🥣 Are Rice Krispies Treats Gluten Free?
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you might be wondering: are Rice Krispies Treats gluten free? These marshmallowy snacks are loved by kids and adults alike, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope.
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✅ What Are Rice Krispies Treats?
Rice Krispies Treats are made by combining Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, and butter. They’re crunchy, gooey, and nostalgic. Kellogg’s even sells pre-packaged versions of the treat. But not all versions are created equal when it comes to gluten content.
❗ Are Rice Krispies Gluten Free?
Despite being made from rice — a naturally gluten-free grain — Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is not gluten free. That’s because Kellogg’s adds malt flavoring, which is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain.
This means traditional Rice Krispies cereal and their packaged treats are not gluten free.
✅ Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats: What To Look For
To make or buy gluten-free Rice Krispies Treats, follow these tips:
✔ Use Certified Gluten-Free Cereal
Look for rice cereals labeled “gluten free.” Brands like Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal and Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps are popular gluten-free alternatives.
✔ Double-Check the Marshmallows
Most marshmallows are naturally gluten free, but always check the label to avoid any gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination.
✔ Gluten-Free Butter or Butter Substitutes
Pure butter is gluten free, but if using margarine or a butter substitute, make sure it’s labeled as gluten free.
🍴 DIY Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp gluten-free butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) gluten-free marshmallows
- 6 cups gluten-free crispy rice cereal
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat, add cereal, and mix until coated.
- Press into a greased 9×13 pan. Let cool and cut into squares.
👉 Check our homemade gluten-free snack recipe section here ← (Internal Link)
🚫 Pre-Packaged Rice Krispies Treats: Safe or Not?
The original packaged Rice Krispies Treats from Kellogg’s are not gluten free. However, some specialty or organic brands may offer certified gluten-free versions — always look for the “Certified Gluten-Free” label.
🏷️ Gluten-Free Store-Bought Alternatives
Here are some certified gluten-free Rice Krispies Treats alternatives you can find:
- MadeGood Crispy Squares (certified gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan)
- Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Marshmallow Squares
- Annie’s Organic Crispy Snack Bars
Check online retailers like Amazon Gluten-Free Snacks for easy access to verified products.
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✅ Final Thoughts: Are Rice Krispies Treats Gluten Free?
To sum up: No, traditional Rice Krispies Treats are not gluten free due to malt flavoring in the cereal. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this snack! With a few smart swaps — like certified gluten-free cereal and gluten-free marshmallows — you can easily make or buy safe versions of this childhood favorite.