Is Strawberry Cashew Crunch Granola Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the formulation. The base of this granola is Organic Whole Grain Gluten-Free Oats. In theory, oats do not contain gluten. However, they are almost always processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye. Unless the packaging explicitly states it is certified gluten-free, the Oats here are the primary red flag for cross-contamination.

Looking at the binders and sweeteners, we see Organic Inulin Syrup and Organic Date Syrup. These are excellent alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup and provide soluble fiber. The fat source is Organic Coconut Oil, which is naturally dairy-free and provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The crunch comes from Organic Brown Rice Crisps and Organic Puffed Quinoa, both naturally gluten-free grains that add texture without the gluten protein.

Finally, the mix-ins are clean. Organic Cashews, Organic Cashew Butter, and Organic Desiccated Coconut provide healthy fats and creaminess. The strawberry flavor is derived from Organic Freeze-Dried Strawberries, which is a superior method compared to artificial flavorings. Overall, the formulation is 'clean label,' but the oats remain the sticking point for strict gluten-free dieters.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this granola is energy-dense. A typical serving contains roughly 130-150 calories, derived largely from the Organic Coconut Oil and Cashews. This is a source of healthy unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and satiety.

The sugar content is the main consideration for those watching their intake. With Organic Coconut Sugar, Date Syrup, and Inulin Syrup, the total sugar usually lands around 6-8 grams per serving. While these are natural sweeteners, your body metabolizes them similarly to table sugar. It fits well into a balanced diet as a breakfast option or topping, but it may be too high in sugar for a strict weight-loss regimen if portion sizes aren't controlled.