What it Means to be "Granola" (2024)

Kendall Oakley

My cousin Nathan is an undeniable expert outdoorsman and hiker. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, and if he’s not in his graduate school classes he’s on the trails. Last summer he hiked the ENTIRE Appalachian Trail by himself (!!!!). Obviously, being a proud cousin, it’s my job to (humbly) brag about Nate’s crazy accomplishments to my friends, especially those who also share an affinity for the outdoors. During one instance, my friend Eliza called Nate a term I had never heard before. She said he was “granola”. Granola?? What the heck does that even mean? Is she comparing him to the sweet, crunchy clusters people put on top of yogurt and smoothies?

My investigative nature and genuine confusion led to me doing minimal research (aka a Google search of the term). No, being granola does not mean that you’re anything like the sweet, crunchy clusters people put on top of yogurt and smoothies. I concluded that a good part of the granola lifestyle simply means being visibly outdoorsy. People who are perceived as granola have Instagram feeds full of beautiful landscapes, Pinterest boards filled with camping/fishing/climbing/etc. trip plans, and may or may not frequently wear Chacos or Tevas. They’d rather do a visit to a National Park than a day at the amusem*nt park. As a college student, I hear the term granola being thrown around more often than not. “Look at that girl’s Nalgene! She must be sooooo granola…”. “OMG you have an Eno hammock? How granola of you!”. “I really want to go on a hike. It’ll be such a good granola experience.”. On the exterior, people like to present themselves as granola or brag about being granola because it’s apparently cool to be an outdoorsy millennial. It shows that you have some grit and that you care about something greater than yourself. It’s no coincidence that brands like Patagonia, LL Bean, and North Face that are considered granola (due to their outdoorsy ethos) also happen to be wildly popular among college students too. Owning a lot of products from an outdoorsy brand is associated with being (wait for it…) granola. Being granola is kind of… trendy… I mean, think about it. Who wouldn’t be impressed by a human who chooses to prioritize getting outdoors over binging hours of Netflix?

Reflecting on my minimally extensive research, my cousin Nate is truly granola. Aside from fitting the aesthetic appearance (digitally and physically), he also embodies an often overlooked aspect of being granola. Nate has an insatiable yearning to be outdoors. He doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk. He’s all about facing challenges and trying new things from mountain biking, to hiking the entire AT. Nate isn’t afraid of going back to the basics of living off the land and separating himself from his hectic grad student life. Most importantly, Nate doesn’t strive to be granola for the recognition or compliments on his aesthetic. He genuinely loves and appreciates the land around him and wants to help other people experience all the benefits of the outdoors. Last month, he emailed me a very comprehensive starter’s guide to hiking trips filled with links to helpful products and anecdotes about his own experiences.

However, Nate’s expertise and experience isn’t mandatory for being granola. Living the granola lifestyle is as easy as acting on your intentions. Practice what you preach. Want to go on a day hike? Gather some friends, do some research and do it. Love brands like Patagonia and Eddie Bauer? Start thinking about buying their items with a functional mindset rather than for brand recognition by others (think of that as a bonus). This doesn’t have to be done in one day. It takes time to explore the land around you. It’s tempting to get caught up in the materialistic side of being granola, but as long as you possess the desire to pursue more, to explore more, and to appreciate something bigger than yourself, then you’re on the track to being granola.

What it Means to be "Granola" (2024)

FAQs

What is granola explanation? ›

Granola is a food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, honey or other sweeteners such as brown sugar, and sometimes puffed rice, that is usually baked until crisp, toasted and golden brown. The mixture is stirred while baking to avoid burning and to maintain a loose breakfast cereal consistency.

How much granola is enough? ›

The serving size for granola can differ by brand, but a typical portion of granola is 1/3 cup, says Sass, “about the size of one-third of a tennis ball.” That means sitting down to a big bowl of granola for breakfast is excessive.

What is an example sentence for granola? ›

There is granola and two other cereal choices. Our granola is made from oats and wheat, bound together with honey. I prefer granola without any nuts, but I like dried fruit in it.

What qualities does granola have? ›

Granola is calorie-dense, as well as rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients. In particular, it may provide iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. However, its nutritional profile varies widely depending on the specific ingredients used.

What does it mean to be crunchy or granola? ›

[ kruhn-chee-gruh-noh-luh ] SHOW IPA. / ˈkrʌn tʃi grəˈnoʊ lə / PHONETIC RESPELLING. 📓 High School Level. adjective Slang. characterized by or defining oneself by ecological awareness, liberal political views, and support or use of natural products and health foods.

What does peace love and granola mean? ›

peace, love, and granola - goodbye and positive wishes.

Why do people think granola is healthy? ›

Granola provides protein and important micronutrients like iron, vitamin D, folate, and zinc. Serving sizes vary from 1/4 cup to a full cup depending on the type and brand you choose. Granola can also be an excellent source of: Vitamin B.

