Introduction
Rice krispy treats are one of those classic snacks that just never go out of style. Sweet and gooey with just a touch of crunch, they make the perfect pick-me-up at any time of day. But for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it can be hard to know whether these tasty treats are safe to eat or not. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the gluten content of rice krispy treats, as well as offer up some delicious gluten-free recipes and snack ideas.
Are Rice Krispy Treats Gluten-Free?
The standard rice krispy treat recipe includes three main ingredients: rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter. These ingredients are generally considered to be gluten-free. Rice cereal is made from rice, which is a naturally gluten-free grain. Marshmallows are usually made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, all of which are also gluten-free. Butter is a dairy product, and dairy is naturally gluten-free.
While these ingredients themselves don’t contain gluten, there is always the potential for cross-contamination to occur during the manufacturing process. That means that there is always a risk that store-bought rice krispy treats could contain trace amounts of gluten.
Gluten-Free Rice Krispy Treat Recipes
If you want to make sure that your rice krispy treats are 100% gluten-free, your best bet is to make them yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of gluten-free recipes out there to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:
Classic Gluten-Free Rice Krispy Treats
Ingredients:
- 6 cups rice cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows (make sure they are gluten-free)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the rice cereal until it is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula.
- Let the treats cool to room temperature, then cut into squares and serve.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 cups rice cereal
Instructions:
- Melt the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and salt in a large pot over medium heat and stir to combine.
- Stir in the rice cereal until it is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula.
- Let the treats cool to room temperature, then cut into squares and serve.
Gluten-Free Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispy Treats
Ingredients:
- 6 cups rice cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows (make sure they are gluten-free)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the rice cereal until it is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler.
- Dip each rice krispy treat in the melted chocolate and place it on a piece of wax paper to cool.
- Let the treats cool to room temperature, then serve.
Store-Bought Rice Krispy Treat Brands
If you’re not up for making your own rice krispy treats, there are plenty of store-bought options available on the market. Here are a few popular brands and whether they are gluten-free or not:
- Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats: These are not considered gluten-free due to the high risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.
- Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Rice Milk Chocolate Bars: These are gluten-free.
- Quaker Chewy Granola Bars: Some flavors are gluten-free, while others are not. Make sure to read the label carefully.
- General Mills Golden Grahams Treats: These are not considered gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour.
Overall, we recommend always reading the label carefully and contacting the manufacturer if you have any doubts about whether a particular brand is gluten-free or not.
The Gluten-Free Trend
In recent years, there has been a major trend towards gluten-free eating. Many people believe that cutting gluten out of their diet can lead to weight loss, improved digestion, and even better skin. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten-free eating is a medical necessity.
Rice krispy treats are just one example of how gluten-free eating has become mainstream. It used to be that those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity had to carefully scrutinize every ingredient in every food they ate. But now, thanks to the rise of gluten-free eating, more and more companies are creating gluten-free options.
Gluten-Free Snacks
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, there are plenty of delicious snack options out there. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Fruit: Fresh fruit is a delicious and healthy snack option that is naturally gluten-free.
- Nuts: Almonds, cashews, and peanuts are all great options for a protein-packed snack.
- Rice cakes: These crunchy snacks are a perfect vehicle for hummus, nut butter, or avocado.
- Rice crackers: These crispy snacks are perfect for dipping in salsa or guacamole.
- Rice krispy treats (of course!): These classic treats are delicious and easy to make gluten-free.
Remember, just because a snack is gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Many gluten-free snacks are high in sugar and low in nutrients. That’s why it’s important to read the label carefully and choose snacks that are both gluten-free and healthy.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Rice Krispy Treats
Whether you’re eating gluten-free or not, rice krispy treats are a sweet, tasty snack that can be enjoyed in moderation. Here are some of the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of these classic treats:
Nutritional Information
- A serving size of rice krispy treats is typically 1 square, which contains around 100 calories, 14g of carbs, and 7g of sugar.
- Rice cereal is low in fat and a good source of B-vitamins and iron.
- Marshmallows and butter are high in sugar and fat, but are also a source of calories.
Health Benefits
- Rice krispy treats are a great source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
- Their low fat content makes them a good option for those watching their fat intake.
- They are also a kid-friendly snack that can be made quickly and easily.
Health Drawbacks
- Rice krispy treats are high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- They are also a processed food, which means they contain preservatives and other additives.
- If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, rice krispy treats can be a risky snack option due to cross-contamination.
If you’re looking to make your rice krispy treats a bit healthier, there are a few options. First, you can try swapping out the marshmallows for a healthier sweetener, like honey or maple syrup. You can also add some protein powder to the mix to boost the nutritional content. And if you’re really looking to amp up the healthy factor, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
Conclusion
Rice krispy treats are a classic snack that everyone loves. And the good news is, they can be enjoyed by those following a gluten-free diet as well. Whether you’re making them from scratch or buying them at the store, just be sure to read the label carefully to ensure that they are gluten-free. And if you’re looking to switch things up, try some of our delicious gluten-free recipe alternatives.
Remember, it’s important to make healthy choices when it comes to snacking. While rice krispy treats are a tasty option, they should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
