Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies gluten-free?
No, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are not gluten-free in the United States and most other countries. Despite being made primarily from rice, these popular cereals contain malt flavoring derived from barley, which contains gluten.
What makes Rice Krispies not gluten-free?
The culprit in Rice Krispies is malt flavoring. But what exactly is malt?
Malt is made by soaking and germinating barley grains, then drying them. This process creates a sweet, nutty flavor that gives Rice Krispies their distinctive taste. Since barley contains gluten proteins, any product with malt flavoring is not safe for people who need to avoid gluten.
This applies to all varieties of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, including:
- Original Rice Krispies
- Cocoa Krispies
- Frosted Krispies
- Rice Krispies Treats Cereal
How much gluten is in Rice Krispies?
While Kellogg’s doesn’t publish the exact gluten content of Rice Krispies, any product containing malt from barley typically contains enough gluten to cause reactions in sensitive individuals. For context, foods must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labeled “gluten-free” according to FDA regulations. Rice Krispies exceed this threshold due to the malt flavoring.
Understanding gluten and why it matters
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, it’s harmless. But for those with certain conditions, it can cause serious health problems:
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where gluten consumption damages the small intestine
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Causes symptoms similar to celiac disease without intestinal damage
- Wheat Allergy: An immune system reaction to proteins found in wheat
For people with these conditions, even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms ranging from digestive issues to fatigue and brain fog.
Symptoms of gluten exposure
Understanding what happens when you consume gluten can help you identify if you’ve accidentally eaten something containing gluten, like Rice Krispies.
Celiac disease symptoms
Symptoms can appear within hours or days and may include:
- Digestive issues: diarrhea, bloating, gas, abdominal pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches or “brain fog”
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Joint pain
- Anemia
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity symptoms
Symptoms typically appear within hours and may include:
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Change in bowel habits
- Joint or muscle pain
- Mood changes
Wheat allergy symptoms
Symptoms usually appear quickly (minutes to hours) and may include:
- Swelling or itching of mouth or throat
- Hives or skin rash
- Nasal congestion
- Digestive issues
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
The history of gluten-free Rice Krispies
Interestingly, Kellogg’s did briefly produce a gluten-free version of Rice Krispies in the United States. From 2011 to 2015, Kellogg’s offered a gluten-free Rice Krispies option that used brown rice instead of white rice and replaced the malt flavoring with a gluten-free sweetener.
However, Kellogg’s discontinued this product line in 2015, citing poor sales. Currently, there are no plans to bring back gluten-free Rice Krispies to the market.
Why did Kellogg’s discontinue gluten-free Rice Krispies?
Kellogg’s faced several challenges with their gluten-free Rice Krispies:
- Higher production costs led to higher consumer prices
- Different taste profile compared to original Rice Krispies
- Limited availability in stores
- Competition from other gluten-free cereals with established markets
How to read cereal labels for gluten
When checking if a cereal is gluten-free, look for these common ingredients that contain gluten:
- Wheat (including durum, semolina, farina)
- Barley (including malt, malt extract, malt flavoring)
- Rye
- Triticale
- Oats (unless specified as gluten-free)
On a Rice Krispies box, the ingredients list clearly shows “malt flavor,” which confirms it’s not gluten-free.
Many people don’t realize that “malt” always comes from barley unless specifically stated otherwise. This makes it an easy ingredient to miss if you’re new to gluten-free living.
Understanding food labels and gluten claims
| Label Term | What It Means | Safe for Celiac? |
|---|---|---|
| “Gluten-Free” | Contains less than 20 ppm of gluten | Yes |
| “No Gluten Ingredients” | No obvious gluten ingredients but potential cross-contamination | Maybe |
| “Wheat-Free” | No wheat, but may contain barley or rye | No |
| “Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients” | Individual ingredients are gluten-free, but final product may have cross-contamination | Maybe |
| “Certified Gluten-Free” | Third-party verified to contain less than specified ppm of gluten | Yes |
Using technology to identify gluten-free products
Several smartphone apps can help you identify gluten-free products while shopping:
- Find Me Gluten Free
- The Gluten Free Scanner
- ShopWell
- Spoonful
These apps let you scan product barcodes to quickly determine if items are gluten-free, saving you time reading labels.
Gluten-free alternatives to Rice Krispies
If you love the crispy rice texture but need to avoid gluten, don’t worry. Several brands offer certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals:
Why “certified gluten-free” matters
Before we list alternatives, it’s important to understand the difference between products labeled “gluten-free” and those that are “certified gluten-free.”
