Rice Krispies cereal from Kellogg is one of the most iconic and beloved breakfast cereals. With its crispy rice biscuits that snap, crackle and pop when milk is added, Rice Krispies has been a favorite for generations. But for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a key question is: is Rice Krispies gluten-free? Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients and manufacturing process to find out.
The Short Answer
Yes, original Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free to less than 20ppm. This means it contains very low levels of gluten and is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, those with celiac disease should still take care, as cross-contamination is possible during manufacturing. Overall, Rice Krispies can be considered gluten-free.
Ingredients in Rice Krispies
To understand if a food product is gluten-free, we need to analyze the ingredients. Here are the main ingredients in a serving of original Rice Krispies cereal:
- Rice
- Sugar
- Salt
- Malt flavoring
- Iron
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin D
As you can see, the main ingredients are rice, sugar, and salt. There is no wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains. The malt flavoring and vitamins are minor ingredients added in small amounts.
Rice
Rice is naturally gluten-free, so the rice used in Rice Krispies poses no issues for gluten sensitivity.
Sugar
Regular granulated sugar does not contain gluten and is safe for gluten-free diets.
Salt
Salt is inherently gluten-free.
Malt Flavoring
Malt flavoring deserves more discussion. Malt is traditionally made from barley, which contains gluten. However, the type of malt flavoring used in Rice Krispies is made from corn, not barley. Corn malt flavoring contains no gluten and is not a problem.
Vitamins and Minerals
The added vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins are very unlikely to contain gluten. These are highly purified nutrients added in very small amounts.
Certified Gluten-Free
In addition to analyzing the ingredients, Kellogg’s directly states that original Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free. Products certified gluten-free must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This very low level generally does not cause issues for those sensitive to gluten.
To receive gluten-free certification, the cereal goes through extensive testing to verify the gluten levels are under 20 ppm. So there is third-party validation that Rice Krispies contains negligible amounts of gluten.
Manufacturing Process
In addition to ingredients, the manufacturing process is important when assessing if a product is gluten-free. Even if the ingredients are gluten-free, cross-contamination with gluten could occur during manufacturing.
Kellogg’s states that their gluten-free cereals, including Rice Krispies, are produced with protocols to avoid cross-contact with gluten-containing grains. They have specific facilities, equipment and storage areas dedicated to the gluten-free cereals. However, Kellogg’s does admit the possibility of traces of gluten from cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Shared Facilities
Rice Krispies cereal is produced in facilities that also process wheat and gluten-containing ingredients. So there is some risk of cross-contamination, especially for those highly sensitive to gluten exposure.
Dedicated Equipment
While produced in shared facilities, Kellogg states that separate equipment is used for the gluten-free cereals. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned between production runs to minimize cross-contact.
Testing
Extensive testing is done regularly during production to ensure gluten levels remain very low, under 20 ppm. Both ingredients and finished products are tested.
Precautions for Celiacs
Despite being certified gluten-free, some precautions may be needed for those with celiac disease when consuming Rice Krispies:
- There is a slight chance of cross-contamination during production in shared facilities.
- Trace gluten exposure can trigger symptoms in highly sensitive celiacs.
- Consult your doctor before adding Rice Krispies if newly diagnosed or very sensitive.
- Ensure proper management of celiac disease by avoiding other sources of gluten.
- Check for any gluten-free label or certification for reassurance.
While tiny amounts of cross-contamination are possible, Rice Krispies remains an excellent gluten-free cereal choice for most people avoiding gluten. But those with celiac disease should take some extra care and precautions.
Varieties of Rice Krispies
Beyond original Rice Krispies, Kellogg’s also produces several different varieties of Rice Krispies cereal. Here is an overview of some other Rice Krispies offerings and whether they are also gluten-free:
Rice Krispies Treats Cereal
Rice Krispies Treats Cereal contains gluten-free ingredients like rice, marshmallows and sugar. It is labeled as gluten-free.
