Are Rice Krispies Gluten Free? No, Try These Brands

Rice Krispies are not gluten-free in the United States, but there are several gluten-free crisp rice cereal brands you can use for gluten-free Rice Krispies treats, no-bake desserts, cereal bars, and more.

Learning to eat gluten-free can feel like learning a new language. Some foods are easy to identify as off-limits, such as wheat bread, traditional pasta, and many baked goods. Other foods are more surprising because gluten can appear in ingredients you may not expect.

Crisp rice cereal is one of those surprising foods. Since it is made with rice, many people assume Rice Krispies must be gluten-free. Unfortunately, that is not the case for the classic Kellogg’s Rice Krispies sold in the United States.

The reason is simple: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain malt syrup. Malt syrup is made from barley, and barley is a gluten-containing grain. Because of that ingredient, regular Rice Krispies are not safe for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

The good news is that there are gluten-free crisp rice cereal options available. These cereals can be used in homemade gluten-free Rice Krispies treats, scotcheroos, no-bake bars, cereal snack mixes, and other recipes that call for a light, crispy rice cereal texture.

Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Gluten-Free?

No. In the United States, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free. The cereal is made with malt syrup, which comes from barley and contains gluten. That means regular Rice Krispies are not considered safe for anyone who must avoid gluten for medical or dietary reasons.

Kellogg’s previously offered a gluten-free version of Rice Krispies in the United States, but that product was discontinued. If you are looking for a gluten-free substitute, you will need to choose a different crisp rice cereal that is labeled gluten-free and made without barley malt, malt syrup, or other gluten-containing ingredients.

What Ingredients Should I Watch Out For In Rice Krispies?

When buying crisp rice cereal for a gluten-free diet, the most important ingredients to watch for are malt syrup and malt flavoring. These ingredients are usually made from barley, which contains gluten. Even if the cereal looks like it should be gluten-free, the ingredient label is what matters most.

Look for cereals made with simple gluten-free ingredients such as rice, brown rice, sugar, and salt. Some brands may also include vitamins, minerals, or preservatives. These additions are not automatically a problem, but it is still important to read every label carefully.

Also check the allergen statement and any “may contain” warning. These statements can help you understand whether the cereal may have been processed in a facility that also handles wheat or other allergens. For the safest choice, look for crisp rice cereals that are clearly labeled gluten-free.

What Brands Of Rice Krispies Are Gluten-Free?

Product formulas can change, so always read the package before buying. That said, these gluten-free crisp rice cereal options are popular choices for making gluten-free Rice Krispies treats and other no-bake desserts:

• Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps Cereal
• One Degree Brown Rice Crisps Cereal
• Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal
• Aldi Crispy Rice Cereal

Barbara’s Organic Crisp Rice Cereal

• At A Glance: High-quality ingredients, no corn syrup, and a crisp texture.
• Cost: $4.19-5.99
• Where To Buy: Sprouts, Amazon, Walmart, Natural Grocers, Vitacost

Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps Cereal is a dependable gluten-free crisp rice cereal option and is often easy to find in stores. Because it is made with brown rice, the color is slightly darker than classic Rice Krispies. The texture is still light and crisp, making it a strong choice for gluten-free cereal treats, bars, and no-bake desserts.

One Degree Brown Rice Crisps Cereal

• At A Glance: Made with sprouted rice, slightly more rounded in shape, with a crisp bite.
• Price: $4.99-5.99
• Where To Buy: Sprouts, Thrive Market, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, Vitacost

One Degree Brown Rice Crisps Cereal is another good gluten-free option for baking and no-bake recipes. This cereal is made with sprouted grains, and the pieces tend to look a little more puffed and rounded than traditional Rice Krispies. The flavor is lightly sweet, and the texture works well in homemade gluten-free Rice Krispies treats.

Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal

• At A Glance: Lighter in color, smaller grains, and a rounder puffed shape.
• Price: $4.99
• Where To Buy: Sprouts, Natural Grocers, iHerb, Walmart, Amazon

Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal is a useful option if you prefer a gluten-free crisp rice cereal that looks lighter in color. Compared with some brown rice cereals, this one has a paler appearance. The individual pieces are not exactly the same as classic Rice Krispies, but the cereal still performs well in treats, scotcheroos, and other recipes where crisp rice cereal is needed.

Aldi Crispy Rice Cereal

• At A Glance: Budget-friendly, crisp texture, darker color, and sweeter flavor.
• Price: $1.65
• Where To Buy: Aldi stores

Aldi Crispy Rice Cereal is one of the most affordable gluten-free crisp rice cereal options. It is a little sweeter than some other brands and has a darker color, but the crisp texture makes it a practical choice for homemade gluten-free cereal treats. If you shop at Aldi regularly, this can be an easy pantry staple to keep on hand.

Is Puffed Rice The Same As Crisp Rice?

No. Puffed rice and crisp rice cereal are not the same. Puffed rice is heated until it expands, somewhat like popcorn. It is airy, but it does not have the same crunchy, toasted texture as crisp rice cereal.

For recipes such as gluten-free Rice Krispies treats, cereal bars, and scotcheroos, puffed rice is not a good substitute. It can make the final texture too soft or chewy. For the best results, use a gluten-free crisp rice cereal rather than plain puffed rice.

Are Rice Krispies Treats Gluten-Free?

Name-brand Rice Krispies Treats are not gluten-free because they are made with Rice Krispies cereal, which contains barley malt. To make gluten-free Rice Krispies treats at home, you need gluten-free crisp rice cereal, gluten-free marshmallows, and butter or a dairy-free butter substitute that fits your dietary needs.

Homemade gluten-free Rice Krispies treats are easy to make once you have the right cereal. They are a great option for parties, lunchbox treats, holidays, and simple no-bake desserts. Always check the labels on every ingredient, especially if you are baking for someone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity.