When it comes to granola, I am willing to try just about everything. I love creative mixes that incorporate unique flavors and classic blends that always start my morning the right way. While I'm still impressed by the variety of granolas available in stores today, I was having trouble finding one that I have not tried.
I have some pretty specific guidelines in mind: I wanted a granola that is low-calorie, low sugar and low sodium content. Preferably, I would like the brand to use high-quality ingredients as well. It's not too much to ask, right? Well, that's where True North Granola Company comes in, a family-owned business based in Vermont that whips up delicious granola.
It sounds too good to be true, I know. The photos on its site looked amazing, and when I emailed the site with some questions regarding my order, I received an immediate response from the owners themselves. I didn't know which flavor to try, so they went ahead and sent me all of them (seriously, a granola lover's heaven).
Sold in a variety of sizes from 2 ounce snack packs to 8 ounce bags to bulk packages, I couldn't wait to sample it all. Did I mention that there are both gluten- and nut-free options too? Here's a rundown of what I thought while devouring every one of them.
10. Choco Granola with Cranberries and Dutch Cocoa Powder
Although I'm a sucker for some late-night Ghirardelli, I have never been the fan of chocolate-flavored snacks and cereals. In this case, the dried cranberries in this granola would work to balance out the richness of the Dutch Cocoa Powder. However, I didn't receive any cranberries in my sample, so the chocolate flavor was a bit overwhelming for me
9. Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Maple-Vanilla Granola with Maple Syrup and Coconut
I tend to take it easy on the Mrs. Butterworth's when I'm indulging in some pancakes. Since my maple syrup pour is more of a drizzle than a dowse, I wasn't too excited about this sweet, breakfast-inspired flavor. Honestly, I didn't love it, but the fact that this blend is nut-free is a plus for those with allergies or anyone seeking a lower-calorie granola option.
8. Apple-Cinnamon Granola with Pomegranate Molasses, Apples and Nuts
This mix is perfect for sugar fiends looking to sweeten a morning yogurt or smoothie bowl. With only 4 grams of sugar per serving, this fruity blend beats out competitors like Purely Elizabeth's Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola at 6 grams per serving for a healthier take on a sweet start to the day.
#SpoonTip: The dried apple pieces in this blend is a bit tough in texture, so mix this granola into yogurt to soften some of the components.
7. Apricot Granola with Cashews and Macadamia Nuts
The apricot in this nutty blend offers a refreshing change from the cranberries and raisins that saturate the majority of granola mixes. Dried apricot is uniquely tart and features a sugary texture that is reminiscent of dried peach or papaya. This taste contrasts well with the chalky consistency of the macadamia nuts and nutty flavor of the cashews.
6. Ginger Granola with Almonds and Dried Pineapple
To put it simply, I am not the biggest fan of ginger. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this blend. I avoided the crystallized ginger chunks, but overall the taste of this mix was sweet and tinged with a hint of coconut due to the few organic coconut chips scattered throughout the mix. It made me rethink ginger-based products, and I think it would taste great as a crumble atop baked oatmeal.
5. Gluten Free Coconut Granola with Belgian Chocolate Chunks and Slivered Almonds
I was really excited to try this flavor because I am a toasted coconut aficionado. It's perfect for adding both crunch and sweetness, so I was excited to say the least. In my sample, the chocolate chunks were relatively sparse, and I wish there would've been a few more to interrupt the nutty flavor of the mix. Still, the combo of coconut and almonds is tried and true, and it definitely didn't disappoint.
4. Granola Blues with Dried Blueberries, Cashews and Almonds
No joke, these were the best dried blueberries that I've ever had in my life. After fishing out every last one, I was thankful to still taste a hint of blueberry flavor in the rolled oats, almonds and cashews that remained.
#SpoonTip: Avoid being like me and ridding this blend of the ingredient that gives it its name. Instead of eating straight from the bag, try using this to top blueberry-flavored greek yogurt.
3. Nutty No Grainer
This low-carb option isn't listed as a granola product on True North's website, but instead, it can be found under the grain-free section that lists all three types of Nutty No Grainer: original, with cranberries or with blueberries. My advice? Pick your poison and go with the cranberries or blueberries, because they are great on their own but even better mixed with nuts.
Did I mention that the nuts in this energy-boosting blend are maple-baked and seasoned with coconut oil, cinnamon, sea salt and clove? On second thought, I'll take all three flavors.
2. Go Nuts Granola with Cranberries, Almonds, Pecans and Pistachios
This heavenly mixture happened to be one of the flavors sent to me in an 8 ounce bag rather than a smaller-sized snack pack. While I can't deny with a bigger package I was hoping to get a bit more of the main ingredients and less rolled oats, my favorite part about this granola was that I was finally able to taste the sea salt and pure vanilla extract used to season the standard rolled oat, pepita and sunflower seed base used in every flavor of True North.
1. Gluten-Free Cherry Vanilla Pecan Granola with Dried Apricots, Cashews and Macadamia Nuts
This flavor seriously has everything I could ever want or need in a granola blend. Variety of nuts? Check. Coconut chips? Check. Dried cherries infused with apple juice and dried apricots? I'm sold. I instantly fell in love with this mix, so it only lasted me about a day. A snack pack may be the perfect size for on-the-go, but once I tasted this granola, I wasn't going anywhere.
True North Granola, you have stolen my heart. With so many flavors to pick from, I encourage you to follow my lead and try a variety of snack packs before picking the blend(s) you plan to buy in bulk. Trust me, you are going to want massive amounts of this stuff. Make sure to stock up on your favorite greek yogurt so you can use your granola as a topping.