In the opening paragraphs, here are quick answers to some common questions about gluten-free Kellogg’s products:
Are any Kellogg’s cereals gluten-free?
Yes, Kellogg’s does offer some gluten-free cereal options. This includes cereals like Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes which are made without wheat or barley.
What about Kellogg’s Special K?
The original Kellogg’s Special K cereal contains wheat and barley so it is not gluten-free. However, Kellogg’s does make a gluten-free Special K cereal called Special K Gluten Free.
Are Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain bars gluten-free?
No, traditional Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain bars contain wheat and barley so they are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Are any Kellogg’s granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, some Kellogg’s granola bars are labeled gluten-free, like Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars in flavors like Cherry and Blueberry.
What about Kellogg’s crackers?
Kellogg’s does make some gluten-free crackers under the brand names like Kashi and MorningStar Farms. However, their popular crackers like Kellogg’s Club, Town House, and Special K are not gluten-free.
Conclusion
While many popular Kellogg’s products contain gluten, the company does offer some gluten-free cereal, granola bar, and cracker options for people following gluten-free diets.
Background on Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet involves avoiding foods that contain the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity follow a gluten-free diet to manage symptoms that occur when they eat gluten.
For people who need to avoid gluten, following a strict gluten-free diet is important. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues. This makes it essential to carefully check labels to confirm which Kellogg’s products are gluten-free.
Reasons for a Gluten-Free Diet
There are a few main reasons someone may need to follow a gluten-free diet:
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder where gluten triggers damage to the small intestine.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Gluten causes symptoms like fatigue, headaches and digestive issues.
- Wheat allergy: An allergy to wheat proteins, which are often closely linked to issues with gluten.
- Other health reasons determined by a doctor.
Checking for Gluten in Kellogg’s Products
When determining if Kellogg’s products are gluten-free, you need to carefully check the ingredients label. Watch out for ingredients like:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Oats (may be contaminated)
Grains and flours made from these ingredients need to be avoided as well. Products labeled “gluten-free” make it easy. Otherwise, you need to scrutinize the ingredients.
Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Cereals
Here is an overview of some of the Kellogg’s cereal options that are labeled gluten-free:
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are made without barley, rye or wheat. The main ingredients are rice, sugar and salt. They are a go-to gluten-free cereal option.
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Cereal
This cereal features gluten-free crispy rice cereal pieces mixed with marshmallow bits. It’s a tasty gluten-free choice.
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes
Classic Kellogg’s Corn Flakes contain corn as the main ingredient so they are free from gluten-containing grains.
Kellogg’s All-Bran Original
Kellogg’s All-Bran Original is made from wheat bran, which naturally does not contain gluten. So this high-fiber cereal can be part of a gluten-free diet.
Kellogg’s Special K Gluten Free
This cereal is made with gluten-free grains like rice, sorghum, millet, buckwheat and quinoa. It has a crunchy, lightly sweetened flavor.
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats – Gluten Free
These frosted mini-wheats are made with gluten-free whole grain rice and do not contain wheat, barley, rye or oats.
Crunchy Nut Granola
Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut gluten-free granola has ingredients like nuts, seeds, coconut, rice and molasses.
| Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Cereal | Key Gluten-Free Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Rice Krispies | Rice |
| Rice Krispies Treats Cereal | Rice |
| Corn Flakes | Corn |
| All-Bran Original | Wheat bran |
| Special K Gluten Free | Rice, sorghum, millet, buckwheat, quinoa |
| Frosted Mini-Wheats – Gluten Free | Rice |
| Crunchy Nut Granola | Nuts, seeds, coconut, rice, molasses |
Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Bars
Here are some of the top Kellogg’s bar options that are certified gluten-free:
Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars
Certain flavors of these soft-baked bars are gluten-free, like the blueberry and cherry varieties. They make a convenient on-the-go breakfast.
Kellogg’s Kashi Chewy Granola Bars
Kashi chewy granola bars in flavors like dark chocolate, peanut butter and chocolate chunk are labeled as gluten-free.
Kellogg’s Kashi Layered Granola Bars
These granola bars feature gluten-free layers like fruits, nuts and seeds. Flavors include pecan butter and jelly.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Fruit Crunch Granola Bars
The chocolate, strawberry and apple cinnamon flavors of these granola bars are suitable for gluten-free diets.
