Cereal is a breakfast staple for many people. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity have to be careful about which cereals they choose, as many popular kinds contain gluten. Frosted Flakes is one of the most well-known cereal brands, but not all of their cereals are gluten-free. This article will examine which Frosted Flakes cereals do not contain gluten, making them safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
What is gluten and why must some people avoid it?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It helps give elasticity and shape to dough, which is why it is found in so many bread and baked products.
For most people, gluten does not cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue and more in gluten-sensitive individuals. The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly following a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Since gluten is found in many popular grains, following a gluten-free diet can be challenging. It requires carefully checking labels and avoiding most breads, baked goods, pasta, cereals, etc. Finding gluten-free cereal options is important for breakfast. Let’s look at which Frosted Flakes cereals are gluten-free.
Overview of Frosted Flakes Cereals
The original Frosted Flakes cereal contains wheat as an ingredient and is therefore not gluten-free. However, Kellogg’s has developed some gluten-free versions of Frosted Flakes made with grains like rice, quinoa and corn instead of wheat.
Here is an overview of Frosted Flakes cereal varieties and their gluten-free status:
Original Frosted Flakes
– Contains wheat as an ingredient
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes Gluten Free
– Made with corn, rice and sorghum
– Certified gluten-free
Eat Better Frosted Flakes
– Contains wheat as an ingredient
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes Chocolate
– Contains barley malt as an ingredient
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes Birthday Cake
– Contains wheat and barley malt as ingredients
– Not gluten-free
Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Chocolate and Strawberry
– Contains wheat and barley malt as ingredients
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes Cinnamon French Toast
– Contains wheat as an ingredient
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes Maple Brown Sugar
– Contains wheat and barley malt as ingredients
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes Marshmallow
– Contains wheat as an ingredient
– Not gluten-free
Frosted Flakes OREO Cookies & Creme
– Contains wheat and barley malt as ingredients
– Not gluten-free
So out of all the Frosted Flakes varieties, only the plain Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is certified gluten-free. All other Frosted Flakes contain gluten from wheat, barley malt or both.
Ingredients in Frosted Flakes Gluten Free
Since Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is the only gluten-free option, let’s take a closer look at its ingredients:
– Corn meal
– Rice flour
– Cane sugar
– Sorghum flour
– Corn syrup
– Salt
– Tripotassium phosphate
– Natural flavor
– Caramel color
– Vitamin E acetate
– Niacinamide
– Pyridoxine hydrochloride
– Riboflavin
– Folic acid
– Vitamin B12
– Vitamin D3
The main gluten-free grains used are corn meal, rice flour and sorghum flour. It gets its sweetness from cane sugar and corn syrup. Natural flavors and spices like salt are added for taste. The vitamins and minerals enrich the nutritional profile.
Importantly, this cereal does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or triticale ingredients. It is tested to have less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This very low level ensures the cereal is safe for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
Nutrition Facts for Frosted Flakes Gluten Free
Here is the nutrition facts chart for a 1 cup serving of Frosted Flakes Gluten Free cereal:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Frosted Flakes Gluten Free provides 160 calories per serving, with 0 g fat, 290 mg sodium, 39 g carbs, 12 g sugar, and 2 g protein. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals, including 25% DV iron and 10% DV calcium.
Overall, the nutritional profile is similar to original Frosted Flakes, aside from some variations in vitamins added. It provides a decent source of carbohydrates and iron. The sugar content is comparable to regular Frosted Flakes as well.
Where to Buy Frosted Flakes Gluten Free
Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is available at many major grocery stores that carry gluten-free specialty products. Some locations where you can find Frosted Flakes Gluten Free cereal include:
– Walmart
– Target
– Kroger
– Publix
– Safeway
– Wegmans
– Stop & Shop
– ShopRite
– Amazon
Be sure to check the label and verify it is the gluten-free Frosted Flakes variety made with corn, rice and sorghum. It should be clearly marked as “gluten-free” on the packaging. The cereal typically comes in a 14.5 oz box.
You can search the gluten-free cereal sections or aisles, as well as check in the health food section. If your local grocery store does not carry it, you can order it online from retailers like Amazon.
Cost of Frosted Flakes Gluten Free Cereal
Frosted Flakes Gluten Free generally costs between $3.50-$5.50 for a 14.5 oz box. Here are some average prices:
– Walmart: $3.98
– Target: $3.69
– Kroger: $5.49
– Safeway: $4.99
– Amazon: $17.01 for 3 boxes
The gluten-free cereal is more expensive than regular Frosted Flakes, which cost about $2.50-$3 per box. However, Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is very competitively priced compared to other gluten-free cereals, which can cost $5-$8 per box.
