How Long Homemade Granola Lasts And The Best Way To Store It (2024)

With the many tasty ways you can enjoy granola, it's practical to make a batch for storing at home. Ourhomemade crunchy granola recipetakes only 35 minutes to make and leaves you with plenty of servings to enjoy, not just during breakfast but whenever you need something sweet, nutty, and crunchy.

Although granola is pantry-friendly, proper storage ensures it stays crisp and tasty. Part of knowing how to stash your homemade granola is being familiar with the stability of the ingredients you've used. Oats are quite shelf-stable due to their low moisture content, but the oils in the nuts and seeds can turn rancid when left exposed to heat and light. Granola can also become tough, chewy, and clumpy because of the moisture from the sweetener you use, whether it's honey, molasses, or brown sugar syrup. The dried fruits' quality decreases, too, as the oats absorb what little moisture they have.

When stored properly at room temperature, fresh homemade granola can last for up to four weeks. Preserve its quality by letting it cool completely before storing. Packing it while it's warm leads to condensation and, consequently, unnecessary moisture. Choose a clean, dry, and transparent air-tight container like a mason jar, a BPA-free vacuum-seal container, or a Ziploc bag so you can monitor your granola's quality without having to open it. Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from ingredients with strong odors like coffee, spices, and onions.

Read more: 30 Healthy Snack Ideas That Won't Ruin Your Diet

Freeze Granola For Longer-Term Storage

How Long Homemade Granola Lasts And The Best Way To Store It (1)

If you've made a big batch of granola, freezing it allows for longer-term storage. Follow the same steps as for storing it at room temperature, with the addition of pre-portioning the food before placing it in the freezer. That way, you don't have to thaw everything every time you need some. This will also keep you from filling a container to the brim: Granola expands as it freezes so it's best to leave some space up top. Keeping it in the freezer can preserve its flavor and quality for three months. Labeling the container with the date it was made will help you keep track of its freshness.

Instead of putting it in the microwave or thawing it with hot water, leave your pre-portioned frozen granola at room temperature. It'll be ready to eat within 10 to 15 minutes. If you find it too dry after thawing, gradually add moisture. Water is fine but for extra flavor, use a couple of teaspoons of milk or honey and mix it in well. Let your granola soak up the moisture for a few minutes before eating.

One drawback of freezing this food item is that the bits of dried fruit become tougher during storage. You can choose not to add them yet while making a fresh batch of granola. Instead, mix them in much later after you've thawed your desired portion for eating.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

How Long Homemade Granola Lasts And The Best Way To Store It (2024)

FAQs

How Long Homemade Granola Lasts And The Best Way To Store It? ›

Keeping it in the freezer can preserve its flavor and quality for three months. Labeling the container with the date it was made will help you keep track of its freshness.

How long will homemade granola last? ›

When stored properly at room temperature, fresh homemade granola can last for up to four weeks. Preserve its quality by letting it cool completely before storing. Packing it while it's warm leads to condensation and, consequently, unnecessary moisture.

How long does granola last in a mason jar? ›

After the bag is opened, we suggest you store it in an airtight container (such as a mason jar or glass box). It is especially important for places where humidity is high and the moist fall months in San Francisco. In an airtight container, it will stay fresh and crispy for at least 6 months.

Where is the best place to store granola? ›

The Best Way to Store Granola

Store granola in an airtight container or tightly sealed zip-top bag in a dry, dark place away from heat. The pantry or a kitchen cabinet makes a good choice. Most store-bought options come with a resealable top, but if not, it's helpful to transfer it to an airtight jar or container.

Should you freeze homemade granola? ›

Yes, the granola can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in on the counter before enjoying.

Is it healthy to eat homemade granola everyday? ›

On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy. Choosing the right type of granola, controlling serving sizes, and homemade options can make granola a part of a healthy diet.

Why is my homemade granola not crunchy? ›

Higher temperatures can cause ingredients like nuts, seeds, and coconut to burn before the batch has a chance to properly dry out and crisp up, Perry says. Stick with a low temperature, keep an eye on your mixture, and stir it from time to time to help it brown evenly.

Why is homemade granola better? ›

YUM! More reasons to obsess over homemade granola: Healthier: it has less sugar and is lower Calorie than anything you'll find at the store. Freezer Friendly: It will keep for months in the freezer, stored in a freezer safe bag.

How do you pack homemade granola? ›

You might want to consider packing the granola in a resealable plastic bag, and then placing that into a metal or plastic container so it doesn't get crushed.

How to increase the shelf life of granola? ›

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Granola
  1. Step one: Use high quality materials. Use good quality ingredients to make granola. ...
  2. Step two: Roast/bake it in hygienic surroundings. Make sure that your granola is baked in a hygienic environment. ...
  3. Step three: Use food grade packaging.

How do you know when homemade granola is done? ›

If the granola is clumpy, use a spatula to press it into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Bake, stirring halfway through, for about 20 minutes total. The granola is ready when golden-brown and the almonds have toasted — it will still feel wet coming out of the oven but will dry as it cools.

How to tell if granola has gone bad? ›

One should discard granola if they notice any of the following signs of spoilage: Unpleasant odor. Mold growth. Damp texture.

How do you store homemade granola for a long time? ›

Packing it while it's warm leads to condensation and, consequently, unnecessary moisture. Choose a clean, dry, and transparent air-tight container like a mason jar, a BPA-free vacuum-seal container, or a Ziploc bag so you can monitor your granola's quality without having to open it.

How long will homemade granola last if vacuum sealed? ›

In the case of homemade granola, which might not contain preservatives, it can last up to four weeks when stored correctly at room temperature. Vacuum-sealed granola can stay fresh for up to a year unopened; however, after breaking the seal, it's advised to consume it more quickly or freeze it to extend its shelf life.

How to revive old granola? ›

Reviving stale granola transforms it back into the desirable crunchy breakfast or snack. One simply spreads out the granola on a baking sheet without overcrowding and heats it in a preheated oven. Typically, a 350-400°F oven for 5-10 minutes suffices.

Does homemade granola harden as it cools? ›

NOTE: The granola will clump and harden while cooling - not during baking. Allow to cool before stirring in the raisins, cranberries, or craisins. If stored in an airtight container, your granola could last for 2 weeks.

How long are homemade granola bars good for? ›

They'll keep for up to a week in the fridge, but you can also freeze them for up to 2 months. I like to eat these granola bars straight out of the fridge, but if they're frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before you eat.

How long does honey granola last? ›

You can eat this honey granola as you would any other cereal; with milk. Or you can add some dried fruit and eat it as a healthy snack. It will keep for several months if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6112

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.