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HEALTH

No Added Sugar Granola Recipe (Naturally Sweetened with Date Sugar)

jackminion May 4, 2026 0

This healthy no added sugar granola is naturally sweetened with date sugar and monk fruit for a perfectly crunchy, lightly sweet flavor. It’s an easy granola recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or yogurt bowls.

If you love granola but want to avoid all the extra sugar that comes with most store-bought options, you’re not alone. I spent a long time searching for a no added sugar granola that actually tasted good—and while I did find one I liked, the price tag wasn’t something I could justify long term.

So I set out to create my own healthy granola with no added sugar, made with simple, nourishing ingredients and naturally sweetened without any processed sugar or syrups. This easy recipe uses date powder and monk fruit for just the right amount of sweetness, along with cashew butter, coconut oil, and crunchy cashews for the perfect texture.

If you love granola as much as I do, you might also enjoy my basic homemade granola recipe that is customizable to ingredients in your pantry.

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Why You’ll Love This No Added Sugar Granola

If you’re looking for a no added sugar granola that’s simple, nourishing, and actually delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes:

Made with minimal, wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, cashew butter, coconut oil, and crunchy cashews

Naturally sweetened with date powder and monk fruit—no refined sugar or syrups

More affordable than store-bought granola

It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or topping yogurt—aka the kind of granola without added sugar you’ll want to keep on hand all week.

If you prefer a more traditional sweetened version, my classic homemade granola recipe uses honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.

How to Make Granola Without Sugar or Syrup

I originally created this no added sugar granola after falling in love with a store-bought version made with cashew butter and simple ingredients—but not the price tag. This homemade version has that same rich flavor and crunchy texture, without any refined sugar or syrups.

Follow these simple steps to make your own healthy homemade granola at home:

1. Combine the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats and chopped cashews until evenly combined.

2. Mix the wet ingredients

In a microwave-safe glass bowl, gently melt the coconut oil and cashew butter until smooth.

Stir in the date sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, monk fruit sweetener, and salt until everything is well combined.

👉 Tip: Make sure the mixture is fully smooth so it coats the oats evenly.

3. Combine wet and dry

Pour the wet mixture over the oat and cashew mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

👉 This step is key for creating those delicious granola clusters!

4. Spread onto a baking sheet

Transfer the granola mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.

👉 For chunkier granola, press the mixture down gently with a spatula.

5. Bake until golden and crisp

Bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.

The granola is done when it’s lightly golden and fragrant—it will continue to crisp up as it cools.

6. Cool and store

Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store at room temperature for up to a month (if it lasts that long!)

This easy granola without added sugar is perfect for meal prep and makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or yogurt topping anytime you need it.

Ingredients for Naturally Sweetened Granola

This no added sugar granola is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for the perfect balance of flavor and crunch—without any refined sugar or syrups.

Rolled oats – the hearty base of this healthy homemade granola

Cashews – add crunch and a naturally rich, buttery flavor

Coconut oil – helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven

Cashew butter – creates those delicious clusters and adds depth

Date sugar (or date powder) – a natural sweetener made from whole dates

Cocoa powder – adds a subtle chocolatey richness

Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor

Monk fruit liquid sweetener – boosts sweetness without added sugar

Salt – just a pinch to balance and bring out all the flavors

Note: You can make organic granola by choosing organic ingredients!

Is Date Sugar Healthy?

Date sugar (or date powder) is made from whole, dried dates that are ground into a powder, making it less processed than refined sugar. Because it retains some of the fruit’s natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals—like potassium and antioxidants—it’s often considered a more wholesome sweetener. It also has a relatively low glycemic index, which may lead to a slower rise in blood sugar.

That said, it’s still a form of sugar and best used in moderation. In this naturally sweetened granola, date sugar adds a subtle, balanced sweetness without relying on refined sugars or syrups like honey or maple syrup.

Tips for Perfectly Crunchy Granola Without Sugar

Getting that perfectly crisp texture in a granola without added sugar is totally doable—these simple tips make all the difference:

Stir every 5 minutes while baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning

Spread the granola in an even layer so it bakes uniformly

Press it down lightly before baking if you want more clusters

Don’t overbake—it will continue to crisp up as it cools

Let it cool completely before storing for maximum crunch

No Added Sugar Granola Recipe

A no added sugar granola recipe naturally sweetened with date powder and monk fruit. Made with oats, cashew butter, coconut oil, and crunchy cashews for a perfectly crisp, healthy granola.

