16 Best Store-bought Granola For Diabetics We've Tested 2024
Brandon Forder May 6, 2024 1:25 PM
Looking for a diabetic-friendly granola but not sure where to start? In this article, we'll talk about the several kinds of packaged granola that work well for breakfast and the considerations diabetics should make when shopping for granola or oatmeal.
A quick grab-and-go breakfast of granola from the store might have to do if you don't have time in the mornings to make anything more substantial. If you have diabetes, though, buying granola for breakfast can be a challenge. Brands typically pack their commercial granola with sugars and carbs that the body can use quickly. These carbohydrates are high on the glycemic index, thus they are metabolized rapidly by the body and cause a rise in blood sugar. Thankfully, not all commercial granolas taste the same. So, keep reading to learn about the best types of granola available in stores that won't raise your blood sugar levels.
Compare Products
- SCORE9.4
- BrandNature Valley
- Prime
- SCORE9.4
- BrandNature Valley
- Prime
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Low-sugar
There should be as little sugar in food as possible. Aim for a serving size that is less than 5-10 grams. Keep in mind that brown rice syrup, maple syrup, tapioca syrup, and corn syrup (basically anything with "syrup" in the name!) are all forms of sugar that may not be labeled as "sugar" on nutrition labels.
Serving size
Younkin recommends using the same serving size when comparing the nutritional information of different granolas. It's possible to get 16 grams of sugar from the same quantity of granola when one brand has eight grams of sugar per two-thirds of a cup and another has eight gam of sugar per one-third.
Whole grains
Any granola you purchase should list a whole grain, such oats, as the very first component on the label. You may add more nourishment and feel satisfied for longer by including whole grains like chia seeds, millet, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Fiber
Certain granola bars have an abnormally high sugar content yet a low fiber content. Most people in the United States don't get enough of the nutrient dietary fiber, which helps you feel full for longer and eat less. If you're trying to consume between 25 and 34 grams of fiber per day, selecting a bar with 3 grams or more of fiber can assist.
Protein
Granola bars often have a low protein content because their main ingredient, oats, is a carbohydrate rather than a protein source. You can get more protein from a granola bar if it contains nuts or seeds, which are a natural source of protein. You should aim for a granola bar with at least 2 grams of protein per serving.
Sugar and Carbohydrates
Since most granola bars consist of oats and sweeteners coupled with dried fruits or chocolate, they also tend to be heavy in sugar and carbs. Choose a bar made from whole grains whenever possible; they have more fiber and are digested more slowly by the body than processed carbs. 3 Pick a bar where there aren't more than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
Are protein bars good for diabetes?
Can they be? Why, yes! Each time you eat, whether it's a full meal or a snack, you should be getting a good amount of protein.
Do you need to focus on low GI protein bars?
Again, the bar need not be labeled as low GI in order to be good for people with diabetes or high blood sugar. To select the best protein bars for diabetes, we're considering a wide range of criteria (go back to the list of bullet points at the beginning of this article).
Are granola bars nutritious?
The nutritious value of granola bars cannot be understated. They are a quick and easy way to get the carbs you need to make it through the afternoon. Granola bars are superior to other snack foods because of the combination of protein and fiber that they include.
Micronutrients like calcium and potassium are fortified into some of the kinds. If you're looking for a healthy snack, a granola bar is a great option. However, if it has more than 10 grams of sugar, you may find yourself hungry again in under an hour.
What is the shelf life of a granola bar?
Granola bars have a shelf life of about six to eight months if unopened. Keep them in the pantry's cold, dry spot.
When granola bars are at their optimal quality, as indicated by the "Best Buy" or "Best if Used By" date printed on the package. You can still eat them beyond this date, but they may have changed in flavor or texture. Whether or not the granola bar should be eaten depends on whether or not it smells or looks off.
Almond bars have a lower shelf life than other kinds of bars, around 3 months.
How do granola bars impact digestion?
Because fiber aids in digestion regulation, granola bars are generally helpful for digestion. If the bar is made with oats, it also provides a healthy dose of prebiotics, or fuel for the beneficial bacteria already residing in your digestive tract.
It's important to watch out for granola bars that include artificial sweeteners like xylitol, sorbitol, and aspartame because they don't get digested.
Many people start their day with a bowl of pre-packaged granola. What you might not know is that there is commercially produced granola suitable for diabetics, however it might be hard to track down because most shops don't carry it. Looking for low-sugar store-bought granola options with whole grains will help you maintain steady blood sugar levels and curb hunger swings throughout the day. If you want a warm breakfast but require more protein than oats provide, then oatmeal is a wonderful option. Keep these things in mind when you stock up on granola for diabetics at the shop.
