Rice Krispies are a popular breakfast cereal made by Kellogg’s. The original Rice Krispies cereal is gluten free, meaning it does not contain any wheat, barley, or rye. This makes Rice Krispies a good cereal choice for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who need to follow a gluten-free diet. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different varieties of Rice Krispies and identify which ones are gluten free.
Are original Rice Krispies gluten free?
Yes, the original Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten free. Rice Krispies contain just three main ingredients – rice, sugar, and salt. None of these ingredients contain gluten. So the original Rice Krispies are naturally gluten free.
Rice Krispies have been around since 1928 when Kellogg’s first introduced them. The cereal consists of crispy rice cereal that cracks and pops when milk is added, creating the famous “Snap, Crackle, Pop” sounds. While the recipe has remained mostly the same over the years, Kellogg’s has ensured that Rice Krispies continue to be gluten free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Kellogg’s states that Rice Krispies contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is well below the FDA guideline of less than 20 ppm for foods to be labeled as gluten free. So you can rest assured that original Rice Krispies are a gluten free cereal option.
Are other Rice Krispies varieties gluten free?
Most other varieties of Rice Krispies are also gluten free. However, there are a few exceptions that contain gluten ingredients:
- Rice Krispies Treats Cereal – contains barley malt extract
- Rice Krispies Treats Squares Cereal – contains barley malt extract
- Instant Raisin Rice Krispies – contains barley malt extract and wheat starch
- Instant Strawberry Rice Krispies – contains barley malt extract and wheat starch
So double check the ingredients list if purchasing any flavored or instant varieties of Rice Krispies, as some may contain gluten. But the original Rice Krispies recipe remains gluten free.
Why are Rice Krispies gluten free?
Rice Krispies are gluten free because they are primarily made from rice. Rice is a naturally gluten free grain that does not contain the proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye that trigger gluten reactions.
Here are a few key reasons why Rice Krispies are gluten free:
- Made with rice – Rice does not contain gluten proteins.
- No wheat – Rice Krispies do not contain any wheat or wheat derivatives.
- No barley or rye – The cereal also does not contain glutenous grains barley or rye.
- No malt – Rice Krispies do not use malt extract or malt flavoring made from barley.
- Tested for safety – Kellogg’s tests Rice Krispies to confirm gluten levels are under 20ppm.
So by using rice as the main ingredient instead of wheat, and avoiding the addition of other gluten sources like barley, Kellogg’s has developed an original Rice Krispies recipe that is certified gluten free and safe for gluten free diets.
Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies gluten free in other countries?
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are gluten free in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other countries around the world. However, recipes and formulations can sometimes vary between countries.
For example, Kellogg’s indicates on its Australian website that Rice Krispies sold there contain barley malt extract. So the Australian formulation is not gluten free.
If you are located outside of North America, be sure to check the ingredients list on packaging in your country specifically. Do not assume Rice Krispies are gluten free globally. The recipe used in your country may differ and include gluten.
A few tips when traveling or importing Rice Krispies internationally:
- Check for a “gluten free” label on packaging in your country.
- Read the ingredients list – should only list rice, sugar, salt.
- Look for a certification symbol from local celiac or gluten intolerance associations.
- Contact Kellogg’s customer service in your country to confirm if Rice Krispies are gluten free where you live.
With these steps, you can determine if Rice Krispies cereal sold in your region contains gluten or if it follows the gluten free recipe used in North America.
What about off-brand rice cereals?
When it comes to store brand or generic rice cereals, you also need to scrutinize the ingredients list and labels for any indication of gluten sources like wheat, barley or rye.
Just because a rice cereal is not made by Kellogg’s does not mean it is automatically gluten free. The store brand could potentially use wheat or barley derivatives, starches or flavorings that contain gluten.
Check that the off-brand rice cereal only contains rice, sugar and salt. If you see any suspicious ingredients like malt, wheat starch, barley malt extract, etc. then steer clear. The product may contain traces of gluten.
Your safest bet is to look for a certified gluten free label from a group like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), Celiac Support Association (CSA) or Coeliac UK. This independent certification will ensure the off-brand cereal is gluten free and not just assumed to be.
