Oatmeal vs. Granola — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 20, 2023
Oatmeal is a dish made from boiled oats, while granola is a crunchy mix of oats, nuts, and sweeteners, often baked.
Difference Between Oatmeal and Granola
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Oatmeal and granola are both popular breakfast foods primarily made from oats. Oatmeal refers to the dish resulting from oats that have been boiled or cooked in water or milk, producing a soft, porridge-like consistency. Granola, on the other hand, is a much crunchier product.
Granola is typically a combination of oats, nuts, dried fruits, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This mixture is then baked until it achieves a crispy texture. Oatmeal, in its basic form, does not contain these additional ingredients and maintains a smooth texture when cooked.
The preparation methods for oatmeal and granola vastly differ. Oatmeal is usually prepared by boiling oats until they soften, while granola requires baking to achieve its characteristic crunchiness. Moreover, oatmeal can be made relatively quickly, whereas granola's baking process takes longer.
In terms of nutritional content, both oatmeal and granola offer health benefits. Oatmeal is often praised for its fiber content and heart-healthy properties. Granola, while also containing fiber, can be higher in calories and sugars due to its added ingredients.
Lastly, the versatility of both oatmeal and granola makes them favorites for many. While oatmeal is typically served warm with toppings like fruits, nuts, or sweeteners, granola can be enjoyed on its own, sprinkled over yogurt, or even as a component in various dessert recipes.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Ingredients
Oats
Oats, nuts, dried fruits, sweeteners
Texture
Soft, porridge-like
Crunchy
Preparation Method
Boiling
Baking
Typical Add-ins
Fruits, nuts, sweeteners
Often already contains nuts, fruits, sweeteners
Serving Method
Typically served warm
Can be eaten cold, with yogurt or milk
Compare with Definitions
Oatmeal
Often eaten as a breakfast dish.
Oatmeal is her go-to breakfast during colder months.
Granola
Often eaten as a breakfast cereal or snack.
He added granola to his yogurt for extra crunch.
Oatmeal
A porridge-like consistency resulting from cooked oats.
His oatmeal was creamy and perfectly sweetened.
Granola
A crunchy mixture of baked oats, nuts, and sweeteners.
Her homemade granola had almonds, honey, and dried cranberries.
Oatmeal
Known for its fiber content and heart-healthy properties.
Doctors often recommend oatmeal for its heart benefits.
Granola
Typically contains more calories and sugars than plain oats.
Store-bought granola can sometimes be high in added sugars.
Oatmeal
Can be made from various types of oats like rolled or steel-cut.
She prefers the texture of steel-cut oatmeal over rolled oats.
Granola
Popular as a versatile ingredient in many recipes.
She made granola cookies with chocolate chips.
Oatmeal
A dish made from boiled oats.
She started her day with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with berries.
Granola
Can be paired with milk, yogurt, or eaten on its own.
Granola bars are a convenient on-the-go snack.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal refers to a preparation of oats that have been dehusked, steamed and flattened, or else a coarse flour made of hulled oat grains (groats) that have either been milled (ground) or steel-cut. Ground oats are also called "white oats".
Granola
Granola is a breakfast food and snack food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, honey or other sweeteners such as brown sugar, and sometimes puffed rice, that is usually baked until it is crisp, toasted and golden brown. During the baking process, the mixture is stirred to maintain a loose breakfast cereal consistency.
Oatmeal
Meal that is made from oats; rolled or ground oats.
Granola
Rolled oats mixed with various ingredients, such as dried fruit, brown sugar or honey, and nuts, and then baked. Granola is used especially as a breakfast cereal.
Oatmeal
A porridge that is made from rolled or ground oats.
Granola
Crunchy-granola.
Oatmeal
Meal made from rolled or round oats.
Granola
A breakfast and snack food consisting of loose, crispy pellets made of nuts, rolled oats, honey and other natural ingredients.
Oatmeal
A breakfast cereal made from rolled oats, cooked in milk and/or water.
Granola
Eating healthy food, supporting the protection of the environment, and having liberal views.
You see more and more of the granola hippie activist types these days.
Oatmeal
A light greyish brown colour, like that of oatmeal.
Granola
Cereal made of especially rolled oats with dried fruits and nuts and honey or brown sugar
Oatmeal
Of a light greyish brown colour, like that of oatmeal
Oatmeal
Meal made of oats.
Oatmeal
A plant of the genus Panicum; panic grass.
Oatmeal
Porridge made of rolled oats
Oatmeal
Meal made from rolled or ground oats
Common Curiosities
How is granola typically made crunchy?
Granola is baked to achieve its crunchy texture.
Is granola always sweet?
Most granolas are sweetened, but unsweetened varieties are also available.
What are common toppings for oatmeal?
Fruits, nuts, sweeteners, and spices are common oatmeal toppings.
Can granola be made without baking?
Traditional granola is baked, but there are no-bake granola recipes available.
Can you make oatmeal with steel-cut oats?
Yes, steel-cut oats can be used for oatmeal, but they take longer to cook.
Can oatmeal be eaten cold?
Yes, cold oatmeal, often called overnight oats, is soaked in milk or yogurt overnight.
What's the main ingredient in oatmeal?
Oatmeal is primarily made from oats.
Can you make oatmeal with milk instead of water?
Yes, oatmeal can be made with milk for a creamier texture.
Are there gluten-free granola options?
Yes, many gluten-free granola varieties are available, but always check labels.
Is granola considered a health food?
While granola contains nutritious ingredients, some can be high in sugars and calories.
Are instant oats suitable for oatmeal?
Yes, instant oats are designed for quick-cooking oatmeal.
Which is typically higher in fiber, oatmeal or granola?
Both contain fiber, but plain oatmeal usually has fewer added ingredients affecting fiber content.
How long does cooked oatmeal last in the fridge?
Cooked oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
What's the main difference in texture between oatmeal and granola?
Oatmeal has a soft, porridge-like consistency, while granola is crunchy.
Can you add chocolate to granola?
Yes, chocolate chips or cocoa can be added to granola recipes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
