An easy healthy toasted muesli recipe with nuts and dried fruit that is gluten-free and vegan, plus a review of the evidence for a2 Milk® versus traditional milk.
After our most recent international trip, we officially made the switch from granola to muesli. The difference between granola and muesli is that muesli is typically uncooked. So basically before I even get started I’m already breaking the rules. That being said, this toasted muesli is basically lightened-up granola. It has way less sweetener than our usual granola recipes and no added fat. It’s also looser than granola, without the clumps and clusters. So even though it’s technically not muesli at all, it’s a definite switch from how we usually make granola AND it tastes amazing. You aren’t sacrificing anything taste-wise by cutting down the fat and sweeteners in granola.
Maybe I should have stuck with skinny low-fat gluten-free vegan granola? I just feel like that would have done such a disservice to how awesome this recipe tastes.
I can’t imagine eating muesli without milk! I’ve had a couple of patients ask me about a2 Milk® recently. Traditional milk has two types of protein in it: A1 and A2. There is evidence that A1 protein breaks down into a specific byproduct that causes many of the symptoms of lactose intolerance, like bloating and gas. a2 Milk® comes from cows that don’t produce the A2 protein.
I thought I would pick some up some a2 Milk® at my local grocery store and try it for myself. I wanted to make sure they weren’t giving up the great taste of milk by making the change. I had a2 Milk® in my cereal and a glass of a2 Milk® on the side, and it tasted exactly like traditional milk. That’s probably because it is milk. It comes from cows and doesn’t go through any fancy chemical processes to change the proteins. It’s just milk. The difference is it’s from cows that are specially selected because they only produce the A2 protein.
Review of the Scientific Evidence for a2 Milk®
Because I’m a pediatrician, and this is something that could help my patients, I wanted to take a look at the scientific data backing up a2 Milk®. There are several studies and scientific papers looking at the effects of A2 protein. I’ll try to summarize what I learned here, in a way that is simple and easy to digest (pun intended!). A Chinese randomized controlled trial looked at both the participant-reported symptoms as well as laboratory markers of intestinal inflammation between people who drank traditional milk with both A1 and A2 ?-casein compared with A2 only ?-casein. Lactose intolerance, in general, is higher in Asian populations, so it makes sense that the study was conducted in China. The study was small, but the randomized, double-blind format of the study is the best design to cut bias and placebo effects on results.
What the study found was participants who consumed A2-only milk had less bloating, flatulence (gas), and borborygmus (an awesome science word for the rumbling and gurgling the intestines make). A2-only milk drinkers also had less stomach and intestinal inflammation on lab tests. When looking at just participants with laboratory-confirmed lactose intolerance (not just symptoms from consuming dairy), these results were still true! If you’re interested, the entire paper is available for free here. It’s important to note that The a2 Milk Company funded this study. It was published in a large, peer-reviewed journal in a way that minimized bias, which makes me feel like the results are valid even with industry support.
Another small trial conducted in Western Australia looked at symptoms of milk intolerance in patients who drank either 3 cups of A1 and A2 ?-casein compared with A2 only ?-casein milk. Halfway through the study, the groups switched and drank the other type of milk. Participants had more symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain, as well as loose stools when drinking A1 milk, even if they didn’t report being milk intolerant at the beginning of the study! Participants also had higher levels of stool inflammation when drinking A1 milk. This study was very small, with only 36 participants. Because of this, the results were not statistically significant, but instead only showed a trend. Two of the study authors receive consulting fees from The a2 Milk Company. You can read the full study here.
Another small study looked at the effect of drinking A2 milk on glutathione levels, which is an antioxidant. It’s thought to be protective against cancer and important for immune function. The study was also a randomized trial and participants drank 2 cups of either conventional milk containing both A1 and A2 types of ?-casein, or milk containing only A2 type ?-casein. Then they switched. This study found that A2 milk protein was associated with higher levels of the (good) antioxidant glutathione. One of the authors receives consulting fees from The a2 Milk Company, but he only contributed to the study design and did not interact with study participants or contribute to the analysis of the results. Read the full article here.
In summary, the scientific trials that have looked at the effects of A2 milk protein show decreased levels of bloating and abdominal pain, as well as decreased laboratory markers of the stomach and intestinal inflammation in people who drink a2 Milk®. The biggest limitation is the small size of the trials, but the results are definitely encouraging. It’s also important to keep in mind that many of the trials have been industry-funded. The fact of the matter is, clinical trials are expensive and research money is difficult to come by. It’s quite common for researchers to partner with a company who is also interested in a particular product, so this definitely doesn’t make me discount their findings.
Want to try it for yourself? a2 Milk® is available in many major grocery stores, including Target, Safeway, Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Save $1 on a half gallon with this coupon.
