So, I love granola. Like LOVE it. Like *eat an entire bag in one sitting while watching Scandal* kind of love. But then I went to Australia over the summer and was introduced to something that was kind of like granola, yet different: muesli. What's the difference between muesli vs granola? I'll describe it all, right here.
The TL;DR on Muesli vs Granola
Before we dive into their differences, let's talk about how muesli and granola are similar. First, they're both healthy breakfast options made up of much of the same ingredients (oats, nuts, seeds, fruit, and spices). This means they're both full of protein, good carbohydrates and fats, and tons of nutrients, which is a great way to start your day. They're also extremely versatile, so you can enjoy them in a variety of ways.
The main difference between the two is that granola is baked, while muesli is not. This means that granola often contains oils or natural sweeteners like honey or agave to helps the oats stick together in clusters, while muesli is more of a loose mixture.
Who Eats Muesli vs Granola?
Most Americans are extremely familiar with granola, as there are thousands of varieties that line our supermarket's shelves. Granola dates back to the mid-1800s and was called "granula," known as a health food containing graham flour. It was revived later in 1960, with the name changing to "granola."
Muesli, on the other hand, is more commonly consumed in Europe and Australia. Muesli was first created in 1900 by Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner, which is why the cereal is sometimes called Bircher muesli. It was first used for hospital patients because it was a healthy, easy to eat breakfast food; however, it since has become extremely popular for everyone to eat.
Which is Healthier for You?
While both options are healthy, granola is often filled with added sugars, dried fruits, and lots of oil, which helps it bind together while it's baked. Since muesli is uncooked, it often has less added sugars and oils, which can make it a healthier option over granola (not to mention less calories).
But I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions – muesli too can contain added sugars and dried fruits that would lessen the nutrients within the cereal and jack up the calories. Plus, there are many granolas out there that are not full of added sugars and contain healthy oils. You just have to read the labels on all store-bought items before calling them healthy!
How to Eat Muesli vs Granola
Both options are enjoyed as a breakfast dish, but can also be eaten as a snack or dessert. Muesli is often enjoyed soaked in milk or yogurt, which fills each oat and creates a creamier dish, just like overnight oats. It can also be eaten raw with yogurt, on top of toast or sweet potato, or milk.
Granola is often enjoyed in a yogurt parfait with yogurt and fruit, but you can enjoy it in so many different ways (think in a bar or as a crunchy topping on oatmeal). My personal favorite way to eat granola is with thick Greek yogurt, honey, and peanut butter.
Although both muesli and granola can be bought in stores and online, there are endless ways to make your own. My tried and tested recipes include this gingerbread cookie granola and this low glycemic index nut and seed granola. You can even bring a little piece of Europe to home and make your own muesli.
Now that you're educated on the differences and similarities of muesli vs granola, you can rock your next breakfast. Make sure to try making your own to truly make each recipe delicious.