For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding truly gluten-free foods can be a challenge. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, causes an autoimmune reaction in those with celiac disease that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those sensitive to it. Many mainstream cereals contain gluten, so checking labels carefully is a must.
Fortunately, Trader Joe’s offers a variety of high-quality gluten-free cereals to choose from. Whether you prefer rice, corn, Ancient grains or puffed varieties, they have options to suit different tastes and nutritional needs. Here’s an overview of the gluten-free cereal offerings available at Trader Joe’s:
Gluten-Free Rice Cereals
Rice is naturally gluten-free, so rice cereals are a safe bet for those avoiding gluten. Here are some of the rice-based cereals at Trader Joe’s:
- Brown Rice Crisps Cereal
- Organic Brown Rice Crisps Cereal
- Rice Chex-style Cereal
- Organic Rice Chex-style Cereal
- Organic Rice Flakes Cereal
- Puffed Rice Cereal
The brown rice and rice flakes varieties contain whole grains and are higher in fiber. The puffed rice and Rice Chex-style versions offer lighter textures.
Gluten-Free Corn Cereals
Corn is another naturally gluten-free grain. Here are the corn-based cereals available at Trader Joe’s:
- Corn Flakes Cereal
- Organic Corn Flakes Cereal
- Crispy Corn Puffs Cereal
- Organic Crispy Corn Puffs Cereal
The corn flake cereals offer classic corn flake texture and flavor. The puffed corn cereals are crisp, airy and slightly sweetened.
Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Cereals
Ancient grains like quinoa, amaranth, millet and sorghum are having a rediscovery, and they are gluten-free. Trader Joe’s has started offering cereals featuring these heirloom grains:
- Multigrain Flakes Cereal with Quinoa
- Multigrain Flakes Cereal with Amaranth
- Multigrain Flakes Cereal with Sorghum
- Puffed Millet Cereal
These ancient grain cereals provide a broader nutrient profile with their unique blend of proteins, fats, carbs and fiber. Their flavors are nutty, earthy and intriguing.
Other Gluten-Free Cereal Options
Along with traditional cereal bases like rice and corn, Trader Joe’s also offers these additional gluten-free cereals:
- O’s Cereal
- Organic O’s Cereal
- Maple O’s Cereal
- Organic Multigrain Os Cereal
- Organic Quinoa Cereal
- Crunchy Maple-Brown Sugar Corn Puffs Cereal
The O’s cereals are made from a blend of gluten-free flours like rice, tapioca and buckwheat. They offer an O-shaped cereal experience like Cheerios. The multigrain version adds in gluten-free grains like millet, quinoa and amaranth. The crunchy puffed corn cereal is topped with maple syrup and brown sugar for sweetness.
Key Things to Know
Here are some key pointers for selecting gluten-free cereal at Trader Joe’s:
- Stick to the rice, corn, and certified gluten-free oat cereals.
- Avoid any cereals listing wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients.
- Look for the gluten-free certification symbol on packaging.
- Shop the dedicated gluten-free section for assured options.
- Certain flavors like Maple Nut O’s may contain gluten.
- Ingredients can change, so check labels each time.
The delicious gluten-free cereals at Trader Joe’s make it easy to enjoy a classic breakfast staple while adhering to your dietary needs. With nutritious options like puffed millet and multigrain ancient grain flakes, you can start your day off right.
Table Comparing Nutrition Facts of Select Gluten-Free Cereals
| Cereal | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Rice Crisps | 120 | 0.5g | 23g | 2g | 1g |
| Puffed Rice | 110 | 0g | 23g | 2g | 1g |
| Corn Flakes | 100 | 0g | 24g | 2g | 1g |
| Crispy Corn Puffs | 110 | 0g | 24g | 1g | 1g |
| Multigrain Flakes with Quinoa | 110 | 2g | 22g | 3g | 2g |
| Puffed Millet | 110 | 1g | 23g | 3g | 2g |
Tips for Preparing and Serving
Once you’ve selected your favorites, here are some tips for preparing and serving your gluten-free Trader Joe’s cereal:
- Use fresh containers and serving utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
- Store cereals in airtight containers after opening.
- Add your favorite non-dairy or lactose-free milk.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts or gluten-free granola.
- Stir in yogurt or nut butter for extra protein.
- Pair cereal with eggs or meat for a balanced breakfast.
- Use as a crunchy topping on salads or gluten-free oatmeal.
- For dessert, mix cereal into non-dairy ice-cream.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s offers a wide selection of gluten-free cereals made from wholesome ingredients. Their rice, corn, and ancient grain cereals provide crunchy textures and well-balanced nutrition. Just remember to double check labels for gluten-containing ingredients each time you shop. With so many options to choose from, you can enjoy starting your day with a satisfying gluten-free cereal.