Is rice krispie treats gluten free?

Depends on the product. That is what 1 publisher says about rice krispie treats; their exact words are below. Packaged foods differ, so check the label of the product you buy.

What the sources tell us

The Celiac Disease Foundation says Rice Krispy Treats may seem like a safe snack, but many conventional brands have a hidden source of gluten. Rice is naturally gluten-free, it explains, yet traditional versions contain malt flavoring, which is typically derived from barley.[1]

The foundation adds that some companies use malt flavoring as a sweetener, and because barley is not considered a common allergen, the word barley does not have to be declared on the label.[1]

The malt comes in with the cereal. The Celiac Disease Foundation warns that puffed rice cereal may contain malt flavoring or extract, and the Gluten Intolerance Group says some popular brands of crisp rice cereal are made with malt from barley. Its Halloween candy guide also lists crisped rice among the ingredients that can contain barley malt.[1][2][3][4]

For a gluten-free batch, the foundation suggests crispy rice cereal labeled gluten-free, which is made without malt flavoring, paired with gluten-free marshmallows and butter. It also says to read labels carefully for hidden sources of gluten.[1]

For store-bought sweets, the Gluten Intolerance Group notes that barley, rye and malt are not required to be called out as allergens, so they can hide in plain sight.[4]

What the authorities say

"Rice Krispy Treats may seem like a safe snack for individuals with celiac disease, but many conventional brands actually have a hidden source of gluten"

Celiac Disease Foundation · Depends · celiac.org/2024/10/22/why-arent-most-rice-krispy-treats-gluten-free · fetched 2026-10-24

Certified gluten-free alternatives

Products on the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) list. Each links to its GFCO listing. A product counts as certified only when its package also carries the GFCO mark.

Not stated

Sources