Purely Elizabeth has carved out a special niche in the world of breakfast and snacking with its commitment to wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients that don’t skimp on flavor. Founded by Elizabeth Stein in 2009, this Boulder-based brand has become a go-to for health-conscious eaters who crave crunchy, satisfying granola without the guilt of refined sugars or artificial additives. From ancient grain blends to grain-free clusters, Purely Elizabeth offers something for everyone—whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, keto, or just a granola enthusiast looking for a salty-sweet fix.
With so many flavors to choose from, it’s no easy task to rank them. Each variety brings its own personality to the table, balancing taste, texture, and nutritional value. For this list, I’ve selected 10 standout flavors from Purely Elizabeth’s lineup, ranking them based on their flavor complexity, ingredient harmony, crunch factor, and versatility (think: yogurt topping, standalone snack, or dessert crumble). While personal taste varies, this ranking aims to highlight what makes each flavor shine—or fall short—in the grand scheme of granola greatness. Let’s dive in, from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the bowl.
10. Cinnamon Peanut Butter Grain-Free Granola
Kicking off the list is the Cinnamon Peanut Butter Grain-Free Granola.Grain-free options are a godsend for those avoiding oats, and Purely Elizabeth delivers with a mix of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, coconut flakes, peanuts, and chia seeds, all bound together with coconut oil and coconut sugar. The cinnamon adds a warm spice note, while peanut butter promises a creamy, nutty depth.
So why does it land at number 10? The flavor profile, while pleasant, doesn’t fully deliver the punch you’d expect from such a bold pairing. The cinnamon can feel muted against the peanut butter, which itself leans more savory than sweet—almost too subdued for a granola meant to excite. Texture-wise, it’s a departure from traditional granola due to the lack of oats, offering a denser, seed-heavy bite that might not satisfy those craving classic clusters. It’s a solid choice for grain-free fans, but it lacks the wow factor to climb higher on this list.
9. Original Ancient Grain Granola
Next up is the Original Ancient Grain Granola, a foundational offering that showcases Purely Elizabeth’s roots. Made with organic gluten-free oats, coconut sugar, coconut oil, sunflower seeds, puffed amaranth, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, and a hint of cinnamon, this flavor is the brand’s take on a classic. It’s salty-sweet, simple, and reliable—perfect for purists who want granola without frills.
However, its simplicity is also its downfall in this ranking. While the texture is delightfully crunchy and the ingredients are top-notch, the flavor lacks the excitement of more adventurous blends. The cinnamon is subtle, and the sweetness from coconut sugar is restrained, making it a bit too understated for a standout experience. It’s versatile—great with milk, yogurt, or straight from the bag—but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression, landing it near the bottom.
8. Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola
Seasonal vibes meet superfood goodness in the Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola. This flavor builds on the original recipe with pumpkin seeds, chewy figs, and a stronger cinnamon kick, aiming for a cozy, autumnal feel. The ancient grains (quinoa, amaranth, and chia) add nutritional heft, while coconut oil and sugar keep it crisp and lightly sweet.
It’s a step up from the Original thanks to its richer spice profile and the textural contrast of figs, but it doesn’t quite escape the middle ground. The pumpkin flavor is more implied than pronounced, relying heavily on the seeds rather than a bold pumpkin spice essence. For some, this subtlety is a plus; for others, it’s a missed opportunity. It’s a tasty fall-inspired option, but it doesn’t transcend the season to compete with year-round heavyweights.
7. Blueberry Hemp Ancient Grain Granola
The Blueberry Hemp Ancient Grain Granola brings a fruity twist to the lineup. Organic oats mingle with sunflower seeds, puffed amaranth, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, while dried blueberries add bursts of tart-sweet flavor. Baked with coconut oil and sweetened with coconut sugar, it’s a vibrant, nutrient-dense option that appeals to breakfast lovers.
This flavor ranks higher thanks to its balanced sweetness and the satisfying crunch of hemp seeds, which pair nicely with the chewy blueberries. However, the fruit can feel unevenly distributed, leaving some bites lackluster. It’s a strong contender for yogurt parfaits or smoothie bowls, but as a standalone snack, it doesn’t quite reach the crave-worthy heights of the top tier. Still, it’s a solid pick for those who love a berry boost.
6. Coconut Cashew Grain-Free Granola
Back to the grain-free realm, the Coconut Cashew Grain-Free Granola swaps oats for a nut-and-seed medley: cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, and chia seeds, all coated in cashew butter and coconut sugar. It’s rich, creamy, and decadently tropical—a keto and paleo dream.