Are Rice Krispies Multi-Grain gluten free?
No, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Multi-Grain cereal contains gluten and is not safe for a gluten free diet.
The Multi-Grain variety adds wheat and barley to the rice cereal. Both wheat and barley contain gluten proteins.
Here are the ingredients in Rice Krispies Multi-Grain:
Ingredients: Rice, whole grain wheat, sugar, crisp rice (rice, sugar, malt flavoring), barley malt extract, salt, molasses.
With wheat and barley malt extract in the recipe, Rice Krispies Multi-Grain definitely contains gluten and is not gluten free.
Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid Rice Krispies Multi-Grain due to the presence of gluten from wheat and barley.
Can you make gluten free Rice Krispie treats?
Yes, you can make homemade gluten free Rice Krispies treats using the original gluten free Rice Krispies cereal.
To make them gluten free:
- Use regular Rice Krispies cereal
- Choose gluten free butter or margarine
- Use an all-purpose gluten free flour like brown rice flour or oat flour
- Make sure any chocolate chips or other add-ins are gluten free
As long as you stick to gluten free ingredients, you can create delicious homemade Rice Krispie treats that are gluten free for those with celiac or food sensitivities.
Gluten Free Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Here is a simple, gluten free Rice Krispies treats recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies gluten free cereal
- 4 tbsp butter or dairy free margarine
- 10 oz bag mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown rice flour
Instructions:
- Grease an 8×8 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove pot from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add Rice Krispies cereal to marshmallow mixture and fold together until fully coated.
- Add brown rice flour and fold again to help bind treats.
- Press cereal mixture evenly into prepared pan using a greased spatula.
- Let cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into squares. Enjoy!
With these simple swaps and gluten free ingredients, you can recreate the classic Rice Krispies treats experience in a gluten free version.
Are Chex cereals gluten free?
Most Chex breakfast cereals by General Mills are gluten free, with a few exceptions. Here is an overview of the Chex cereals that are gluten free vs. not gluten free:
| Cereal | Gluten Free? |
|---|---|
| Rice Chex | Yes |
| Corn Chex | Yes |
| Wheat Chex | No |
| Multi-Bran Chex | No |
| Cinnamon Chex | Yes |
| Chocolate Chex | Yes |
| Honey Nut Chex | Yes |
Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Cinnamon Chex, Chocolate Chex, and Honey Nut Chex are all certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO). They are made without wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients.
However, Wheat Chex and Multi-Bran Chex contain gluten from wheat and are not safe for a gluten free diet.
Always double check the packaging when purchasing Chex cereals, as ingredients can change. Look for the certified gluten free label from GFCO or another certifying organization.
What about gluten free Rice Krispies cereal replacements?
In addition to the original Rice Krispies and Chex brand cereals, there are also some good gluten free cereal options from other brands that can replace Rice Krispies.
Here are a few popular gluten free cereal alternatives:
| Brand | Cereal |
|---|---|
| EnviroKidz | Panda Puffs Rice Cereal |
| Erewhon | Gluten Free Crispy Rice Cereal |
| Lydia’s Organics | Panda Puffs Cereal |
| Nature’s Path | Enviro Chocolate Koala Crisp Cereal |
| Purely Elizabeth | Ancient Grain Granola Cereal |
| Barbara’s | Puffins Original Rice Cereal |
All of these alternative rice-based cereals are gluten-free, non-GMO, and made from simple, clean ingredients. They provide the satisfying crunch and crisp rice flavor that makes Rice Krispies cereal so popular.
Browse your grocery store’s gluten free section or health food aisle to discover other comparable gluten free crisped rice cereal brands.
Conclusion
Original Rice Krispies cereal by Kellogg’s is certified gluten free, making it a safe option for gluten free diets. Other Rice Krispies flavors may contain gluten from sources like malt or wheat starch, so always check the ingredients.
Off-brand rice cereals are a riskier choice and need thorough inspection to ensure they do not contain any hidden gluten. For a similar gluten free crispy rice cereal, Chex and other dedicated gluten free brands can provide a tasty alternative to Rice Krispies.