You can sometimes find it on sale or coupons online to help save on the cost. Overall, it is one of the more budget-friendly gluten-free cereal options.
Reviews of Frosted Flakes Gluten Free
Most reviews of Frosted Flakes Gluten Free are positive. Here are some common pros and cons mentioned:
Pros
– Very similar taste and texture to original Frosted Flakes
– Kids enjoy the sweet flavor
– Crunchy flakes that don’t get soggy easily
– Does not crumble apart and make a mess
– No aftertaste or grittiness from gluten-free grains
– One of the better gluten-free kids cereal options
– Clear gluten-free labeling makes it easy to buy
– Comparatively priced to regular name brand cereals
Cons
– Higher in sugar like regular Frosted Flakes
– Could have more protein
– Occasional quality issues with stale or unfilled boxes
– Difficult to find in some stores compared to regular cereal
Overall, most gluten-free consumers are thrilled to have a version of classic Frosted Flakes they can safely eat. Many say it tastes nearly identical to the original, making it a great option for kids. The price is also more reasonable than many gluten-free brands.
Should You Try Frosted Flakes Gluten Free?
Frosted Flakes Gluten Free offers a way for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance to enjoy a classic cereal. The pros make it worth trying, especially if you or your family miss eating regular Frosted Flakes.
Reasons to give it a try:
– It’s one of the few gluten-free versions of popular kid cereals
– Provides a similar sweet, crunchy corn flake taste
– Made with gluten-free whole grains
– Contains added vitamins and minerals
– Comparable nutrition profile to regular Frosted Flakes
– Familiar brand name and packaging
– Fairly affordable price point for being gluten-free
The main drawback is the higher sugar content, but it’s no worse than regular Frosted Flakes. As long as you watch portions, Frosted Flakes Gluten Free can be part of a balanced gluten-free diet. Kids especially will likely love being able to eat a version of their favorite cereal.
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Frosted Flakes
While Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is the only certified gluten-free option made by Kellogg’s, there are some other similar gluten-free cereals to consider trying. Here are a few good alternatives:
EnviroKidz Gorilla Munch
– Made with corn, rice and quinoa
– Fruit flavored rings or cocoa balls
– 9g sugar per serving
Three Wishes Rice Flakes
– Rice cereal flakes with frosted coating
– Comes in flavors like cinnamon, cocoa, maple brown sugar
– 12g sugar per serving
Julia’s Crunch Cocoa Rice Crispy Flakes
– Gluten-free crispy rice cereal
– 7g sugar per serving
Kinnikinnick Foods Frosted Flakes
– Sorghum-based frosted flakes
– 9g sugar per serving
These all provide a similar sweet, crispy frosted flake experience. The sugar content is also more comparable to regular Frosted Flakes versus being lower. They can be another option to add variety in your gluten-free cereal rotation.
Making a Gluten-Free Frosted Flakes Mix
If you want an easy homemade version, you can mix up your own gluten-free Frosted Flakes cereal too.
Here is an example recipe:
Ingredients
– 4 cups corn flakes
– 1 cup rice cereal
– 1⁄4 cup white sugar
– 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
– 1⁄4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine corn flakes, rice cereal, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir to evenly coat cereals with sugar and spices.
2. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 300°F for 10 minutes, stirring once.
3. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
This gives you a frosted flake-style cereal from mixing corn flakes, rice cereal and seasoning. You can control the ingredients to be gluten-free and lower in sugar than commercial brands. Feel free to experiment with adding nuts, dried fruit or other gluten-free grains too!
Conclusion
When you need a gluten-free version of a classic cereal, Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is a good option. It closely mimics the sweet taste and crispy texture of original Frosted Flakes, without any gluten. The ingredient list contains gluten-free whole grains like rice, sorghum and corn instead of wheat.
Frosted Flakes Gluten Free is certified to contain less than 20ppm of gluten. This makes it safe for those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. It’s made by a reputable brand and widely available at major grocery retailers. The price point is also more reasonable than many other gluten-free cereals.
Overall, Frosted Flakes Gluten Free offers a tasty way to get your gluten-free cereal fix. Both kids and adults who miss regular Frosted Flakes will likely enjoy this version. Be sure to check your local store’s gluten-free sections or order online if you want to give it a try. It provides a satisfying option for breakfast or a gluten-free treat any time of day.
