus the house smells Incredible while it's baking. A MUST TRY!

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      • Andrea says

        March 25, 2023 at 7:58 am

        So happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!

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    12. Kim Peever says

      March 13, 2023 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Thanks Andrea! Awesome recipe! I made my first batch yesterday but I know it won't be my last. I added in 1/4 cup of hemp hearts and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Delicious!

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      • Andrea says

        March 13, 2023 at 10:05 am

        Love the additions! Thanks so much for commenting!

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    13. Darnell says

      March 12, 2023 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      This is delicious. 👏👏👏. It will never last 2 - 3 weeks because it is so good Just made it and the house smells amazing but also while I wait for it to cool I tried some and it is so so so much better than store bought granola and so easy to make. Thank you Andrea.

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      • Andrea says

        March 13, 2023 at 7:30 am

        I'm so happy you are enjoying it! Such a wonderful aroma! Thank you for commenting!

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    14. Lorraine says

      March 09, 2023 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea that this recipe has flexibility but also you have suggested higher protein tweaks with less sugar and some nice spices. My perfect morning meal!

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      • Andrea says

        March 09, 2023 at 5:06 pm

        I'm so happy you like the recipe Lorraine. Thanks for commenting!

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    15. Lorie Greer says

      March 05, 2023 at 10:30 am

      I'm getting to ready to throw the first batch in the oven and made recipe as is. Next time I would like to add peanut butter but wasn't sure if I'm supposed to decrease/replace the amount of oil.

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      • Andrea says

        March 05, 2023 at 6:47 pm

        Hi Lorie! The nut butter can be in addition to the oil. Hope you enjoy it!

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    16. Marylynn says

      March 05, 2023 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      Wow, another great recipe, added peanut butter, pecans and vanilla, so yummy. Had with milk this morning could have kept eating. Thanks for putting out such great recipes.

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      • Andrea says

        March 05, 2023 at 6:48 pm

        So happy you enjoyed it and sounds like a delicious combo!

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    17. Kim MacKenzie says

      March 04, 2023 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Andrea for another amazing and easy recipe!! I added cashew butter and walnuts to bump up protein. OMG so delicious and I think I will be eating it right from my mason jar by the handfuls.
      Thank you again
      Kim MacKenzie

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      • Andrea says

        March 05, 2023 at 7:26 am

        Those sound like delicious additions!

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    18. Sharon Van Dyke says

      March 04, 2023 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this, super easy and delicious! I split it up into mason jars for storage. This is my 3rd recipe of yours I made this week. Thanks Andrea for keeping the recipes coming!

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      • Andrea says

        March 05, 2023 at 7:29 am

        Wow that's amazing Sharon! I'm so happy you are loving everything!

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    19. Claudine Schuster says

      March 04, 2023 at 7:08 am

      5 stars
      Easy and fantastic!!!! I switched up almonds for sunflower seeds because that is what I had available. So many versatile ways to change it up!!!

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      • Andrea says

        March 04, 2023 at 10:44 am

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it Claudine! Thanks so much for the comment ☺️

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    20. Suze says

      March 03, 2023 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      I just made up a batch and it is Delicious! Just like all your other recipes I’ve tried. Thank you

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      • Andrea says

        March 04, 2023 at 7:04 am

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it Suze. Thanks for commenting!

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    21. Marlene says

      March 03, 2023 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Andrea for another awesome recipe! Just made this granola and love it!! I added 1/4 cup hemp hearts and next time will also add 1/4 cup flax seeds. Would I need to add more liquid to balance out dry ingredients?

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      • Andrea says

        March 03, 2023 at 3:03 pm

        It's completely up to you and how crunchy and sweet you like it. I suggest playing around with it until you hit your sweet spot (pun intended!)

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    22. Janet says

      March 03, 2023 at 12:58 pm

      this looks excellent, I will be trying and let you know

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    23. Deb says

      March 03, 2023 at 11:13 am

      Could I make these into small bars

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      • Andrea says

        March 03, 2023 at 11:34 am

        Hi Deb, they wouldn't work as bars as they don't have much binding. I haven't tested it but you could probably add some egg whites and/or nut butter to help with that. Let me know if you test that out!

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    Andrea from My Pocket Kitchen

    Hello and welcome to My Pocket Kitchen! I'm Andrea, a professionally trained Chef & Pastry Chef . Here you will find easy, step by step recipes that are packed with wholesome, nutrient rich ingredients. Hope you have fun! Read More…

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