The Ultimate Chocolate Granola Taste Test: Finding the Best Crunch
Blind testers reveal which blend nails the rich cocoa flavor and keeps crunchy oats.
The Ultimate Chocolate Granola Taste Test
Chocolate granola occupies a unique space in the breakfast and snack world, promising the wholesome crunch of oats and nuts with an added dose of rich chocolate indulgence. With the variety of brands available, choosing the right blend for your morning bowl or midday snack can be overwhelming. To cut through the clutter, Serious Eats editors conducted a blind taste test of 11 popular chocolate granola brands found across supermarkets and online retailers, analyzing every spoonful for texture, cocoa flavor, sweetness, and overall quality.
Why Chocolate Granola?
Chocolate granola isn’t just regular granola. The best brands integrate dark or milk chocolate, cocoa powder, or chocolate chips with oats, nuts, and seeds. The result is a snack that manages to feel healthy-ish, satisfying, and a bit decadent—a perfect balance between hearty nutrition and dessert-like appeal.
How We Chose and Tested
- Selection Criteria: Editors narrowed the field to brands widely available across the US, focusing on both mainstream and specialty options. The selection captured a range of styles, from clusters to loose oats, simple to elaborate ingredient lists.
- Tasting Protocol: Each granola was tasted blind, both dry and with milk, to evaluate flavor profile, texture, and how each held up in a bowl. Editors used a scoring rubric for chocolate intensity, oat crunch, balance of sweetness, and mix-in quality (such as nuts or coconut bits).
- Scoring: Each brand was scored from 1 to 10 on flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment, supplemented by tasting notes and team debate.
The Brands We Tested
Here’s a look at the 11 chocolate granola brands reviewed:
- Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt Probiotic Granola
- KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Granola
- Nature’s Path Organic Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Red Berries
- Teton Granola Chocolate
- Bear Naked Cacao & Cashew Butter Granola
- Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Crunch Granola
- Bob’s Red Mill Cocoa Coconut Granola
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Dark Chocolate Granola
- Clif Chocolate Chip Granola
- Safe + Fair Chocolate Granola
- MadeGood Chocolate Banana Granola
Key Judging Criteria
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Intensity | Is the cocoa presence bold, subtle, or artificial? |
| Texture | How crunchy, clustered, or chewy is the granola? |
| Balance of Sweetness | Avoids overwhelming sugary taste; balances bitter and sweet. |
| Mix-ins | Nuts, berries, coconut, or seeds enhancing flavor and nutrition. |
| Performance in Milk | Does granola stay crunchy or become soggy? |
Granola Taste Test: Brand-by-Brand Reviews
1. Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt Probiotic Granola
This blend stood out for its deep cocoa flavor and satisfying clusters. Sea salt lifted the chocolate profile, adding dimension without overwhelming. Editors praised its crunch and ability to hold up in milk, although some found the sweetness a touch too assertive for everyday breakfasts.
2. KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Granola
Notably packed with large chocolate chunks and a nutty base, this granola offered bold flavors and a slightly chewy texture. The chocolate was high-quality and nicely integrated. While it excelled as a dry snack, it softened fairly quickly in milk.
3. Nature’s Path Organic Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Red Berries
This granola impressed with its mix of chocolate and tart berries. Oat clusters were sizable, and the flavor balance leaned towards dessert. Some testers loved the berry burst, while others thought it competed too strongly with the chocolate.
4. Teton Granola Chocolate
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With a focus on all-natural ingredients, this brand offered a subtle chocolate note and hearty oats. Texture was pleasant but not as distinctively crunchy as rivals; best enjoyed dry as a trail snack.
5. Bear Naked Cacao & Cashew Butter Granola
Smooth cashew butter added richness, creating a creamy contrast with deep cacao tones. Editors appreciated the distinctive flavor but noted occasional clumping and less crunch in milk.
6. Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Crunch Granola
This value-oriented pick boasted a solid chocolate taste and crunchy clusters. It passed the milk test, retaining much of its texture. The granola was less sweet, making it suitable for those preferring a restrained treat.