Why does granola make me feel full? ›

Granola is high in fiber and protein—both of these contribute to feeling full after eating. The high levels of protein come from the nuts and seeds in granola, and the fiber comes from the oats as well as the nuts and seeds.

Is eating a lot of granola good for you? ›

It is also worth remembering that granola is calorie dense and typically high in sugar and carbs, for this reason it should be eaten in moderation and is unlikely to be appropriate for those following a low-sugar or low-calorie diet.

What is a synonym for the word granola? ›

Dish of oats and other grains. breakfast cereal. muesli. oats.

Where did the term granola come from? ›

Etymology. Genericization of Granola, name of an early brand of the cereal, itself a variation of Granula, invented by James Caleb Jackson in 1863. Granula was named after the granules of Graham flour, the main ingredient.

What is a granola personality? ›

Someone who is granola is most likely environmentally-conscientious, open-minded, and outdoorsy. Very outdoorsy. You will most likely find this type of person on a long hike, shopping at REI, or in a coffee shop far from the public eye.

What are granola girl values? ›

Granola girls are earthy, eco-conscious, and a little “out there.” They're “crunchy” counter-culture hippies, hence the name “granola,” but it's hippie-lite. They're progressive liberals who religiously recycle and compost, and they've probably tried veganism at least once.

What is healthier than granola? ›

Without anything added to it, muesli is healthier than granola in the sense that it has less fat and sugar.

What is the urban meaning of granola? ›

According to the “Urban Dictionary,” granola can be defined as: “An adjective used to describe people who are environmentally aware (flower child, tree-hugger), open-minded, left-winged, socially aware and active, gay friendly, anti-oppressive/discriminatory (racial, sexual, gender, class, age, etc.)

What does crunchy mean when describing a person? ›

crunchy adjective (PERSON)

Being crunchy usually means that you don't just go along with mainstream ideas. More examples.

What does crunchy granola mom mean? ›

Granola moms are the ones making homemade granola for their kids and using essential oils to medicate most ailments. Crunchy mom is the granola girl all grown up. (That's why there are some references to crunchy moms also being “neo-hippies.”)

What is a granola girl lifestyle? ›

What is a granola girl? A granola girl is someone who commits their life to being environmentally conscious, outdoorsy and laid back. They enjoy hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

What is granola energy? ›

Granola and energy bars are supplemental bars that contain fat, carbohydrates, and proteins for a quick snack or energy. They can be effective in preventing your blood sugar from crashing, but no so much hunger.

Why do people love granola? ›

Granola is great because it's sweet and crunchy like cereal, which my kids love, but it's healthier than most cereals. And if they want something sweeter than granola on its own, I add sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas and dark chocolate chips to it, along with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

What does it mean when you crave granola? ›

Carbohydrate Cravings

Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy so when we are looking for an energy boost we crave simple and refined carbohydrates in the form of items like crackers, cookies, bread, and granola bars.

Is granola good for the brain? ›

The best fats for brain health are the anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats which is why this granola with chia seeds and flax is amazing for anyone looking for brain food recipes. Oats, flax seeds, walnuts, and chia seeds are some of the top brain boosting foods.

What makes you feel full without eating? ›

Gastroparesis

This can leave you feeling full without eating, as your body is still digesting the food you ate at last time. Causes of this include infections, vagus nerve surgery, certain metabolic disorders, and/or smooth muscle disorders.

What are the disadvantages of granola? ›

Here are downsides and potential risks of consuming granola:

Often high in added sugar and other sweeteners, which are used to bind the ingredients together and improve the taste. High consumption of sugar raises the risk for health issues like weight gain, obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What is healthier granola or cereal? ›

While both granola and cereal may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. Granola is a healthier, more nutrient-dense, and joyfully versatile option that will not only make your taste buds dance but also keep your body happy and healthy.

Is granola good for losing belly fat? ›

Granola is a great solution for weight loss because it provides protein and fibre. When discussing weight loss, these two nutrients are essential. Granola contains a sufficient amount of fibre, particularly soluble fibre, which helps you lose belly fat and prevent the gain of belly fat.

Can you eat granola every morning? ›

Granola is commonly thought of as something you should have for breakfast, but that approach could be very bad for your health. It should actually be considered a dessert, according to the US government's dietary guidelines. That's because it regularly comes with enough sugar to rival a chocolate cake.

What language is the word granola? ›

granola (n.)

by 1967, American English, probably from Italian grano "grain," or granular, with commercial suffix -ola. Earlier, with a capital G-, it was a proprietary name (reg. 1886 by W.K. Kellogg, in use into early 20c.)

What's another word for super hungry? ›

1 ravenous, famishing, starving.

What is another word for granola aesthetic? ›

Earthcore was first most commonly used in referring to all "natural" and "earth-related" aesthetics. It can be used as a broad label for all earthly things. People who enjoy this lifestyle are typically referred to as Granola, but sometimes they are called "modern-day hippies".

