Are Rice Krispies Gluten Free?

by Addison LaBonte October 22, 2023

Rice Krispies is a popular breakfast cereal! It is made of crisped rice that is very light and thin. When milk is added to the cereal the walls tend to collapse, creating the “snap, crackle, and pop” sounds. But, are rice krispies gluten free?

Rice Krispies were first marketed by the Kellogg Company in 1928. The cereal was created by accident when Kellogg employee Mildred Wirt accidentally turned up the heat on a batch of puffed rice. The resulting product was light and crispy, and the “snap, crackle, and pop” sound was created when the cereal was eaten with milk.

Rice Krispies quickly became a popular breakfast cereal, and the “snap, crackle and pop” sound became a familiar advertising jingle. The cereal has been featured in a number of television shows and movies, and it is still a popular breakfast cereal today.

Read about Is Baking Soda Gluten Free? and Is Peanut Butter Gluten Free?

Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Gluten Free?

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal, in its traditional form, is not considered gluten free. The primary reason is that it contains malt flavoring, which is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. Thus, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid traditional Rice Krispies.

However, recognizing the demand for gluten free products, Kellogg’s introduced a gluten free version of Rice Krispies in the past. This version was made from whole grain brown rice and did not contain the malt flavoring. If you are specifically seeking the gluten free variant, always check the packaging and ensure that it is explicitly labeled as “gluten free.”

Read about if Buckwheat is Gluten Free as well.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

If you’re concerned about specific dietary or health concerns related to Rice Krispies, here are some ingredients and factors you might watch out for.

Malt Flavoring: Derived from barley, this is the primary reason traditional Rice Krispies are not considered gluten free. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this ingredient is of particular concern. Check out Are Corn Flakes Gluten Free?

Sugar: Like many breakfast cereals, Rice Krispies contains sugar. If you’re watching your sugar intake or are concerned about added sugars in your diet, this is an ingredient to note.

Salt (Sodium): If you’re monitoring your sodium intake for health reasons, take note of the salt content.

Vitamins & Minerals: Rice Krispies is fortified with vitamins and minerals. If you have specific dietary needs or are taking supplements, you might want to be aware of the added nutrients.

Corn and Soy: Some versions or off-brands of crisped rice cereals might contain corn or soy ingredients, which could be of concern for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Artificial Flavors or Colors: While traditional Rice Krispies do not rely heavily on artificial additives. However, always check the label, especially if you are looking at flavored or off-brand versions.

Preservatives: These are added to many foods to extend shelf life. If you’re trying to avoid certain preservatives, check the label.

Cross-contamination: Even if a product does not contain problematic ingredients for you, it could be made in a facility that processes allergens like nuts, wheat, or soy. This might not be listed in the ingredients but could be noted elsewhere on the packaging.

GMOs: If you are concerned about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), you might want to see if the product or its ingredients (like corn or soy) are derived from GMO sources. In addition, some people seek out products specifically labeled as non-GMO.

What Brands of Rice Krispies are Gluten Free?

Several brands offer gluten free rice crisp cereals similar to Rice Krispies. However, availability may vary based on location and store. Here are some brands that have offered gluten free rice crisped cereals:

Nature’s Path: Their “Crispy Rice” cereal is an organic and gluten free option.

Real Cereal Company: I always keep a bag of this brown rice cereal in my pantry. It is delicious!

Barbara’s: They offer a brown rice crisps cereal that is gluten free.

One Degree Organic Foods: This brand offers a “Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps” cereal that is gluten free.

Erewhon: Their “Crispy Brown Rice” cereal is gluten free and organic.

Kellogg’s: Kellogg’s has offered a gluten free version of Rice Krispies in the past, made from brown rice and without malt flavoring. However, they currently do not offer a gluten free option.

Trader Joe’s: If you have a Trader Joe’s nearby, they have their brand of gluten free rice cereal. Check out these Gluten Free Trader Joe’s Products!

Is Puffed Rice the Same as Crisp Rice?

Puffed rice and crisp rice are similar in that they are both expanded forms of rice grains. However, they are not the same; they are made using different processes, and their textures and appearances differ. Here is a breakdown of the differences.

Production Method:

Puffed Rice: Puffed rice is made by heating rice kernels very quickly under high pressure. This causes the moisture in the rice to rapidly turn into steam, puffing the rice out. This process doesn’t involve toasting or crisping the rice.

Crisp Rice: Crisp rice, as in Rice Krispies and similar cereals, is produced by cooking rice and sugars together to form a rice dough. This dough is then extruded through machines to form rice shapes and toasted, giving it its crispy texture.

Texture:

Puffed Rice: Light, airy, and somewhat spongy in texture. It’s not as crunchy as crisp rice.

Crisp Rice: Crunchy and crispy, with a more substantial bite than puffed rice.

Appearance:

Puffed Rice: Individual grains retain their basic rice shape but are larger and puffier.

Crisp Rice: The grains might look more uniform, and due to the cooking and toasting process, they might appear more golden.

Usage:

Puffed Rice: Often used in snacks like rice cakes or certain types of traditional snacks in various cultures, such as “murmura” in India.

Crisp Rice: Commonly found in breakfast cereals and also used as an ingredient in treats like rice crispy treats.

Both puffed and crisp rice have their unique characteristics and uses. Your choice between the two will likely depend on the texture and taste you’re looking for in a particular dish or snack.