Rice crispy treats are a beloved childhood treat that many of us remember fondly, but can they be enjoyed by those following a gluten-free diet?
The answer is here. In this article, we will take a more detailed look at the gluten-free status of rice crispy treats, the potential sources of gluten, and the alternatives available for those on a gluten-free diet to enjoy this classic treat.
So, whether you are gluten-free by choice or necessity, read on to find out if rice-crispy treats are on the menu for you!
Are Rice Crispy Treats Gluten Free
Traditional rice Krispies treats are made with Rice Krispies cereal containing malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.
Therefore, traditional rice crispy treats are not considered gluten-free.
However, it is possible to make gluten-free rice crispy treats using gluten-free ingredients such as gluten-free marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal.
You can find gluten-free marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal from different brands; you can check the ingredients and look for the gluten-free label when purchasing.
Are Rice Krispies Cereal Gluten-Free?
No, Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free.
The cereal contains malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.
Kellogg’s, the company that makes Rice Krispies, does not claim that the cereal is gluten-free.
The main ingredient in Rice Krispies is indeed rice, which is naturally gluten-free.
However, other ingredients are added to the cereal, such as malt flavoring, which may contain gluten.
The malt flavoring used in Rice Krispies is made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.
Therefore, Rice Krispies are not considered gluten-free.
Since rice Krispies are not gluten-free due to the malt flavoring used in the cereal, you should consider other gluten-free alternatives available for those on a gluten-free diet, such as gluten-free rice cereal, homemade rice crispy treats made with gluten-free cereal and marshmallows, alternative grain cereals such as quinoa, amaranth, and millet, and gluten-free granola.
Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats – How to Make Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats
It is possible to make gluten-free rice Krispies treats by using gluten-free ingredients.
Here is a recipe for gluten-free rice Krispies treats:
Ingredients:
Three tablespoons butter or margarine
4 cups gluten-free marshmallows
6 cups gluten-free rice cereal
Step-by-step instructions
Melt your butter or margarine in a large pot over medium heat.
Once you’ve melted the butter, add the gluten-free marshmallows, and stir until they dissolve entirely.
Remove your pot from heat and stir in the gluten-free rice cereal until well coated with the melted marshmallow mixture.
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Allow the treats to cool and harden before cutting them into squares.
It’s vital to use gluten-free marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal to ensure that the treats are safe for those on a gluten-free diet. Also, it’s essential to check the gluten-free status of the marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal you are using, as not all brands are gluten-free.
You can also add variations to the recipe, such as chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or other ingredients of your choice.
Also, it’s worth noting that gluten-free ingredients may have a different texture, flavor, and crispness compared to traditional rice crispy treats, but they are still delicious.
Following this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of the classic rice Krispies treats.
Are Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Gluten-Free?
No, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free.
The cereal contains malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain. Kellogg’s, the company that makes Rice Krispies, does not claim that the cereal is gluten-free.
However, they have a statement on their website that says: “Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free. However, we offer various gluten-free options for our consumers.”
Individuals on a gluten-free diet need to read ingredient labels carefully and be aware of potential sources of gluten when choosing foods. There are several alternatives available in the market.
What Brands of Rice Krispies Are Gluten-Free?
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are not considered gluten-free due to the malt flavoring used in the cereal, which contains barley, a gluten-containing grain. However, a few brands offer gluten-free rice Krispies, which are safe for people following a gluten-free diet.
Here are a few gluten-free rice Krispies brands:
Erewhon brown rice cereal:
They offer gluten-free rice Krispies made with organic brown rice.
Nature’s Path:
Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal offers gluten-free rice Krispies made with organic brown rice.
Enjoy Life:
They offer gluten-free rice Krispies made with brown rice.
Barbara’s Bakery:
Barbara’s Organic gluten-free Crispy Rice Cereal is a gluten-free rice Krispies made with brown rice.
Gluten-Free Palace:
They offer gluten-free rice Krispies made with brown rice.
One Degree Brown Rice Crisps Cereal:
It is gluten-free, delicately sweet, and has a light, crisp texture.
Aldi Crispy Rice Cereal:
This one is the darkest color but has a great crisp texture and contains corn syrup
Malt O Meal is also a great product.
It is important to note that these brands may only be available in some locations and that when using alternative gluten-free options, the final product may have a different texture, flavor, and crispness compared to traditional rice crispy treats, but it is still delicious.
