If you’re anything like me, you’ve stood in the cereal aisle staring at a tiny bag of granola for $5 and thought… nah, there’s got to be a better way.
Spoiler alert: there is!
Making home made granola is honestly one of the easiest (and cheapest) swaps I’ve made to save money on groceries.
Not only does it cost pennies to throw together, but you also get to customise it exactly how you like it—whether that’s nut-free for the kids, chocolatey for your sweet tooth, or loaded with seeds for a bit of extra goodness.
If you’re into homemade staples that save money, check out my post 25 Everyday Items I Make from Scratch to Save Money on Groceries.
Why Make Granola at Home?
Let’s be real: store-bought granola is expensive, and half the time it’s full of added sugar and mystery ingredients. When you make it at home, you get:
- Massive savings—we’re talking pennies per portion.
- Total control over what’s in it (perfect for allergies or picky eaters).
- Endless flavour combos—seriously, get creative!
- And the smell? Heavenly. Your whole kitchen will smell like a cosy bakery.
My Cheap & Easy Granola Recipe
What You Need:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or whatever you have)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
- Optional extras: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, whatever you love!
How To Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a big bowl, mix together the oats, melted oil, honey (or syrup), vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add in any nuts or seeds you’re using (save dried fruit and chocolate for later so they don’t burn).
- Spread it all out on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, giving it a stir halfway through so it bakes evenly.
- Once it’s golden brown, take it out and let it cool completely—it’ll crisp up as it cools.
- Stir in your dried fruit or chocolate chunks at the end.
- Store in an airtight jar for up to two weeks (but let’s be honest… it won’t last that long!).
Customise Your Granola!
This is where it gets fun. You can literally make this different every time depending on what’s in the cupboard!
Try these combos:
- Tropical: Add coconut flakes, dried pineapple, and a little lime zest.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in cocoa powder before baking, and add dark chocolate chips after it cools.
- Berry Boost: Add dried cranberries, blueberries, and a handful of almonds.
- Nut-Free: Just skip the nuts and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead.
How I Use It:
- Sprinkle on yoghurt for a quick breakfast or snack
- Pour over milk like cereal
- Use it on smoothie bowls
- Or… eat it straight out of the jar by the handful (guilty 👀)
How Much Money Do You Save?
A decent bag of granola at the store can cost anywhere from $3 to $5… and it’s gone in a few days.
This homemade version? I worked it out at less than $2 per batch, depending on your add-ins.
If you make it once a week instead of buying store-bought, that’s easily a $10+ monthly saving (and it’s better for you!).
Get Making!
If you’re looking for an easy pantry staple to make from scratch, this is it. It takes 10 minutes to prep, it’s customisable, and it’ll save you cash every single week.
Ready to ditch the overpriced granola bags? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!
Want something to enjoy with your fresh granola? Check out my post on How to Make Iced Coffee at Home (Better Than Starbucks!)—the perfect combo for a budget-friendly breakfast that feels like a treat.
