Bob’s Red Mill

Bob’s Red Mill Honey Oat Granola earns a 2/5 green leaves rating on our scale, indicating that it falls short of our clean food standards. Our assessment emphasizes the need for more health-conscious ingredients and production methods.

This product is not organic, which results in a lower score as it may contain pesticides and artificial fertilizers. The lack of non-GMO certification is another concern, as it raises the possibility of the presence of genetically modified organisms. Additionally, the granola includes added sugars, specifically molasses and cane sugar, diminishing its healthfulness. The use of cane sugar is particularly disheartening because it is a more harmful type of added sugar.

Furthermore, the presence of canola oil is problematic. While canola oil is often marketed as a healthy cooking oil due to its omega-3 content and low saturated fat levels, it is highly processed and may contain trans fats, which are detrimental to cardiovascular health. The inclusion of mixed tocopherols, which serve as antioxidants, does little to offset the negative impact of the other ingredients.

The product’s reliance on whole grain rolled oats, brown rice, honey, and vanilla extract does provide some nutritional benefits. Oats are a good source of fiber, and brown rice is a whole grain. However, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the issues related to non-organic production, GMOs, added sugars, and harmful oils.

Bob’s Red Mill Honey Oat Granola could be significantly improved by replacing harmful ingredients with organic, non-GMO, and minimally processed alternatives. This would elevate the product’s standing on our scale and align it more closely with our vision of cleaner food options. As it stands, the granola does not meet the high standards we set for health and cleanliness in food products.