Bagels vs Rice Cakes:
Which Is Gluten-Free?
A breakfast swap many celiacs make. Bagels are wheat-based and unsafe, while plain rice cakes are naturally gluten-free.
Rice Cakes is the safer celiac choice — Rice Cakes is gluten-free, while Bagels contains gluten.
Verdicts last reviewed July 2026 · based on FDA gluten-free labeling rules and Celiac Disease Foundation guidance
Rice Cakes is the safer celiac choice — Rice Cakes is gluten-free, while Bagels contains gluten.
Bagels
No. Traditional bagels are made from wheat flour and contain gluten, but certified gluten-free bagels are widely available.
Watch out for:
- Standard bagels are wheat-based
- Cross-contamination in shared toasters and slicers
- Bakery and deli bagels are never gluten-free unless explicitly labeled
Rice Cakes
Yes. Plain rice cakes are made from puffed rice and are gluten-free. Check flavored varieties and watch for cross-contamination.
Watch out for:
- Flavored varieties may add malt or wheat-based seasonings
- Cross-contamination on shared lines
- Multigrain rice cakes can include gluten grains
Gluten-free swaps
Instead of Bagels:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not sure about a specific brand?
Scan any product label with our free AI gluten checker for an instant celiac-safe verdict.
Scan a product free