Cocoa Rice Krispies
Cocoa Rice Krispies contains all the same gluten-free ingredients as original Rice Krispies, with the addition of cocoa processed with alkali. The cocoa powder used is gluten-free. This variety is also certified gluten-free.
Strawberry Rice Krispies
This limited edition flavor contains strawberry flavoring in addition to the original ingredients. The strawberry flavor is gluten-free. Strawberry Rice Krispies is labeled as gluten-free.
Rice Krispies Multi-Grain Shapes
Unlike the other varieties, the Multi-Grain Shapes contain barley and wheat flour. Therefore, they are not gluten-free and contain gluten.
Frosted Rice Krispies
The frosted varieties of Rice Krispies contain gluten-free ingredients, but are not labeled gluten-free. Frosted flakes may have a higher risk of cross-contamination during processing on shared lines.
Rice Krispies Gluten-Free Status in Other Countries
While original Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free in the United States, their gluten-free status can vary in other countries:
Canada
Rice Krispies sold in Canada are labeled gluten-free to less than 20 ppm.
United Kingdom
Standard Rice Krispies sold in the UK are not labeled gluten-free. However, Kellogg’s does offer a gluten-free version called “Rice Krispies Gluten Free” that is made in a dedicated facility.
Australia
Australian Rice Krispies have a “May be present: Gluten” label. They warn that while gluten-free ingredients are used, cross-contamination may occur.
European Union
EU regulations require foods labeled “gluten-free” to have less than 20ppm of gluten. Rice Krispies sold in EU countries like France, Germany and Spain do not carry a gluten-free label.
So in summary, Rice Krispies are consistently certified gluten-free in the U.S. and Canada, but not in some other countries. Check the packaging for any gluten-free labeling when purchasing outside the U.S.
Should You Eat Rice Krispies on a Gluten-Free Diet?
So should you include Rice Krispies cereal in your gluten-free diet? Here are some key takeaways:
- Original Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free to less than 20ppm in the U.S. and Canada.
- The ingredients are gluten-free, but minor cross-contamination is possible during manufacturing.
- Rice Krispies should be safe for most people avoiding gluten or with minor gluten sensitivity.
- Those with celiac disease should take some extra precautions.
- Consult your doctor if newly diagnosed or highly sensitive to gluten exposure.
- Carefully check labels of flavored varieties for gluten-free status.
Overall, Rice Krispies cereal can be part of a gluten-free diet, especially for those not highly sensitive. But some care and precautions may be needed for celiacs. Proper gluten management with other foods remains important for celiac disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rice gluten-free?
Yes, rice is inherently gluten-free. Since Rice Krispies cereal is made from rice, the main ingredient poses no issues.
Why is malt flavoring gluten-free in Rice Krispies?
Traditional barley malt contains gluten. But the malt flavoring used in Rice Krispies is made from corn, not barley. Corn malt provides the flavor while being 100% gluten-free.
Does Kellogg’s make any cereals with gluten?
Yes, Kellogg’s produces many cereals that contain gluten from wheat, barley or rye. Examples include Froot Loops, Frosted Mini-Wheats, Krave and Nutri-Grain bars.
Is cross-contamination possible in Rice Krispies?
Yes, although facilities and equipment are thoroughly cleaned, there is a slight chance of cross-contamination with gluten during manufacturing. Kellogg’s acknowledges this possibility.
Is Rice Krispies safe for people with wheat allergy?
Those with a wheat allergy should avoid Rice Krispies due to the minor risk of wheat cross-contamination. People with celiac disease are able to tolerate small trace amounts of gluten more safely than those with a true wheat allergy.
The Bottom Line
Rice Krispies remains a classic crispy, crunchy cereal that most people on a gluten-free diet can safely enjoy. For the majority avoiding gluten, Rice Krispies should pose no issues when managed as part of an overall gluten-free lifestyle. However, some care and consultation with a doctor is advised for celiacs or the highly sensitive before adding Rice Krispies cereal to the diet.