Prep Time10 minutes minsCook Time20 minutes minsTotal Time30 minutes mins

Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanKeyword: date sweetened granola, healthy granola recipe, no added sugar granola, sugar free granola
Servings: 20 1/3 cup
Calories: 201kcal

4 cups rolled oats1.5 cups chopped cashews1/2 cup coconut oil1/3 cup cashew butter1/2 cup date sugar (or date powder)2 tbsp cocoa powder1 tsp pure vanilla extract1 tsp monk fruit liquid sweetener
In a large bowl, mix together the oats and chopped cashews.In a microwavable glass bowl, mix together the coconut oil and the cashew butter. Heat in 20 second increments until ingredients are just melted.Add date sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, monk fruit and salt to the liquid mixture. Stir until well combined,Pour liquid mixture on top of oat mixture and stir until well combined.Spread mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet (spray pans with cooking spray first or use parchment paper). Bake at 325 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Important: Stir every 5 to ensure even cooking. Let granola cool, then store in an airtight container.

Want to customize this no added sugar granola? Here are a few tested sweetener variations I’ve tried.

Sweetener Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this naturally sweetened granola is how flexible it is when it comes to sweeteners. I’ve tested a few variations, and they all turned out delicious—just slightly different:

Allulose option: I’ve made this with about 2 tablespoons of liquid allulose sweetener instead of monk fruit. It works well, but keep in mind that allulose tends to make the granola brown faster in the oven, so watch it closely.

Date sugar only (no liquid sweetener): I’ve also tested a version using only date sugar, with no monk fruit or allulose at all. For my taste, it was plenty sweet and had a more subtle, natural flavor.

Personally, I don’t love the aftertaste of monk fruit, so I prefer the version made with just date sugar. But feel free to experiment and find the balance of sweetness that works best for you!

How to Serve Granola (Toppings & Serving Ideas)

One of the best things about this granola is how versatile it is. There are so many easy ways to enjoy it beyond just snacking by the handful (which I’ve been known to do!)

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

With milk – Enjoy it like a traditional cereal with dairy or non-dairy milk

With yogurt – Add it to Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for extra crunch

Fresh fruit – Top with berries, banana slices, or apple chunks

Dried fruit – Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates add extra natural sweetness

Flaxseed meal or hemp hearts – For an extra boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats

It’s also delicious on top of ice cream (believe me!) and also makes a great topping for smoothie bowls or other healthy desserts when you want a little crunch.

More Healthy Breakfast & Snack Recipes

If you love this no added sugar granola, here are a few more healthy breakfast and snack ideas you might enjoy:

FAQ About No Added Sugar Granola

Is granola without added sugar actually healthy?

Yes—when made with whole ingredients like oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners such as date sugar, it can be a much healthier alternative to store-bought granola.

What can I use instead of sugar in granola?

Natural options like date sugar, monk fruit, or allulose work well. Each adds sweetness without refined sugar or syrups.

Does date sugar spike blood sugar?

Date sugar is still a natural sweetener and can affect blood sugar, but it contains fiber and nutrients since it’s made from whole dates. Typically the blood sugar spike from date sugar will be less than that from refined white sugar.

Why isn’t my homemade granola crunchy?

It usually needs more baking time, even spreading on the pan, and full cooling time before storing.

Let me know if you make this granola recipe! I’d love to know your thoughts!

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HEALTH

Mifepristone is restricted. But medication abortion works with misoprostol only : NPR

jackminion May 4, 2026 0

Misoprostol is typically used as part of a two-drug protocol for a medication abortion. But it is also safe and effective when used alone, doctors say.

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Misoprostol is typically used as part of a two-drug protocol for a medication abortion. But it is also safe and effective when used alone, doctors say.

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A version of this story was originally published on April 10, 2023. It has been updated to reflect news that mifepristone must be prescribed in person as of Friday, May 1, 2026. On Friday, a panel of federal appeals court judges changed rules for a medicine called mifepristone. For more than two decades, mifepristone has been used with another drug, misoprostol, for most medication abortions in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration, under President Joe Biden, relaxed prescribing rules for mifepristone. That allowed doctors to prescribe the two-drug regimen over the phone or online. The medicines could be mailed or picked up at pharmacies and taken at home to end pregnancy up to 10 weeks of gestation. Friday’s court order said that the FDA has to go back to its earlier in-person prescribing rules for mifepristone. The order immediately applies to the whole country. The makers of mifepristone have appealed to the Supreme Court asking for a quick change back to the Biden-era rules, as the case continues. In an earlier case involving mifepristone, the high court did just that. Something similar may happen again — or not.

In the meantime, the standard two-drug medication regimen is still available for in-person patients in states that allow abortion. And telemedicine abortions may continue in those states using only the other drug, misoprostol. Misoprostol has been on the market longer and was first approved to treat gastric ulcers. It is also used for IUD insertion and to treat hemorrhage. Here’s what to know about how misoprostol-only abortions work, how safe they are and how patients may be able to access them. How does the single-drug protocol differ from the standard of care which uses two drugs? Most medication abortions in the U.S. have used both mifepristone and misoprostol because patients experience fewer side effects when the medications are combined. A regimen involving both medications is also used for miscarriages. But misoprostol alone can be used effectively for abortions — and is commonly prescribed in some countries. A grassroots effort among women in Brazil, Argentina and other South American countries in the late 1980s and early 1990s spread word that the medicine originally on the market as an ulcer treatment could be used to end unwanted pregnancies.

