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A Lovely Yogurt Parfait Recipe

yogurt parfait recipe

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what better way to kickstart your mornings than with a wholesome parfait? Our lovely parfait recipe is a simple blend of Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, dark chocolate, and granola. Greek yogurt serves as a creamy base with a tangy flavor and a healthy dose of protein that sets the tone for a great day ahead. 

A Probiotic-Packed Treat For All

It is also packed with probiotics, which support gut health, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or any time of day. The strawberries and bananas add natural sweetness and essential vitamins and minerals. The dark chocolate offers a healthy indulgence packed with antioxidants. Your parfait is complete with a satisfying crunch, and that’s where the granola comes in. 

Sprinkle a generous amount of your favorite Little Red Wagon Granola flavor on top of the parfait to add texture and depth. The nutty, crunchy goodness of granola ties all the flavors together. Cheers to a healthy and delicious parfait to start the day on the right foot!

Yogurt Parfait Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt 
  • 1/4 cup of diced strawberries (save some for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup of diced banana (save rest for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp of honey or your other favorite sweetener
  • 1 tsp of coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips 
  • 1/3 cup of your favorite Little Red Wagon Granola

Instructions: 

  1. Add your Greek yogurt, diced strawberries, banana, and honey in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Set aside.
  2. Place your chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or until melted.
  3. Grab your favorite large mug or mason jar and spoon in the yogurt mixture. Smooth out the top and pour on melted chocolate with a clean spoon. Spread the chocolate till the yogurt is covered. Sprinkle top with granola and leftover strawberries and bananas.
  4. Set in fridge for 10 minutes for chocolate to set.  
  5. Remove and enjoy!
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Pull Off a Cozy, Indoors Valentine’s Day Picnic

Valentine's Day picnic, granola with strawberries

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while traditional candlelit dinners have their charm, why not shake things up this year with a cozy, indoor Valentine’s Day picnic? Picture this: a blanket fort adorned with fairy lights, soft floor pillows, and a nice-smelling candle to create ambiance. Pulling off a cozy indoor picnic can be a breeze with these ideas to impress your sweetheart.

Create Soft Surroundings for Your Valentine’s Day Picnic

To start, choose a spot in your home that offers a sense of coziness. Whether it’s the living room or even a spacious balcony with a view, choose a setting with some open floor space for your setup. Consider using soft blankets, lamps, and cushions to create a cozy seating arrangement, and remember dim lighting with fairy lights or candles for a romantic touch.

Setting the Mood With Music

Music plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere for any romantic occasion. Create a playlist featuring your favorite love songs, soothing melodies, or tunes that hold sentimental value for both of you. Even consider putting the record player on if you have one! Music is a great way to make memories or bring back the ones that mean the most to you. 

For a Breakfast Valentine’s Day Picnic, Add a Dash of Your Favorite Granola

Not all Valentine’s Day picnics need to be at night! Sometimes, your sweetheart needs a surprise breakfast basket, complete with their favorite foods. Pack them a yogurt parfait for lunch at work or as a light breakfast option. 

Better yet, make their favorite granola bar or protein ball drizzled in chocolate to share for an early morning Valentine’s Day picnic before heading off on your separate ways!

Layer your favorite yogurt with fresh berries, honey, and a generous sprinkle of Little Red Wagon’s velvety dark chocolate-flavored Mocha granola. The granola adds a delightful texture and a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Savor the Moment With Your Loved One

Nothing is quite as precious as time spent with your loved one. Memories are made around moments of intention and shared experiences, and what better way than with an indoor picnic? The refreshing simplicity of the occasion means you can focus on what’s important, which is spending time with the person you’re grateful for! 

Even without a significant other, this is a great opportunity to spend the occasion with kids or friends you cherish! Engage in meaningful conversations, reminisce about special moments, and revel in the joy of being together.

Break Away From Conventional Dinner Dates This Valentine’s Day 

This February 14th, break away from tried-and-true and embrace the charm of a cozy, indoor Valentine’s Day picnic. With the perfect surroundings, mood-setting music, and a granola-inspired menu, you can create a romantic and memorable experience that celebrates the love you share. So, set the stage, dim the lights, and put out all the stops for your loved one! 

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Recipes

Cottage Cheese Protein Granola Bowl

a protein granola bowl with cottage cheese, granola, and fresh rasberries.

