Is High Protein Peanut Granola Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the formulation. This High Protein Peanut Granola is built on a solid base of Whole Grain Oat Flakes, which are naturally vegan. However, the protein punch comes from a Textured Wheat Protein Product. This is essentially vital wheat gluten processed into a meat-like texture. It is entirely plant-derived, making it a great vegan protein source, though it does make the product unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

The potential non-vegan culprit is often hidden in the sweeteners. We see Glucose Syrup, Oligofructose Syrup, and Sugar. In the food industry, sugar is frequently refined using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve a pure white color. Unless the manufacturer specifies that their sugar is organic, unrefined, or explicitly vegan, this is the primary flag.

Finally, the inclusion of Roasted Peanuts and Linseeds adds healthy fats and texture, while the vitamin blend is synthetic and vegan-friendly. The Natural Flavouring is vague, but in a peanut product, this usually refers to peanut extracts or vanilla, which are safe. The antioxidant Tocopherol-Rich Extract is simply Vitamin E, often derived from soy or sunflower oil.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this granola is designed for performance. The Textured Wheat Protein significantly boosts the protein content, likely pushing it over the 20g per serving mark, which is excellent for muscle repair and satiety. However, the presence of Glucose Syrup and Sugar drives up the glycemic load. While glucose syrup provides quick energy, it can lead to a blood sugar spike followed by a crash.

The fat content is moderate, coming primarily from Sunflower Oil and the natural fats in Peanuts and Linseeds. These are largely unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. However, because granola is calorie-dense, portion control is key. A standard serving (usually around 45-50g) can easily contain 200-250 calories. It fits well into a high-protein diet, but if you are strictly watching your sugar intake for weight loss, the added sugars might be a concern.