Is Granola + Ancient Grains Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product like Granola + Ancient Grains, the vegan status often hinges on the sweetener. While the base consists of Whole grain oats and nutrient-dense ancient grains like puffed quinoa and buckwheat groats, the binding and sweetening agents require closer scrutiny.

The primary issue for vegans here is honey. Honey is an animal byproduct produced by bees, and its inclusion is a strict 'no' for those following a plant-based lifestyle. Additionally, the product uses brown rice syrup and evaporated cane sugar. While these are plant-derived, strict vegans sometimes avoid processed white sugars because they are often filtered using bone char (charred animal bones), though this is less common with evaporated cane sugar compared to standard white sugar.

Regarding allergens and processing, Whole grain oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are frequently processed in facilities that handle wheat. Therefore, while the ingredients list doesn't show wheat, cross-contamination is a risk for those with Celiac disease. The fat source, expeller pressed canola oil, is plant-based and generally considered acceptable.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Granola + Ancient Grains offers a decent profile, particularly regarding fiber and complex carbohydrates. The combination of flax seed, oats, and buckwheat provides a solid foundation of whole grains which supports digestive health and sustained energy release.

However, the sugar content is a significant factor to monitor. With both honey and evaporated cane sugar present, the sugar load can be high for a breakfast cereal. This product fits within a balanced diet if portioned correctly, but it may not be ideal for those strictly monitoring blood sugar levels or attempting weight loss, as the caloric density from the oils and sugars can add up quickly.