Maintaining a gluten-free diet, especially when brands get sneaky with their ingredient list, can be challenging. If you've been on a gluten-free diet, it's natural to keep questioning every ingredient in every food you come across. This includes your breakfast staples. So, you must've been wondering, are Rice Krispies gluten-free?
Well, they're not. That's right! This popular breakfast food is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance. Let's take a closer look at the ingredients that make it unsafe for a gluten-free diet and what you can eat instead.
How Are Rice Krispies Not Gluten-Free?
Rice is naturally gluten-free, so you'd think that Rice Krispies - made from rice - would be gluten-free, too. But, it's not. Why?
Kellogg's, the company that makes Rice Krispies, makes this treat using ingredients like malt syrup - a type of flavoring derived from barley. Barley is not listed as one of the top 8 allergens, which is why brands don't have to mention it in the allergen statement. However, because barley contains 5% to 8% of gluten, it is unsafe for those who have gluten sensitivity.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other gluten-free crisp rice cereal brands on the market that can cater to your dietary requirements.
Substitutes for Rice Krispies
In an ideal world, Kellogg's would not have discontinued their gluten-free Rice Krispies variety. But, we can't always have it all.
So, here are 6 amazing gluten-free crispy rice brands that will serve as wonderful stand-ins for Rice Krispies.
#1. Aldi Millville Crispy Rice
Got an Aldi near you? If so, time to make a trip to the discount supermarket.
Aldi Millville offers dark-colored, crispy gluten-free toasted crispy rice treats. Although it does contain corn syrup, so it will be sweeter than other brands. But, it's still quite delicious and definitely worth trying!
#2. Back to Nature Gluten Free Sprout & Shine Cereal
Back to Nature uses sprouted brown rice grains to produce a delicious and flavorful crisp rice cereal that tastes incredible in milk. They're batch-cooked and are reliably gluten-free.
#3. Barbara's Organic Brown Crisps Rice Cereal
This organic crispy rice cereal is made with just three simple ingredients - organic brown rice, cane sugar, and sea salt. The brown rice gives it a darker color than regular Rice Krispies. It's deliciously crunchy and a great choice for healthy eaters.
#4. Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
You'll be surprised how similar it tastes to Rice Krispies and is still gluten-free! It is made with brown rice and is quite low in sugar, so it's also a good choice for those with diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Although Erewhon has discontinued its cereals, so finding them in stores or online can be a challenge.
#5. Nature's Path Crispy Rice Cereal
Nature's Path uses small, round, puffed-shaped white rice grains to make this delicious cereal, so it's less delicate and fine than the OG brand. That said, this non-GMO-certified product has only been slightly sweetened and is a healthy choice than most brands.
#6. One Degree Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps
One Degree uses sprouted brown rice, which is considered healthier than white rice and easier to digest than regular brown rice. It makes the grain puffs bigger and the crisps have a mild, sweet flavor and a snappy texture that stays crisp in milk.
Know How to Check If Your Puffed Rice Cereals Have Gluten
When you're on the hunt for gluten-free crispy rice cereals, make sure you check the ingredient list carefully. Ideally, you want to avoid anything with:
* Barley
* Barley flakes
* Barley flour
* Brewer's yeast
* Bulgur
* Durum
* Graham flour
* Malt
* Malt extract
* Malt flavoring
* Malt syrup
* Malt vinegar
* Rye
* Semolina
* Spelt
* Wheat
* Wheat flour
* Wheat protein
* Wheat starch
These ingredients could contain gluten and are thus problematic for those with gluten intolerance.
It's a good idea to err on the side of caution and purchase certified gluten-free products only. They're great for your diet and also come with a reduced risk of cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Recipes to Try
Need some variety with your breakfast cereal? Try out these recipes for Rice Krispies alternatives and whip up a batch of delicious crisp rice treats!
This easy, no-bake treat is a delightful mixture of kid's cereal and gluten-free crisp rice cereal. It also uses loads of mini marshmallows to give the treats form, vanilla extract and kosher salt to balance the flavors, and butter to keep the treats from drying out.
You can store the soft, gooey, crispy treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
This simple dessert treat comes together in just 20 minutes! It's made with gluten-free crispy rice cereal, salted butter, mini marshmallows, and vanilla extract, and then decorated with sprinkles to add a fun twist to a classic treat.
It keeps well at room temperature for 3-4 days, but you can also extend the shelf-life by freezing it. Just make sure to place wax paper in between the treats so they don't stick together, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
These gluten-free, dairy-free treats are instant crowd-pleasers! Use caramelized marshmallow bits, a pinch of sea salt, gluten-free crisp rice cereal, and coconut oil instead of butter to create a decadent treat.
You can also top them with chocolate chips or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar for added deliciousness.
