Sugajules Artisan Granola – “Cherry On Top”
As cyclists we are always looking for a new and flavorful source of energy, something fast, easy and nutritious and where we usually find it is in granola. Granola: that breakout from the 1970s, which became so synonymous with the health movement. Rolled oats and grains with some dried fruit baked to a golden brown in some sort of sugar syrup, lightweight and easy to carry around, it could be eaten as a snack while biking or as a cereal before school. This naturally caloric yet healthy cereal somehow lost its way and became saturated in high fructose corn syrup. That was until the turn of the century when micro-purveyors started churning out locally produced batches of organic granola.
I could tell this was a quality product from the moment I opened the package and was greeted with the aromas of cinnamon, chocolate and oats. It immediately blasted me back to a childlike giddiness of anticipation when I opened that new box of cereal… but this is not some mass-produced cereal from the industrial food mills we have all become accustomed to. No, this is a handcrafted, artisan granola produced in small batches in San Francisco by Julie Vu. As I poured the granola into my bowl I noticed how the rolled oats didn’t all stick together in large clumps. Instead they seemed individually coated in the liquid sweetener (organic maple syrup, organic honey and brown rice syrup), and there seemed to be enough of the cherries, chocolates and pistachios to last until the bottom of the bowl.
In one spoonful, my taste buds get hit with the buttery brown sugar crunch, followed by the tart cherry, mellowed by the bittersweet chocolate, all highlighted by a touch of salt from the crunchy nuts. I enjoyed this granola with milk more than with yogurt. The milk brought the flavors together, whereas the yogurt’s tanginess competed with this wonderful concoction.
The only drawback to this granola would be the cost; at around $11.00 per 10oz. bag it may be out of the price range of some connoisseurs… but then again, so is that oh-so-worth-it custom built Sycip bicycle. Both are handcrafted in small batches right here in the San Francisco Bay Area and both are made with precision and attention to detail to satiate the needs and expectations of their customers. So go ahead and grab a bag of Sugajules granola and get your crunch on!
Eat, Drink, Ride!
- Kevin Eisele
- Photos by Sherry Heck
- Styled by Ana Gonzalez
Hello,
This looks absolutely scrumptious. Can’t wait to try it. Where can I find this granola? Does Trader Joe’s or King’s or Whole Foods carry it? Granola is great for the trail for us hikers, not just bikers.
By the way, the photos are fab!!
Betty
Absolutely… It’s great for anyone really… Especially this!
You can find it at Blue Fog Market here in San Francisco or on the Sugajules website Sugajules.com
What a wonderful, well written article. I’ve had the great opportunity of eating this granola and giving them as gifts to friends and family. We all absolutely love it! As described it is very high quality granola made with fresh ingredients. I highly recommend it. My favorite is cherry on top.
Thank you sugajules!
Regina
Thanks Velocurean for this review of Sugajules Artisan Granola. I rarely feel compelled to write reviews, but I must say that I have had the privelege of trying this granola myself and it is amazing! In fact, I was just searching for it’s local availability in Los Angeles and came upon your article. First off, I am not a granola fan. As a challenge to my stance on granola, a friend of mine that is a “foodie” gave me some of “The Whole Nine Yards” flavor as a gift. I have to say that I’ve never had a granola that is this delicious! Most granolas are bland and taste like they are meant for rabbits. I’m not a granola connoisseur, per se, but I’ve tried my fair share. I am glad to see that I’ve found “the one” for me. I now thank my friend for changing my position on granolas. No more cereal out of a box for me!
My understanding is that it is only available currently in San Francisco or through the company website. I just can’t believe Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, or other gourmet food stores haven’t picked this up yet locally. It is a goldmine waiting to happen and I’m sure that Sugajules Artisan Granola is the next best thing to be discovered…they sure blew my tastebuds out of this planet. Watch out granola land because this anti-granola person has just found his match! Now off to find some “Cherry On Top”…
Thank you for all the great comments. We recently did the Sunset Magazine Celebration Event in Menlo Park and had at least 20+ people request we carry Sugajules Artisan Granola at Whole Foods Market. We are working on it and will keep our fans posted! Thanks a crunch!
I love Sugajules granola, and not only me, but my kids loved it as well. Getting kids to eat something healthy is not always easy, but I had no problems getting them to eat this. I highly recommend this.
Thank you Sugajules. Keep up the great work.
Dennis
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve got to confess that I love granola and Sugajules is the best granola I’ve ever tasted. That review was spot on. I’m always trying to get people to eat high quality, nutrient rich food and I think Sugajules has it all. It might be a little more expensive but it’s better to spend your money on good food now than on medicines later.
Looking forward to seeing it at Whole Foods Market.
Mark
I’ve met the lady who makes these and she is a really nice person.
Her granola is absolutely delicious. I’ve tried ‘Cherry on top’ and ‘The whole nine yards’ and they’re both addictive. I’m not even fond of granola! The high-end packaging ensures freshness and is re-sealable… Buy a pack today…you will be floored.
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