Written by C. Yao

After a New England summer spent chomping on freshly baked granola bars, Michele Tsucalas returned to Maryland and came to a terrible realization: she could not find any decent granola. So, she decided to try to make her own. In 2006, Tsucalas founded Michele’s Granola, based in Timonium. The granola is handmade in small batches from scratch. When you buy Michele’s granola you know it is fresh baked!

Michele’s Granola is something you can feel good about eating! It is 70% organic and uses local ingredients when possible. All granolas are gluten and dairy free, and most are vegan. Tsucalas wants her customers to eat something that is healthy and nutritious, but still tastes good!

Michele’s Granola is also Green! The bakery where the granola is made runs on wind power, certified by Green-e. Green-e is the most rigorous certification of renewable energy! Michele’s also recycles or composts 80% of its production materials and composts 100% of its food waste. The granola’s packaging is 100% recyclable, and the packing peanuts are biodegradable.

If all that goodness isn’t enough, Michele’s Granola also created a foundation called Give One for Good Food. 1% of proceeds from sales goes to organizations supporting a healthier and more equitable food system. Michele’s has donated $200,000 dollars so far, as well as employer-paid volunteer time. In 2017, Michele opened Give One for Good Food to other companies and organizations that want to make a difference.

Michele’s Granola can be found in both the bulk and dry goods sections of the Co-Op. The Original flavor is in the bulk section, and there are often individual packages of the Almond Butter, Original, and Lemon Pistachio. Michele’s seasonal Pumpkin Spice has been seen on the Co-Op shelves as of late! The pecans with hints of cinnamon will delight your taste buds and make you really appreciate the wonderful season of fall!