Granola or Muesli: Which is Healthier?

This could be one of the most asked questions by consumers looking into buying granola or muesli as their healthy breakfast or snack substitute. Even you, perhaps, are asking:

• Which one is better for me?
  
• Which is better for a healthy breakfast?
  
• Which is better to gain weight?
  
• Which is better for weight loss?
  

Well, let’s clear this thing up once and for all. Let’s start this argument by looking at the meaning of granola and muesli. Yes, they sound similar, but they are not the same thing. They might look alike when served in a bowl, but there are distinct differences between muesli and granola. So yes, we can see that although they may look alike, they have different ingredients and will affect your weight management differently when consumed in large quantities.

What is Muesli? 

Muesli, a popular German-inspired healthy breakfast cereal that is high-fiber and high in plant-based protein, is a superfood. Muesli is a mixture of uncooked rolled oats, fresh and dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. A bowl of muesli has about 378 calories, 9.7 grams of fiber, and 11.2 grams of plant-based protein per 100 grams.

There are many different types of muesli, each one best suited to a particular fitness goal, taste, and flavor.

• Organic Paleo Muesli is the best choice for people looking for a low-carb, high in plant-based protein breakfast to help them gain lean muscles, burn fat, and lose weight. Perfect for athletes, people who regularly lift weights, and anyone who wants to get into shape.
• Bircher Muesli, also known as “Swiss Oatmeal,” is made of rolled oats, roasted almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio kernels, sultanas, apricots, raisins, pepitas, sunflower kernels, coconut, and a touch of cinnamon. It is usually softened by soaking the oats in milk or juice overnight. Bircher muesli is high-fiber, contains protein, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, and is a “healthy breakfast” if you don’t go over the top with sweeteners or unhealthy toppings.
• Organic Apple and Cranberry Muesli is best for anyone looking for that healthy fruity breakfast, packed with oats, organic dried fruits like cranberries, pepitas, apples, and currants, and a dazzle of almonds. This muesli is ideal for those seeking a slightly sweet breakfast to kickstart their day.

What is Granola? 

Granola is a typical healthy breakfast cereal made from nuts, seeds, fruit flour, and dried fruits. It is part of the paleo diet and has a high-fiber content. Granola differs from muesli in that it uses a binder like honey, coconut syrup, or molasses to bind its ingredients together, which are then slowly roasted until crisp and broken apart to create clumps. A single bowl of granola has about 489 calories, 53.88 grams of carbs, 13.67 grams of protein, and 8.9 grams of fiber per 100 grams of serving.

Here is the list of the best Granola Cereals you can enjoy!

• Veganola “Vegan Granola“ is a blend of organic sunflower, pumpkin, cashews, macadamia nuts, chia seeds, and dried goji berries that are slowly roasted until crisp. Bound by organic coconut flour, coconut oil, and organic coconut syrup. This is 100% vegan-friendly and will fill you up fast without stressing over a sugar crash.
• Cocoa and Chia Granola is 100% natural, dairy-free, wheat-free, preservative-free, and low in sugar. Pack with rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, cacao, and chia, this high-fiber granola is the perfect addition to smoothie bowls, yogurt, or a healthy snack on the go.
• Almond Nut Crunch is a healthy alternative to traditional granola, 100% organic, 100% vegan, no refined sugar, gluten-free, and high-fiber. Packed with rolled organic oats and almonds and toasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon, this granola is the perfect addition to smoothie bowls or yogurt!

Granola or Muesli, which is better for weight loss? which has more calories?

Granola has a higher calorie content than muesli. At 489 kcal per 100g, granola has about 29% more calories than muesli, which contains 378 kcal per 100g. Most of these extra calories come from fat, which provides most of the energy in muesli (63.9g/100g). However, granola also has more protein than muesli; there are 13.67 grams of protein per 100 grams of granola and 11.2g per 100 grams of muesli, making this difference about 19%. There are also more good fats in granola than in muesli; there are 6.7g/100g of fats in muesli and 24.31g/100g in granola, making this difference 263%.

Bottomline

Granola is distinct from muesli because it is baked, whereas muesli is not. Granola is often sweetened with honey/maple syrup, coconut, and other sweeteners. The crunchiness of granola contributes to its popularity—granola is more satisfying than muesli, which has a soft texture because it is not baked. Granola contains more calories from healthy fats than muesli, which has more carbohydrates.

Ultimately, choosing muesli or granola will be determined by personal preference. If a person’s goal is weight loss, he/she should opt for muesli because it is healthier than granola. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the extra calories and want to pack on lean muscle, granola would be your better choice. Keep in mind you get your muesli or granola from a certified organic whole foods store for the best quality.

Not Satisfied? Try these fantastic Healthy Recipes for Granola and Muesli:

Wouldn’t it be nice if breakfast could make itself overnight? We’ve got you covered. Try this fantastic, healthy Pina Colada Bircher Muesli.

• 150 g rolled oats
• 2 tbsp shredded coconut
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 150 g fresh orange juice
• 130 ml light canned coconut milk
• 50 g pineapple juice
• 1 whole passionfruit

Optional add-ons:

• protein powder
• diced orange/pineapples
• nuts
• seeds

Method: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl (or two mason jars) and set aside in the fridge. Refrigerate overnight.
2. In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Easy to make, full of healthy fats and fiber, a source of protein, wholesome, and delicious! Try this Amazing Almond Chia Granola.

• 1 Cup Organic Rolled Oats*
• 2 Tbsp Organic Black Chia Seeds*
• 2 Tbsp Organic LSA Mix*
• 1/4 Cup Organic Rolled Flaked Quinoa*
• 1/3 Cup Pesticide Free Almonds* Roughly Chopped
• 1/2 Tsp Organic Ground Cinnamon*
• 1 Pinch Sea Salt* Optional
• 1 Tbsp Australian Cold Pressed Olive Oil*
• 2 Tbsp Organic Maple Syrup*
• 1 Tbsp Almond Butter

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 170ºC. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Add wet ingredients (maple syrup, almond butter, and olive oil) and stir to combine. It’s ok if it clusters a little.
3. Spread out onto a lined baking tray and place into the oven.
4. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden. Watch to make sure it doesn’t burn! Ovens vary, so yours may take a little longer or less time. You can turn around the tray or stir after 10-15 minutes to ensure the granola bakes evenly.
5. Allow cooling completely before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy with plant-based milk and yogurt on top of smoothies – however you please!