What's the Difference Between Granola and Muesli? (2024)

FAQs

What's the Difference Between Granola and Muesli? ›

Their origins trace back to distinct cultural backgrounds, with muesli originating from Switzerland and granola having its roots in the United States. The primary distinction lies in their preparation: muesli is typically a raw mix, while granola is baked, usually with added sweeteners and oils.

Muesli is lower in sugar and fat than granola, making it a better option for people who are watching their calorie intake. Granola is a good source of protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal option for people who want to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

Muesli and granola are considered by some people, especially Americans, to be the same thing…but they are not! Granola is made with similar ingredients as muesli, specifically oats, nuts, seeds and fruit, but granola typically has a lot more sugar and oil than muesli does.

Packaged muesli is a loose mixture of mainly rolled oats or cornflakes together with various dried fruit pieces, nuts, and seeds – the main ingredients of any muesli. It commonly contains other rolled cereal grains such as wheat or rye flakes.

Granola and muesli have many similarities, including most of their ingredients and health benefits. The main difference is how they're made. Granola is baked and usually contains added sweeteners — such as honey or syrup — along with dried fruits, while muesli is enjoyed raw and sweetened with dried fruits only.

Apparently it's mainly because of the price of some of the raw ingredients going up so much, particularly almonds and hazelnuts.

The Bottom Line

Granola is healthy in small amounts, especially because oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit in granola provide some fiber that's good for heart and gut health. However, granola can also be a rich source of calories, saturated fat and sugar, depending on the brand you buy.

Muesli is a breakfast or brunch dish that's popular in Switzerland and Germany, consisting of raw rolled oats and other ingredients like fresh or dried fruits, seeds and nuts. It's often mixed with milk, soy milk, almond milk, yogurt, or even fruit juice for a light and satisfying way to start the day.

How does muesli taste? Great! It has natural sweetness thanks to the flavor of oats and dried fruit, so you won't miss all the unnecessary added sugar (especially once you're accustomed to eating natural foods). For those following a low-sugar diet or lower-carb diet, muesli makes a much better choice.

Granola and muesli can both be eaten for breakfast, like granola oats, but they can also be eaten as a snack or dessert. Muesli can be eaten after soaking it in milk or yoghurt, which fills each oat and makes a creamier meal, much like overnight oats.

Should you soak muesli overnight? ›

Once you add your desired liquid, stick it in the fridge and let the muesli + milk do their thing. Muesli can be soaked overnight, but no worries if you forget to start the process the night before. Even after a short 10-15 minute soak, the grains will start to soften up.

It's safe to eat muesli straight from the bag, and you can also use raw muesli as a topping on things like yogurt parfaits or smoothie bowls. Muesli does, however, have a bit of a tougher texture, so many people prefer to soak it in liquid to soften it up and make it easier to digest.

Untoasted, raw or natural muesli usually starts with a base of rolled oats, loaded with nuts, seeds and/or dried fruit. Untoasted muesli is usually lower in saturated fat and added sugars than the toasted varieties, making it a healthy choice.

According to Stein, muesli is "an uncooked cereal combining grains, nuts, seeds and fruits." Moore points out that muesli can be eaten either hot or cold; to eat it hot, cook on the stovetop in either water or milk.

Muesli is typically consumed with hot or cold milk or yogurt for a crunchy breakfast or snack. It can also be soaked overnight for a delicious meal, and additional elements like fresh fruits, honey, or maple syrup can be added for enhanced flavor.

Muesli can be a healthy choice, but it's important to check that it has no added sugar or salt, or it can be almost as sugary as a bowl of frosted flakes. You'll still get some health benefits from the nuts, grains and fruit but these will come with free sugars which are not good for our health.

It's a soluble fiber from oat grains that plays a beneficial role in insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (Source). Beta-glucan in oats can help reduce your cholesterol by up to ten percent. That means that you are improving your heart health by eating muesli regularly.

Oats is rich in key nutrients, protein and fibre, but muesli has comparatively higher protein and nutrient due to presence of additional ingredients in it. But unlike oats, muesli also has added sugar which somehow eliminates all the good properties.