No-Added-Sugar Granola

This homemade No-Added-Sugar Granola brings oats, toasty nuts and Medjool dates together for a hearty, crunchy snack. The naturally sweet dates blend with almond butter and coconut oil to create a caramel-like coating that helps the clusters bake up crisp and flavorful. A frothed egg white adds that perfect crunch, while keeping the cinnamon and ginger in place for a warm and cozy aroma. Keep reading for test kitchen tips and easy ways to customize it below.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Let the granola cool on the pan for at least 30 minutes before storing. It will crisp up as it cools.
• Stir once during baking to prevent overbrowning around the edges, which cook faster than the center.
• Whisk the egg white until very foamy but not stiff; this gives the granola structure and promotes crispy, clumpy clusters.

Nutrition Notes

• Rolled oats can help lower LDL cholesterol, promote better blood sugar and support weight management, thanks to a soluble fiber called beta-glucans. We also love the prebiotic and anti-inflammatory benefits that come from the beta-glucans in oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are sometimes contaminated with gluten during processing. If you’re following a gluten-free routine, be sure to purchase oats specifically labeled as gluten-free.
• Medjool dates add natural sweetness along with fiber, potassium and magnesium. They have a low glycemic index and a high fiber content, both of which can help prevent blood sugar spikes. 
• Nuts and seeds, including almonds and pepita seeds, provide a triple threat of fiber, protein and healthy fats. You’ll find vitamin E to support healthy skin, heart and eye health while also reducing inflammation. We also love that nuts and seeds are top sources of magnesium, which helps support a healthy metabolism, better blood sugar and quality sleep.
• Almond butter, along with whole almonds, produces a short-chain fatty acid in the colon called butyrate. This postbiotic helps support the integrity of the gut by feeding the healthy bacteria while reducing inflammation. The fiber, protein and healthy fats found in almonds and almond butter also help manage blood sugar and sustain energy levels.