Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Tasty and Nutritious Granola

Granola has become a popular breakfast and snack food option for many health-conscious consumers. With a wide variety of brands and flavors available, choosing the right granola can be overwhelming. One brand that stands out is Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola.

Wellsley Farms is an Aldi-exclusive brand that offers quality foods at budget-friendly prices. Their Swiss granola is a delicious blend of wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almonds, pecans, and dried fruits. It has a satisfying crunch and nutty, vanilla flavor that makes it hard to stop eating right out of the bag!

But before stocking up on this tasty granola, it’s helpful to understand what sets Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola apart from other options on the market. This complete buying guide will cover everything you need to know, from the ingredients and nutrition facts to where to buy it and how much it costs. Let’s start cracking into the details!

An Overview of Key Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola Features

Here are some of the key highlights that make Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola a smart choice:

• Made with simple, recognizable ingredients: Oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, honey – no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
• Higher protein content: 6g of protein per 1/4 cup serving, thanks to the nuts and seeds. Helps keep you full and satisfied.
• Less sugar than many competitors: 9g of sugar per serving, compared to over 12g in some brands. The honey adds natural sweetness.
• Good source of fiber: 3g of fiber per serving to support digestion and heart health.
• Gluten-free: Made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, tested to contain less than 20ppm of gluten. Safe for gluten sensitivities.
• Kosher certified: Meets kosher dietary requirements.
• Non-GMO: Made without genetically modified ingredients.
• Budget-friendly price: Typically retails around $3.49 for a 14 oz bag, making it very affordable.

Now let’s dive into the details on the ingredients, where to buy it, cost breakdown, and other key factors to consider before purchasing.

Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola Ingredients List

Granola is only as good as the ingredients it contains. Here is the full ingredient list for Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola, so you can see exactly what you’re getting:

• Rolled oats
• Sugar
• Almonds
• Canola oil
• Honey
• Salt
• Natural flavor
• Pecans
• Dried coconut
• Golden raisins
• Dried cranberries

As you can see, it contains simple, naturally gluten-free whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruit – no unnecessary additives or fillers. The oats, nuts, coconut and dried fruit provide fiber, protein, and a host of vitamins and minerals.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients:

Rolled Oats: Whole grain oats are the main ingredient. They offer a hearty, nutty flavor, minerals like manganese and selenium, and soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol.

Almonds and Pecans: These tree nuts add crunch, plant-based protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. The small nut pieces are easy to chew.

Honey: A touch of honey adds natural sweetness without going overboard on sugar. Honey also contains antioxidants and enzymes with antibacterial effects.

Golden Raisins and Dried Cranberries: In addition to fiber and antioxidants, these dried fruits add a burst of tart-sweet flavor and chewy texture.

Coconut: Dried coconut flakes lend a tropical flavor and richness from the medium chain fatty acids they contain.

As you can see, the ingredients are thoughtfully chosen to create a well-balanced, nutrient-dense granola.

Where to Buy Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola

If you’re ready to get your hands on some Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola, here are the details on where you can find it:

Aldi supermarket: Wellsley Farms is an Aldi-exclusive brand, so Aldi is the only national retail store where you can find this granola. It’s usually stocked year-round.

Online at Aldi: You can order Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola online through Aldi’s grocery delivery service if you don’t live near an Aldi store. There may be minimum order requirements.

Select warehouse clubs: Some independent or regional warehouse clubs may also carry Wellsley Farms products. Check your local stores.

Online: A few third party resellers offer Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola for sale online, but prices may be marked up. Proceed with caution. Your best bet is buying directly through Aldi.

Amazon: Currently it is not available through Amazon, only through third party sellers. Again, prices are inflated so Aldi is the way to go.

The bottom line is that Aldi supermarkets provide the easiest access to authentic Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola at the regular retail price. Locate your nearest Aldi store online and call ahead to verify stock if it’s not your regular grocery stop. The good news is Aldi has expanded to over 2,000 locations across 36 states, so chances are there’s one in your area!

How Much Does Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola Cost?

One of the biggest appeals of Wellsley Farms products is they offer quality comparable to fancy name brands but at a fraction of the price. Here is the typical pricing you can expect:

• 14 oz bag: Retails for around $3.49 at Aldi. This is the standard size.
• Larger 28 oz bag: Some locations may carry a 28 oz “family size” bag priced around $5.99. Great for granola lovers!
• Organic Swiss granolas: $5.49+ for similar sized bags at stores like Whole Foods. You pay a premium for organic.
• Name brands: $4.99+ for 14 oz bags of Nature Valley, Back to Nature, KIND granola, etc. Wellsley Farms gives you a discount.
• Per serving cost: Based on 4 servings per 14 oz bag, that’s just $0.87 per 1/4 cup serving! Very budget-friendly.