As we start off 2024, you may have a renewed motivation to kick off your morning with a nutritious breakfast.  A breakfast rich in protein and fiber can set the tone for a healthy and productive day ahead. Our cottage cheese protein granola bowl is a great way to start the day by incorporating a balanced blend of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Cottage cheese, a protein powerhouse, is an excellent choice for breakfast. Packed with casein protein, it offers a slow release of amino acids.  If the texture of cottage cheese bothers you, you can blend cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. 

A half-cup of full-fat cottage cheese is a rich source of phosphorous, which the body uses to process energy, and is also a rich source of vitamin B12 which helps keep nerves and blood cells healthy.  Some brands also contain “live and active cultures,” which are great for gut health.  It has a mild flavor, so you can blend it with a fruit of choice to adjust the flavor to your tastes.

Chia seeds, despite their tiny size, pack a nutritious punch with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients.  Incorporating them into breakfast bowls or smoothies boosts both the fiber content and nutritional value. 

High-fiber fruits like raspberries are also a great addition to a healthy breakfast.  Raspberries are not only rich in fiber but also abundant in antioxidants and vitamins. Fiber is critical to supporting digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and a healthy gut microbiome. 

Adding Little Red Wagon Granola to your breakfast bowl helps boost both fiber and protein in your breakfast. Combining it with raspberries, cottage cheese, and chia seeds in a breakfast bowl is a high-fiber and protein breakfast with a deliciously sweet tang. 

The benefits of starting the day with a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast are manyfold.  Not only does it provide sustained energy levels, but it also assists in reducing cravings later in the day as well as nutrients to support metabolism, digestion, and overall health.  Wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2024 ahead!

Cottage Cheese Protein Granola Bowl Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • ½ frozen banana (or other preferred frozen fruit)
  • 1 tablespoon liquid sweetener of choice (date syrup, maple syrup, honey, etc)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • *Optional: 1/8 to ¼ cup milk as needed if the mixture is too thick for your blender or taste
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup favorite Little Red Wagon granola
  • Fresh fruit of choice: raspberries, bananas, pomegranates

 

Instructions:

  1. Add cottage cheese, frozen fruit, sweetener, chia seeds, and vanilla extract and blend until the mixture is well incorporated
  2. *Optional: add milk if the mixture is too thick to blend in a blender or if is too thick for your preference
  3. Scoop mixture into bowl and top with granola and fresh fruit
  4. Enjoy!

 

Power Through 2024 With High Protein Granola

Being healthy doesn’t have to mean your food is less delicious. At Little Red Wagon Granola, our products are so flavorful it’s easy to forget that they’re packed with nut proteins, complex carbs, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. And you can always create you’re own protein granola by adding greek yogurt, nut butter, or ricotta cheese! Visit our online store to stock up on your favorite Little Red Wagon Granola options!

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Switch Up Your Morning Routine With These Granola Breakfast Ideas

granola breakfast ideas, yogurt bowl

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we agree! Ensuring your first meal is delicious and nutritious starts the day off on a positive note and provides you with adequate fuel so you can conquer the world. If your go-to breakfast has become a little stale, try these granola breakfast ideas to wake you (and your tastebuds) up!

Rise and Shine: Fun Granola Breakfast Ideas

It goes without saying that we’re pretty big breakfast fans at Little Red Wagon Granola. In the name of all that is delicious, here are some options to satisfy your stomach and your tongue:

Citrusy Chia Pudding

Use the ratio of 2 tablespoons chia seeds to ½ cup milk to make your desired amount. Mix both ingredients in a mason jar with a tablespoon of maple syrup and shredded coconut. Place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, your chia mixture should have a pudding consistency. Top it with a serving of our Cosmopolitan granola for a citrusy bite that compliments the tropical coconut.

Granola Butter Fruit Dip

Use our granola butter recipe with our Crunchy Monkey granola instead of mocha. Add 2 tablespoons of nut butter to the recipe list. Slice up some apples, bananas, or strawberries, and enjoy as a dip. The nutty warmth and hints of banana are a major upgrade from plain ol’ apple and peanut butter.

Cheesecake

Mix 1 cup cottage cheese with ½ cup plain Greek yogurt. Add a touch of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup before mixing again. If you want it to be ultra-smooth, blend for a minute on high. Set aside. In a food processor or blender, emulsify 1 to 2 cups of our Mocha granola with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil. Pour your cheesecake mixture into a bowl and top with the mocha granola “crust” for an indulgent, protein-packed breakfast.