This flavor climbs to number 6 thanks to its luxurious texture and robust flavor. The cashew butter binds the clusters into satisfying chunks, while coconut flakes add a toasty sweetness that’s hard to resist. It’s less subtle than Cinnamon Peanut Butter, but some might find it overly rich or lacking the complexity of grain-inclusive options. Perfect for a post-workout snack or dessert topping, it’s a grain-free gem that just misses the top five.
5. Maple Almond Butter Grain-Free Granola
Opening the top five is the Maple Almond Butter Grain-Free Granola. This flavor leans into indulgence with almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and coconut flakes, all held together by almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. It’s a sweet-and-nutty masterpiece that feels like a treat without derailing your wellness goals.
The maple syrup elevates this granola with a warm, caramel-like depth, perfectly complementing the creamy almond butter. The texture is spot-on—crisp yet tender clusters that hold up in milk or yogurt. It’s versatile and addictive, though its richness might not suit every palate daily. For grain-free granola lovers, this is a standout that bridges breakfast and snacking with flair.
4. Chocolate Sea Salt + Peanut Butter Grain-Free Granola
Chocolate and peanut butter—a match made in heaven—get a sophisticated twist in the Chocolate Sea Salt + Peanut Butter Grain-Free Granola. Featuring peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and cocoa powder, this flavor is sweetened with coconut sugar and finished with a pinch of sea salt. It’s bold, balanced, and utterly snackable.
Landing at number 4, this granola nails the sweet-salty-chocolatey trifecta. The peanut butter is pronounced but not overpowering, while the cocoa adds depth without tipping into dessert territory. The sea salt ties it all together, enhancing every bite. It’s a fantastic standalone snack or yogurt topper, though its intensity might not appeal to minimalist tastes. For flavor complexity, it’s a winner.
3. Vanilla Almond Butter Grain-Free Granola
Cracking the top three is the Vanilla Almond Butter Grain-Free Granola. This flavor combines almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and coconut flakes with almond butter, coconut sugar, and a touch of vanilla. It’s smooth, nutty, and subtly sweet—a quiet luxury in granola form.
What sets this apart is its perfect harmony: the vanilla softens the almond butter’s richness, while the clusters deliver a satisfying crunch. It’s less flashy than chocolate or maple options, but its understated elegance makes it endlessly versatile—think breakfast bowls, smoothie toppers, or late-night handfuls. It’s a grain-free triumph that earns its bronze medal.
2. Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola
At number 2, the Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola blurs the line between breakfast and dessert. Made with organic gluten-free oats, oat flour, coconut flour, almond butter, coconut sugar, and dark chocolate chips, this flavor (part of the Cookie Granola line launched in 2024) is a decadent treat with only 6 grams of sugar per serving.
This granola is a textural delight—crisp clusters studded with melty chocolate chips—and the double chocolate hits just the right balance of indulgence and restraint. It’s sweet but not cloying, thanks to coconut sugar’s low-glycemic edge. Whether paired with milk or crumbled over ice cream, it’s a near-perfect fusion of cookie and granola. It’s only held back from the top spot by its slightly niche appeal as a daily option.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola
Topping the list is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola, another star from the Cookie Granola collection. Like its double chocolate sibling, it features organic gluten-free oats, oat flour, coconut flour, almond butter, and coconut sugar, with chocolate chips as the hero. This flavor, however, dials back the intensity for a more universally appealing experience.
Why number 1? It’s the platonic ideal of granola: crunchy, sweet, and nostalgic, with a buttery vanilla undertone that makes every bite feel like a warm cookie fresh from the oven. The chocolate chips are generous but not overwhelming, and the clusters hold up beautifully in any application—milk, yogurt, or straight-up snacking. It’s indulgent yet wholesome, versatile yet distinctive, earning it the crown as Purely Elizabeth’s finest flavor.
Final Thoughts
Purely Elizabeth’s granola lineup is a testament to the brand’s mission: to make healthy eating delicious and accessible. From grain-free innovations to ancient grain classics, these 10 flavors showcase a range of tastes and textures that cater to diverse diets and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the subtle simplicity of the Original or the decadent crunch of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.
This ranking reflects a blend of flavor boldness, texture satisfaction, and everyday appeal, but your personal favorite might shuffle the order. After all, granola is as much about preference as it is about quality—and Purely Elizabeth delivers quality in spades. So, grab a bag (or three), and let your taste buds decide which flavor reigns supreme in your bowl.