Kellogg’s Special K Pastry Crisps
These crispy bar options from Special K are made with puffed rice and other gluten-free grains.
| Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Bars | Key Gluten-Free Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars (certain flavors) | Rice, tapioca |
| Kashi Chewy Granola Bars | Oats, rice, sunflower seeds |
| Kashi Layered Granola Bars | Nuts, seeds, rice |
| Nutri-Grain Fruit Crunch Granola Bars (certain flavors) | Rice, corn |
| Special K Pastry Crisps | Rice, corn, quinoa |
Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Crackers
Kellogg’s brand Kashi and MorningStar Farms offer gluten-free cracker choices like:
Kashi Gluten-Free Crackers
Kashi makes several gluten-free crackers like Organic Seed Crackers and Hummus Crisps. They are made with gluten-free seeds, chickpeas and rice.
MorningStar Farms Gluten-Free Crackers
MorningStar Farms has gluten-free cracker options like Original and Minis Baked Crackers made with gluten-free grains.
Kellogg’s Rice Cakes
Kellogg’s plain rice cakes contain no wheat, barley or rye so they can be part of a gluten-free diet.
| Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Crackers | Key Gluten-Free Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Kashi Organic Seed Crackers | Seeds, chickpeas, rice |
| Kashi Hummus Crisps | Chickpeas, rice, sesame |
| MorningStar Farms Original Crackers | Corn, potatoes, rice |
| MorningStar Farms Minis | Rice, tapioca |
| Rice Cakes | Rice |
Non Gluten-Free Kellogg’s Products
While Kellogg’s has several gluten-free options, many of their most popular products contain gluten. Here are some Kellogg’s foods that are NOT gluten-free:
- Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes
- Kellogg’s Froot Loops
- Kellogg’s Raisin Bran
- Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats (original)
- Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars
- Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Bars
- Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts
- Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles and Pancakes
- Kellogg’s Club Crackers
- Kellogg’s Cheez-It Crackers
These popular Kellogg’s products contain ingredients like wheat, barley or malt. So they are not appropriate for gluten-free or celiac diets.
Checking Labels of Kellogg’s Products
Since many Kellogg’s products do contain gluten, it is essential to carefully check the label of any product before consuming it on a gluten-free diet.
Where to Check for Gluten
You will need to read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel when checking if a Kellogg’s product is gluten-free. Key things to look for include:
- Ingredients list: Scan for wheat, barley, rye, malt or oats. Avoid if present.
- “Contains wheat” statement: This must be listed if product contains wheat.
- Crossed grain symbol: Indicates product has gluten.
- “Gluten-free” label: Confirms product does not contain gluten.
Watch Out for Cross-Contamination
Even if a product doesn’t list gluten grains in the ingredients, cross-contamination is possible in facilities that also process gluten-containing foods. Look for the label “gluten-free” for confirmation the product is safe.
Check Labels Each Time You Buy
Keep in mind that product formulations can change over time. So check the label each time you purchase a product to ensure the item is still gluten-free.
Other Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet with Kellogg’s Foods
Here are some other tips to help identify gluten-free Kellogg’s products and follow a gluten-free diet:
- Visit the Kellogg’s website which highlights certified gluten-free products.
- Look for the blue gluten-free certification symbol from GFCO on packaging.
- Call Kellogg’s Consumer Affairs at 1-800-962-1413 to ask about gluten-free status.
- Check third-party apps like Find Me Gluten Free.
- Stick to naturally gluten-free grains like corn and rice.
- Rinse oats thoroughly before use to avoid contamination.
- Read labels carefully each time you shop.
Finding Other Gluten-Free Brands
In addition to Kellogg’s, there are many other brands that offer a wide range of gluten-free products like:
- Canyon Bakehouse
- Glutino
- Udi’s
- Bob’s Red Mill
- Betty Crocker
- King Arthur
- Annie’s Homegrown
- Glutenfreeda
Checking your regular grocery store, health food stores and online retailers can help you discover a variety of gluten-free brands and options.
Conclusion
Finding truly gluten-free Kellogg’s products requires carefully checking labels for any sign of wheat, barley, rye or malt-based ingredients. Some of the top gluten-free choices include Rice Krispies, Special K Gluten Free cereal, certain Nutri-Grain breakfast bars and Kashi crackers.
However, many popular Kellogg’s items like Frosted Flakes, Nutri-Grain bars and Club Crackers are off-limits for gluten-free diets. Following label-reading tips, avoiding cross-contamination risks and exploring other brands can help those avoiding gluten navigate Kellogg’s products successfully.
