Why is Rice Crispies classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Rice Crispies is actually placed in NOVA group 3, reflecting a processed cereal rather than ultra‑processed; the product lists no additive preservatives or flavor enhancers, only the base ingredients, rice, sugar, salt, barley malt extract, and added vitamins and minerals, which are considered fortifications rather than additives.

How does the sugar and salt content in Rice Crispies affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 7.9 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal provides a moderate carbohydrate load that can raise blood glucose and should be portion‑controlled by people with diabetes, while the 0.98 g of salt (moderate level) may contribute to sodium intake and should be limited for those managing hypertension.

Is Rice Crispies suitable for gluten‑free, vegan, or other strict dietary regimes?

The product may contain trace gluten from other cereals, so it is not certified gluten‑free; its vitamin and mineral fortification uses sources that are not explicitly labeled as vegan, making its vegan status uncertain, though it is vegetarian and carries a Kosher label.

Kellogg's

rice crispies

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Rice Crispies is a plant‑based breakfast cereal made primarily of toasted rice and fortified with a blend of vitamins (B‑complex, D, B12) and iron. It belongs to the “Cereals and potatoes” group, specifically “Breakfast cereals”, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 3, indicating a processed food rather than minimally processed. The cereal is low in fat and saturated fat, provides modest protein and fiber, but contains moderate amounts of sugar (7.9 g) and salt (0.98 g) per 100 g and may contain trace gluten from other cereals, which are important considerations for health‑conscious consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal389 kcal

Fat1.2 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates86 g

Sugars7.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Rice Crispies contains about half the sugar (7.9 g vs 14.1 g) and less than two‑thirds the salt (0.98 g vs 1.77 g) per 100 g, but also delivers lower protein (7 g vs 10.2 g) and fiber (2.9 g vs 8.3 g) than typical products.

Ingredients

(EN) TOASTED RICE CEREAL FORTIFIED WITH VITAMINS AND IRON. INGREDIENTS: Rice, sugar, salt, barley malt extract, niacin, iron, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B12. For allergens see ingredients highlighted in bold. May contain gluten from other cereals. Best before: see top.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.