Rice Crispy Treats are a classic snack made by mixing rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter. They have a crisp, chewy texture that many people find addicting. However, some people wonder if Rice Crispy Treats contain non-vegetarian ingredients like pork or beef gelatin. This is an important concern for vegetarians, vegans, and those who avoid pork for religious reasons. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the ingredients in Rice Crispy Treats and whether they contain animal products.
Do marshmallows contain gelatin?
The key ingredient that gives Rice Crispy Treats their chewy texture is marshmallows. Traditional marshmallows are made using gelatin, a thickening agent derived from animal collagen. Gelatin can be sourced from pork or beef, so traditional marshmallows are not vegetarian or halal.
However, many brands now offer vegetarian marshmallows made using plant-based ingredients instead of gelatin. These vegetarian marshmallows get their fluffiness from agents like agar agar, locust bean gum, or starches.
So, whether the marshmallows in Rice Crispy Treats contain pork/beef gelatin depends on the specific brand of marshmallow used. You have to read the ingredients list to know for sure.
Marshmallow ingredients to watch out for
Here are the key animal-derived ingredients to look for when identifying vegetarian marshmallows:
- Gelatin
- Collagen hydrolysate
- Beef fat
- Pork fat
If the marshmallow ingredients contain any of those, they are not vegetarian.
Vegetarian marshmallow brands
Here are some popular brands that make vegetarian and/or vegan marshmallows:
- Dandies
- Trader Joe’s
- Sweet & Sara
- Chicago Vegan Foods
- Freedom Marshmallows
Always check the label carefully even when using vegetarian brands. Manufacturing can change and some brands offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions.
Do Rice Krispies contain meat products?
The other main ingredients in Rice Crispy Treats are rice cereal (usually Rice Krispies) and butter.
Rice Krispies cereal contains: rice, sugar, salt, malt flavoring, iron, BHT for freshness, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3. None of those contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Butter is dairy, so not vegan. But dairy butter does not contain pork or beef.
So the only animal product in Rice Krispies cereal and butter is dairy. They do not contain pork or beef gelatin.
How to make vegetarian/vegan Rice Crispy Treats
Here is a simple recipe to make vegetarian or vegan Rice Crispy Treats at home:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal or similar
- 1 package vegetarian marshmallows (10 oz)
- 1⁄4 cup dairy-free butter (if making vegan)
Instructions:
- Grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray or butter
- Melt marshmallows and butter together in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently
- Once melted and smooth, remove from heat
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and quickly stir to coat evenly
- Immediately transfer to prepared pan and press into an even layer
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares
Be sure to use vegetarian marshmallows and dairy-free butter to keep this recipe meat-free. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Commercial brands that offer vegetarian Rice Crispy Treats
Many major brands now offer vegetarian or vegan versions of Rice Crispy Treats:
| Brand | Variety | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Kellogg’s | Rice Krispies Treats, Original | No gelatin |
| Kellogg’s | Rice Krispies Treats, Mini | No gelatin |
| Enjoy Life | Crunchy Rice Bars, Vanilla | Certified gluten-free, vegan |
| Nature’s Path | Love Crunch, Marshmallow Crispy Rice | Certified gluten-free, vegan |
Carefully check the labels for gelatin, even on brands marketing their products as vegetarian or vegan. Manufacturing can change at times. When in doubt, contact the brand to confirm.
Are homemade Rice Crispy Treats vegetarian?
If you make Rice Crispy Treats at home, whether they are vegetarian or not depends completely on the ingredients you use:
- Rice cereal – Plain Rice Krispies and most similar rice cereals are vegetarian
- Marshmallows – Must be a vegetarian variety without gelatin
- Butter – Dairy butter is vegetarian but not vegan. Use vegan butter for a vegan recipe.
As long as you use vegetarian marshmallows, the homemade treats will be vegetarian and gelatin-free. You can make them vegan by using vegan butter too.
Vegetarian marshmallow brands
Refer to the list provided earlier for vegetarian, vegan, and halal marshmallows. Always read labels carefully to confirm no animal products since manufacturing can change.
Conclusion
Traditional Rice Crispy Treats contain gelatin due to their marshmallow ingredient. However, there are now many easy ways to enjoy vegetarian and vegan versions:
– Check labels and purchase treats made with vegetarian marshmallows
– Make your own at home with vegetarian marshmallows and vegan butter
– Buy treats certified vegetarian or vegan from brands like Enjoy Life and Nature’s Path
As long as you avoid animal-derived gelatin, Rice Crispy Treats can be a delicious and nostalgic meat-free snack that both kids and adults enjoy!