It’s essential to confer with a healthcare specialist before making extreme diet changes.
Also, it’s vital to read the label and check the gluten-free status of any cereal you buy, as ingredients and production methods can change over time.
Are Marshmallows Gluten-Free?
Most marshmallows are gluten-free, made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.
These ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
However, some marshmallow manufacturers may add gluten-containing ingredients or use equipment shared with gluten-containing products, which could lead to cross-contamination.
It’s also important to know that some marshmallows are made with wheat-based substances such as wheat-based glucose syrup, wheat-based dextrose, or wheat protein, so it’s important to check the ingredient list carefully if you have gluten allergies or celiac disease.
It’s also worth noting that you can make marshmallows with barley-based malt syrup, barley malt extract, and maltodextrin, which are gluten-containing ingredients.
So, in all, most marshmallows are gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the ingredient label and look for a certified gluten-free label to ensure they are safe for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free because it contains malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.
Traditional rice crispy treats made with Rice Krispies cereal are also not gluten-free.
However, it is possible to make gluten-free rice crispy treats using gluten-free ingredients such as gluten-free marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal.
It’s essential to check the ingredients and look for a gluten-free label when purchasing any alternative cereal products and marshmallows.
There are also gluten-free brands of rice Krispies available in the market.
Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter or margarine
- 3 cups gluten-free marshmallows
- 6 cups gluten-free rice cereal
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the gluten-free marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the gluten-free rice cereal to the pot.
- Stir the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until it is well coated.
- Using a greased spatula or your hands, press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Gently press the mixture down to make sure it's even and compact.
- Allow the treats to cool for about 15 minutes and then cut them into squares.
- Once the treats have cooled completely, use a spatula to remove them from the pan and store them in an airtight container.
Additional Tips
- Use gluten-free marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal to ensure that the treats are safe for those on a gluten-free diet. Check the gluten-free status of the marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal you are using, as not all brands are gluten-free.You can also add variations to the recipe, such as chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or other ingredients of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much gluten is in a Rice Krispie treat?
The amount of gluten in a Rice Krispie treat depends on the ingredients used to make it. Rice Krispies cereal, the traditional ingredient used to make the treat, contains malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain. However, Kellogg's, which makes Rice Krispies, does not provide information on the specific amount of gluten in their cereal. However, if gluten-free ingredients are used to make the treat, such as gluten-free marshmallows and gluten-free rice cereal, it will be gluten-free.
What are gluten-free Rice Krispies made of?
Gluten-free rice Krispies are typically made with rice flour, a gluten-free ingredient. The rice flour is mixed with other gluten-free ingredients such as sugar and salt to make the cereal. Some gluten-free rice Krispies may include other grains such as quinoa, amaranth, or millet. It's important to check the ingredients and look for a gluten-free label when purchasing any alternative cereal products. Some gluten-free rice Krispies are made with organic brown rice, which is naturally gluten-free and not processed in the same facility as gluten-containing grains. It's important to check the label for any cross-contamination.
Why are Rice Krispie treats not gluten-free?
Rice Krispie treats are not gluten-free because they are traditionally made with Rice Krispies cereal which contains malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain.
Do gluten-free rice Krispies taste different?
Yes, gluten-free Rice Krispies may taste different compared to traditional Rice Krispies. The difference in taste may be due to the use of other ingredients and production methods. Gluten-free Rice Krispies may have a slightly different texture, flavor, and crispness than traditional Rice Krispies. Some people might find them to be somewhat less sweet or crispy. However, it's important to note that taste preference is subjective, and it's still possible to enjoy gluten-free Rice Krispies. It may take you some time to get used to the taste, but as with most gluten-free products, it can be delicious.
Are vegan rice Krispies treats gluten free?
It depends on the ingredients they used to make the vegan rice Krispies treats. Traditional Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring made from barley, a gluten-containing grain. Therefore, traditional vegan rice Krispies treats made with Rice Krispies cereal are not gluten-free. However, it is possible to make gluten-free and vegan rice Krispies treats by using gluten-free and vegan ingredients such as gluten-free, vegan marshmallows and gluten-free, vegan rice cereal. You can find gluten-free and vegan marshmallows and gluten-free, vegan rice cereal from different brands, and you can check the ingredients and look for a certified gluten free and vegan label when purchasing.