A certified gluten-free product has been tested and verified by a third-party organization to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This certification helps ensure the product is truly safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-free certification standards
| Certification Body | PPM Standard | Testing Method | Recognition | Focus Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GFCO (USA) | <10 ppm | ELISA | High | North America |
| CSA (USA) | <5 ppm | ELISA | Medium | USA |
| AOECS (Europe) | <20 ppm | ELISA | High | Europe |
| Coeliac UK | <20 ppm | ELISA | High | UK |
| Canadian Celiac | <20 ppm | ELISA | High | Canada |
Top gluten-free crispy rice cereal options
- Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice Cereal
- Made with organic brown rice
- Certified gluten-free
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Widely available in natural food stores and many supermarkets
- Barbara’s Brown Rice Crisps
- Made with whole grain brown rice
- Certified gluten-free
- Lower in sugar than many alternatives
- Available in natural food stores and online
- One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps
- Made with sprouted brown rice
- Certified organic and gluten-free
- Contains only three ingredients
- Usually found in health food stores
- Store Brands
- Many stores like Aldi, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s offer their own gluten-free crispy rice cereals
- Check for certified gluten-free labeling
Nutritional comparison: Rice Krispies vs. gluten-free alternatives
When switching to gluten-free alternatives, it’s helpful to understand how they compare nutritionally:
| Nutrient (per 1 cup serving) | Kellogg’s Rice Krispies | Nature’s Path GF | Barbara’s GF | One Degree GF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 110 | 120 | 110 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 29 | 26 | 27 | 25 |
| Sugars (g) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Fiber (g) | <1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Protein (g) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Fat (g) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 190 | 95 | 110 | 90 |
| Fortified with vitamins? | Yes | Yes | Partial | No |
Pricing & availability guide for gluten-free rice cereals
Finding and budgeting for gluten-free alternatives is easier with this guide:
| Brand | Avg Price (10oz) | Online Availability | Store Availability | Bulk Option? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Path | $4.99-5.99 | Amazon, Thrive Market | Whole Foods, Target | Yes (25% savings) |
| Barbara’s | $3.99-4.99 | Amazon, Vitacost | Sprouts, Natural Grocers | No |
| One Degree | $5.99-6.99 | Amazon, Direct | Whole Foods, Co-ops | Yes (20% savings) |
| Store Brands | $2.99-3.99 | Walmart.com | Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Walmart | Sometimes |
Comparison of gluten-free rice crispy cereals
| Feature | Nature’s Path | Barbara’s | One Degree | Store Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Organic brown rice | Brown rice | Sprouted brown rice | Varies |
| Certified GF? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Availability | Widely available | Moderate | Limited | Varies by store |
| Taste/Texture | Similar to original, slightly nuttier | Less sweet, hearty | Subtle sweetness, extra crispy | Varies |
| Price Point | Higher | Moderate | Higher | Most affordable |
| Organic Status | Yes | No | Yes | Rarely |
| Ingredients List Length | Medium (7-9) | Short (5-7) | Very Short (3-5) | Varies |
| Added Sugar | Low | Very Low | None | Varies |
What about Rice Krispies Treats?
Just like the cereal, pre-packaged Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats also contain malt flavoring, making them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free rice crispy treat alternatives
You can find pre-made gluten-free crispy rice treats from brands like:
- Enjoy Life Foods Crispy Rice Treats
- MadeGood Crispy Squares
- Annie’s Organic Rice Crispy Treats (gluten-free varieties)
Always check packaging for the certified gluten-free symbol to be sure.
Cross-contamination risks in manufacturing
When choosing packaged gluten-free treats, be aware of manufacturing processes:
- Dedicated Facilities: Some products are made in facilities that only process gluten-free foods, providing the lowest risk of cross-contamination
- Shared Equipment: Some manufacturers clean equipment between gluten and gluten-free production runs
- Shared Facilities: Some gluten-free products are made in the same facility as gluten-containing products, but on separate equipment
Questions to ask manufacturers:
- Is your product made in a dedicated gluten-free facility?
- If not, what measures do you take to prevent cross-contamination?
- Do you test each batch for gluten content?
- What is your ppm threshold for gluten-free claims?
Make your own gluten-free crispy rice treats
Making homemade gluten-free crispy rice treats is simple, affordable, and lets you control the ingredients.
