Is Rice Krispies OK for celiac disease? The gluten guide

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Over five years ago, Kellogg's discontinued its gluten-free Rice Krispies in the US, making the brand's traditional version unsuitable for those with celiac disease. So, is Rice Krispies ok for celiac? Unfortunately, the original Kellogg's cereal is not, because it contains barley malt, a gluten-containing ingredient.

Quick Summary

Traditional Kellogg's Rice Krispies are not safe for individuals with celiac disease due to the inclusion of barley malt flavoring. Consumers must check labels carefully for certified gluten-free alternatives from other brands to avoid gluten exposure. Many safe, gluten-free crispy rice cereals are available on the market.

Key Points

Malt Flavoring: The main reason Kellogg's Rice Krispies are not safe for celiacs is the inclusion of barley malt flavoring, which contains gluten.
Always Check the Label: A product can contain gluten even if its main ingredient (like rice) is gluten-free, so careful label reading for ingredients like 'malt' or 'barley' is crucial.
Seek Certified Alternatives: The safest option for those with celiac disease is to purchase crispy rice cereal from brands that carry a third-party gluten-free certification label.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Products made on shared equipment with other grains pose a risk, which a certified gluten-free seal helps mitigate.
Homemade Treats Are Possible: You can easily make safe rice crispy treats at home by using certified gluten-free cereal, marshmallows, and butter.

Why original Rice Krispies contain gluten

It's a common misconception that since rice is naturally gluten-free, Rice Krispies cereal must be too. However, the original recipe for Kellogg's Rice Krispies includes an ingredient that makes it unsafe for a gluten-free diet: malt flavoring derived from barley. Barley is a grain that contains gluten, and even a small amount can cause a reaction in those with celiac disease.

The hidden dangers of barley malt

Sneaky ingredient: Malt flavoring is often used as a sweetener and can be overlooked on an ingredient list.
No allergen warning required: Unlike wheat, barley is not considered one of the top allergens, so it does not have to be explicitly highlighted in the allergen statement on the packaging.
Risk for celiacs: Even trace amounts of gluten from barley can trigger an autoimmune response in individuals with celiac disease, causing intestinal damage and other serious health issues.

The disappearance of gluten-free Rice Krispies

For a period, Kellogg's did offer a dedicated gluten-free version of Rice Krispies in the United States, made with whole grain brown rice and without the problematic malt. Sadly, this product was discontinued, leaving consumers to seek alternatives. In some regions, like Canada, a gluten-free version may still be available, but this does not apply to the traditional US market.

How to find safe, certified gluten-free alternatives

Navigating the cereal aisle can be tricky for someone with celiac disease, but many excellent gluten-free alternatives are now available. The key is to look for a product that is certified gluten-free, which ensures it has been tested and meets strict standards for gluten content, typically under 20 parts per million (ppm).

Reliable Certified Gluten-Free Brands

Nature's Path Crispy Rice Cereal
One Degree Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps
Malt-O-Meal Crispy Rice (despite its name, some varieties are certified GF)

The importance of avoiding cross-contamination

Beyond simply checking the ingredients, those with celiac disease must also be vigilant about cross-contamination. Many cereal factories process both gluten-containing and gluten-free products on the same lines, which poses a risk. Looking for a certified gluten-free label is the best way to ensure the product was made with protocols to prevent this issue. This is especially important for cereals and ingredients used in recipes like homemade rice crispy treats.

Comparison of Cereal Options for Celiac


Feature	Original Kellogg's Rice Krispies	Certified GF Crispy Rice Cereal (e.g., Nature's Path)
Contains Gluten?	Yes, contains barley malt flavoring.	No, certified gluten-free.
Safe for Celiacs?	No, unsafe due to gluten content.	Yes, safe for those following a strict gluten-free diet.
Ingredients	Milled rice, sugar, barley malt, salt, fortified vitamins.	Typically brown rice, cane sugar, salt, without malt.
Cross-Contamination Risk	High, as it's made in facilities with gluten-containing grains like wheat.	Low, products are typically manufactured in dedicated gluten-free facilities or follow strict protocols.
Availability	Widely available at most grocery stores.	Found in health food aisles, specialty stores, and online retailers.

Conclusion

To answer the question, is Rice Krispies ok for celiac?, the clear answer is no, because traditional Kellogg's Rice Krispies contain barley malt and are not gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid this cereal and exercise extreme caution when purchasing any crisped rice cereal. Always check for a reputable third-party gluten-free certification on the packaging to ensure the product is safe from both gluten ingredients and cross-contamination. Numerous delicious and certified gluten-free crispy rice alternatives exist, allowing those with celiac to enjoy this classic cereal and the treats made from it without health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, people with celiac disease cannot eat original Kellogg's Rice Krispies because the cereal contains barley malt flavoring, which is a source of gluten.

Yes, unless otherwise specified, malt flavoring is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. Therefore, any product with malt or malt flavoring should be avoided by celiacs.

While the US version is not gluten-free, Kellogg's has historically offered gluten-free Rice Krispies in other regions, such as Canada. However, product formulations and availability can change, so always check the local packaging.

Yes, many brands offer certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Look for brands like Nature's Path, One Degree Organic, and Malt-O-Meal (checking the label for a GF certification).

To make safe treats, use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal, gluten-free marshmallows (most are, but always check), and butter. Avoid pre-made treats unless they are labeled as certified gluten-free.

Yes, cross-contamination is a significant risk for celiacs. Look for a certified gluten-free label, which indicates the product was processed in a way that prevents contact with gluten.

The key takeaway is that original Rice Krispies are not safe for celiacs due to barley malt. Always read labels carefully and choose a certified gluten-free alternative to avoid health risks.