“PROTEIN” has become one of the most prominent claims on packaged foods in recent days. From cereals to snack bars to soda and even water, brands are racing to highlight higher protein numbers on the label.
The granola aisle isn’t immune to this trend, with “protein granola” promising peak protein per serving to appeal to customers following this trend and searching for high-protein meal alternatives.
But when you take a closer look, the amount of protein is often smaller than it seems, and there’s a price (figuratively and literally) to pay for it.
The protein math isn’t mathing
In most cases, the additional protein in these products doesn’t come from whole ingredients. It comes from ultra-processed protein isolates extracted from sources like peas, soy, or whey. These refined protein sources also contribute bitter flavors and unpleasant, chalky textures.
To compensate, brands frequently add ultra-processed ingredients like
- Highly refined sweeteners
- Sugar alcohols
- Flavor maskers, including “natural flavors” synthesized in lab environments.
The result may boost the protein number on the nutrition panel, but those added ingredients may detract from the healthfulness of the product. And after all that processing, when you compare our granola to those protein granolas ounce-per-ounce, there’s not even that much extra protein to speak of:
Our promise—and our protein!
At Michele’s Granola, our promise to you is simple: We make trustworthy, delicious food with simple, quality ingredients.
Our granola is crafted with pantry staples you’d recognize in your own kitchen, including:
- Whole grain oats
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Spices
- Real organic brown sugar.
The nutritious ingredients we bake with naturally contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats, working together the way food was meant to.
And they deliver the craveable flavor and satisfying crunch that you’ve come to expect from Michele’s Granola since we sold our first batch at the farmers market in 2006.
How to build an easy protein-packed breakfast
If you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast, our granola and muesli play a tasty role! Try pairing Michele’s Granola with naturally protein-rich foods like
- Greek yogurt topped with granola and fresh or frozen fruit
- Whole-grain toast with nut butter, topped with granola
- Overnight oats made with our Toasted Muesli and chia seeds, topped with fruit and a generous sprinkling of granola for crunch
- Oatmeal with a big dollop of yogurt, granola, and fruit
Together, these combinations create a balanced breakfast filled with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and long-lasting energy.
An honest breakfast starts with honest ingredients
Trends come and go, but our brand promise to you remains the same.
We'll continue baking every batch from scratch, with thoughtfully crafted recipes, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients for granola that tastes as good as it makes you feel!
The information in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as nutrition or medical advice. Before modifying your diet, or making changes to the diet of a child in your care, you should seek advice from a licensed professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian.
