Is Granola Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Open Nature
Granola is a snack from Open Nature. It has a Zerotox safety score of 60/100, which means it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The granola contains whole rolled oats and almonds, which are beneficial. However, the presence of cane sugar and natural flavor raises concerns about added sugars and processing.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The granola contains whole rolled oats and almonds, which are beneficial. However, the presence of cane sugar and natural flavor raises concerns about added sugars and processing.
Main concern
Cane sugar is a refined sweetener that can contribute to excessive sugar intake.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Whole rolled oats provide dietary fiber, contributing to a more balanced snack.
- Almonds are a source of healthy fats and can enhance the nutritional profile.
- Coconut adds natural flavor and texture, making the product more appealing.
- Molasses offers some minerals, adding a slight nutritional benefit.
Concerns
- Cane sugar is a refined sweetener that can contribute to excessive sugar intake.
- Natural flavor may indicate processed ingredients, raising quality concerns.
- Expeller pressed canola oil, while better than some oils, is still a processed fat.
- The inclusion of salt and spices may not be necessary, potentially affecting health.
Who should avoid this product?
This snack may not be the best fit for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Each ingredient below is explained in the context of this snack so the page answers more than a simple label list.
-
Is Whole Rolled Oats safe in this snack?
Good
Whole Rolled Oats is used here as base. Whole rolled oats serve as the primary ingredient, providing fiber and essential nutrients, contributing positively to the granola's health profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: whole rolled oats
-
Is Cane Sugar safe in this snack?
Medium
Cane Sugar is used here as sweetener. Cane sugar is a refined sweetener that adds sweetness but raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption and its health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: cane sugar
-
Is Whole Rolled Wheat safe in this snack?
Good
Whole Rolled Wheat is used here as base. Whole rolled wheat adds fiber and nutrients, enhancing the granola's overall nutritional value and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Role in formula: base
Original: whole rolled wheat
-
Is Expeller Pressed Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Expeller Pressed Canola Oil is used here as emulsifier. Expeller pressed canola oil is a processed fat that can be a healthier option compared to other oils, but still raises concerns about processing.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: expeller pressed canola oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
-
Is Coconut safe in this snack?
Good
Coconut is used here as flavor. Coconut adds natural flavor and texture, contributing positively to the taste and appeal of the granola without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: coconut
-
Is Honey safe in this snack?
Good
Honey is used here as sweetener. Honey is a natural sweetener that can provide some antioxidants and minerals, enhancing the granola's flavor profile.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: honey
-
Is Almonds safe in this snack?
Good
Almonds is used here as base. Almonds are a source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing positively to the nutritional quality of the granola.
Role in formula: base
Original: almonds
-
Is Molasses safe in this snack?
Good
Molasses is used here as sweetener. Molasses adds sweetness along with some minerals, providing a slight nutritional benefit compared to refined sugars.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: molasses
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this snack?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor may indicate the presence of processed ingredients, raising concerns about the overall quality and transparency of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavor
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement but may not be necessary in this product, potentially affecting health if consumed in excess.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices can enhance flavor naturally without the need for artificial additives, contributing positively to the overall taste.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3323759
More from this brand: Open Nature products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: almonds
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.