The bottom line is you’re getting an excellent price on Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola compared to what you’d pay for similar organic or name brand granolas. And you can often find it on sale or with Aldi coupons for even more savings. The value can’t be beat!

Nutrition Facts for Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola

Many health-conscious shoppers want to know the full nutrition profile of a packaged food like granola. Here are the key nutrition facts per 1⁄4 cup serving of Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola:

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Total Carbs: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Added Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 6g

It’s also fortified with iron and B vitamins including niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid.

As you can see, the calories and fat are moderate, especially for granola which can often be high in both. The fiber and protein contents are impressively high for the category, keeping you satisfied. And the sodium and added sugars are relatively low if you compare nutrition labels.

Of course, granola is still considered a treat that should be eaten in moderation, not a health food. But as an occasional breakfast or snack, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola provides a good balance of nutrition in line with a healthy lifestyle.

Serving Size and Calories per Serving

Understanding the serving size and calories per serving is important for keeping portion control in check:

• Serving size: 1⁄4 cup (28g)
• Servings per container: About 4
• Calories per serving: 140 calories

So if you’re pouring a bowl of granola over yogurt or fruit, keep close track of how much you’re adding. It’s easy to overload on calories and sugars if you consume multiple servings in one sitting. Stick to the 1⁄4 cup serving suggestion for balanced nutrition.

Does It Contain Nuts?

Yes, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola contains almonds and pecans. So it’s not suitable for nut allergies.

Both tree nuts are healthy additions that provide protein, vitamins, and monounsaturated fats. But the granola factory handles nuts regularly, so there is always a small risk of cross-contamination even on products labeled “made in a nut-free facility.”

Your safest bet with nut allergies is choosing a nut-free granola variety altogether. There are plenty of tasty options made with seeds and dried fruit instead.

Is Wellsley Farms Granola Organic?

No, unlike some premium priced granolas, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola is made with conventional ingredients that are not certified organic.

But it adheres to strict quality standards and contains no GMOs, artificial colors or preservatives. For budget-minded shoppers, it provides excellent nutrition and ingredients without the costly organic designation.

However, Aldi does offer an organic house brand trail mix granola that could be an alternative if you prefer organic. Check your local Aldi for availability and pricing.

Does It Contain Gluten?

No, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola is naturally gluten-free.

It’s produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility and third-party tested to contain less than 20ppm of gluten. So it’s a safe choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Just check the packaging when purchasing to ensure you receive a gluten-free batch. As with any production facility, there is a small risk of cross-contamination with other products.

Is It Non-GMO?

Yes, Wellsley Farms states that their Swiss Granola contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

This makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to reduce GMOs in their diet. The oats, nuts, seeds, and fruits are sourced from non-GMO suppliers and grown without gene modification.

Some competitors use cheaper GMO corn and soy in their granolas, so it’s helpful to check labels when comparing options if you wish to avoid GMOs. The Wellsley Farms granola provides that assurance.

Does It Contain Added or Natural Sugars?

Yes, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola contains both added sugars and natural sugars:

• Added sugars: Cane sugar is listed as an ingredient, adding 7g per serving. This adds sweetness but also empty calories.
• Natural sugars: Honey is also used, which contains glucose and fructose. The raisins and cranberries also contribute small amounts of natural fruit sugar.

Added sugars should be limited as part of a healthy diet. But the total sugar content of 9g per serving is lower than many similar granolas thanks to the honey providing sweetness too. Overall, it’s a reasonable amount of sugar for an occasional breakfast treat.

How Does the Sugar Content Compare?

Compared to other popular granola brands, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola contains 2-4 grams less sugar per serving:

• Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola: 9g sugar
• Nature Valley Crunchy Granola: 11g sugar
• KIND Vanilla Blueberry Clusters: 12g sugar
• Kashi Heart to Heart Granola: 13g sugar

So while it’s not sugar-free, it does have slightly less total sugars and added sugars than the competition. Keep portions in check and it can be part of a balanced breakfast.

Does It Contain Artificial Ingredients?

No, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The only ingredients are whole rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, oils, spices, and a small amount of salt. It’s about as close to homemade granola as you can conveniently buy in a bag!

Many mass-market granolas contain additives like corn syrup, maltodextrin, sucrose, or “natural flavors.” Wellsley Farms keeps it simple and wholesome.