Simple gluten-free crispy rice treats recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal
- 4 tablespoons butter or dairy-free alternative
- 1 10-oz package of marshmallows (most major brands are gluten-free, but check labels)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (check for gluten-free certification)
Instructions:
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or grease it well
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
- Add crispy rice cereal and mix until coated
- Press mixture into prepared pan
- Let cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares
Tips for truly gluten-free treats:
- Check that your vanilla extract is gluten-free (most are, but some cheaper brands may contain gluten)
- Use a clean mixing bowl and utensils to avoid cross-contamination
- Look for marshmallows specifically labeled gluten-free, such as Kraft Jet-Puffed or Dandies
Gluten-free crispy rice treat variations
Want to change up your gluten-free treats? Try these tasty variations:
| Recipe Variation | Key Ingredients | Special Notes | Allergens | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | GF rice cereal, marshmallows, butter | Most traditional taste | Dairy | 10 min |
| Chocolate | + cocoa powder, chocolate chips | Rich flavor | Dairy, possible soy | 15 min |
| Peanut Butter | + natural peanut butter | Protein boost | Peanuts, dairy | 12 min |
| Vegan | Dandies marshmallows, coconut oil | Plant-based | None | 15 min |
| Birthday Cake | + vanilla, sprinkles | Festive option | Dairy, possible soy | 15 min |
| Brown Butter | Brown the butter first | Nutty flavor | Dairy | 15 min |
| Fruity | + freeze-dried fruit powder | Color and flavor boost | Varies | 12 min |
| Pumpkin Spice | + pumpkin pie spice, white chocolate | Fall favorite | Dairy | 15 min |
Why homemade is often better
Making your own gluten-free crispy rice treats offers several advantages:
- Complete control over ingredients
- Fresher taste
- Cost savings (about 60% cheaper per serving)
- Ability to customize flavors
- Confidence in gluten-free status
- Avoidance of preservatives
Beyond cereal: Other gluten-free breakfast options
If you’re looking for other gluten-free breakfast options beyond crispy rice cereals, try:
- Certified gluten-free oatmeal
- Cornflakes labeled gluten-free
- Quinoa-based breakfast cereals
- Buckwheat porridge (despite the name, buckwheat is gluten-free)
- Amaranth and millet hot cereals
- Gluten-free granola with yogurt
Comparing gluten-free breakfast cereals
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice-Based | Light texture, mild flavor | Often lower in fiber | Those who prefer lighter cereals |
| Corn-Based | Widely available, affordable | Higher glycemic index | Budget-conscious shoppers |
| Oat-Based | High fiber, hearty | Must be certified GF due to cross-contamination risk | Those seeking more fiber |
| Quinoa-Based | Protein-rich, nutrient-dense | Often more expensive | Those seeking protein boost |
| Multi-Grain GF | Balanced nutrition, interesting texture | Can have stronger flavors | Nutrition-focused individuals |
Conclusion
While Kellogg’s Rice Krispies aren’t gluten-free, plenty of tasty alternatives exist. With certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals and easy homemade treat recipes, you can still enjoy that familiar snap, crackle, and pop without the gluten.
Remember to always check labels, look for certified gluten-free products, and stay informed about ingredients that might contain hidden
Key takeaways
- Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring from barley, making them unsafe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
- Kellogg’s briefly made gluten-free Rice Krispies (2011-2015) but discontinued them
- Several certified gluten-free alternatives exist from brands like Nature’s Path and Barbara’s
- You can make gluten-free crispy rice treats using these alternatives
- Always check for “certified gluten-free” labels, not just “gluten-free” claims
FAQs
Are Rice Krispies gluten-free in other countries?
No, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring derived from barley in most countries. Formulations can vary slightly by region, but the presence of malt makes traditional Rice Krispies not gluten-free worldwide.
Can I just pick out the malt flavoring?
No. The malt flavoring is fully integrated into the cereal during manufacturing. It’s not a separate ingredient you can see or remove.
What happens if someone with celiac disease eats Rice Krispies?
Reactions vary by person. Some may experience immediate symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea. Others might have delayed reactions including fatigue, headaches, or skin issues. Repeated gluten exposure can cause intestinal damage in people with celiac disease, even without obvious symptoms.
Are Rice Krispies Treats made with the cereal gluten-free?
No. If you make Rice Krispies Treats with regular Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, they will contain gluten from the malt flavoring in the cereal. You must use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal alternative to make gluten-free treats.
Are chocolate Rice Krispies gluten-free?
No. Chocolate Rice Krispies (Cocoa Krispies) also contain malt flavoring from barley and are not gluten-free.
Are all rice cereals gluten-free?
Not all rice cereals are gluten-free. Always check ingredients for malt flavoring, barley, wheat, or other gluten-containing ingredients, and look for certified gluten-free labeling.
Is there a difference between “wheat-free” and “gluten-free”?
Yes. “Wheat-free” products might still contain barley or rye, which both contain gluten. Rice Krispies are wheat-free but not gluten-free due to the barley malt.
Where can I find more information on gluten-free diets?
For reliable information on gluten-free diets, check resources from:
- Celiac Disease Foundation
- Beyond Celiac
- American Celiac Disease Alliance
- Your healthcare provider or dietitian