7. Bob’s Red Mill Cocoa Coconut Granola
Bold coconut flavor paired with cocoa, splitting the editor panel; coconut lovers found it delightful, but the chocolate element was more muted.
8. 365 by Whole Foods Market Dark Chocolate Granola
This supermarket staple delivered a familiar chocolate profile, prominent oat flavor, and small clusters. Affordable and straightforward, it didn’t stand out for any one quality but was universally deemed a solid choice.
9. Clif Chocolate Chip Granola
Best for those craving cookie-like bites; chocolate chips and oats form soft, chewy clusters. Some found it too sweet, but kids and dessert fans favored this brand.
10. Safe + Fair Chocolate Granola
Top marks for allergen-friendliness and clean ingredients. The chocolate was gently present, supporting oats rather than dominating. Some panelists wanted a more intense cocoa punch.
11. MadeGood Chocolate Banana Granola
Offering a distinct banana-chocolate profile, this blend divided opinions. MadeGood’s mini clusters are highly snackable and nut-free, although the banana flavor was hit or miss among testers.
Best Overall Chocolate Granola
- Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt Probiotic Granola emerged as the all-around favorite for its bold chocolate, satisfying clusters, and balanced salt note.
- KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Granola took runner-up for its generous chocolate pieces and nutty depth.
Best Value Pick
- Trader Joe’s Organic Cacao Crunch Granola offers impressive crunch and flavor for a budget price, ideal for daily breakfast.
Chocolate Granola Buying Guide
Choosing chocolate granola isn’t just about taste—look for clean ingredients, nutritional balance, and your preferred texture:
- Ingredients: Whole oats, nuts, seeds, and real chocolate or cocoa provide nutrition and flavor.
- Sugar Level: Double-check labels—some brands pack more sugar than a typical dessert.
- Cluster Style: Decide between tight clusters, loose mix, or snackable bites.
- Special Diets: Many brands cater to vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, or allergy-friendly needs.
What Makes Top-Tier Chocolate Granola?
The best chocolate granolas balance strong chocolate flavor with oat crunch and just the right touch of sweetness. The addition of sea salt, nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins can add complexity and interest. A top-tier granola should taste great dry, with milk, or sprinkled over yogurt.
Chocolate Granola Taste Test: Editor Notes
- Chocolate granola preferences vary—some testers want intense cocoa, while others prefer subtlety.
- Texture is crucial; overly soft granolas lose appeal in milk.
- Clusters tend to perform better than loose oat mixes for crunchiness and snacking.
- High-end chocolate ingredients often translate to richer, less cloying flavor profiles.
- Mix-ins like berries, coconut, or nuts add variety but can also polarize tasters.
- Price points vary widely; consider cost versus quality for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is chocolate granola healthy?
A: Chocolate granola can be a nutritious option when made with whole grains, nuts, and seeds, but watch for added sugars. Look for brands with less processed ingredients and real chocolate or cocoa.
Q: How can I enjoy chocolate granola?
A: Chocolate granola is versatile—great with milk, yogurt, or as a dry snack on the go. Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls or ice cream to add crunch and flavor.
Q: Are there allergy-friendly chocolate granola options?
A: Yes, several brands offer nut-free, gluten-free, or vegan chocolate granolas suitable for different dietary needs. Always check packaging before buying.
Q: What’s better—chocolate chips or cocoa powder in granola?
A: It depends on taste! Chocolate chips deliver bursts of sweetness, while cocoa powder integrates chocolate flavor throughout the oat cluster. Many editors preferred blends with both.
Q: Does chocolate granola stay crunchy in milk?
A: The crunchiness varies by brand and cluster style. Generally, products with larger, tightly packed clusters retain crunch longer than loose oat blends.
Final Thoughts
The chocolate granola aisle is packed with options for every palate. This taste test put each blend to the test for both snacking and breakfast appeal. For those who crave a truly chocolate-forward breakfast, the highest scoring brands deliver satisfaction without sacrificing oat crunch or ingredient integrity. Whether you want clusters, chips, or the purest cocoa, there’s a chocolate granola ready to upgrade your pantry.
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