Mix Up Some Magic With Little Red Wagon Granola

Part of our mission is to balance nutrition and comfort—because there’s no reason why the two can’t be mutually exclusive. That’s why our granola packs a flavorful punch as well as protein and complex carbohydrates. Find your balance with a Little Red Wagon variety pack from our online store, and try these granola breakfast ideas to take your meal times to the next level.

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Cranberry Christmas Cookies

a bag of Little Red Wagon's Cosmopolitan granola flavor on a cutting board with cranberry christmas cookies surrounding it.

 

As the holiday season approaches, baking cookies is a cherished tradition for many families. Our cranberry Christmas cookies put a festive spin on a beloved classic. This version perfectly blends tart cranberries, hearty oats, white chocolate, and warm spices. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort as they bake.

Although you may want to keep these cookies all for yourself, they are also perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings. We hope this holiday season allows you to spend time with those you love and is filled with moments of joy and togetherness!

Cranberry Christmas Cookies Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch 
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs—room temperature 
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups  Little Red Wagons Cosmopolitan Granola
  • 1 1/4 cups white chocolate morsels divided
  • ¼ cup of dried cranberries

Instructions: 

  1. whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch in a medium bowl.  Set aside.
  2. Mix butter and brown sugar with a hand mixer on high speed in a large bowl for about 2 minutes.  Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed, then add the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.
  3. Add the dry ingredients from step 1 to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until combined.  Add old-fashioned oats and granola and combine at low speed or fold in.
  4. Fold in 1 cup of the white chocolate chips, reserving 1/4 cup for the tops of the cookies. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 min.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, and set aside.
  6. After 30 minutes, use a medium-sized scoop to scoop cookies onto the baking sheet and press in a few reserved chocolate chips and cranberries to each cookie.
  7. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until the edges have turned golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet.
  9. Enjoy the taste of Christmas with family and friends!

Bake Cranberry Christmas Cookies and More

While cookies aren’t the reason for the season, they sure are a nice perk! Explore more Little Red Wagon Granola flavors in our online store, where you can order from five delicious options or treat yourself to a variety pack. Happy holidays from our family to yours!

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Give Loved Ones a Granola Gift Basket This Holiday Season

granola gift basket ideas

Are you scratching your head over what to give people this holiday season? Gift baskets are a crowd-pleasing option that many underestimate! To inspire your inner Santa, we’ve compiled creative ways to curate a thoughtful granola gift basket your friends and family will love. 

Choose the Flavors for Your Granola Gift Basket

Rather than guessing the gift recipient’s favorite flavors, opt for a Little Red Wagon Granola variety pack. Available in our online store, this option allows you to select which flavors you want in a  4-pack, 8-pack, or 12-pack. Choose from Original, Crunchy Monkey, Cosmopolitan, Mocha, and Big Apple.

The variety pack strategy ensures that at least one flavor will be a hit, and they may discover new favorites along the way!

Include Cute Serving Options

Show your giftee that you thought of everything by adding convenient and stylish serving options that align with their lifestyle. For example, if they’re: 

The Busy Bestie: Pop in a super-convenient dual-compartment container like this one or a more durable option like this snack cup. Your giftee will appreciate having one cup for dry granola and the other for yogurt in a convenient on-the-go package!

The Eco-Conscious Coworker: Include zero-waste, zero-plastic bowls made from discarded coconut shells. Plus, they’re easy to clean and dry in the office breakroom.

The Know-It-All Neighbor: Pour Little Red Wagon Granola into a chic Le Parfait jar so you can skip the judgment and pretend you made it yourself—we won’t tell if you don’t!

Add Fun Toppings 

People love a variety of toppings for their granola. Load spice jars with fruit compote, chia seeds, goji berries, flavored salts, and sparkly sprinkles. Don’t forget to add a nifty label for each so they know what they are!

Presentation Is Key

It’s the season for festive decor, so why not go all out? Stuff a wooden box, woven basket, or canvas tote with shredded crinkle paper. Place the items inside and tie the handle with a big golden ribbon. To top it off, add a handwritten note wishing them a happy holiday!

Shop Little Red Wagon for Your Granola Gift Basket Needs

At Little Red Wagon Granola, we believe gift-giving is always in season. And what could be more practical than the gift of popular snacks like granola? Shop our granola flavors via our online store or a retail location near you. Whether through presents, cards, or a simple hug, let the people in your life know you love them because that’s what the holidays are about. 