How do you enjoy granola? ›

There's no wrong way to enjoy granola. It's just as good when sprinkled on as a crunchy topping, baked into healthy bars and bites, or eaten on its own like cereal. Adventurous cooks could even try sneaking it into baked goods or using it as a nutritious whole-grain breading for fried foods.

How much granola is a serving? ›

Some granola brands list a serving size as a one-quarter cup. But many people eat far more than that. Granola is a food that is easy to eat mindlessly, especially when you consume it right out of the bag.

Is granola good for diabetics? ›

A person with diabetes can continue to eat and enjoy granola. Granola can be a good source of protein, fat, and fiber, all of which can contribute to building a balanced meal or snack for a person with diabetes.

What is the male version of the granola girl? ›

Male versions of this character (granola guys) are exceedingly rare, and are mainly depicted as aging 50- or 60-year-old hippies, either Tommy Chong-esque Erudite Stoners or balding guys with ponytails who haven't yet accepted the end of the 1960s.

Who coined the term granola? ›

It wasn't until 1897 that the name “granola” was coined by a man with the familiar last name Kellogg. John Harvey Kellogg, brother of the famous cereal man, invented a new kind of cereal that he called “Granula” as well but changed to “Granola” after Jackson sued him.

What does granola life mean? ›

Granola is a lifestyle that embraces aspects of hippie life, mainly a great appreciation for nature and openness to alternative ways of living. People often use it as an adjective (e.g., "granola girl") or as a noun (e.g., "You're such a granola").

What is a granola childhood? ›

A crunchy childhood or granola childhood is characterised by the cereal bars children ate on excursions with parents.

What do granola guys wear? ›

Flannels, the center of granola fashion, are typically the wardrobe staple of farmers and lumberjacks. Many people wear flannels hiking to protect from poking tree branches or bug bites. Flannels are also a perfect light-weight fabric that will keep you warm which is why they are good for exercise.

What is in most granola? ›

A granola mixture typically contains a mixture of rolled oats, nuts, dried fruits, and some type of sweetener such as maple syrup or honey. However, some granola varieties also include other grains, nut butters, seeds, rice puffs, and spices such as cinnamon. Some also include chocolate, olive oil, or cacao nibs.

Are there different types of granola? ›

If you're looking for some inspiration for types of granola, we've rounded up some of our favorite granola ingredients and granola flavors from fellow chefs and home cooks. Between pumpkin, berry vanilla, ginger and buckwheat, there's something in this list for the granola enthusiast in us all.

Why is granola so high in calories? ›

Why is granola so high calorie? Granola is so high calorie because it is (usually) packed with dehydrated foods, high fat nuts and seeds, added oil or fat, plus sugar. Nearly all of the ingredients in granola are calorie dense.

What is granola and how do you eat it? ›

Granola tends to be a magical mix of rolled oats, nuts and honey or maple syrup. It can be eaten for breakfast or as a midday snack, served over yogurt or mixed into your favorite baked goods.

Is granola just oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal vs. Granola. The primary difference between oatmeal and granola is that oatmeal is made from whole oat grains that have been cooked at a higher temperature than usual to gelatinize the starch. Granola contains rolled oats, fruits, honey, raisins, almonds, and other components.

What does granola personality mean? ›

Someone who is granola is most likely environmentally-conscientious, open-minded, and outdoorsy. Very outdoorsy. You will most likely find this type of person on a long hike, shopping at REI, or in a coffee shop far from the public eye.

What is granola girl aesthetic? ›

According to Urban Dictionary, a “Granola Girl” is defined as “A girl who doesn't wear a bit of makeup, has a very low-maintenance appearance, dresses in mainly earth tone colors and wears clothing that is very casual (even in more formal occasions).” This aesthetic has gained popularity through TikTok in the past few ...

What do you do with granola? ›

Breakfast baked goods: Toss a handful of granola into your muffin or pancake batter to add texture and crunch, or make your own granola bars. Salads: Use this chef trick and sprinkle salty-sweet granola over salads. The crispy garnish is better with naturally sweet veggies, like snap peas or roasted carrots.

Is granola good for your heart? ›

The high fibre ingredients in granola, such as oats and seeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower the cholesterol levels in the body. This reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.

Which is healthier oats or granola? ›

Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

What is a granola mom slang? ›

In ages gone by, granola was slang for hippy culture but these days describes someone who loves the outdoors, saving trees, and considers recycling hip. Granola moms are the ones making homemade granola for their kids and using essential oils to medicate most ailments. Crunchy mom is the granola girl all grown up.

What is a granola girl personality? ›

Granola girls are earthy, eco-conscious, and a little “out there.” They're “crunchy” counter-culture hippies, hence the name “granola,” but it's hippie-lite. They're progressive liberals who religiously recycle and compost, and they've probably tried veganism at least once.

What is the male version of a granola girl? ›

Male versions of this character (granola guys) are exceedingly rare, and are mainly depicted as aging 50- or 60-year-old hippies, either Tommy Chong-esque Erudite Stoners or balding guys with ponytails who haven't yet accepted the end of the 1960s.

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