Rice Cakes vs Crackers:
Which Is Gluten-Free?
Looking for a crunchy base for toppings? Plain rice cakes are gluten-free, while standard crackers are wheat-based unless labeled otherwise.
Rice Cakes is the safer celiac choice — Rice Cakes is gluten-free, while Crackers contains gluten.
Verdicts last reviewed July 2026 · based on FDA gluten-free labeling rules and Celiac Disease Foundation guidance
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
Crackers
No, most crackers are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. Many excellent gluten-free cracker brands are available.
Watch out for:
- Nearly all standard crackers contain wheat
- Shared platters at parties with wheat cracker crumbs
- "Multigrain" crackers contain wheat
Gluten-free swaps
Instead of Crackers:
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