What Are the Health Benefits of Oats?

As the primary ingredient, the whole grain oats in Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola provide a range of science-backed health benefits:

• Lower cholesterol: The soluble fiber called beta-glucan reduces LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and may improve heart health.
• Steady energy: Complex carbs provide a slow, steady release of glucose rather than blood sugar spikes.
• Gut health: The prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria and may relieve constipation.
• Satiety: Oats are very filling and suppresses appetite thanks to fiber, protein, and fat. Keeps you fuller longer than many carbs.
• Regularity: Fiber adds bulk to the stool and may help prevent hemorrhoids and colon cancer.
• Skin benefits: Unique anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in oats provide anti-aging effects for the skin.
• Manage blood sugar: Helps slow digestion to minimize blood sugar fluctuations. Smart for diabetics.

Enjoying oatmeal or granola containing oats regularly can provide all these advantages. Just watch your portions since oats are calorie-dense.

Does Wellsley Farms Granola Contain Coconut?

Yes, dried coconut flakes are included in the Swiss granola variety. You’ll see coconut listed among the ingredients.

Coconut adds texture and richness, along with a touch of natural sweetness. The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut also offer potential health benefits:

• Sustained energy: MCTs provide fuel for the brain and body in a time-released way to avoid crashes.
• Thermogenic effect: Some research shows MCTs may slightly boost metabolism, promoting fat burning.
• Nutrient absorption: MCTs can improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

So the coconut brings more to the granola than just flavor – it provides functional nutrition. However, coconut allergies are common, so this product would be unsuitable for coconut-sensitive individuals.

Does It Contain Dried Fruit?

Two types of dried fruit are used in Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola: golden raisins and dried cranberries.

These add natural sweetness, chewy texture, fiber, and antioxidants. Dried fruits like raisins are also rich in potassium, iron, and vitamins.

However, dried fruits are sticky and high in natural sugars. The total sugar content reflects the addition of dried fruits. Enjoy them in moderation as part of the granola.

For a fruit-free or less sweet option, look for low-sugar granolas without raisins or cranberries. But overall, the fruit inclusion is a nice touch in Wellsley Farms granola.

How Does the Fiber Content Compare?

With 3g of fiber per serving, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola provides more fiber than many comparable products:

• Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola: 3g fiber
• Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds: 2g fiber
• Nature Valley Crunchy Granola: 2g fiber
• Kashi Heart to Heart Blueberry Clusters: 2g fiber

The extra gram of fiber comes from the whole grain oats, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. This makes Wellsley Farms granola more filling and promotes digestive regularity.

Of course, homemade granola with extra nuts and seeds can provide even more fiber. But for a convenient store-bought option, Wellsley Farms is an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Is Wellsley Farms Granola Vegan?

No, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola is not considered vegan because it contains honey.

While oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are all vegan ingredients, honey comes from bees and is an animal byproduct. So strict vegans would want to avoid this granola.

However, it can fit into a vegetarian diet or a vegan diet if honey consumption is permitted. Just check the ingredients each time you purchase it, as formulations can change.

For a certified vegan granola, look for plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, molasses, or agave instead of honey. There are many delicious vegan granola options on the natural foods market.

Does It Contain Wheat or Barley?

No, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola is free of wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten-containing grains.

The only grain used is gluten-free oats. So it’s a good choice for gluten-free, paleo, or whole 30 diets that exclude wheat.

Many mass market granolas use cheap fillers like wheat flakes or puffed wheat which are not gluten-friendly. Wellsley Farms leaves those out.

Just double check labels for the “gluten-free” confirmation, since production facilities can vary. When prepared safely, this granola can be enjoyed worry-free on a gluten-free diet.

Does Wellsley Farms Granola Contain Protein?

Yes, one serving of Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola provides 6g of protein.

That’s more than what’s in a large egg or Greek yogurt cup, for example. So it supplies satisfying protein to help you power through your morning.

The almonds and pecans contribute most of the protein, providing essential amino acids. The oats also pack some plant-based protein in addition to their fiber.

Compared to granolas made with just oats or puffed rice, the nutty additions make Wellsley Farms higher in protein. The protein content can help balance out the carbs.

Is Wellsley Farms Granola Packaged in Bags or Boxes?

Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola comes packaged in resealable plastic bags. The standard size is a 14 ounce bag.

Some shoppers may prefer a cardboard box, but the bag ensures maximum freshness and avoids stale granola. You can easily fold or roll the bag closed between uses.

One tip is to transfer the granola to an airtight glass jar or container after opening. This prevents the granola from absorbing fridge odors. But the bags work fine for short-term storage.

