100% Millet Granola (No Oats)

Oat-free 100% millet granola is crispy, crunchy and made with only 4 ingredients! The granola is gluten-free, low in lectins, and can be made oil-free, too. Customize it with all of your favorite add-ins and extras.

Making your own granola at home is an easy and economical way to get exactly the granola you want. You have full control over the ingredients, the flavorings, and the add-ins (Me? A control freak? When it comes to granola, yes!).

This 100% Millet Granola is no exception. It is 100% delectable, no matter if you keep it simple, or empty the pantry for every last favorite “extra” (hello chocolate, pecans and coconut). It’s a simple, yet nourishing, start to the day, but I confess that I grab fistfuls for snacking all day.

This easy gluten-free granola has a twist: it is made with millet flakes instead of rolled oats. This results in extra light, crispy and crunchy granola (similar to my quinoa flake granola recipe). I know you will love it as much as I do!

What Are Millet Flakes?

Millet flakes, made from whole millet grains (an ancient grain), are available in the United States, but not very well known (yet!). Millet is a naturally low cost, gluten-free, low lectins grain, which means it can be easier to digest than oats (for some people). Both the grains and the flakes have a neutral flavor, with a subtle flavor similar to corn.

Just like rolled oats, which are made by steaming and then rolling whole oat groats, millet flakes are made by steaming whole millet grains and then rolling them into thin, flat pieces, or “flakes.” Since millet grains are much smaller than oat groats, millet flakes are smaller, lighter and thinner than rolled oats. 

Millet flakes can be used as a healthy, high fiber 1:1 substitute (by volume) for rolled oats in baking, cereals, toppings, snacks, and so much more.

Varieties of Millet Flakes: Millet comes in several varieties around the world (in the US and Canada, millet is typically labeled “millet” alone, but it is most often proso millet. You can purchase and use any variety of millet flakes interchangeably, so order any option (e.g., foxtail millet flakes, proso millet flakes, kodo millet flakes, or barnyard millet flakes).

Where Can I Buy Millet Flakes?

I buy my millet flakes from online shops. I have also found millet flakes at well stocked Indian and Eastern European grocery stores. 

• Blisstree (website: bliss-treeDOTus)Recipe Benefits
• Organic Sphere (website: organicsphereDOTcom)
• Amazon
• Walmart (online ordering, not in store)
• GoStockUp (gostockupDOTcom) Russian & Eastern European food store. Free pickup in NYC area.
• Naturitas (naturitasDOTus) It is a French brand, Primeal, labeled flacons de millet)

Recipe Benefits

• Oat-free
• Low in lectins
• Gluten-free
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• High fiber (3.5 grams per serving)
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Easily varied (e.g., spices, extracts, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate, and more)

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

• millet flakes
• maple syrup (see notes for options)
• avocado oil (see notes for options)
• salt

Customizing this millet granola to your liking is a cinch. For example, add chopped dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or chopped chocolate, as well as add extra flavorings, such as spices and extracts. I have a slew of suggestions in the notes to get you started!

Step by Step Directions

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 300F (150F). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step Two: Combine the Essential Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup and salt. Add the millet flakes, tossing to coat. If adding nuts, seeds or coconut, add to the millet flakes, tossing to combine. I typically use my hands to make sure everything gets coated.

Step Three: Spread the Granola

Spoon and spread the granola in an even layer onto the prepared pan. Be careful not to spread too thin at the edges.

Step Four: Bake

Bake the millet flakes granola in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time, until light golden brown and completely dry to the touch. 

Step Five: Tamp the Granola

Transfer to a cooling rack. Using a pancake turner or large spoon, firmly press down the granola (this will help form clusters and clumps). Cool completely without stirring.

Step Six: Break Up Granola

Break the cooled granola into pieces and stir in dried fruit, if adding.

Enjoy Millet Granola on Everything

My favorite way to enjoy this granola? Straight from my hand to my mouth :). It’s a great pre- or post-workout snack. Sometimes the granola makes it to a bowl. Enjoy it with your milk of choice ((e.g., almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk).

I love this 100% Millet Granola on plain or vanilla non-dairy Greek yogurt, or on a fruit smoothie bowl (sometimes you need some crunch first thing in the morning). You can also:

• Sprinkle it on dairy-free ice cream, sorbet or frozen banana nice cream
• Use it as a topping on cut fresh fruits / fruit bowls / bowls of berries
• Stir a handful of the millet granola into your favorite pancake recipe or muffins recipe

Storage

Store the 100% millet granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Ingredient Swaps

• Maple Syrup: An equal amount of other liquid sweetener (e.g., agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or date syrup) can be used in place of the maple syrup. If you do not follow a vegan diet, you can also use honey as a substitute.
• Avocado Oil: An equal amount of the oil you prefer can be used in place of the avocado oil. For example, coconut oil or olive oil. 
• Oil-Free Option: Replace the avocado oil with an equal amount of runny almond butter, tahini or peanut butter.
• Millet Flakes: An equal volume of rolled oats or quinoa flakes can be used in place of the millet flakes. Quick-cooking oats are closer in texture to the millet flakes, but old fashioned rolled oats can also be used.

Add-In Ideas

Transform the essential millet flake granola recipe here by adding in flavorings and other crunchy, crispy or chewy add-ins. No limitations on how many different items to stir into the mix!

• Spices: Add 1/4 tsp to 2 teaspoons of your favorite spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to the millet flake granola mixture before baking. Or add a combination of spices (no more than 2 teaspoons total).
• Nuts/Seeds: Add up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or seeds of your liking (one variety, or a combination) to the millet granola mixture before baking. For example, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, green pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seeds, or hemp hearts.
• Dried Fruit: Stir in up to 1/2 cup (118 mL) of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried blueberries, dried cherries, dried cranberries or 1 cup of chopped dried apples..
• Chocolate: Add up to 1/2 cup of your favorite dark chocolate chips, chopped chocolate or cacao nibs.
• Extracts or Zests: Add a teaspoon or two of pure vanilla extract or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond extract, rum extract or coconut extract to the millet flakes granola before baking. Or add one to two teaspoons of finely grated lime, lemon or orange zest.
• Coconut: Add up to 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) or unsweetened coconut flakes to the millet flakes mixture before baking.

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• 5 Minute Millet Porridge (GF, Easy)