A Costco Customer Noticed An Unfortunate Recipe Change To A Fall Favorite

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Costco members are a passionate bunch, and many openly heap praise on products they love. They also speak their minds when an item fails to meet expectations or undergoes an unwanted change. That's precisely what happened when a customer noticed a frustrating ingredient update involving a popular fall product sold at the chain. As the shopper said in an online review, "Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Seed Flax Granola used to have only 1.5g saturated fat per serving. This new recipe is 6g saturated fat per serving (same size serving – 55g)."

The reviewer linked the increase to the addition of coconut oil, which is new to the granola according to the label. "This has been my go-to granola for many years. Unfortunately, not any more," the person lamented. Moreover, they cited concerns about elevated LDL cholesterol and saturated fats.

Folks familiar with Nature's Path Organic may know that the popular granola brand sells a series of cereals and snacks online. However, you might not spot this updated offering on the official company site. Interestingly enough, the original product formulation is still available as of this writing. That version does not say "Now baked with coconut oil" like it does on the one sold at Costco.

The best diets feature a balance of nutritious foods with a little wiggle room for your favorite indulgences. While saturated fats can raise LDL cholesterol and increase heart disease risk, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are an important part of a wholesome diet (and here are some fatty foods to eat and some to avoid). With coconut oil, you get a good source of antioxidants and certain anti-bacterial effects. However, its high concentration of saturated fat makes coconut oil problematic for people concerned about their cholesterol or those with existing arterial plaque. 

If you fall into that health category, this autumn-themed granola might not be the best product. Kirkland Signature Organic Ancient Grain Granola is a better alternative, as it has just 1.5 grams of saturated fat per serving. While it does offer the same flavor profile as the Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Seed Flax Granola, it was dubbed "The most delicious breakfast cereal I have ever eaten" in a review on the Costco website.