Post Honey Bunches of Oats contains inflammatory canola oil, refined sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors, and BHT preservative. This clean version eliminates all seed oils (replacing canola oil with coconut oil), uses organic sweeteners, and removes all artificial additives while maintaining the signature clustered texture and sweet honey-cinnamon flavor.
Based on: Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds
· Makes approximately 30 servings
· Serving: 1.5 oz (42g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds from Post often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic rolled oats
400g (about 4 cups) · Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
Primary base grain that provides fiber and creates the signature clusters when toasted with sweeteners
Adds warm spice flavor that complements the honey and eliminates need for artificial flavoring
Organic vanilla extract
5ml (about 1 teaspoon) · Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Replaces artificial vanilla flavoring with pure extract to enhance the sweet, bakery-like flavor
Sea salt
2g (about 1/3 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt
Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness, providing essential minerals
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. The lower temperature ensures even toasting without burning the natural sugars. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats (400g), corn flakes (200g), wheat flakes (150g), brown rice cereal (100g), and sliced almonds (80g). Gently toss with your hands to distribute evenly - avoid crushing the flakes.
Step 2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil (45g). Once liquid, remove from heat and whisk in honey (60g), coconut sugar (40g), molasses (15g), vanilla extract (5ml), cinnamon (3g), and salt (2g). Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and no sugar granules remain - this prevents uneven sweetness in the final cereal.
Step 3. Pour the warm sweetener mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a large spoon or clean hands. Make sure every piece is lightly coated but not soggy. The mixture should feel slightly sticky but not wet. If it seems dry, add 1-2 teaspoons more melted coconut oil. If too wet, add a handful more oats.
Step 4. Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Don't overcrowd - use a third pan if needed. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and stir gently with a spatula, breaking up any large clumps and redistributing for even browning. Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Step 5. Remove from oven when the cereal is golden brown and smells toasted (total time 25-30 minutes). It will still feel slightly soft when hot but will crisp up as it cools. Let cool completely on the baking sheets for at least 30 minutes - this is crucial for achieving the right crunchy texture. Once cool, break apart any large clusters with your hands to match the original cereal's size.
Step 6. Store in airtight glass containers or sealed bags in a cool, dry place. The cereal will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Serve 42g (about 1.5 oz or generous 1/3 cup) with milk of choice. The cereal works with dairy milk, oat milk, or almond milk - avoid ultra-processed plant milks with gums and stabilizers.
Storage
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Avoid humid environments which can make the cereal soggy. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months if making large batches.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.29
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.41
Savings29%
Initial investment is higher due to buying organic ingredients in bulk, but cost per serving drops significantly with subsequent batches. The premium pays for eliminating seed oils, artificial additives, and supporting organic farming.