Did I overwhelm you with science? For a lighthearted look at a2 Milk®, check out this video:
$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway – CLOSED
Tell me, what would you drink a2 Milk® with? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! Each comment will automatically be entered to win.
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise, a new winner will be selected.
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Basic Easy Healthy Toasted Muesli Recipe
PrintEasy Healthy Toasted Muesli Recipe
An easy healthy toasted muesli recipe with nuts and dried fruit that is gluten-free and vegan, plus a review of the evidence for a2 Milk versus traditional milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 23 cups of granola (3/4 cup = 1 serving) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 cups (42 ounces or one cylindrical container) old fashioned oats
- 3 cups chopped pecans
- 3 cups chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups slivered almonds
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, spices, and salt.
- Spread in a thin layer on several parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Toast at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-17 minutes, tossing once.
- Remove from oven, place in a large pot or bowl and stir in dried fruit. Enjoy with A2 Milk.
Notes
Museli will keep for several weeks stored in an airtight container.
Disclaimer: I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor! This post is my opinion, and should not be taken as medical advice. Make sure you consult your own physician for medical advice. This post is a partnership with the a2 Milk Company(TM). Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more updates and coupons! Thanks for supporting the partners that allow me to keep creating beautiful content. Wondering why I do sponsored posts? Read more here.
I would drink it with cookies
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/805782684765077508
I would drink this milk with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/805784510084222976
I would use this milk in my oatmeal in place of water. I usually eat a bowl of oatmeal at least 5 days a week.
tweet – https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/805792422722732032
I’m so in love with this!
This muesli looks delish! And the milk sounds perfect!
I would drink a2 Milk in my coffee or cereal.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/805857475450769408
That Toasted Muesli Recipe looks and sounds fantastic! It is right up my alley.
I would drink it with cookies
tweet-https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/805877460118081537
I would drink it with chocolate cake.
I love to dip my chocolate chip cookies in milk. I have to try this milk is sounds super good.
my tweet – https://twitter.com/myway070/status/805887766030450689
I would drink it with chocolate chip cookies!
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/805901717846065152
My kids would drink this milk with every meal! And I think I should switch from granola to muesli!
What a delicious, yet simple recipe that I really need to try!
Milk with pancakes!
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/805967073906135041
On cereal or in hot chocolate!
I like a glass of milk at night but am lactose intolerant so I would just like a cup of it plain!
I would drink a2 Milk with croissant.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/806195283222667264
I would put it in my smoothies!
What a fantastic looking breakfast!
I would put A2 milk in with my cereal!
I’d drink it with a grilled cheese
I would drink it with cereal, dip some cookies in it, and just drink it straight!
I would drink A2 Milk in my cereal. Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/806600844707663872
Thanks again.
I love Muesli. The perfect thing to have for breakfast or as a snack.
I would put some in my mashed potatoes.
I would put A2 milk in my tea (just a splash!)
I would try A2 milk on cereal.
https://twitter.com/jnbwrs/status/806650155395149824
I’d have it with homemade peanut butter cookies
With Cheesecake or any cake!!
I’d use it for anything I use regular milk for! Cooking, drinking, etc.
I would cook my oatmeal with it.
I would drink it with chocolate syrup! Yum for chocolate milk!
I would drink it with cookies (yep, I’m a dunker)
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/806881290058428416
I would drink it with cookies
I was born with a cow milk allergy that I thought I had outgrown. However, I find I feel better eating less cow milk. Sadly I love milk! I would love to try this and see if I notice a difference.
I would use this milk in smoothies, in my coffee or just a glass with cookies. Interesting article, I knew nothing about A1 and A2 differences.
https://twitter.com/austinh324/status/806914127461351424
I would drink a2 Milk® with homemade morning oatmeal breakfast “cookies”
https://twitter.com/mbm218/status/806922453343608832
I would drink it with Hershey’s syrup in it.
I could add it with cookies, thank you so much! I tweeted as iceyninja. You are so awesome, and I love your blog. I also love the way you write, thanks again!
I would drink a2 milk with chocolate chip cookies
tweeted : https://twitter.com/CountryMomB/status/806944911815802881
I would drink a2 milk w/chocolate chip cookies
I tweeted>> https://twitter.com/Qascadex/status/806965743690465280 thanks for the chance to win !
I would drink a2 milk with cookies or in cereal.
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/806981431578816514
I would drink a2 Milk® with some gingerbread cookies
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/806982612380217344
I would drink this milk with a delicious banana nut muffin for breakfast. yummy.
https://twitter.com/AFTolar/status/807012625880141824
If it froths well, I’d have it in my coffee!!!
Or if I could make kefir with it, then I’d do that!
thanks!
Mint Brownies!
I would use it in my cereal and latte in the morning. I would also drink it with my homemade cookies in the evening.