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Recipes

Oaty Apple Pie With Granola

apple pie with granola

 

We hope this year has brought you many things to be thankful for and that you are able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, friends, and loved ones. If there ever was an official dessert for the month of November, it would have to be pie! If you are looking for a change from your usual pumpkin, try our oaty apple pie with granola!

This recipe embraces the best of the season by using apples, which are at their peak in the fall. Whether you prefer the tartness of granny smith apples or the sweetness of gala apples, feel free to adapt the pie to your favorites. The apple granola adds a wholesome element that complements the sweetness of the apples with a hearty and nutty flavor.  

Oaty Apple Pie Ingredients:

Pie filling and crust:

  • 1 frozen (thawed) pie crust or home recipe of your choice
  • 4lbs of apples red and green mixed (peeled, cored, and sliced or diced)
  • ½ cup of brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp of lemon juice

Granola topping:

Optional:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped topping

Instructions:

  1. Follow prep. instructions for your favorite crust.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
  3. In a large bowl, add sliced apples, lemon juice, sugars, flour, spices, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
  4. Pour apple mixture into thawed pie crust and cover with foil.
  5. Set in the oven on a cookie sheet or pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until apples have cooked down. 
  6. While the pie is baking, grab a medium-sized bowl, pour in apple granola and melted butter, and mix. Set aside.
  7. After 35 to 40 minutes or when the apples have cooked down, remove the pie from the oven and remove foil. Pour the granola mixture over the pie, covering all of the apple filling.
  8. Place the pie back into the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
  9. Remove and let the pie cool before enjoying it.
  10. Optional: serve with ice cream or whipped topping.

Order Online for Your Apple Pie With Granola and Get Free Shipping

There is nothing more comforting than the aroma of apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving, a cozy family dinner, or just to enjoy the season, our oaty apple pie is a must-try dessert this November! Head to Little Red Wagon’s online store to stock up on our Big Apple flavor and get free shipping to all 50 states!

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Stock Up On Our Pumpkin Seed Granola Before It’s Gone!

A white bowl of pumpkin seed granola next to a spoon and napkin

 

Our seasonal pumpkin seed granola, otherwise known as “Pumpkin Patch”, is here for just a little bit longer! Let’s explore the autumnal ingredients and nutrition that make this Little Red Wagon offering a fan favorite, as well as unique ways to enjoy its pumpkin-y goodness!

Palate Pleasing Pumpkin Seed Granola

There’s a reason why our customers stock up on our Pumpkin Patch granola as soon as it becomes available. The pumpkin has a buttery sweetness that heats up with notes of spicy cinnamon. The pumpkin seeds and pecans bring a toasty nuttiness with a surprising tang from the dried cranberries. Each bite evokes the cozy warmth of a roaring hearth on a crisp fall day.

Healthy Benefits

The flavor isn’t the only star of this granola. Pumpkin seeds are rich in beneficial nutrients and minerals like magnesium, which is essential for bone health, blood sugar regulation, preventing heart disease as well as regulating stress and sleep. Not only that, pumpkin seeds contain the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. The tryptophan and magnesium in pumpkin seeds may make a bowl of Pumpkin Patch granola the perfect late-night snack. 

Creative Treats to Try

While we love Pumpkin Patch granola sprinkled on top of yogurt, check out other fall combinations that also hit the spot: 

Pumpkin Custard: Blend one can of pureed pumpkin with 2 eggs, 1 ½ tbsp of molasses, 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tbsp of butter. Pour into ramekins and bake in the oven at 425℉ for 15 minutes. Let the custard cool for ten minutes before topping with the Pumpkin Patch granola. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream.

Pumpkin Granola Butter: Blend 2 cups of Pumpkin Patch granola, ½ cup of coconut oil,  ¼ cup of maple syrup, and a pinch of orange zest in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency. Use as a dip for sliced apples, a topping for oatmeal or toast, or straight from the spoon!

Crunchy Acorn Squash: Follow this classic roasted acorn squash recipe. Once your squash is done cooking and has cooled slightly, generously sprinkle our pumpkin granola over the squash pieces. Enjoy with a seared pork chop or alone. 

Hot Tip: Pour the pumpkin granola butter on the roasted acorn squash for an indulgent, stomach-warming side dish. Yum!

Savor Our Pumpkin Seed Granola While It’s Still Available

There’s no doubt that pumpkin is the official food mascot of fall, which is why our Pumpkin Patch granola is so popular. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing flavor. Visit our online store and enjoy free shipping on your order. Bon appetit!

