Our commitment is simple:
One bite is all you need to taste the difference
We apologize in advance for your new addiction
We selected each ingredient with these priorities in mind:
OLD-FASHIONED ORGANIC ROLLED OATS, freshly milled from the Pacific Northwest. Oats pack a nutritional punch with protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals. Satisfying and naturally low in calories, oats boost your body’s capacity to utilize energy. Our grandmothers definitely knew what they were doing!
ORGANIC NATIVE MISSOURI PECANS, from old-growth trees dating back to the days of George Washington. These pecans are smaller (no genetic cloning or grafting), lighter in color, with a buttery maple taste unlike any other pecan you’ve had. Free of the acidity of most commercial pecans, these heirloom beauties are grown by cooperative farmers without the use of pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers. Yes, they cost more, but once we tasted them, we couldn’t go with anything else. We're nuts about our nuts!
STEAM-PASTEURIZED CALIFORNIA ALMONDS, with a hearty crunch and creamy flavor. Compared to other nuts, almonds are a nutritional powerhouse contributing to the health of the brain, heart, bones and immune system. Almonds are a great addition to children’s diets, as the nutrients feed the growing brain and nervous system. Our almonds are steam-pasteurized, a natural and more costly method recognized as the gold standard.
ADIRONDACK NEW YORK ORGANIC MAPLE SYRUP Don’t get us gushing about our syrup! We sampled our way through a dozen organic syrups before finding one that stood out like an award-winning Cabernet. We met the grower and learned about the art of syrup making. The flavor is determined by the types of maple trees, when they are tapped, and the blending of batches. This syrup master has spent decades perfecting his technique. The result is a deep maple flavor without the over-sugary sweetness. The character and subtle nuances of this syrup unfold slowly on your tongue. It has a beautiful color and pouring thickness. Who would have known that syrup alone could change the taste of our product. Indeed, it does.
ORGANIC COCONUT Coconut - much like syrup and nuts - can vary greatly in color, taste, smell, freshness and texture. After trying many, we stumbled upon a coconut in a class by itself. Strong fresh fragrance, vibrant white color, and the creamiest taste of pure unadulterated coconut. High in dietary fiber and rich in minerals, our prized organic coconut is a welcome addition to our granola for taste as well as health.
CALIFORNIA COLD-PRESSED GMO-FREE OLIVE OIL California olive oil is quickly becoming the new world standard for excellence and purity. We use olive oil from a few different California growers, including Poggio Leano Vineyard in Temecula (artisan oil available to us certain times of the year). We’re delighted to support state growers who produce a superior oil. The many health benefits of olive oil are so well known that we won’t bore you with the list.
ORGANIC DRIED CRANBERRIES We use only organic cranberries because pesticide content is quite high in conventional berry crops. High in nutrients and antioxidants, our tangy red beauties come from the United States. If you’re like us, you’ll find yourself picking through the granola chunks in search of the cranberry bites.
CALIFORNIA COLD-PRESSED GMO-FREE CANOLA OIL Almost 90% of canola oil in the United States comes from genetically engineered plants. Finding a GMO-free canola oil was challenging. . . until we located one made in California with minimal processing. We love the mild flavor and freshness of this canola oil, and we use it sparingly in our recipe. A little of this specialty oil goes a long way.
ORGANIC BROWN SUGAR Sugar is another crop which is typically genetically modified. Our specialty organic GMO-free brown sugar is not too sweet, with lovely overtones of molasses. Its crystal texture blends and binds the granola perfectly. We use very little sugar per batch, just enough to give the granola that hint of sweetness.
I moved to La Jolla in 1998 for love. No doubt because of my San Francisco roots, I spend a ridiculous amount of time thinking about food. I love to cook, and as a family we eat organic/GMO-free as much as possible. After finding most granolas either too dry, too sweet, unhealthy or boring, I resolved to craft a granola with outstanding taste and high-quality organic ingredients – something we'd be excited to eat every day. Over time, locals who tried my granola kept coming back for “more of that La Jolla crack.” That’s when I knew it was time to start a business with my entrepreneurial kids. I run the daily operations of LJ Granola. Granola chunks are my quick energy during the workday, but my favorite way to eat LJ granola is with ice cream and fresh fruit.
