Here’s a bold statement: finding the perfect granola is like discovering a hidden treasure—crunchy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. But here’s where it gets controversial: is granola a healthy breakfast staple or a sugar-laden indulgence? Let’s dive in and explore the best supermarket granolas, rated and reviewed for your next breakfast adventure.
Granola, often compared to muesli, is baked with a sweet syrup like maple, honey, or golden syrup, giving it a distinctively crunchy texture. While it’s inherently sweet, the sugar content can vary widely—from under 10% (low) to over 15% (high). For me, sugar is a guilty pleasure, so I savor granola sparingly. The ideal granola strikes a balance: golden clusters that are sweet but not overpowering, with a hint of salt and a mix of whole grains, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. And this is the part most people miss: toasted coconut can elevate granola, adding depth and flavor without breaking the bank.
In this taste test, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality. From nutty bargains to indulgent treats and even healthy, low-sugar options, there’s something for everyone. Let’s break down the winners and contenders.
Best Overall:
Eat Natural Low-Sugar Granola
£4.10 for 450g at Sainsbury’s or Ocado (91p/100g)
★★★★☆
This granola shines with medium-roast oat clusters, toasted coconut, sunflower seeds, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Sweetened with coconut blossom nectar and prebiotic chicory root fiber, it boasts just 4.4% sugar. A perfect blend of health and flavor.
Best Bargain:
Tesco Finest Super Nutty Granola
£3 for 500g at Tesco (60p/100g)
★★★☆☆
Dark-roasted oats, spelt, barley, and 15% nuts make this a classic choice. At 12% sugar, it’s not too sweet, though the added flavoring feels unnecessary. Still, it’s a fantastic value for a tasty granola.
The Rest:
Scrumshus Premium Granola
£4.80 for 500g at Waitrose or Amazon (96p/100g)
★★★★☆
This indulgent granola features large clusters of dark-roast oats, honey, maple syrup, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. With 31.6% sugar, it’s more dessert than breakfast but utterly decadent.
Bio&Me Super Seedy & Nutty Granola
£2.95 for 360g at Waitrose or £3.50 at Tesco
★★★★☆
A healthy, almost savory option with dark-roasted oats, puffed brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, nuts, and seeds. Made with extra-virgin olive oil and no added sugars (9.7% overall), it’s a wholefood delight.
Nibs Etc Rye, Hazelnut & Cacao Granola
£5.50 for 360g at Ocado (£1.53/100g)
★★★★☆
This small-batch, eco-conscious granola features rye clusters, cacao, upcycled British apple pulp, and maple syrup. With just 11% sugar, it’s a premium choice for the health and environmentally aware.
Morrisons The Best Nuts & Seed Granola
£3 for 500g at Morrisons (60p/100g)
★★★☆☆
A classic with oats, seeds, nuts (including pecans), and coconut. Nearly 20% nuts and seeds for the price, though it lacks dried fruit and contains uncertified palm oil (13% sugar).
Spoon x Manilife Peanut Butter Granola
£3 for 400g at Waitrose or £3.50 at Ocado
★★★☆☆
Peanut-coated clusters with raisins, peanuts, and 13% peanut butter make this nutty delight. Sweetened with date syrup (16% sugar), it’s a guilt-free choice with a charitable twist: Spoon donates 1% of turnover to planetary causes.
Gail’s Toasted Coconut Rye & Maple Granola
£5.50 for 350g at Waitrose (£1.57/100g)
★★★☆☆
Well-roasted oat, rye, and millet clusters with coconut and vanilla. Very sweet (17% sugar) and lacking nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, but perfect for coconut lovers.
Dorset Cereals Nutty Granola
£4 for 450g at Tesco or Sainsbury’s (89p/100g)
★★☆☆☆
Medium-roast oat and rye clusters with golden syrup (13.1% sugar). Light on nuts (7.5%) and no dried fruit, but naturally flavored with desiccated coconut.
Fuel10K Chocolate Chunks Granola
£3 for 400g at Asda or £3.80 at Co-op
★☆☆☆☆
Crunchy oat clusters with pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, fortified with wheat protein and vitamins. However, the 17.5% sugar content clashes with its health-focused branding.
Controversial Question: Is granola truly a healthy breakfast, or are we justifying indulgence with a sprinkle of nuts and seeds? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!
