Is Rice Krispies Cereal Gluten Free?

No, traditional Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten-free as it contains malt flavoring derived from barley, which contains gluten. However, Kellogg’s does make a specifically labeled “Rice Krispies Gluten Free” version that uses brown rice instead of malt flavoring to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is Rice Krispies Cereal Gluten Free?

Health Benefits

  • Low in fat, with less than 1 gram per serving
  • Contains essential vitamins and minerals including iron, vitamins B6, B12, and D
  • Provides a quick source of carbohydrates for energy
  • Contains no cholesterol
  • Low in sodium compared to many breakfast cereals
  • Can be part of a balanced breakfast when combined with milk and fruit
  • Simple ingredient list with minimal additives
  • Contains added thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin for nutritional support
  • Relatively low in calories (around 130 calories per serving)
  • Contains no artificial colors or flavors
  • Can serve as a base for homemade breakfast bars with added nutritional ingredients

Who Should Avoid

  • Individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance due to high glycemic index
  • Those with rice allergies
  • People with corn allergies (may contain corn derivatives)
  • Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) if product contains aspartame
  • Those with specific food dye sensitivities
  • People with malt allergies if product contains malt flavoring
  • Individuals with strict sodium restrictions
  • Those monitoring sugar intake for dietary reasons
  • People with certain digestive disorders sensitive to processed foods
  • Individuals with BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) sensitivities
  • Those with specific vitamin/mineral interactions from fortified cereals
  • People with arsenic concerns from rice consumption

Gluten Free Alternatives

  • Quinoa Puffs - Made from whole grain quinoa, light and crispy, high in protein and essential amino acids
  • Corn Flakes (Gluten Free Varieties) - Derived from corn, crunchy texture, fortified with vitamins and minerals
  • Puffed Millet - Whole grain cereal with a mild, nutty flavor, low in calories and high in nutrients
  • Brown Rice Crisps - Created from whole grain brown rice, naturally gluten free, provides steady energy and fiber
  • Buckwheat Crispies - Made from whole grain buckwheat, despite the name contains no wheat, rich in protein and minerals

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Rice Krispies certified gluten-free?

Original Rice Krispies are not gluten-free as they contain malt flavoring derived from barley. However, Kellogg’s does make Rice Krispies Gluten Free, which are made with brown rice instead of white rice and are certified gluten-free.

Do they process Rice Krispies on shared equipment with wheat products?

Rice Krispies are processed on equipment that also processes wheat-containing products. Kellogg’s clearly states this on their packaging with an allergen warning that the cereal “may contain wheat.”

What's the exact gluten PPM level in regular Rice Krispies?

Regular Rice Krispies contain approximately 20 PPM of gluten. This level comes from the malt flavoring ingredient derived from barley.

Is there a difference in gluten content between original and flavored varieties?

Flavored varieties typically contain the same amount of gluten as original varieties since the base flour remains unchanged. Added flavors and ingredients generally don’t affect gluten content.

Could the malt flavoring in Rice Krispies trigger my symptoms?

Malt flavoring contains gluten from barley and can trigger symptoms in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Rice Krispies are not considered gluten-free unless specifically labeled as such.
Picture of Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen specializes in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public health research and management, she focuses on addressing health concerns through dietary approaches, gut health optimization, and stress reduction strategies. As Glutenfreeda's professional editor, she reviews all content to ensure accuracy, safety, and alignment with current nutritional science.

We Try Our Best

We understand how important it is to have trustworthy information when managing a gluten-free lifestyle, which is why we carefully source all our content from respected health and nutrition experts. You can find these trusted references listed below: 

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  2. Coeliac UK

  3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

  4. Mayo Clinic

  5. World Health Organization (WHO)

  6. Celiac Disease Foundation

While we’re committed to sharing the most accurate and helpful gluten-free guidance possible, we’re human and sometimes things slip through the cracks.

If something doesn’t look quite right to you or if you have any questions, we’d genuinely appreciate you contacting us. It helps us keep improving and ensures everyone gets the reliable information they deserve.

The information on this site is for educational purposes only and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. If you suspect gluten sensitivity, consult with a healthcare provider before changing your diet.