While strolling through the healthy and delicious breakfast aisles of your supermarket, it is not impossible that you have already come across granola or muesli. These two delicacies stand out from the sugary cereals of our childhood by their healthier and more natural image. They look very similar and share most of their ingredients. It makes you wonder what differentiates them from each other?
We explain everything in this article about the similarities and main differences between granola and muesli.
Cereals for breakfast
Granola and muesli are two oat-based recipes created as a nutritional supplement.
While they are easily customizable, with fresh fruit or any type of seeds or nuts, most of their basic ingredients are the same.
We find there:
- Oatmeal
- Nuts like walnuts or almonds
- Dried fruits like figs, dates or goji berries
- Seeds like chia, sesame or squash
The biggest differences that are made between these two snacks have to do with how the products are made and then served.
What is granola?
Granola, originally from the United States, appeared in the early 1860s. It was Dr. James Caleb Jackson, owner of thermal cures, who imagined what was originally a simple mixture of wheat flour. This mixture is then spread on a baking sheet and then baked in the oven until it dries completely.
Today granola is a more delicious product. It is a mixture of cereals, seeds, oilseeds and dried fruits which forms crunchy and tasty nuggets. Served cold, it is accompanied by yogurt, compote, fresh fruit, ice cream or acai. Granola can also be eaten as is! It is used as an appetite suppressant, ideal for snacking or for its anti-fatigue effect!
Granola is a real success in the United States and the Nordic countries. Truly linked to healthy eating, it is gradually making its way into French kitchens for breakfast or snack time and even in front of your favorite series.
What is muesli?
Conceived in Zurich at the beginning of the 20th century, by the Swiss doctor and dietician Maximilian Bircher-Benner, muesli was first consumed in the health sector.
Today this mixture of oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruits is a real delicacy marketed throughout the world. Very popular in Europe, it is mainly consumed as a healthy breakfast.
Unlike granola, the ingredients of muesli are not cooked in the oven. They are presented as a mixture of raw and bulk ingredients.
Muesli is mainly enjoyed cold, in a bowl of milk or with yogurt.
Granola and muesli are two delicious and simple breakfast products. The main distinction we see between the two is that granola is sweetened and baked, while muesli is not.
Granola or Muesli: which is healthier?
Granola and muesli have many similarities, particularly in their composition and the health benefits they provide .
The main difference is how they are made. Granola is baked and often contains added sugars, such as maple syrup, as well as dried fruit, while muesli is raw and gets its sweetness from dried fruit alone.
Granola is a more indulgent product but just as balanced as muesli. It is perfect for athletes or people who want to improve their diet by continuing to eat generous but balanced products.
In industrial granolas we too often find additives, preservatives, and a lot of oil and sugar. This is why it is important to pay attention to the list of ingredients and turn to artisanal and organic granola .
Both muesli and granola can be considered healthy breakfast alternatives!
Whether you prefer muesli or granola for your breakfast, the healthiest and simplest way to enjoy them is to go through artisanal production or to make them yourself.