Getting it in bag form, rather than a box or cannister, also reduces packaging waste. And you can fully empty the contents rather than leaving granola stuck in corners or crevices.

What Flavors Does Wellsley Farms Offer Besides Swiss?

Wellsley Farms has expanded their granola line to include several flavors beyond the original Swiss recipe:

• Maple Brown Sugar – With a touch of cinnamon and maple flavor
• Fruit and Nut – With extra raisins, cranberries, and walnuts
• Oats and Honey – Simple oats and honey without dried fruit
• Protein Granola – With nuts, seeds, and 10g protein per serving

The Swiss granola remains the most popular. But the maple and fruit variations add diversity if you get bored with the traditional mix.

Unfortunately Aldi locations don’t carry all varieties at once. But speak with a store manager to request your favorite or check Aldi’s website for availability. The options rotate seasonally.

Does Wellsley Farms Offer Granola Bars?

Yes, Wellsley Farms also makes chewy granola bars in flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Oats N Honey, and Fruit and Nut.

The bars average around 130 calories with 4-5g of protein. They provide an even more convenient on-the-go option.

Aldi carries the Wellsley Farms granola bars in five count boxes retailing for $1.75 – $2.29. They’re nicely sized snacks for lunch boxes or your desk drawer.

Between the granola and granola bars, you can enjoy the Wellsley Farms flavors at breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, after dinner, or anytime!

Can You Make Your Own Homemade Granola?

Absolutely! Making your own homemade granola is fun and allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients.

Some easy homemade granola recipes require just a few ingredients:

• Rolled oats
• Nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts
• Maple syrup or honey
• Coconut or vegetable oil
• Vanilla
• Salt
• Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
• Dried fruit

Simply combine the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients separately, then toss everything together and bake until crispy. Customize with your favorite add-ins.

The hands-on time is minimal and you’ll save money versus store-bought. But the convenience of Wellsley Farms granola can’t be beat when time is tight!

How Long Does Granola Last When Stored Properly?

When stored in a cool, dry pantry, unopened bags of Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola should last for approximately:

• 6-8 months past the printed “best by” date. The oats and nuts preserve well.
• 6-8 weeks once opened. Make sure to reseal the bag tightly and wrap in plastic wrap if transferring to a storage container.

The granola may start to lose its crunch after the 6-8 month/week marks as the oils oxidize. But it will still be safe to eat. Storing in the fridge can extend the shelf life slightly if it starts softening.

Frozen granola lasts even longer, up to 8-10 months, thanks to the low temperatures halting oxidization. But freezing can make the oats and nuts soggy once thawed. Enjoy it within a month of thawing for best texture.

Does Wellsley Farms Offer Coupons or Discounts?

As an Aldi-exclusive line, Wellsley Farms granola doesn’t offer direct coupons. But there are still ways to save:

• Watch for periodic Aldi coupon books with savings on Wellsley Farms products or the entire granola category.
• Buy it when it’s a weekly Aldi Finds special or “Superbuys” offer and stock up at the temporary low price.
• Opt for the 28 oz bag which typically offers a lower per-ounce cost.
• Purchase on Wednesdays when Aldi offers its biggest weekly discounts.
• Take advantage of a 10% case discount if purchasing a full case of 12 bags.
• Buy ahead when it’s on sale seasonally, such as when kids go back to school. Sales prices can dip as low as $2.49 per bag.

With Aldi’s everyday low prices, you already get great value on Wellsley Farms granola. But these tips can add up to extra savings when you time it right!

Reviews of Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola

Based on customer reviews, Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola receives high marks for its great taste and quality at an affordable price point.

The nutty vanilla flavor is consistently popular. Many describe it as crunchy but not too hard, with the perfect blend of oats, nuts and dried fruit. Fans say it has a delicious homemade taste without artificial aftertastes.

Some reviews do caution that it contains a sizable amount of sugar. But overall, most agree the ingredient list is straight-forward compared to many competitors.

Wellsley Farms granola earns an average 4.7 out of 5 star rating among Aldi shoppers. They recommend it as a tasty option that rivals the pricey name brands.

