Which brands of rice krispies are gluten-free? A comprehensive guide for safe alternatives

Over 3 million Americans follow a gluten-free diet, yet many are unaware that the most popular brand of rice cereal, Kellogg's Rice Krispies, contains gluten. Navigating cereal choices for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease requires careful label scrutiny. This guide details which brands of rice krispies are gluten-free and how to choose safe alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide explains why traditional crispy rice cereals like Kellogg's are not gluten-free and provides a list of safe, certified alternatives. It covers key ingredients to watch for and gives practical tips for identifying and choosing products that are free of gluten, including how to make classic treats safely at home.

Key Points

• Malt is Not Gluten-Free: Traditional Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring from barley, which has gluten and makes them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

• Kellogg's GF Cereal is Discontinued in US: Kellogg's discontinued its gluten-free Rice Krispies in the US around 2015, leaving alternatives as the only option.

• Look for Certified Gluten-Free: For maximum safety, always choose crispy rice cereals with a third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal to avoid cross-contamination.

• Reliable Alternatives Exist: Brands like One Degree Organic Foods, Nature's Path, and Aldi's LiveGfree offer certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals.

• DIY Treats Are Safe: You can easily make gluten-free marshmallow treats at home using safe crispy rice cereal and gluten-free marshmallows.

• Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list for hidden gluten, such as 'malt flavoring' or a shared facility warning.

Understanding the Gluten in Rice Krispies

It seems counterintuitive, but Kellogg's original Rice Krispies are not a gluten-free food, despite being made from rice, a naturally gluten-free grain. The culprit is a flavor enhancer called malt flavoring, which is derived from barley and contains gluten. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming barley malt can trigger an adverse reaction.

For a time, Kellogg's did produce a gluten-free version of Rice Krispies in the US, but it was discontinued around 2015 due to low sales, although it may still be available in Canada. This means that anyone seeking to enjoy crispy rice cereal must look beyond the Kellogg's brand.

Leading Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereal Brands

Thankfully, the market has expanded to offer several safe and delicious alternatives for those on a gluten-free diet. When shopping, always look for products that are explicitly labeled “gluten-free” or, even better, carry a third-party gluten-free certification seal. This ensures a more rigorous standard of safety and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing facilities.

Here are some of the most reliable brands offering gluten-free crispy rice cereal:

• One Degree Organic Foods: This brand offers a 'Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps' cereal that is both organic and certified gluten-free. The use of sprouted grains can make the cereal easier to digest for some individuals.
• Nature's Path: A long-standing name in the natural foods aisle, Nature's Path produces a 'Crispy Rice Cereal' that is certified gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO. Many people find its taste and texture comparable to the original.
• Aldi (Millville): The Millville brand 'LiveGfree Crispy Rice Cereal' is a budget-friendly and certified gluten-free alternative available at Aldi stores. It's a great option for affordable, safe cereal.
• Malt-O-Meal: Despite its confusing name, Malt-O-Meal offers a gluten-free 'Crispy Rice' cereal, often found in large, economical bags. However, as ingredient lists can change, it's crucial to double-check the label for a gluten-free claim.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market: This private-label brand offers an 'Organic Brown Rice Crisps Cereal' that is gluten-free and widely available in Whole Foods locations.
• Barbara's: The 'Organic Brown Rice Crisps' from Barbara's are made from whole grain, non-GMO brown rice. For those with celiac disease, note that it may be produced in a shared facility, so certified options may be preferable.
• Trader Joe's: The popular grocer carries its own store-brand version of gluten-free crispy rice cereal, which is a convenient option for frequent shoppers.
• Great Value (Walmart): Some versions of Walmart's store brand toasted rice crisps are labeled gluten-free, but as with all store brands, careful label reading is essential.

How to Read Labels for Hidden Gluten

Because gluten can be hidden under different names, knowing how to read a food label is critical for anyone avoiding it. Always check the ingredient list carefully, and if you have celiac disease, prioritize products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from a recognized third party.

