Granola is typically made with oats, nuts or seeds, dried fruit, and honey or another sweetener. And while whole grain cereals like granola can be a healthy addition to your diet, the added sugars in granola can be astonishing. To help you prevent your low-sugar yogurt topping or bowl of cereal from being a dessert in disguise, I’m sharing the best store-bought low-sugar granola products to try.

Why you should shop for low-sugar granola

You may be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to added-sugar consumption. But there is good reason for concern! Americans are currently consuming an average of 17 teaspoons of added sugar per whereas it’s recommended to have no more than 6 or 9 teaspoons per day for women and men, respectively. You can see that we are far exceeding this recommendation!

To meet these recommendations, we can start by making small changes to our eating habits to lower our added sugar intake and reap all the health benefits that come with it.

Excess added sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of developing diseases like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and the list goes on! To add to that list, our gut health takes a big hit with high added sugar intake, which may exacerbate the symptoms of metabolic disease.

If that’s not enough to convince you to lower your sugar intake, too much added sugar has been associated with an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

If you want to take the leap and lower your added sugar intake, I dive into all my tips and tricks for how to detox from sugar on my blog.

Ingredients to avoid in low-sugar granola

When you’re shopping for the healthiest granola, take a look at the ingredients. The following ingredients are signs that a food is heavily processed. In other words, if you see these ingredients, you can probably find a healthier granola brand.

  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Artificial flavors
  • Excessive sugar
  • Heavily processed forms of soy (such as soy protein concentrate or isolate)


What about dried fruit? Is fruit sugar bad?

The sugar that naturally occurs in fruit is very different from added sugar! Added sugar is the type of sugar or syrup that is added to food to make it taste better, like honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, etc.

Naturally occurring sugar is the sugar that naturally occurs in food, which is the case with fruit.

However, there are instances where dried fruit gets coated in added sugar, and that’s what we want to watch out for. The best way to determine whether dried fruit has any added sugar is by reading the nutrition facts label. Look for the added sugars row, which tells you how much sugar is added to the granola. It’s also a dead giveaway if you see any sugar ingredients mentioned in the ingredient list apart from the fruit.

How to pick the best low-sugar granola

When you’re shopping for the best low-sugar granola, read labels for these ingredients and red flags. Also, take note of the serving size. Ideally, products at the top of the added sugar range have bigger serving sizes.

  • No more than 9 grams of added sugar per serving
  • Prioritizes whole grains and other whole food ingredients
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • At least 2 grams of fiber per serving


How to eat low-sugar granola

Granola is incredibly versatile, and it can be enjoyed in many different ways. It’s important to note that the serving size varies between granola brands, so be sure to take a look at the portion sizes, because if you eat a bigger serving, the added sugar goes up.

When eating low-sugar granola, it is a good idea to eat it with a source of protein (yogurt, cottage cheese) and fiber (fruit) to make it a more filling meal or snack. When your meals are balanced with protein, carbs, and fat, you are able to better control your blood sugar levels and sustain your energy levels for longer. It’s also a strategy that contributes to filling up at meals, so you won’t be hungry an hour after eating.

Here are some of my favorite ways to eat low-sugar granola:

  • Over low-sugar yogurt. Add it to natural yogurts with no artificial flavorings or sugar substitutes. (I cover my favorite low-sugar yogurts in my blog about low-sugar smoothies.)
  • Mixed with low-sugar whole grain cereal. Try a ¼ cup granola with a ¼ cup bowl of cereal. (Here are my picks for the best whole grain cereals.)
  • Stirred into oats or overnight oats, or used as a topping for baked oats, like my high protein baked oat breakfast.
  • On top of fruit. I especially like it over heated frozen fruit since it makes a faux crumble.
  • In yogurt parfaits. Layer low-sugar yogurt, low-sugar granola, and fruit to make a ready-to-go breakfast.
  • Oven-baked or poached fruit. Poached apples and granola are a delicious go-to.
  • On top of ricotta or cottage cheese.
  • Mixed into a low-sugar trail mix. I often add popcorn to a trail mix for more volume and crunchy goodness.
  • Sprinkled over a smoothie bowl as a topper. Think: breakfast ice cream! This is a refreshing summer breakfast idea!

Low-Sugar Granola: 12 of the healthiest granola products

Here are 12 low-sugar granolas that you can add to your grocery list! You’ll notice all the products I’ve selected contain less than 9g of added sugar per serving; this is the benchmark I like to use when determining if a granola is low in added sugar or not. If your favorite granola is not mentioned below, this would be a good way to see if it would make my list!

This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally vet and believe in. See my full disclosure policy.

1. Purely Elizabeth Organic Original Ancient Grain Granola

This is my top pick for low-sugar granola, and it’s easy to see why it’s a fan favorite. It’s made with nutrient-dense ancient grains including quinoa flakes, puffed amaranth, and chia seeds, plus organic coconut oil and coconut sugar for a perfectly crunchy, lightly sweet cluster. What I love about this granola is that it delivers a genuinely satisfying combination of wholesome ingredients without relying on refined sugars or artificial sweeteners. It’s also certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO—a clean label you can feel good about.

