For many, the quest for the perfect breakfast granola is a serious matter. It needs the right balance of crunch, sweetness, and wholesome ingredients. This week, we put a selection of widely available supermarket granolas to the test, judging them on flavour, texture, ingredient quality, and overall value for money.
The Granola Gold Standard: What Makes a Winner?
Granola, distinct from muesli, is baked with a sugar syrup like honey or maple, making it inherently sweet. The ideal version features golden, clustery oats that are sweet but not cloying. Experts suggest under 10% sugar is low, while over 15% is high. A touch of salt is crucial to balance the flavours, alongside a good mix of whole grains, nuts, seeds, and sometimes dried fruit or toasted coconut for added complexity.
The quality across the board was surprisingly high, ranging from nutty bargains to luxurious, sugar-packed treats and some genuinely healthy, low-sugar options that defied expectations.
The Top Picks: From Best Overall to Best Bargain
After rigorous tasting, several products stood out from the crowd. The title of Best Overall went to Eat Natural Low-Sugar Granola. Priced at £4.10 for 450g, it boasts medium-roast oat clusters with toasted coconut, almonds, and seeds. Its standout feature is a remarkably low sugar content of just 4.4%, sweetened with coconut blossom nectar.
For those watching their pennies, the Best Bargain was awarded to Tesco Finest Super Nutty Granola. At just £3 for 500g, it offers generous clusters of dark roasted oats, spelt, and barley with a substantial 15% nut content. Its sugar level is a reasonable 12%, though the inclusion of flavouring was noted as an unnecessary addition.
Other Notable Contenders and Ones to Avoid
The test also highlighted other excellent choices. Scrumshus The Premium Granola was praised for its large, flavourful clusters and indulgent mix of nuts and dried fruit, though its sky-high 31.6% sugar content makes it more of a dessert. For the health-conscious, Bio&Me Super Seedy & Nutty Granola impressed with its savoury, wholefood profile and no added sugars, while the UK-made Nibs Etc Rye, Hazelnut & Cacao Granola won points for its eco-friendly use of upcycled apple pulp.
However, not every granola earned praise. Fuel10K Chocolate Chunks Granola received the lowest rating. Despite its big, crunchy clusters, it was criticised for an odd, wheat-protein aftertaste and a contradictory 17.5% sugar content that clashes with its health-focused marketing.
Whether you prioritise health, indulgence, or pure value, this taste test proves there's a supermarket granola to suit every palate and purpose. The key is to look beyond the packaging and check the sugar content and ingredient list to find your perfect match.