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Pumpkin Pie Balls With Peanut Butter

Pumpkin pie balls sitting next to a package of Little Red Wagon Pumpkin Patch Granola

 

As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s no denying that fall is in the air. Fall is synonymous with pumpkins, and for good reason. These vibrant orange gourds make for fantastic decorations and are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. The subtle sweetness and earthy undertones of pumpkin blend seamlessly with various flavors, making it a star of the season.

  Pumpkin pie balls with peanut butter bring the essence of fall to your taste buds. The star ingredient, of course, is pumpkin puree. Rich in vitamins and fiber, it adds a creamy texture and a dose of autumnal goodness. Pair it with your favorite nut butter – almond, peanut, or even cashew – and you’ve got a heavenly combination that’s both nutritious and delicious. 

One of the best things about pumpkin nut butter energy balls is their simplicity. You can whip up a batch in just a few minutes, and they require no baking.  So, as you savor the beauty of fall foliage and embrace the cozy vibes of the season, don’t forget to treat yourself to these delectable little bites of fall goodness.

Pumpkin Pie Balls Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of Little Red Wagon Pumpkin Granola
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter or nut butter
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup local honey or maple syrup 
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ¼ cloves
  • pinch of salt

Optional: fun, festive sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Add pumpkin granola to a food processor and pulse to break up granola.
  2. Add peanut butter, pumpkin puree, honey, vanilla, spices, and salt to food processor.
  3. Pulse until blended into a sticky batter.
  4. Scoop out the batter with either a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop.  Roll into a ball and place on a cookie sheet with either parchment or wax paper.
  5. If you want to add festive sprinkles, sprinkle energy balls or place sprinkles in a small bowl and roll the ball around until covered.
  6. Place cookie sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until firm. 
  7. Enjoy!

Greet Fall With Pumpkin Pie Balls 

Are you a lover of pumpkin pie spice and everything nice? Stock up on your favorite holiday flavor in our online store and explore more Little Red Wagon recipes!

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Introducing Our New Vegan Granola Bars

vegan granola bar with packaging in the background

No secret here: We love granola. And, if you’re reading this blog, chances are you do too. That’s why we want to spill the crumbles and announce Little Red Wagon Granola’s new vegan granola bars! We’ve been working on this delicious new addition for a while because we wanted to perfect the details. Now that it’s available via our online store, here’s what you can expect!

You Asked for Vegan Granola Bars, And We Answered

We never ignore customer requests or suggestions because they improve our products. Over the years, we’ve been asked about the possibility of a Little Red Wagon Granola bar and stored your opinions and preferences in the vault—until now. 

We knew our customers wanted an allergen-free bar, so it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free (with the exception of coconut). We checked those boxes without sacrificing flavor. Oh, speaking of that…

Yum Without the Yuck

So many mass-produced granola bars are marketed as healthy and do contain healthy things like fiber and vitamins. Unfortunately, they may also contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, or an excessive amount of unhealthy fat. 

To offer a more balanced alternative, our new, chewy vegan granola bars contain the following ingredients in order of amount: 

  • Tapioca 
  • Rolled Oats
  • Crushed Oats
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt 
  • Cinnamon 
  • Chia Seeds
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Coconut Oil
  • Coconut Milk 
  • Molasses 
  • Maple Syrup 
  • Vanilla Extract 
  • Sweet Potato

The oats are packed with soluble fiber, resistant starch, protein, calcium, and several vitamins and minerals. Similarly, chia seeds contain all that, plus omega-rich fatty acids. In contrast, pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, lignans, and zinc. 

As a nod to our southern roots, we also included sweet potato. Obviously, it tastes great and is like nature’s pudding when cooked, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. This humble root vegetable has cancer-fighting anthocyanins and supports skin and vision health with beta-carotene. Plus, sweet potato’s vitamin C content boosts immunity while the B6 content supports healthy brain function. 

We’re so excited to offer a new product that tastes as good as it feels. Plus, it’s a chewy consistency that won’t disintegrate all over the place as you enjoy it. 

Order Our Vegan Granola Bars Online 

We’re proud of all our products at Little Red Wagon Granola. Still, we’re especially excited about the launch of our granola bar! It’s perfect for car trips, after-school snacks, pre- or post-workout fuel, or lunch boxes. Visit our online shop to explore all our flavors and grab a few of the new bars!