Does Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the provided ingredients, this granola contains no dairy (milk, whey, casein) and no gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, barley). It is dairy-free and gluten-free.

Is Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola good for weight loss?

It is calorie-dense due to the nuts, oil, and dried fruit. While it provides sustained energy, it is not specifically a 'diet' food. Stick to the recommended serving size to manage calorie intake.

Where can I buy Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola?

Granola products with these standard organic ingredients are widely available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, and online via Amazon.

Is Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It contains no caffeine or artificial dyes. However, due to the sticky texture of dried fruit and the hardness of the nuts, it should be given to young children with caution to prevent choking.

Is Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola Kosher?

Yes, Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola is kosher. Based on the ingredient list provided, this product relies entirely on plant-based, organic components without any animal-derived additives or processing agents that would require kosher certification. It is a safe choice for those adhering to kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is kosher, we look for three main red flags: animal derivatives (like gelatin or non-kosher oils), specific non-kosher fruits, and the need for certification due to complex processing. Fortunately, the Apple, Raisin & Walnut Granola formula is remarkably clean.

The base of the product is organic whole grain rolled oats. While oats themselves are inherently kosher (pareve), they are often subject to cross-contamination with wheat or barley during harvesting. However, if this product is certified organic, it implies strict separation during growing and processing, significantly reducing this risk. The binding agent is organic oat flour, which keeps the grain profile consistent and safe.

The sweetness comes from organic apple juice concentrate and organic raisins. Both are fruits and are universally kosher. The inclusion of organic dried apples adds texture and flavor without introducing any questionable additives. Spices like organic cinnamon are also inherently kosher, though ground spices in general products can sometimes be a hidden source of insect infestation; organic certification generally requires stricter insect inspection standards.

Finally, the fats and textures are provided by organic walnuts and organic sunflower seeds. These are excellent, kosher-friendly sources of fat and protein. The oil used is organic expeller pressed canola oil, which is a vegetable oil and therefore pareve (containing neither meat nor dairy). There are no hidden animal fats or dairy derivatives like whey or casein in this recipe.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this granola leans heavily on natural sugars and healthy fats. The primary caloric drivers are the oats and the raisins/apple juice concentrate. While the ingredients are organic, it is important to remember that fruit juice concentrate is a form of added sugar, even if it is natural. This means the sugar content will likely be moderate to high, providing quick energy but potentially spiking blood sugar if consumed in large quantities.

The fat content is driven by the walnuts and canola oil. Walnuts are a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for heart and brain health. However, nuts are also calorie-dense. A standard serving (usually around 1/2 cup) typically ranges between 200 and 250 calories, with 7 to 10 grams of fat. This granola fits well into a balanced diet as a breakfast option or a topping for yogurt, but portion control is key if you are strictly monitoring caloric intake for weight management.