How to Enjoy Wellsley Farms Granola

There are endless ways to enjoy Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola! Here are just a few ideas:

• Sprinkle it over yogurt, fresh fruit, or cottage cheese for breakfast parfaits
• Use it as an ice cream topping along with your other favorite mix-ins
• Mix it into oatmeal or chia pudding recipes for added crunch
• Make homemade granola bars by adding peanut or other nut butters and binding with honey
• Fold it into muffin, pancake or waffle batters before baking
• Layer it with whipped cream and berries in dessert trifles
• Coat bananas, apples or pears with lemon juice and roll in granola for snacks
• Swap it in for bread crumbs when making meatballs, burgers or breaded baked chicken
• Add as a crunchy topping for casseroles or potatoes
• Bake it into cookies, bars, crisps and other desserts

With so many possibilities, this versatile ingredient can transform breakfasts, snacks, desserts and more! Get creative with recipes to take your Wellsley Farms granola to the next level.

Should You Add Granola to Smoothies?

Adding a few tablespoons of granola to a fruit smoothie can provide a delicious crunch and boost of nutrients. But it also adds calories, carbs and sugars.

For a lower calorie smoothie, use granola sparingly as a garnish rather than blending it in. Or consider alternatives like:

• Chia seeds – For thickness and nutrition without sweetness
• Ground flaxseed – For healthy fats and fiber
• Hemp seeds or hemp protein powder – For plant-based protein
• Wheat germ – For a mild nutty flavor and vitamin E
• Nut butters – For richness, creaminess and staying power
• Ice cubes – For thick texture if you don’t want to dilute with ice

But if you want an indulgent smoothie-dessert, go ahead and blend that granola! Just account for the extra calories. Enjoy it occasionally as a high protein treat.

What Are Some Healthy Granola Bar Alternatives?

Though tasty, granola bars tend to be high in sugars. Here are some healthier granola bar alternatives to try:

• Larabars – Made from simple whole food ingredients like dates, nuts, and spices
• RXBARs – Contain egg whites, fruits, nuts and oats with minimal added sugars
• NuGo Slim – Higher in protein with lower net carbs and sugar alcohols as sweeteners
• KIND Bars – Focus on ingredients like nuts, spices and chocolate with less sugar
• Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars – Fruit purees with nuts/seeds provide natural sweetness
• Picky Bars – Made with simple recipe of nuts, seeds, cocoa, honey and spices
• GoMacro MacroBars – Vegan macrobiotic bars lower in carbs and sugars

Check labels for calories, sugars, and ingredients as even “health” bars vary. Homemade bars are ideal for controlling nutrition. Overall though, there are better options than traditional sugary granola bars.

Is It Healthy to Eat Granola with Milk?

Granola with milk can make a balanced breakfast or snack if you control portions. The pros and cons:

Pros: Milk provides protein and calcium to complement the complex carbs, fiber and nutrients in granola. The combo offers sustained energy.

Cons: Granola already contains healthy fats from the nuts and seeds, so the extra from whole milk may be overkill. The added calories, carbs, and sugars from pairing milk and granola can add up fast.

Healthy options: Enjoy your granola with nonfat milk or milk alternatives like unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt for lean protein. Or simply eat it with water or tea.

Overall, granola and milk can be part of healthy eating when kept reasonable. Just be mindful of total calories and limiting added sugars according to nutrition needs.

Can I Substitute Granola for Oatmeal?

You can substitute granola for oatmeal, but keep these differences in mind:

• Calories – Granola is significantly higher in calories, fat, and carbs versus plain oats. Limit portions.
• Fiber – Plain rolled oats pack more gut-filling fiber. Granola has additional ingredients that reduce the relative oat content.
• Nutrition – Oatmeal provides balanced nutrition from whole grains. Granola has more added sugars and lacks the same hearty nutrition of cooking plain oats.
• Texture – Granola retains a crunchy texture, unlike creamy cooked oatmeal. Soaking it softens but doesn’t fully replicate oats.
• Flavor – The mix of nuts, coconut, dried fruit, and sweeteners gives granola bolder, sweeter flavor.

Once in awhile, using granola when you’re out of oats is fine. But for everyday breakfasts, traditional oatmeal or overnight oats make a healthier choice overall. Enjoy granola in moderation for variety.

Final Thoughts on Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola

Wellsley Farms Swiss Granola stands out for providing simple, quality ingredients and nutritious rolled oats at an affordable Aldi price point.

It makes a tasty topping for yogurt, fruit and cereal bowls when you want crunch and flavor. The subtle vanilla and honey tone down the sweetness compared to some competitors.

Just keep an eye on portion sizes since granola is calorie dense. Used moderately, Wellsley Farms granola can be part of a balanced breakfast or snack routine for kids and adults alike.

Overall, Aldi delivers with this private label product that rivals fancy health food store options for less. If you’re looking for an all-natural granola free of artificial additives, give Wellsley Farms Swiss a try on your next Aldi run!