“This regimen is still incredibly safe and effective,” says Dr. Kristyn Brandi, a New Jersey family planning specialist and spokesperson for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. With the two-drug regimen, patients first take mifepristone — which blocks the hormone progesterone — to end the pregnancy. Patients then take misoprostol 24-48 hours later, which causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. Patients experience bleeding and cramping, and usually pass the pregnancy within 4-6 hours after taking the misoprostol. In a misoprostol-alone abortion, patients start the process with misoprostol, using the same amount as is used in the two-drug regimen. Three hours later, they take misoprostol again, causing the uterus to contract. They repeat this for three to four doses until the pregnancy passes, which usually takes between 9-12 hours.

Is the misoprostol-alone regime safe? What can patients expect to experience? There’s lots of research that shows the misoprostol-only protocol is as safe as the two-medication protocol – but it does tend to cause more side effects.

Even though the two-drug protocol is still preferred when possible, there’s ample evidence that misoprostol alone is a very effective alternative, according to the Society of Family Planning, an abortion research organization. Multiple organizations, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the World Health Organization, say the one-medication protocol is an acceptable choice, particularly when mifepristone isn’t available. Patients using misoprostol alone, however, tend to experience more nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and a longer duration of cramping and bleeding. That’s why it’s usually the second choice regimen. The misoprostol-only protocol is actually faster than the two-medication protocol, which takes about 30 hours total since patients take the second drug at least 24-hours after the first. In the misoprostol-alone regimen, the process usually only takes 9-12 hours, but patients typically experience cramping and bleeding for longer. When might a patient need to seek further medical help for a medication abortion? With either regimen, the reasons to seek follow up care are the same. If patients experience heavy or prolonged bleeding — spotting that persists for over 2 weeks, for example, or bleeding so heavy they soak through more than two pads an hour for over two hours — they might need a procedure to complete the abortion. A prolonged fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is also a reason to seek medical care. While low-grade fevers and chills are an expected side effect of misoprostol and aren’t life threatening, if a fever persists for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, it could be a sign of infection. Also, if a patient does not experience any bleeding or cramping, the medication may not have worked to end the pregnancy, and she might need more misoprostol or a procedure to have a complete abortion.

How far along into the pregnancy does medication abortion work? The Food and Drug Administration has approved the two-drug regimen to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestational age; the World Health Organization endorses it up to 12 weeks. After that, they’re less likely to be effective and may cause more bleeding and cramping. For misoprostol-only abortion, it’s less clear cut. There’s some data showing that the regimen can be effective in ending pregnancies up to 22 weeks. That’s according to one study that looked at patients having self-managed abortions, without the direct involvement of a doctor in countries that have had restrictive abortion laws. But in U.S. states where second trimester abortion is allowed, Brandi says, doctors will typically recommend a procedural abortion in a hospital rather than a medication-based abortion to end pregnancies after 12 weeks. That’s because second trimester misoprostol-only abortions can involve more bleeding and prolonged cramping. Doctors would probably only recommend misoprostol-alone in the second trimester in states where patients don’t have other legal options. How do patients get prescriptions for medication abortions? Would they be able to get them for the one-drug regimen? In states where abortion is legal in the first trimester, patients can speak to a health care provider and get a prescription for medication abortion via telehealth abortion companies, in-person at clinics that provide abortion like Planned Parenthood, and at many general OB/GYN and family medicine clinics. When mifepristone’s legality was in question before, many providers indicated they would start prescribing misoprostol alone. Dr. Jamie Phifer, the medical director of Abortion on Demand, said at that time that her team would continue to provide mifepristone and misoprostol combination abortions to their patients unless it becomes illegal. “But we’re ready,” she added. “We can make the switch (to misoprostol-only protocols) within hours.” In fact, misoprostol is easier to access than mifepristone because of its additional uses, so it’s stocked in almost all pharmacies and hospitals.

Are patients able to get the medication in states where abortion is banned? Patients in states that have banned or heavily restricted abortion have been able to access telehealth medication abortion, and this is at the heart of the case Louisiana brought against the FDA. No medication abortions are available legally in states that have banned abortion. But some organizations have been helping women in those states access pills. Abortionfinder.org keeps an up-to-date list of services that help people access abortion, and includes state-by-state legal information. The Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline offers free consultations with clinicians if a patient has follow-up questions about a medication abortion, even if she had the abortion in a state where it’s illegal. Some organizations have flouted the law openly to provide abortion medications in all 50 states. Aid Access, for example, is based in the Netherlands and will mail mifepristone and misoprostol to patients in states where abortion is banned. Pills sent from abroad are not subject to FDA approval and safety regulations. Mara Gordon is a family physician in Camden, New Jersey, and NPR’s Real Talk With A Doc columnist. She’s on Instagram at @MaraGordonMD.

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