I would use it in my protein shake – banana, chocolate protein powder and A2 milk!
I would use this milk with my oatmeal. I tend to use milk in my instant oatmeal instead of water to make the meal a bit more filling for me.
I would drink the milk with Oreos!
I would drink it with milk
I would drink it with a slice of warm gingerbread!
I would like to try it with my oatmeal also in my coffee….
I would love to drink it with some warm, straight from the oven brownies
I’d drink this milk with cookies or peanut butter toast.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/807310498861555713
I’d drink it with some whole grain blueberry waffles.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/807335822286426112
I would use it in my oatmeal each morning.
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/807404622189096960
I will use a2 Milk in my cereal, and to make smoothies!
I would use it in my smoothies
Healthy is happy….in my eyes.
A2 milk would make a great addition to hot cocoa on a cold night 😉
I would have it on my cereal and in my coffee.
I’d drink it with my lunch.
I’m drinking it before bedtime
I WOULD PUT IN MY HONEY NUT CHEERIOS 🙂
https://twitter.com/JAIVIANSMOMMY/status/808030466569830401
I would pair it with some overnight chia seed bowls!
Never seen your product in my area. Would like to try it….
Thank you for the giveaway
I would use it on my oatmeal with raisins.
I would drink it with cookies
I dont like drinking anything but water, but this would be more useful in baking and cooking for me. Thanks for the chance to win
allisonrsdswain(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/808931255047823360
I would like to win the sweepstakes….and thank you for this promotion.
Happy Holidays
I would drink A2 milk with my meal; as a glass of milk and/or also drink A2 with my breakfast cereal.
I would drink this with a banana.
I would use this milk in the blender with some frozen fruit, yogurt, and ice to make a breakfast smoothie. It would be handy to have on the way out the door in the mornings.
Tweet
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/810698890907385857
Some warm fresh chocolate chip cookies
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/810584097156399108
https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/810593470041747456
I would use it in my smoothies.
I would drink a2 Milk with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
I would use a2 Milk in my morning oatmeal and to dunk my nighttime cookies!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/811667803166113792.
I’d drink it with a piece of berry pie!
tweet – https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/811823597719142400
I would use it as a base for my instant breakfast powder.
I would use it with my breakfast shakes every morning
I would add the a2 Milk to my morning smoothie.
thank you
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/813198608552042496
I would drink it with chocolate chip cookies.
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/813816078338027520
I’d drink it with a big slice of chocolate cake!
I would put it over my cereal.
I would use this milk in my oatmeal in place of water.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/814638107928694784
A chocolate chip granola bar!
I would drink it. I would put it in my cream of wheat and oatmeal especially
I drink milk in the morning with a bagel
I would try it in my coffee.
I would drink it with toast.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/coopersmommy/status/814907296375603200
I’d use it with toasted oat circles.
To finish off the mound of leftover Christmas sweets.
It is probably obvious to say chocolate chip cookies but I will say Chocolate cheesecake!
https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/814967307772579844
I am not familiar with the milk, but I would pour it on my cereal or have a glass with my sandwich at lunch.
I would drink a glass of a2 Milk® with my home made yeast cinnamon rolls.
I would use a2 milk in my morning smoothies with fruit and oatmeal.
https://twitter.com/sweeper785/status/815032355798810624
I would drink it with a cookie!
I would add a2Milk to cereal.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/815226404220465154
Tweeted-https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/815293315818127360?lang=en
I would drink milk in a banana shake.
i would give this a try im not a fan of regular milk but this looks like something i could enjoy
https://twitter.com/Ericamw1/status/815599975275053056
I would use it with my cereals and shakes.
I drink it with homemade chocolate chip cookies. It’s the best.
I would have it with my peanut butter sandwich. It sounds delicious!
I tweeted https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/815740551945338881
I would try this in my coffee looks yummy..
I would use it in my morning oatmeal.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/815819639435431936
I WOULD DRINK IT W/MY MORNING TOAST 🙂
https://twitter.com/JAIVIANSMOMMY/status/815897852492783616
I would try this milk with a peanut butter and honey sandwich. (milk is a must!)
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/815900783954653184
I would drink it with some shortbread cookies.
I would use it in my morning cereal
I would have it with cookies
https://twitter.com/fmd518/status/816067092529250308
I’d have it with cereal!
I would drink this milk with a banana shake.
Tweeted-https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/816074874540224512?lang=en
I would drink it with homemade cookies.
I drink it with my cereal every morning.
I would drink it with cookies
https://twitter.com/NICKIEISIS3/status/816142218801123329
Oreos!!
would be great with cookies in the morning!
i would drink it with some dry cereal. i love cereal with milk.
https://twitter.com/fdp4life/status/816310985350934528
I would drink it with coffee or some cereal as well.
