Celebrating National Granola Bar Day

What’s packed with a considerable amount of nutritional energy, exceptionally sweet, and convenient to eat? If you guessed granola bars, you’re correct! Believe it or not, granola bars are a perfect wholesome snack loaded with many different health benefits. With so many varieties, textures, and flavors to choose from, there is bound to be a granola bar perfect for you. Give these mighty bars the recognition they deserve during National Granola Bar Day on January 21st!

Granola has become an extremely popular breakfast option or mid-day snack among avid hikers, bicyclists, or those who are regularly on-the-go. This snack is typically made up of whole grains (like rolled oats, quinoa, or barely); fruits or nuts; and honey, molasses, agave nectar, or syrup. These ingredients are mixed, pressed into a pan, and baked until crispy.

4 Health Benefits of Granola

With so many nutritious ingredients packed into one snack, the health benefits are endless! Just to name a few, here are 4 health benefits of granola:

1. Improved Digestion. Granola is packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber. A typical granola bar contains about 1.5 grams dietary fiber! Consuming adequate amounts of fiber aids in regulating bowel movements, reducing inflammation, and maintaining the overall health of our digestive tract.

2. Boosted Energy Levels. Granola is a great concentrated form of energy. This is because most of the carbohydrates found in granola are complex, which means they are digested much slower, fill you for longer periods, and provide a sustained level of energy to get you through the day. Granola gives you that extra boost of energy when you need it most, without the sudden crash!

3. Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals. The vitamins and minerals found within granola include vitamin E, vitamin C, niacin, thiamin, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, and much more! These vitamins and minerals aid in energy metabolism, maintain the health of our skin and possess antioxidant properties that reduce the risk for disease.

4. Reduces Cholesterol. As mentioned before, granola is loaded with fiber! Fiber is responsible for reducing the “bad” cholesterol (LDL: low-density lipoprotein) and promoting the “good” cholesterol (HDL: high-density lipoprotein) found in your body. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels reduces the risk of harmful cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, stroke, and plaque buildup.

5 Unique Ways to Enjoy Granola

A snack that is filled with nutritious ingredients, health benefits, and extremely delicious, what more could you ask for? In addition, granola is also an extremely versatile snack. From savory to salty, crispy to chewy, granola comes in a wide variety of flavors and texture options, which means it can pair with just about anything! Outside of the typical granola bar or adding a handful to your yogurt, here are 5 unique ways to enjoy granola:

1. Use it as a salad topper. Instead of croutons, substitute them with a salty-sweet granola over your favorite salad. This will add the perfect crunchy garnish!

2. Make a trail mix. Toss together your favorite granola with nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips for an easy, energy dense snack.

3. Turn it into a streusel topping. Using a food processor or blender, pulse together your favorite granola, butter, sugar, and flour to create a different kind of streusel topping for your next pie, cake, or muffin recipe.

4. Add texture to breakfast baked goods. For an interesting take on a classic breakfast, toss in a handful of granola into your muffin or pancake batter. This will give each bite an added layer of texture!

5. Top it on roasted vegetables. After roasting your favorite combination of vegetables (try using naturally sweet veggies like sugar snap peas or carrots), top them off with granola for an added layer of crunch.

However you choose to enjoy your favorite granola, don’t forget to mark your calendars for January 21st and celebrate this mighty snack on National Granola Bar Day! Happy snacking!

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you enjoy your favorite granola on National Granola Bar Day? Let me know in the comments below.