Kellogg’s

Rice Krispies

Barcode 5059319029702

Scanned 185 times by Nomi users

Yes — Rice Krispies is ultra-processed.

This cereal contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer. According to NOVA criteria, the presence of this type of ingredient makes the product ultra-processed, even though the base of the food is simple rice, sugar, and salt with added vitamins and minerals for fortification.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

toasted rice cereal fortified with vitamins and iron

A cereal product made from toasted rice grains, fortified with vitamins and minerals (iron). Commonly used as a breakfast cereal base or ingredient in fortified foods.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)

Essential water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient supplement and fortificant in foods and dietary supplements.
OK

riboflavin

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B2) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

folic acid

A B-vitamin (B9) important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation; commonly added to fortified foods and supplements.
OK

vitamin d

Fat-soluble vitamin used for fortification and dietary supplementation; commonly present in foods as a nutrient or supplement.
OK

vitamin b12. for allergens see ingredients highlighted in bold. may contain gluten from other cereals

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Swap it for something less processed

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Other breakfast cereals & bars Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Rice Krispies

Is Rice Krispies ultra-processed?

Yes — Rice Krispies by Kellogg’s is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This cereal contains barley malt extract, which is an industrially processed extract used as a flavor enhancer. According to NOVA criteria, the presence of this type of ingredient makes the product ultra-processed, even though the base of the food is simple rice, sugar, and salt with added vitamins and minerals for fortification.

Which ingredients in Rice Krispies are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Rice Krispies as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Rice Krispies?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Rice Snaps by Tesco. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.