Adding a healthy crunch to menus

Granola—that crunchy, wholesome breakfast favorite—is enjoying new popularity with patrons all day long. Sales of bulk granola have grown 7.4 percent in the past year, according to the NPD Group, fueled in part by its consumer perception as a healthy, nutritious menu option. No longer relegated merely to milk pour-overs or packaging in bars, granola has become a go-to option for operators seeking creative ways to add satisfying variety and crunch to their menu items throughout the day.

Here are a few innovative ways operators can add this guest favorite to all-day menus:

Smoothie bowls: Patrons continue to respond to novel methods of “bowl-ifying” their favorite menu choices. Smoothie bowls are a terrific way to turn a sippable beverage into a spoonable treat. Sprinkling on bulk granola as a topping gives the offering a snack-time feel. The bowls work well not only for breakfast service, but also as mid-afternoon refreshers, too.

Pancakes and waffles: Here’s an unexpected way to bring a crunch factor to traditionally softer brunch fare. Stir bulk granola into your regular batter recipe, and you’ve got a fun new morning menu special. Sprinkle more granola right on the butter or whipped cream topping for a perfect finish.

Salads: If you’ve got a salad that’s on the sweeter side, consider using bulk granola in place of traditional croutons. Amp up the flavor by tossing in fresh or dried fruits and topping with a sweet vinaigrette, perhaps one made with raspberry wine vinegar and a touch of sugar or honey. Patrons will appreciate the unique twist to your usual salad offerings.

Crisps/baked goods: The dessert menu can get a boost from bulk granola too. It’s a natural stir-in or topping for your favorite fruit crisp, and it heightens texture and taste for morning muffins and sliceable quick breads.

Snack mixes: Create your own irresistible noshes and watch snack sales climb. Use bulk granola as a base and add in candies, nuts, dried fruits or salty snacks as a complement.

Nature Valley™ Oats ‘n Honey Bulk Granola can help you easily create all these new ideas. Because the clusters are made with real honey and rolled oats, with no flavors from artificial sources, this is one bulk granola that allows you to mix and match sweet and savory ingredients to complement every dish. It’s a versatile option that allows your creativity to shine and your all-day sales to rise.