Sugar stats: 7g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

2. Alter Eco Cinnamon Raisin Granola

If you like a granola with dried fruit, this may be your top pick. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, and the cinnamon-raisin flavor delivers warmth and sweetness without going overboard. It does use monk fruit extract as a sugar alternative to boost sweetness, which I recommend eating in moderation. But the result is a granola with no added sugar that still tastes like a treat. Serve it over yogurt with a drizzle of nut butter for a balanced, satisfying breakfast.

Sugar stats: 0g added sugar per ¼ cup serving.

3. Bob’s Red Mill Homestyle Maple Sea Salt Granola

You can never go wrong with Bob’s Red Mill. The natural and simple ingredient list includes oats, a variety of seeds, and maple syrup—and the sea salt balances out the sweetness beautifully. It’s a nice touch. You’ll get 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein per serving. Use this granola as part of a yogurt parfait with unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt and fresh berries for a well-rounded breakfast.

Sugar stats: 4g added sugar per ¼ cup serving.

4. Cascadian Farm Organic Granola with No Added Sugar, Coconut Cashew

One of the best options on this list for anyone who wants zero added sugar without any artificial sweeteners. This granola is naturally sweetened using dates, so you get genuine sweetness without the tradeoffs. It also contains 4 grams of fiber per ⅔ cup serving—a heftier portion than many competing brands, which is worth noting when you compare it to others on this list. Most granolas offer around 2 grams of fiber per serving, so this one stands out. It’s also organic and non-GMO.

Sugar stats: 0g added sugar per ⅔ cup serving.

5. 365 by Whole Foods Market Granola Maple and Almond Butter

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, this is a great option. With 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, you’re getting some hunger-busting nutrients without breaking the bank. This granola is sweetened with maple syrup, making for a delicious, lightly sweet snack. To make it a balanced option that supports steady blood sugar levels, serve it with cottage cheese and fresh fruit.

Sugar stats: 5g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

6. gr8nola THE ORIGINAL

They call this a “superfood” granola—and for good reason. It incorporates whole almonds, cinnamon, flaxseed meal, oats, and sunflower seeds, boosting its fiber, protein, vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content. It is lightly sweetened with honey and monk fruit extract. As I mentioned earlier, I recommend eating monk fruit and other sugar substitutes in moderation, but in small amounts alongside whole food ingredients like these, it’s a reasonable tradeoff for keeping added sugar low.

Sugar stats: 5g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

7. Go Raw Sweet & Salty Snacking Granola

As the name implies, this minimally processed granola contains sprouted grains and seeds, which supports easier digestion and increased availability of nutrients for the body. If a clean, back-to-basics ingredient list is your priority, this one delivers.

Sugar stats: 7g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

8. Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin Seed + Flax Granola

This popular granola earns its status with a simple, wholesome ingredient list containing whole grain oats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and cane sugar to name a few. One important note on serving size: As with all granolas, eating a larger portion significantly changes the sugar picture.

Sugar stats: 5g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

9. Kelly’s Four Plus Cherry Chocolate Granola

I love the cherry chocolate combination because it feels indulgent without going overboard on sugar. This tastes like granola you’d make at home—if you had the time and inclination. But if you want to save time (which most of us do), you can just buy this premium granola instead. One note: It’s on the pricier side compared to other options on this list, but if you’re looking for an occasional treat-worthy granola that still fits your health goals, it’s worth it.

Sugar stats: 5g added sugar per ¼ cup serving.

10. Purely Elizabeth Grain-Free Banana Nut Butter Granola

If you’re looking for a grain-free option—whether you’re paleo, keto, or simply prefer to skip oats—this is my top pick. The ingredient list reads like a dream: nuts, seeds, coconut, with no grains, no artificial sweeteners, and no compromise on taste. With just 3 grams of added sugar, 5 grams of protein, and only 8 grams of total carbs per ⅓ cup serving, it works beautifully for anyone managing their carbohydrate intake. It’s also certified gluten-free and vegan. Try it over coconut yogurt for a paleo-friendly breakfast parfait.

Sugar stats: 3g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

11. Manitoba Harvest Organic Superseed Granola

This is a protein-packed granola with an impressive 11 grams of protein per serving—more than you’d get from most other options on this list. It’s also a good source of omega-3s, which support brain and heart health. One note on the sugar stats: the serving size here is ⅔ cup— larger than most granolas on this list— so keep that in mind when comparing. Scaled to a smaller portion, the added sugar is more in line with the other options here.

Sugar stats: 9g added sugar per ⅔ cup serving.

12. One Degree Sprouted Oat Honey Hemp Granola

Another sprouted grain granola—and a standout for its ingredient quality. It’s made with sprouted gluten-free organic oats, hemp seeds, honey, and brown rice, and delivers 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving. Sprouting grains increases the bioavailability of nutrients and supports easier digestion, which is a meaningful difference if gut health is a priority for you. Consider serving these crunchy clusters over a smoothie bowl for extra texture and staying power. (You’ll probably appreciate my post on low-sugar smoothies for some tasty recipes!)

Sugar stats: 7g added sugar per ⅓ cup serving.

Final thoughts about low-sugar granola

Granola can be a sneaky source of hidden sugars–as much as dessert in some cases. But, it’s also easy to swap out sugary granola for a low-sugar variety, and I’ve given you several to consider.