I would put this in my cereal.
I only use milk for my cereal so I would drink it with cereal.
https://twitter.com/SheilaBran/status/816366065030721536
on my cereal
with coffee and cereal
I would put some in my morning oatmeal or cereal
I would drink it with steel cut oatmeal for breakfast.
It would be amazing to try with cookies!
I love milk with my pork chops so that is my call i have a hard time with milk this may be the answer thank you
I would add it with chia seeds to make overnight oats.
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/bellamichelle03/status/816517201813536768
I’d drink it with cookies. I’d put it on my cereal.
Thanks for the contest.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/816540510936449025
I would make milk desert
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/816569594215301121
The above link is wrong here is the correct one https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/816572545684172804
I would drink with me almond crunch cereal
I love milk with cake so probably chocolate cake is what I would drink it with.
I would drink this with cereal in the morning before work
I would drink it with my blueberry muffins.
https://twitter.com/SuperNeena1/status/816652102768488448
I would drink it in the morning with my oatmeal and toast. Yum!
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/816667365001793536
I would drink with cookies.
We do drink this milk at my home, and it is delicious
i would make chocolate milk with it!
I would drink it with cereal
tweet https://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/816771779242983424
With a piece of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
I would drink it with cookies.
I would use it with my cereal and anytime I eat something “sticky”
TWEET!
https://twitter.com/samdaleo/status/816809555116118016
I would drink it with chocolate cake.
I would drink it with Baked Avocado and Egg! Delish!
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/816815614123798529
I would use a2 milk in my cream sauces that I make to help alleviate stomach issues but still give us the creamy taste.
I would drink it with a Red Velvet cupcake!
I would drink it with my daily banana bread and yogurt for breakfast.
I would drink this healthy sounding beverage with a handful of almonds, as milk and nuts equal complete protein, just as is found in meat!
I would use it in cereal.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/816869631747100672
I would drink it in my cereal.
i would probably make one of my protein shakes with it
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/816883851146444800
tweeted
https://twitter.com/irishskater425/status/816892735273701377
This looks really tasty, though I would probably substitute dates or golden raisins for the apricots — not a big fan of those.
I would use it to eat cereal again! Ive been drinking my coffee black for years so i would also try adding to my coffee and see if i want to go back to having milk in it.
The granola recipe looks very easy and tasty, as well as being healthy. That’s the sort of snack that I really need.
Chocolate cake!! The granola looks sooooo good!!!
I tweeted!! https://twitter.com/Level20Mom/status/817089679363293185
I would drink it with a cookie!
I would use it to make so yummy baked oatmeal to have this cold winter.
I would drink it with some warm brownies!
this looks so good I would eat it as a dessert
Besides fresh baked cookies my favorite thing with milk is cereal.
Twitter Entry https://twitter.com/zanderbear/status/817177922775777280
I would drink a2 Milk® with apples and peanut butter, my favorite snack
tweeted https://twitter.com/stephcouponsxx/status/817184884859031552
I’d drink it with dessert!
I would enjoy it with cereal 🙂
I would drink a2 Milk with my morning bagel.
I would drink it with a Krispy Kreme donut!
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/817209163063365633
I would drink it with my dessert!
I would enjoy it with my cereal!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/ClairFreebie/status/817210644680372225
I would make hot chocolate with this milk to drink and keep me warm this winter
Tell me, what would you drink a2 Milk® with?
I would drink a2 Milk® with a nude Victoria’s secret angel.
I would use it in pancake mix.
I would drink it with my breakfast.
https://twitter.com/CarlWhiteEntry/status/817221215765090304
Thanks.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/ladyt64/status/817222523427450881
tweeted your giveaway link:) https://twitter.com/jmahurin40/status/817227093813710848
i would have it with choc cookies 😉
I would drink i with some cookies with my nephews.
I would have it on cereal.
I would like 2 try the milk with my rice:) ty 4 the entry in this awesome healthy toasted muesli a2 milk review and giveaway 🙂
I like to mix flavored yogurt into the milk.
I absolutely must, must try this!!!
This muesli recipe sounds fantastic, especially paired with A2 milk! As someone who is mindful of digestive health, I’ve noticed that switching to A2 milk has made a huge difference. The A2 protein seems to be gentler on the stomach compared to traditional milk. I can’t wait to try this toasted muesli recipe with A2 milk for a healthier and lighter breakfast option!
This toasted muesli recipe looks delicious, and pairing it with A2 milk is a great idea! Since I prioritize digestive health, I’ve found that A2 milk can be easier on the stomach compared to regular milk. The A2 protein is known for being more tolerable for those with milk sensitivities. I’m excited to try this recipe with A2 milk for a wholesome and lighter breakfast!