Key findings
- 1Both the cereal and the marshmallow components are themselves industrially made before being combined
- 2Homemade Rice Krispies Treats (cereal, butter, marshmallow) have fewer additives but the base ingredients remain industrially made
What goes into Rice Krispies Treats products?
The base ingredient (Rice Krispies cereal) is already a manufactured cereal made with sugar, salt, and malt flavoring. The treat adds a marshmallow binding layer made from corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, and gelatin. Pre-packaged Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats bars also include fructose, vegetable oil (with TBHQ preservative), and additional emulsifiers. The homemade version (cereal, butter, marshmallow) is simpler, but the cereal and marshmallow are themselves industrially made ingredients.
How 113 rice krispies treats products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Rice Krispies Treats brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a rice krispies treats label
- 1
Pre-packaged Rice Krispies Treats contain corn syrup, fructose, and sugar; three separate sweeteners
- 2
TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic preservative in the vegetable oil
- 3
Check pre-packaged bars for preservatives such as BHT and TBHQ
- 4
Homemade versions are slightly simpler but still use industrially made base ingredients (cereal and marshmallows)
Ketzal for iPhone
Got Rice Krispies Treats At Home?
Scan yours in Ketzal to see how your exact product scores, not just the average, plus a less processed swap.
Scan It Free
Frequently asked questions
Are homemade Rice Krispies Treats less processed?
Slightly. Homemade versions (cereal, butter, marshmallows) skip the added fructose, vegetable oil, TBHQ, and extra preservatives in pre-packaged bars. However, both the cereal and marshmallows are industrially made ingredients themselves, so homemade versions are still far from a whole-food snack.
Why do Rice Krispies Treats have so many sweeteners?
Pre-packaged Rice Krispies Treats use corn syrup (for chewiness and binding), fructose (for sweetness), and sugar (in the cereal and marshmallow). Each sweetener serves a different functional purpose in the texture and taste of the product.
Are Rice Krispies Treats a good snack for kids?
Pre-packaged Rice Krispies Treats combine multiple sweeteners and preservatives; the nutrition panel lists the sugar per bar. From a processing standpoint, fresh fruit, plain popcorn, or cheese and crackers are simpler alternatives.