Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Goes Gluten-Free

Yes, you’ve read that correctly.  I’m sure you have heard the rumors that Kellogg’s was releasing their famous Rice Krispie cereal in a gluten-free form which means not malt flavoring!! Last year I posted about being glutened after eating a Rice Krispie Treat (which I absolutely love by the way) and the response that I received from Kellogg after calling them about the issue.  If you read the post I just linked to you’ll notice that the package said “Contains: Milk and Soy” ingredients – nothing about containing wheat/gluten.  (This is the perfect example about why the FDA really needs to define what gluten is and put this labeling regulation into effect asap.) So instead I made my own Krispie treats with an alternative cereal and they tasted great, but still not the same.

When I heard that Kellogg was planning to release a gluten-free version I almost couldn’t believe it.  I was wondering what they would do/change/add to make them gluten-free.  I knew that they had to remove the barley malt in order to do so but that was about it.  Here is a little excerpt from the e-mail that Kellogg’s sent me in regards to the release: “The latest addition to the Rice Kripsies® portfolio is scheduled to hit select grocery store shelves in early June 2011. The new cereal eliminates barley malt and is made with whole-grain brown rice to differentiate it from the original and for flavor. The suggested retail price is the same as for original Rice Krispies® cereal.” There are a few awesome things to point out from that statement: 1) they are made using whole-grain brown rice and 2) the suggested retail price is the SAME as the original!!

The wonderful people over at Kellogg’s also sent me two complimentary boxes to try, of course the first thing I did was open the box and try them just as they are.  I wanted to see how different they would taste with out the barley malt and with them being made of brown rice instead.  They are mighty tasting and yes, Snap, Crackle, and Pop are all there! I also tried them with a little bit of almond milk and again they were delicious.  The only thing I had left to do was make what else but Rice Krispie Treats!

The recipe below is the one that was sent to me from Kellogg when I received the complimentary boxes (there is no recipe listed on the box which I thought was a bit odd).  It also says “best if served the same day” – oh boy do I agree and then it continues to say “Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container.  To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight containers.  Freeze for up to six weeks.  Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving”.  I agree these are best serve the same day…they taste delicious and have the same texture as regular rice krispie treats.  I stored ours in an air tight container and the next day they were a bit hard and the third day I was afraid I might crack a tooth…I’m not trying to be funny or exaggerate.  I think the next time I make them I will either make them on a day when I know we are having people over or I will store them in a large zip lock bag instead of my airtight glass container. As I said they were great on the first day and we were very happy with them.

Gluten-Free Rice Krispie Treats

Prep Time: 10 minutes     Total Time: 30 minutes     Servings: 12

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons butter or margarine (diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended)

1 Package (10 oz, about 40) regular marshmallows (fresh is best) -OR- 4 cups miniature marshmallows (again fresh is better)

6 Cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Gluten Free Cereal

Directions:

In a large saucepan melt butter over low heat.  Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  Remove from heat.

Add Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Gluten Free Cereal.  Stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray.  Cool.  Cut into 2-inch squares.  Best if served the same day.

Again these will be released in early June!!  When you pick up a box and try them please let me know what you think.