Gluten Free Granola

Gluten-free granola can be part of a healthy diet, but keep your medical needs or wellness goals in mind when picking a flavor. When shopping for gluten-free granola bars or bites at CVS, consider the calorie count and fat content as well as how much sugar a brand contains. Look for ingredients you feel good about consuming, such as cane sugar or honey rather than high-fructose corn syrup. You may also want to avoid granola with artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.    

If you want granola to be part of a balanced meal, consider pairing it with fresh fruit or low-fat yogurt. You can also drizzle nut butter over crunchy granola or granola bars for extra protein. 

After trying different varieties, you may find the best gluten-free granola bars and snack bars come from brands like KIND, MadeGood, Lärabar and CLIF. Some of these granola bars have sweet mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or caramel, while others get a hearty crunch from almonds or peanuts. You can also find gluten-free bars sweetened with real fruit, such as cherries or dates, instead of refined sugar. Some granola bars are grain-free as well as gluten-free, making them ideal for snackers who are limiting their carbs.

Many delicious snacks are available for people who enjoy gluten-free foods. Jerky, popcorn, fruit snacks and potato chips are other options you may enjoy when hunger strikes. 

Gluten-free granola can be made with or without nuts. If you prefer a nut-free granola, check the ingredients to make sure there are no peanuts, almonds or other nuts in your snack. Cross-contamination may trigger allergies, so check for statements, such as "Made in a dedicated peanut-free facility," on the box. 

If you enjoy nuts and can safely eat them, consider adding frutos secos to a bag of granola for a custom snack mix. You can also try granola bars made from almond butter or peanut butter, or search for other healthy snacks that contain nuts.