Key Ingredients to Watch For

• Malt Flavoring/Malt Syrup: The primary source of gluten in most non-gluten-free crispy rice cereals.
• Barley: The grain from which malt is derived.
• Wheat Starch: While wheat is a top allergen and must be declared, modified wheat starch can sometimes be overlooked.
• Cross-Contamination Warnings: Phrases like “made in a facility that also processes wheat” or “may contain wheat” indicate a risk of cross-contamination and should be avoided by those with celiac disease.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Crispy Rice Cereals

Brand	Key Features	Certification	Availability	Notes
Nature's Path	Organic, Non-GMO, whole grain brown rice	GFCO Certified	Widespread (grocery stores, online)	Reliable, widely available option.
One Degree Organic	Sprouted, organic brown rice	NSF Certified	Health food stores, online	Uses sprouted grains for potential easier digestion.
Aldi (Millville)	Affordable, good value	GFCO Certified	Aldi stores	Excellent budget-friendly choice.
365 by Whole Foods	Organic brown rice	USDA Organic	Whole Foods Market	Solid choice for frequent Whole Foods shoppers.
Malt-O-Meal	Economy size, simple ingredients	Check label for GF	Grocery stores (bagged section)	Must confirm gluten-free status on current packaging.
Barbara's	Organic, brown rice, low sugar	Check label for GF	Health food stores, online	Made in a shared facility; potentially higher risk for some.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Treats

One of the most popular uses for crispy rice cereal is, of course, homemade marshmallow treats. By choosing a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal, you can easily replicate the classic snack without worry. The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal (from brands listed above)
• 1 (10 oz) bag gluten-free marshmallows (e.g., Jet-Puffed, Dandies)
• 3 tablespoons butter or dairy-free margarine

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the gluten-free cereal until it is evenly coated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Work quickly, as the mixture cools and hardens fast.
5. Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for a Gluten-Free Diet

For those managing a gluten-free diet, avoiding traditional Rice Krispies is a necessity due to the malt flavoring derived from barley. The good news is that there are many safe, tasty alternatives available from brands like Nature's Path, One Degree Organic Foods, and Aldi's Millville brand. By prioritizing products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal and carefully reading ingredient labels for hidden sources of gluten like malt, individuals can enjoy crispy rice cereal and homemade treats without compromising their health. The key is to stay informed and vigilant, turning a potentially confusing choice into a simple, safe decision. To learn more about living a gluten-free lifestyle, consider exploring resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation (https://celiac.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are original Kellogg's Rice Krispies gluten-free?

No, original Kellogg's Rice Krispies are not gluten-free because they contain malt flavoring, which is derived from barley, a grain that contains gluten.

Did Kellogg's ever make a gluten-free version of Rice Krispies?

Yes, Kellogg's previously produced a gluten-free version of Rice Krispies in the US, but it was discontinued in 2015. A gluten-free version may still be available in Canada.

Why is malt a problem for a gluten-free diet?

Malt is typically made from barley, which contains gluten. As a result, malt flavoring or malt syrup adds gluten to a food product, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What should I look for on a cereal box to know it's gluten-free?

Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from a third-party organization. Also, read the ingredient list carefully to ensure it does not contain malt flavoring, barley, or any other gluten-containing ingredients.

Are store-brand crispy rice cereals always safe?

No, you must always check the label, even on store-brand versions. Some store brands, like Aldi's LiveGfree line, are certified gluten-free, but others may contain malt flavoring.

Can I make gluten-free rice krispie treats at home?

Yes, it is easy to make gluten-free treats at home. Simply use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and ensure your marshmallows and butter are also gluten-free.

What is the risk of cross-contamination in gluten-free products?

Cross-contamination can occur when products are made on shared equipment or in a facility that also processes gluten-containing grains. Always check for allergen statements and opt for certified products to minimize this risk.