FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentgrainENGINE 2· 2/3 cup

ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL

ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL scores 58/100 (Decent) due to its notable fiber and protein content, balanced against the presence of added sugar and its processed nature.

  • This ENGINE 2 granola has a FoodScore of 58/100, placing it in the Decent category.
  • It provides a significant 10.4g of fiber and 11.9g of protein per 100g serving.
  • The product contains 7.5g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to score penalties.
  • Compared to plain rolled oats, this granola is more processed (NOVA 3) and contains added sugars.
  • Consider portion sizes carefully, as a 2/3 cup serving is 278 calories.
  • Scores +11 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
10.4g
37% of Daily Value
Protein
11.9g
24% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.5g
15% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (10.4g)+12
Protein (11.9g)+7
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.5g)-8
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 58

ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL achieves a FoodScore of 58 out of 100, categorized as Decent. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and factors that detract from its overall nutritional quality. On the positive side, the product receives significant bonuses for its high fiber content (10.4g per 100g) and substantial protein (11.9g per 100g), both of which are important for satiety and digestive health. It also gains a small bonus for its iron content (22% DV). However, penalties are applied due to the presence of 7.5g of added sugar per 100g, which is a factor the Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting. Additionally, as a NOVA class 3 food, it incurs a penalty for being processed. While it contains whole grains like steel-cut oats and whole rolled oats, the formulation includes maple syrup and natural flavor, moving it beyond a minimally processed food. Compared to plain rolled oats, this ENGINE 2 granola offers more protein and fiber but also introduces added sugars and is more processed.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in engine 2 original granola, original actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Digestive Health

This granola is a good source of dietary fiber, providing 10.4g per 100g. Fiber is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. The combination of steel-cut oats and whole rolled oats contributes to this high fiber content, which can help in managing weight by increasing feelings of fullness and supporting overall digestive wellness. Including fiber-rich foods like ENGINE 2 granola can be a practical way to meet daily fiber recommendations.

Contributes to Satiety and Muscle Maintenance

With 11.9g of protein per 100g, this ENGINE 2 granola can contribute to feelings of satiety and support muscle maintenance. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in numerous bodily functions, including tissue repair and enzyme production. The protein in this product, primarily from oats and walnuts, can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day. This makes it a suitable option for a breakfast or snack that helps manage hunger.

Provides Essential Micronutrients

ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL offers a notable amount of iron, providing 4.03mg (22% DV) per 100g. Iron is a vital mineral for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. While it doesn't provide a wide array of micronutrients, the contribution of iron can be beneficial, especially for individuals who may be at risk of iron deficiency. The presence of walnuts also adds some healthy fats, though not quantified for omega-3s in this product.

How to eat it

Granola is commonly consumed as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt, or as a topping for fruit and smoothies. It can also be eaten as a snack on its own. A typical serving size is 2/3 cup, which provides 278 calories.

Pair this granola with plain Greek yogurt or milk to boost protein content and balance the meal.
Use it as a crunchy topping for fresh fruit or a smoothie bowl to add fiber and texture.
Measure your portion (2/3 cup) to manage calorie intake, as granola can be calorie-dense.
Consider mixing it with plain rolled oats to reduce the overall added sugar per serving.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains walnuts, which are a common tree nut allergen. Individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid this product. While the added sugar content (7.5g per 100g) is not excessively high, those monitoring their sugar intake, such as individuals with diabetes, should be mindful of portion sizes to keep their daily added sugar consumption within recommended limits. The ingredient list includes "natural flavor," which is a broad term and its specific components are not disclosed. Overall, the product is generally safe for consumption by the general population, provided no allergies to the declared ingredients.

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Reader questions
Is ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL healthy?
ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL has a FoodScore of 58/100, indicating it's a decent choice. It provides good amounts of fiber (10.4g) and protein (11.9g) per 100g, which are beneficial. However, it also contains 7.5g of added sugar per 100g and is a processed food (NOVA 3), which detracts from its overall score.
How does ENGINE 2 granola compare to other granolas?
Compared to many other granolas on the market, ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL offers a good amount of fiber and protein. For instance, some popular granolas like Bear Naked Original may have similar calorie counts but often contain higher amounts of added sugars. Always check the nutrition facts panel, especially for added sugar content, when comparing different brands.
What is 'natural flavor' in this granola?
The term 'natural flavor' on an ingredient list means the flavor is derived from a natural source, such as a spice, fruit, or vegetable. The specific components are proprietary to the manufacturer and are not required to be disclosed. In this ENGINE 2 granola, it contributes to the overall taste profile without adding significant nutritional value.
What is a reasonable portion size for this granola?
The recommended serving size for ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL is 2/3 cup, which provides 278 calories. For a balanced breakfast or snack, this portion can be appropriate. If you are monitoring calorie intake, you might consider a smaller portion or combining it with lower-calorie foods like plain fruit or unsweetened yogurt.
Is this granola suitable for a vegan diet?
Based on the ingredient list provided, ENGINE 2 ORIGINAL GRANOLA, ORIGINAL appears to be suitable for a vegan diet. All listed ingredients, including steel-cut oats, whole rolled oats, applesauce, maple syrup, walnuts, natural flavor, cinnamon bark, and mixed tocopherols, are plant-based. There are no apparent animal-derived ingredients.

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Data & references