High protein granola is more than just a breakfast trend. Whether you’re trying to build muscle, manage your weight, or simply eat smarter, packing extra protein into your morning bowl can make a real difference. In this article, we’ll break down the best high protein granola options, what makes them healthy (or not), how you can boost protein in your own recipe, and which granola bars deserve a spot in your pantry. If you love nutritious starts to your day, you’ll also enjoy our guide to high-protein breakfast burritos.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this crunchy, satisfying, and surprisingly versatile powerhouse food.
Table of Contents
What is High Protein Granola?
The Basics of Granola and Its Nutritional Value
Granola is a mixture of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Traditional granola is rich in carbs and healthy fats, but often lacks significant protein unless specifically enhanced.
Why High Protein Versions Are Rising in Popularity
With the boom in fitness culture and low-carb lifestyles, high protein granola is becoming a staple. More brands are crafting blends with added protein to meet the demands of active eaters.
What Granola Has the Most Protein?
Store-Bought Granola Brands with the Highest Protein
Here’s a quick comparison table of popular high protein granola brands:
Brand | Protein per Serving | Notable Ingredients |
---|---|---|
KIND Protein Granola | 10g | Soy protein, almonds |
Bear Naked Protein | 11g | Whey protein, sunflower seeds |
RX A.M. Oats + Granola | 12g | Egg whites, almonds |
Purely Elizabeth + Protein | 11g | Collagen, quinoa |
Is High Protein Granola Healthy?
PrintHigh Protein Granola (Vegan, Nut-Free, 10g+ Protein)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
High protein granola is the perfect healthy snack or breakfast. Learn the best brands and how to make your own following these easy steps.
Ingredients
2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder
¼ cup Avocado Oil
¼ cup Peanut Butter
⅓ cup Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
¼ cup Hemp Seeds
¼ cup Dried Cranberries
¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds (optional)
¼ cup Coconut Flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, cinnamon, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds (if using).
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In another bowl, microwave avocado oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter for 20–30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until well coated. If too dry, add an extra tablespoon of oil or syrup.
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Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.
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Let cool completely on the tray to allow crunchy clusters to form.
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Stir in coconut flakes and dried cranberries after cooling.
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Store in a sealed glass jar in a cool place for up to 1 month.
Notes
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For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
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Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing maple syrup.
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Want more clusters? Press down firmly on the granola before baking and avoid stirring afterward.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 cup
- Calories: 273
- Sugar: 10.4g
- Sodium: 89mg
- Fat: 12.8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28.8g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Protein: 10.7g
- Cholesterol: 13.8mg
Keywords: high protein granola, Protein-packed granola, Healthy breakfast granola, Granola with protein powder, Homemade protein granola
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Healthy high protein granola should use:
- Whole food ingredients (oats, nuts, seeds)
- Natural sweeteners (maple syrup, honey, dates)
- No hydrogenated oils or excessive sugar
Health Benefits You Can Expect
When made right, this kind of granola helps with:
- Satiety and reduced snacking
- Muscle repair post-workout
- Blood sugar control (due to balanced macros)
Discover great ideas like our high protein lemon blueberry cheesecake if you’re exploring more protein-rich treats.
Which Granola Bar is High in Protein?
Top High Protein Granola Bar Picks
Granola Bar | Protein Content | Special Features |
---|---|---|
ONE Bar | 20g | Whey protein, low sugar |
KIND Protein Bars | 12g | Crunchy texture, soy protein |
Quest Granola Bar | 15g | Dairy protein, low net carbs |
GoMacro Protein Replenish | 11g | Organic plant-based protein |
How to Increase Protein in Granola?
DIY Tips for Making Protein-Rich Granola at Home
You don’t need to rely on store brands. Make your own with these additions:
- Mix in protein powder before baking
- Add hemp hearts or flax seeds
- Use high-protein puffed grains like quinoa or amaranth
DIY High Protein Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- ½ cup Vanilla Protein Powder
- ¼ cup Avocado Oil
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter
- ⅓ cup Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ cup Hemp Seeds
- ¼ cup Dried Cranberries
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds
- ¼ cup Coconut Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, cinnamon, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds (if using).
- In a separate bowl, microwave the avocado oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter for 20–30 seconds until smooth and stir together.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until everything is well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through for even browning.
- Remove from oven once golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely before touching to allow clusters to form.
- Stir in coconut flakes and dried cranberries once cooled.
- Store in a sealed glass jar in your pantry for up to one month.
Serving Suggestions
- Top a smoothie bowl
- Mix into protein yogurt
- Pair with almond or soy milk
- Sprinkle on a protein shake
This recipe is naturally vegan, nut-free, refined sugar-free, and can be customized with allergy-friendly swaps. With over 10g of protein per serving, it’s a powerhouse for your morning or snack time.
Is Granola Actually Healthy?
The Good and The Bad
Granola can be misleading. Many commercial options are packed with added sugar and oils. But if you choose smart or make your own, it becomes a fiber-rich, protein-boosting snack.
How to Choose Healthier Granola
Use this checklist:
- Less than 8g added sugar
- More than 6g protein per serving
- Whole grains and nuts in top 3 ingredients
- Low in sodium and oil
Don’t miss our high protein crispy beef arayes if you’re looking for savory high-protein meals too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What granola has the most protein?
Brands like RX A.M. Granola, Bear Naked Protein, and Purely Elizabeth are known for packing 10–12g protein per serving.
Is high protein granola healthy?
Yes, when made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners. It supports satiety and muscle recovery.
Which granola bar is high in protein?
KIND Protein Bars and ONE Bars offer over 10g protein, with quality ingredients and low sugar.
How to increase protein in granola?
Add protein powder, seeds like chia or hemp, and use puffed quinoa or nuts to your base mix.
Is granola actually healthy?
It depends on the brand. Go for low-sugar, whole-food blends or make your own at home.