What brands of crispy rice cereal are gluten free?

When shopping for crispy rice cereals, it’s important for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to choose brands that are certified gluten-free. The main ingredient in crispy rice cereals is rice, which is naturally gluten-free. However, cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients can occur during processing and handling if proper precautions are not taken. Thankfully, there are a number of major cereal brands that produce gluten-free crispy rice cereals that are safe for gluten-free diets.

Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereals

Here are some of the most popular crispy rice cereal brands that are certified gluten-free:

• Barbara’s
• Cascadian Farm
• Erewhon
• EnviroKidz
• Kellogg’s Rice Krispies
• Kinnikinnick
• Love Grown
• Nature’s Path
• Three Wishes

When evaluating crispy rice cereals for gluten content, it’s important to check the label for a certified gluten-free symbol from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Celiac Support Association (CSA). Avoid assuming a product is gluten-free based on seeing “gluten-free” on the package – always look for the certification symbol.

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies

One of the most popular crispy rice cereals is Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contains just rice, sugar, salt, and malt flavoring. Versions of Rice Krispies aimed at kids, like Rice Krispies Treats cereal, are also certified gluten-free. Kellogg’s takes steps to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains, so the standard Rice Krispies are labelled “gluten-free” and carry the GFCO certification symbol.

Barbara’s

Barbara’s offers a few different gluten-free crispy rice cereals. Their Puffins Original rice cereal features rice flour, cage-free whole eggs, and evaporated cane juice, and contains 7g protein per serving. Barbara’s also sells Multi-Grain Puffins and Cinnamon Puffins that are gluten- and allergen-free. All Barbara’s cereals are certified gluten-free by the GFCO or CSA.

Nature’s Path

Nature’s Path Organic crispy rice cereals are made with organic rice and sweetened with organic cane sugar. They have versions with additional superfoods added, like cocoa, spirulina, and turmeric. Nature’s Path facilities are gluten-free and their crispy rice cereals are certified gluten-free.

EnviroKidz

EnviroKidz makes gluten-free crispy rice cereals like Choco Chimps with chocolate and Gorilla Munch with banana. They are free of the top 8 allergens, in addition to being gluten-free certified by the CSA. EnviroKidz uses all non-GMO ingredients.

Three Wishes

Three Wishes offers classic crispy rice cereals in flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. They are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan. Three Wishes also makes other ancient grain cereals that are gluten-free like puffed quinoa and amaranth.

Love Grown

Love Grown produces Power O’s made from rice, navy beans, and lentils that provide 7g protein per serving. Their facilities are gluten-free and products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. Love Grown Power O’s come in original, chocolate, strawberry, and honey flavors.

Cascadian Farm

Cascadian Farm Organic crunchy rice cereals include honey, cinnamon, and chocolate flavors made with organic ingredients. They are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. Cascadian Farm is a subsidiary of General Mills, which has dedicated gluten-free facilities.

Kinnikinnick

Canadian brand Kinnikinnick Foods produces gluten-free cereals including puffed rice cereals in chocolate, honey vanilla, and apple cinnamon flavors. They are certified gluten-free by the Celiac Sprue Association. Kinnikinnick avoids cross-contamination using separate equipment and facilities.

Erewhon

Erewhon makes a gluten-free crispy brown rice cereal simply sweetened with evaporated cane juice. They are certified gluten-free by Quality Assurance International. Erewhon uses dedicated equipment for gluten-free production.

What Makes Crispy Rice Cereal Gluten-Free?

Rice is naturally gluten-free, so plain rice cereals avoid the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, cross-contamination can occur if the rice comes into contact with gluten during growing, harvesting, transporting, or manufacturing.

Some ways cereal brands keep their rice cereals gluten-free include:

• Using rice from dedicated gluten-free fields and suppliers
• Processing rice in separate, dedicated gluten-free facilities
• Using sorting machinery to remove stray grains of gluten-containing crops
• Rigorous cleaning of equipment between production runs
• Testing final products to verify gluten levels below set limits

Certifications like the GFCO require gluten testing of final products to contain less than 10ppm of gluten. So certified gluten-free labels offer assurance that the crispy rice cereal has been produced safely.