I’m the La Jolla native who made Alison the offer she couldn’t refuse 18 years ago, and here we are now with two kids and our burgeoning businesses. I’m general legal counsel for La Jolla Granola Company and I help oversee all operations as needed. In other words, when Alison says jump, I say, “How high?” I like my LJ granola straight up, hot out of the oven in big chewy chunks with lots of dried cranberries.
A La Jollan since birth, I’m currently in college. Before selling La Jolla Granola, I was best known for my local lemonade stands and other part time jobs. My duties at La Jolla Granola include deliveries, and marketing. As a co-founder, I helped write the business plan for La Jolla Granola and my career aspiration is to go to business school. LJ granola is my energizing snack when I skateboard and bike. I love to pair it with an acai or pitaya bowl. It’s my go-to dinner with milk when there’s nothing good in the fridge and mom’s too tired to cook. (That seems to happen a lot these days.)
Also a native La Jollan, I’m in high school at La Jolla High School. At La Jolla Granola, I am the friendly face behind our social media marketing. Email me a creative photo of yourself with La Jolla granola (bite@ljgranola.com) and I may post it! I prefer my granola without any dried fruit, and my favorite combination is with yogurt and fresh or frozen blueberries. I've figured out the exact number of seconds to microwave frozen blueberries for the perfect bowl of LJ granola. Ask me.
Advisory to those with a severe peanut allergy or celiac:
*There are no peanuts in our granola and we do not work with peanuts as part of our business. However, we share a commercial kitchen where peanuts/peanut products may have been present.
**For those who eat gluten-free for health or lifestyle, our granola will meet your needs, as all our ingredients are naturally gluten-free. We are not a certified gluten-free kitchen. Our products are regretfully not celiac-friendly due to the potential for cross-contamination.
“Hands down, the best granola I’ve ever had!”
“I was never a fan of granola but I can’t stop eating yours!”
“I keep closing the bag, then open it again and take another chunk, then close it again, then open it and grab some more…”
“Fills me up. Like I’ve had a meal.”
“My kids call them granola cookies and feel like they’re getting a special treat. I’m keeping it a secret that it’s good for them.”
“Unbelievable flavor. And fresh. I’ve never tasted granola like this anywhere.”
“So great to have a high protein snack my kids actually want to eat.”
"I love the CRUNCH!"
“I eat it for dinner.”
“I didn’t even know I liked granola until I tried yours.”
"This is how I love to eat granola . . . BIG chunks that I can hold in my hand. Since I don't really like cookies, this is the best cookie I ever ate."
“Moist, crunchy, not too sweet. Perfect.”
“My kids don’t usually like nuts but they love your granola.”
“Just the right amount of oil.”
“Finally a granola that isn’t too sweet!”
"Four of us were driving to L.A. on a Saturday and got stuck in terrible traffic. We were starving and your bag of granola saved the day. We each had a few handfuls and it filled us up enough to make it without stopping. Great stuff!"
“Not even in the same category as store granola.”
What was supposed to be my two-bite sample of the bag turned into a 5 minute chewing orgy. New marketing slogan should be: "You just won't be able to get enough! The flavors peak with naughty intensity!"
“This granola is amazing! How can I get more?”
“I can’t stop eating it! Give me some more La Jolla crack!”
"This is the world's best granola. I love just to pick up the gigantic chunks and eat them like a crunchy fruity snappy cookie - but better than a cookie! Of course, with a cold glass of milk . . . and a great La Jolla sunset. Heaven on Earth!"
“This is really good! The balance of sweet and salty is just right.”
“My mouth, brain and body love the taste.”
“My kids love it. I put the chunks in their lunchbox.”
“I can’t stop eating your granola. I’m completely addicted! When are you baking again?”
“It’s so different from the typical sugary granola bar.”
“I give it to my kids with yogurt and fruit as a healthy dessert.”
“I’m a nursing mom and I just pumped an extra 5 ounces after eating your granola! Crazy!”
“Whenever we buy a bag, someone in the house hides it so they don’t have to share. It’s kind of annoying to have to hunt through the kitchen, but also it’s pretty funny when you think about it.”
“Hey LJ Granola, did you know that granola withdrawal symptoms do not diminish over time like heroin withdrawal symptoms do?"
"Best. Granola. Ever. Dictated to my iphone."
