Granola seems like a safe bet for vegans, right? It’s just oats, nuts, and some sweetener. But hang on there buckeroo!—some store-bought brands sneak in non-vegan ingredients like honey, dairy, and even gelatin (yes, really). That “healthy” granola you grabbed off the shelf might not be as plant-based as you think.

Maybe you’ve been eating granola for years (like me!) and never thought to check the label. Or maybe you’re new to veganism and just want a straight answer: is granola vegan or not? The truth is, it depends. Some granola is 100% plant-based, while others contain hidden animal products that aren’t obvious unless you know what to look for.

But luckily there are plenty of vegan-friendly options, both in stores and homemade.

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At first glance, granola seems like a no-brainer for a plant-based diet. It’s mostly made of oats, nuts, and seeds—all naturally vegan. But here’s where things get tricky: some brands sneak in animal-based ingredients that aren’t always obvious.

A popular sweetener in granola, but it’s not vegan since it comes from bees. Look for alternatives like maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar instead.

Some granolas contain milk powder, whey protein, butterfat, or casein, especially in flavored varieties like chocolate or caramel granola. Even chocolate chips can contain milk solids, so always check the ingredients list.

While rare, some granola bars or chunky granola blends use gelatin as a binding agent. Since gelatin comes from animal bones and cartilage (I know…gross!), it’s a definite no-go for vegans.

Confectioner’s glaze, which gives some granolas a shiny coating, is made from crushed insects. It’s commonly found in granola with yogurt-covered ingredients or candy-coated add-ins.

The fact that all sugar isn’t vegan is one of the first surprises I had when I became a vegetarian in 2013. Some white sugar is processed using bone char, which comes from animal bones. If a granola brand isn’t using organic or unrefined sugar, it may not be vegan.

Not all store-bought granola is off-limits, but it’s important to check the label for these sneaky ingredients. If you’re unsure, stick to vegan-certified brands or make your own at home.

Next, let’s look at the best vegan granola brands that are completely plant-based and easy to find.

If scanning ingredient labels every time you buy granola sounds exhausting, don’t worry—there are plenty of delicious vegan-friendly options out there. Whether you prefer crunchy clusters, nutty blends, or something naturally sweet, these brands keep things 100% plant-based.

Not every brand clearly labels its granola as “vegan,” but here’s what to look for:

If you prefer full control over ingredients, making granola is easier than you’d think. Next, let’s go over a simple homemade vegan granola recipe that’s crunchy, delicious, and free of hidden animal products.

Making granola means you control the ingredients—no sneaky dairy, no honey, and no unnecessary preservatives. Plus, homemade granola is cheaper than store-bought, and you can customize it with your favorite flavors and add-ins.

This simple granola recipe creates crunchy clusters with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.

Want to switch things up? Try these add-ins after baking:

Homemade granola is versatile and delicious. Try it:

Making homemade granola is a game changer—it’s fresher, tastier, and fully customizable. But how do you store it to keep it crunchy and delicious? Let’s cover that next.

There’s nothing worse than granola losing its crunch and turning stale too soon. Proper storage keeps it crispy, flavorful, and fresh for weeks. Here’s how to do it right.

Oxygen is the enemy of crunchy granola. Store it in glass jars, a storage container with a tight lid, or a resealable bag to lock in freshness.

Moisture causes granola to soften and lose its crunch. Store it in a pantry or cabinet, away from heat and humidity.

If you store granola while it’s still warm, trapped steam can make it soggy. Always let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up.

Pro Tip: To keep granola from clumping together, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers in your storage container. This prevents big chunks from sticking.

If your granola softens over time, don’t throw it out—just re-crisp it:

Proper storage makes a huge difference, especially if you meal prep granola in big batches. Now that you know how to keep it fresh, let’s talk about the best ways to eat it beyond just pouring it into a bowl with almond milk.

Granola isn’t just for breakfast—it’s one of the most versatile, crunchy, and satisfying foods you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you like it plain or loaded with extras, here are some creative ways to enjoy it beyond a basic bowl of cereal.

Layer granola with vegan yogurt (coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt) and fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or apple chips. For extra sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup or nut butter on top.

Blend up a thick smoothie and sprinkle granola on top for crunch. Try a base of frozen bananas, almond milk, and peanut butter, then add granola, hemp seeds, and cocoa nibs for texture.

Turn your granola into an on-the-go snack by mixing it with nut butter, maple syrup, and flax seeds, then pressing it into a baking tray. Refrigerate until firm, then cut into bars.

Mix granola with goji berries, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, and coconut flakes for a nutrient-packed, travel-friendly snack.

Add crunchy granola clusters to warm oatmeal or overnight chia pudding for the perfect texture contrast. Bonus points if you throw in some pecans, cashew milk, or fresh fruit.

Use granola instead of a traditional oat topping for an easy fruit crisp. Just sprinkle it over baked apples or pears and bake until golden brown.

Combine granola with peanut butter, coconut sugar, and ground cinnamon, then roll into bite-sized energy balls. Perfect for a quick pre-workout or afternoon snack.

Sprinkle granola over vegan ice cream for a salty-sweet crunch. Try it with coconut-based ice cream and a drizzle of dark chocolate.

For a classic, no-fuss option, pour some almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk over granola and enjoy it like cereal.

Granola is one of those all-around pantry staples that can sneak into just about any meal. Whether you’re using it as a topping, a snack, or the base of a new recipe, it adds the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and flavor.

Granola can be vegan, but it depends on the ingredients. Some brands sneak in honey, dairy, or even gelatin, making them off-limits for plant-based eaters. But the good news? There are plenty of vegan-friendly granolas out there, and making your own is easier than you think.

If you’re tired of sorting through labels at the store, give our homemade vegan granola recipe a try. It’s crunchy, naturally sweet, and way better than the expensive granola you’ll find in stores.

Not always. Some granolas contain honey, dairy-based ingredients, or even gelatin. To be sure, check the label for vegan-friendly sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar and avoid anything with milk powder, butterfat, or whey protein.

The best options are maple syrup, agave syrup, or coconut sugar. These add sweetness without using honey or refined sugars that may be processed with bone char.

Swap out the coconut oil or avocado oil for applesauce or mashed banana. This keeps the granola moist while baking but eliminates added oils.

Yes, but be mindful of sugar content in store-bought brands. Homemade granola is the best way to control ingredients and keep it as healthy as possible.

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and keep it away from humidity. If it softens over time, you can crisp it up by baking it at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

To get those big crunchy clusters, press the granola mixture firmly onto a rimmed baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring too much while it cooks. Let it cool completely before breaking it into chunks.

Yes! Granola freezes well for up to 3 months in a sealed container or zip-top bag. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Granola can be a nutrient-dense snack, but some store-bought brands are loaded with added sugars and oils. The healthiest option is a homemade granola recipe with whole-food ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners.

Granola is one of those foods that can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. If you stick with vegan-certified brands or make your own at home, you’ll never have to second-guess what’s inside.

A long time ago in a galaxy far away, we recorded an episode all about granola. Check out episode 202 of the podcast to check it out now. Note: This article was updated after the podcast aired so some content in the podcast may vary.

Drop your shrink and stop your drinkin’, crunchy granola’s neat.

— Neil Diamond (lyrics from Crunchy Granola Suite)

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