Benefits of Crispy Rice Cereal

Crispy rice cereal can be a nutritious gluten-free breakfast option providing fiber, vitamins and minerals. Here are some benefits of eating crispy rice cereal:

• Fiber – A 1 cup serving of crispy rice cereal contains about 1 gram of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals – Many crispy rice cereals have vitamins and minerals added like iron, B vitamins, and zinc.
• Low in fat and calories – Crispy rice cereal is very low in fat and a serving is typically 100 calories or less.
• Convenient – It’s an easy breakfast you can quickly prepare by adding milk and topping with fruit or nuts.
• Kid-friendly – The crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor of crispy rice cereal makes it popular with kids.

Look for gluten-free crispy rice cereals made with whole grains and limited added sugars for the most nutrition.

Risks of Cross-Contamination

Despite brand testing and certification, there is always a small risk of gluten cross-contamination when buying processed foods. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing crispy rice cereal:

• Look for cereals specifically labeled “gluten-free” – don’t just assume based on the rice content.
• Check for a certified gluten-free symbol like the GFCO or CSA.
• Look for added steps taken by the brand like gluten-free facilities, equipment, etc.
• Know that the FDA allows products with less than 20ppm gluten to be labeled “gluten-free” – only products certified by GFCO can guarantee less than 10ppm.
• Be aware that facilities making multiple products have a higher cross-contamination risk.
• Consider your individual sensitivity – trace amounts allowed may still cause issues for some.

Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should scrutiny labels closely and opt for cereals made in dedicated or single-use facilities when possible.

Making Crispy Rice Cereal Gluten-Free at Home

It’s also possible to make your own homemade gluten-free crispy rice cereal. This avoids any risk of cross-contamination from manufacturing. Here are some recipes and tips for homemade crispy rice cereal:

Ingredients

• Brown or white rice – use certified gluten-free rice
• Sugar or alternative sweetener like maple syrup or honey
• Butter or oil
• Salt
• Milk, non-dairy milk, or water
• Spices for flavor like cinnamon or vanilla

Process

1. Cook the rice until fluffy and cooled – you want dry, cooked rice.
2. Melt a small amount of butter/oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add rice and toast, stirring frequently until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
4. Add sweetener, salt, spices to taste as it toasts.
5. You can eat the crispy rice cereal dry or with milk poured over like traditional cereal.

Making crispy rice cereal at home takes a bit more effort but gives you control over ingredients and avoids any gluten cross-contamination.

Other Gluten-Free Cereal Options

In addition to crispy rice cereals, there are more gluten-free cereal options than ever before. Here are some other tasty and nutritious gluten-free cereals to try:

Gluten-Free Oats

Look for certified gluten-free oats from brands like GFCO certified Bob’s Red Mill, Glutenfreeda, or King Arthur Baking. Can be used to make granola or oatmeal.

Corn Flake Cereals

Corn flakes like Nature’s Path Organic Corn Flakes are a gluten-free alternative to wheat-based flakes. Top with milk and fruit for breakfast.

Chex Cereals

General Mills Chex cereals made from corn, rice, and other gluten-free grains are labelled gluten-free. Flavors include Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Cinnamon Chex.

Quinoa Cereals

Several brands like Ancient Harvest and Peter Rabbit Organics make gluten-free cereals using protein-rich quinoa.

Buckwheat Cereals

Buckwheat is gluten-free and can be found in crunchy cereals like Praise Grains or as porridge from King Arthur Baking.

Granola

Make sure ingredients are gluten-free. Enjoy with yogurt or milk for breakfast. Brands like EnviroKidz, Nature’s Path, and Nestle’s Pure Life.

Conclusion

Checking labels for “gluten-free” and certification symbols can help identify crispy rice cereals that are safely gluten-free for those with celiac disease or sensitivity. Rice cereals from mainstream brands like Kellogg’s to smaller gluten-free companies can all be good options. Those wishing to avoid any risk of cross-contamination can make homemade crispy rice cereal or explore other diverse gluten-free cereals now available.