Do Rice Krispy Treats contain gluten?: The definitive nutrition guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite rice being naturally gluten-free, the classic Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal, and therefore the traditional Rice Krispy Treat, is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. The answer to do Rice Krispy Treats contain gluten? is often 'yes,' primarily because of barley malt flavoring used in the cereal. This guide explores why this beloved snack is a no-go for many and how to make a delicious, worry-free gluten-free version.

Quick Summary

The traditional Rice Krispy Treat contains a gluten-based ingredient, malt flavoring from barley, making it unsafe for gluten-free diets. Both homemade and store-bought versions require careful label reading to ensure the use of certified gluten-free cereal and other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination and health risks. Safe and delicious alternatives are widely available.

Key Points

Hidden Gluten: Traditional Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal contains barley malt flavoring, a gluten-containing ingredient, making it unsafe for those on a gluten-free diet.
Check Labels Carefully: Individuals with celiac disease must look for ingredients like 'malt flavor' or 'barley malt extract' on all cereal products, as barley is not always labeled as explicitly as wheat.
Opt for Certified Gluten-Free: The safest option is to purchase crispy rice cereal with a certified gluten-free label, which guarantees it meets specific gluten-free standards and minimizes cross-contamination risks.
Make Your Own: The best way to ensure your treats are gluten-free is to make them from scratch using certified gluten-free cereal, checking that marshmallows and other additions are also free of gluten.
Many Alternatives Exist: Several brands, including Malt-O-Meal, Nature's Path, and store-brand options, offer certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals suitable for making safe and delicious treats.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Even when using gluten-free ingredients, be mindful of cross-contamination in the kitchen by using clean utensils and separate surfaces.

The Hidden Gluten in a Seemingly Innocent Snack

It's a common misconception that because rice is a gluten-free grain, a rice-based cereal must also be free of gluten. However, this is not the case for traditional Rice Krispies cereal and the treats made from it. The crucial ingredient to watch out for is malt flavoring. Malt is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. The addition of this flavoring gives the cereal a distinctive, slightly toasted sweetness that many have come to associate with the classic taste. For individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, this ingredient makes the product unsafe for consumption.

Navigating the Challenges of Label Reading

Reading food labels is a critical skill for anyone on a gluten-free diet, and it's especially important with products like crispy rice cereal. While wheat, as a top allergen, is required to be listed explicitly, barley and malt are not always highlighted in the same way. This can lead to confusion and accidental gluten exposure. A product labeled 'natural flavor' could potentially contain hidden gluten, adding another layer of complexity for consumers. This is why relying on products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from organizations like GFCO or NSF is the most reliable strategy for those with medical necessity.

The Importance of Avoiding Cross-Contamination

When making your own treats, another risk to consider is cross-contamination. If a manufacturer produces both gluten and gluten-free products in the same facility or on shared equipment, trace amounts of gluten can end up in the 'gluten-free' product. This can be a significant issue for individuals with celiac disease, where even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction. Look for cereals processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities for the highest level of safety.

The Good News: Creating a Safe, Homemade Version

Luckily, you don't have to give up this nostalgic treat. With a few simple substitutions, you can easily make a delicious gluten-free version at home. The key is to find certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and ensure your other ingredients are safe as well.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Rice Krispy Treats:

Certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal (e.g., Malt-O-Meal, Nature's Path, One Degree Organic)
Marshmallows (most are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the label for cross-contamination warnings)
Butter or a dairy-free alternative like Earth Balance
Vanilla extract (optional, but adds great flavor)

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
Quickly fold in the gluten-free crispy rice cereal until it is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a greased pan.
Allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Gluten-Free


Feature	Traditional Rice Krispy Treats	Homemade Gluten-Free Rice Krispy Treats
Cereal	Contains Kellogg's Rice Krispies with barley malt flavoring.	Requires a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal (no malt).
Gluten Content	Not gluten-free due to barley malt.	Guaranteed gluten-free when using certified ingredients.
Cross-Contamination	High risk due to processing in shared facilities.	Risk is minimized when using certified ingredients and dedicated utensils/surfaces.
Flavor Profile	Sweet with a subtle, toasted malt flavor.	Clean, sweet, and pure flavor from the certified gluten-free cereal.
Control	No ingredient control; relies on manufacturer's practices.	Full control over ingredients, allowing for customization and allergen-free recipes.

Conclusion: Informed Choices Lead to Better Nutrition

The classic Kellogg's Rice Krispy Treats contain a hidden source of gluten in the form of barley malt flavoring, making them unsuitable for those on a gluten-free diet. However, this doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. By understanding the ingredients and seeking out certified gluten-free alternatives, you can easily create a safe and delicious homemade version of this beloved treat. This approach is not only safer but also empowers you to have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a nourishing and worry-free experience as part of a healthy, informed nutrition diet. For more information on understanding gluten in common foods, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers excellent resources.

Beyond the Basic Treat: Creative Gluten-Free Variations

Chocolatey twist: Use a certified gluten-free cocoa rice cereal or mix cocoa powder into the melted marshmallow mixture.
Peanut butter lovers: Swirl in some peanut butter after the marshmallows have melted for extra flavor and richness.
Birthday fun: Add colorful, gluten-free sprinkles to the mixture before pressing into the pan.
S'mores style: Mix in gluten-free graham cracker pieces and chocolate chips, using a certified gluten-free version of the graham crackers.
Pumpkin spice: For a fall-themed treat, add a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the melted marshmallows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most marshmallows are gluten-free, but it is important to always check the ingredient label and any 'contains' or 'may contain' statements for possible cross-contamination warnings.

Malt flavoring is derived from barley and is used to add a slightly sweet, toasted flavor to cereals. Because barley contains gluten, this ingredient makes traditional Rice Krispies unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

Yes, many brands offer certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals. Popular options include Malt-O-Meal, Nature's Path Crispy Rice, and One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps.

Yes, Rice Chex is a certified gluten-free cereal and works well as a substitute for making homemade crispy treats.

Kellogg's did produce a gluten-free version of Rice Krispies in the U.S. for a time but discontinued it around 2015 due to manufacturing difficulties.

To avoid cross-contamination, use certified gluten-free ingredients, start with clean utensils and countertops, and consider using separate equipment for gluten-free cooking if possible.

Yes, most store-bought, pre-packaged Rice Krispy Treats made by Kellogg's are not gluten-free because they use the original cereal containing barley malt.

Yes, you can substitute traditional butter with a dairy-free alternative like Earth Balance or coconut oil to make the treats dairy-free.