Best Sugar-Free Homemade Granola Recipes

Granola recipes have the reputation of being healthy alternatives to more carb-dense breakfast options like bagels and pancakes. But not all granola is made the same. Some recipes include syrup and other sweeteners that are much higher in sugar than you might realize. 

In this article, you will find: 

• Can I eat granola on a low carb diet?
• Is too much granola bad for you?
• Which granola is healthiest?
• Is granola better than cereal?

Healthy Granola Recipes

The best way to have this delicious, low-carb, and sugar-free morning meal is to make it yourself. 

Homemade keto granola recipes can not only be made to accommodate almost every dietary restriction, but they’re also easy to prepare ahead and enjoy on the go.

You can eat granola on its own, with yogurt or add a little milk and your favorite low-carb toppings to turn it into a yummy, nutrition-packed cereal. 

Can I eat granola on a low-carb diet?

Yes — but it depends. Pre-made granola from the store is often full of sugars and other additives that will prevent it from fitting into your low-carb diet.

However, some also have a high amount of dietary fiber, which can help curb those carb cravings and keep your blood sugar stable. Fiber also keeps you within your daily net carb limit as you can subtract fiber from your total carb count. 

Because granola’s nutritional value can vary widely, the best way to enjoy this delicious breakfast is by making your own granola that’s high in fiber and low in sugar. 

More Low-Carb Breakfast Recipes ...

Is too much granola bad for you?

Yes, but only if you eat granola that’s packed with added sugars, fats, whole grains and excess calories. 

Many store-bought granolas are made with nut butter, vegetable oil, and coconut oil to help bind other more nutrient-dense ingredients and help with the toasting process. 

Most store-bought granola packs in nearly 4 teaspoons (or 17 grams of sugar) into a single serving through ingredients like honey, dried fruit, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. 

We all know how easy it is to overeat some extra-tasty granola, and too much sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain, obesity, and metabolic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. 

You can also find a lot of whole grains in granola. Despite popular belief, whole grains are not a great way to start your day as they can raise your blood sugar, spike insulin, and increase your appetite. 

So yes, overeating store-bought granola is bad for you. But if you’re making one of the sugar-free granola recipes below, it’s a healthy choice for a daily breakfast meal. 

Which Granola is the Healthiest?

The healthiest granola is made without sugar and with natural ingredients high in fiber, protein, and healthy fat, helping you feel fuller longer.

You’ll also want to make sure your granola comes with healthy seeds, nuts and coconut which are not carb-dense, as they’ll help with hunger and increase your recipe’s nutritional value. 

Developing a few go-to keto granola recipes will not only give you an excellent breakfast option for busy families but a scrumptious and easy snack as well. 

Is Granola Better Than Cereal?

Granola itself is considered a cereal, but it’s a healthier option than the cereals you’ll find at the grocery store. Those are often packed with high calories and excess sugar. 

Even “healthy” cereals should be avoided as they’re often the most misleading. A quick peek at their nutrition labels will reveal that there’s more than meets the eye to your favorite “organic” brands. For example, low-fat cereals often just replace the lost fat content with sugar. 

Again, the healthiest option for cereal is to make your own. 

While you can certainly enjoy these keto granola recipes on their own, adding a little bit of milk — which only has about 5 grams of naturally occurring sugar known as lactose — turns them into delicious granola cereals. 

8 Delicious, Sugar-Free, and Low Carb Granola Recipes

Grain-Free Granola

Grain-Free Granola - If you’re trying to stay away from added sugar and gluten, you’ll want to add this low carb granola recipe to your rotation. Rather than loading up on the carbs found in oats (a common granola staple), this recipe uses seeds and shredded coconut to create a healthier alternative. 

Nutty Granola

Nutty Granola - this gluten-free and sugar-free recipe is great for those who dislike the taste and texture of shredded coconut. It can be hard (and expensive) to find coconut-free granola. This recipe shows you how easy it is to make at home. 

Slow Cooker Chocolate Orange Granola

Slow Cooker Grain-Free Granola - If you’re short on time, this slow cooker granola recipe will save you. Use staple ingredients that are most likely already in your pantry or easily swap in some of your family’s favorites.

Orange and Pecan Granola

Orange And Pecan Grain-Free Granola - this savory recipe will quickly become a favorite. Its aromatic flavors make it a breakfast staple in my household. I like to make a big batch that lasts my family of five for up to 3 weeks.

Fennel and Ginger Granola

Fennel & Ginger Grain-Free Granola - say goodbye to whole grains and added sugars and hello to this granola recipe packed with seeds, spices, and nuts. Give this yummy combo a try and see what the hype is all about!

Grain-Free Granola Bars

Easy Blender Grain-Free Granola Bars - yep, you read that right! Grain-free and sugar-free granola bars do exist, and they can be easily made in your blender. This recipe also includes an option to make them nut-free.

Chocolate Grain-Free Granola

Chocolate Grain-Free Granola - calling all my chocolate lovers; this recipe is for you. My kids go crazy over this sugar-free granola, and yours will too. It also makes a delicious dessert!

Cinnamon Crunch Granola

Grain-Free Cinnamon Crunch - I saved the best for last with this divine recipe. You can enjoy it with some berries and unsweetened yogurt. Why not top it with some whipped cream on top for another healthy dessert.

Either way, you won’t want to put it down.