Is Cinnamon Toast Crunch Gluten Free? For the people who take gluten free diets being a result of celiac disease of gluten sensitivity, it becomes difficult to get foods which are considered suitable for such diets. Grains for example are problematic especially cereals because most of them contain gluten in the form of wheat, barley or rye.
If breakfast is one meal in a day that most people look forward to then who wouldn’t love starting the morning with a bowl of sweet cereal that we all, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. But before digging into that bowl, a key question arises: What about cinnamon toast crunch is it free from gluten?
The Fear of Cross-Contamination and Hidden Ingredients
However, consuming gluten has side effects and impacts the health of persons having celiac disease by causing digestive disorders, headaches, fatigue and others. Gluten intolerance affects those people who are not diagnosed with celiac but also have unpleasant reactions after eating foods containing the component.
But for a person who is dedicated to keeping away from the gluten products, eating something that included the gluten would be terrible. Sadly, when it comes to cereals, the outlook of the packing may not help one identify whether it contains gluten or not.
Investigating the Gluten Status of Cinnamon Toast Crunch
To answer the big question: However, one will be happy to learn that Cinnamon Toast Crunch is not gluten-free. Although there are no outputs found for any gluten containing grains such as barley and rye, one of the outputs is wheat which is also a gluten product. Nevertheless, it is possible to find untapped choices available in the market to address people’s cereal needs if they want to go gluten-free.
Okay, let’s go deeper and take a closer look at the components of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, its gluten presence, and offer alternatives for celiac and gluten sensitive people who are eager to have crunchy breakfast.
What is Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Cinnamon Toast Crunch are a delicious cereal which are formed of sweet and spicy cinnamon flavored toast. Since its launch in 1984, it has been enjoyed by children and grown-ups alike! The cereal consists of small squares in which the outside is covered with a combination of cinnamon and sugar which provides a unique taste and texture.
What is Cinnamon Toast Crunch Made Of?
Now for the main purpose of deciding that Cinnamon Toast Crunch is gluten-free or not, let us see the list of ingredients. A typical box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch lists the following ingredients:
- Whole grain wheat
- Sugar
- Rice flour
- Canola oil
- Fructose
- Maltodextrin
- Dextrose
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Trisodium phosphate
- Soy lecithin
- Color added
- BHT (to preserve freshness)
Among all essential nutrients the most effective one for this recipe is whole grain wheat. The major problem people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance often have with wheat is gluten – a protein contained in it. For this reason Cinnamon Toast Crunch has been classified as not being a gluten free food.
Cross-Contamination Risks
While some products are gluten-free, meaning they are manufactured from ingredients that do not contain any gluten, they may well be contaminated during the course of their production. Unfortunately, most cereals are processed in factories that also process grains containing gluten and therefore, they pose a great danger to those with gluten sensitivity. Cinnamon Toast Crunch a cereal produced by General Mills does not list this product on its gluten-free brands, this means that even if there is no direct addition of gluten there may be cross contamination when processing the cereal.
Why Gluten Matters: What Is Gluten and Why Avoid It?
In case the term was new to some people, gluten is a kind of protein that is mainly present in wheat, barley, and rye. That’s what can give certain texture to the dough and, thus, to the baked goods, and ensures that they do not shrink in the baking process. Although it is not threatening most of the time, gluten affects the health deteriorating for those with the celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Some of the signs of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are;
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue
Headaches
Cuts, itching and rashes on skinfold: skin problems
Joint pain
Bloating
For people diagnosed with the disease, any amounts of gluten ingested into the body will cause an immune reaction that results in the destruction of the lining of the small intestine and malnutrition in the long run.
Alternatives: Gluten-Free Cereal Options
This is some of the unfortunate news if Cinnamon Toast Crunch is on your list of cereal favorites, as it contains glutens which are not good for any celiac disease sufferer. Here are some gluten-free cereal options that can provide the same sweet, satisfying experience:
1. Chex Cereal (Gluten-Free Varieties)
For that sweet and crunchy feeling, one can try the Chex gluten-free cereals which are Cinnamon Chex and Honey Nut Chex. The added advantage here is that Chex products are produced with special consideration given to those with gluten challenges, hence you can relish the products with no qualms.
2. EnviroKidz Gorilla Munch
Imported from Canada, Gorilla Munch is a delicious gluten-free cereal brand by EnviroKidz company. It is crispy and has a nice sugary feeling to it and its best thing is that it is gluten free. Moreover, it is natural, and appropriate for kids as well as adults.
3. Nature’s Path Gluten-Free Cereals
Some of the gluten-free Nature’s Path’s products include Mesa Sunrise and Honeyed Corn Flakes. These cereals, come from corn, quinoa, and amaranth which are naturally gluten free thus providing a healthy and delicious breakfast meal.
4. Barbara’s Puffins
The other favorite gluten-free cereal that I have come across is the Barbara’s Puffins. Not all the Puffins variants contain the gluten but the brand currently has Puffins Multigrain that is gluten-free. Be sure to read the label to make sure that you’re not taking the regular Creemoreне16, which contains gluten.
5. Gluten-Free Cheerios
Their milk cereal Cheerios is among the leading cereals and there is now a gluten-free Cheerios too. Cereals are made from oats, which are naturally gluten free, however they undergo a rigorous process to ensure that it does not get any contamination with gluten. Some of them include Honey Nut Cheerios and Apple Cinnamon Cheerios which are gluten free and can be bought at most supermarkets.
Homemade Gluten-Free Cinnamon Toast Crunch Recipe
Everyone loves the taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch but what if you have to avoid gluten and you want the taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch? It is possible to recreate the magic of this popular cereal with only a few ingredients presented below to make it gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- 150g gluten free baking flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
First you need to have your oven set at about 350-degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius.
Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in one bowl for easy preparation to the next process.
Combine the butter, which has been melted, with the measured water and afterward add this mixture to the other dry ingredients. Continue to mix until a dough like substance is formed.
On a floured surface knead the dough and then stretch till it is very thin.
When biscuits have cooled, freeze for 10 mins then cut into small squares and place on a lined baking sheet.
Then bake for 10 to 12 more minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy all over.
After toasting let it cool a little before taking a spoonful and having it with milk.
This gluten-free imitation will provide the crunchy sweet glory of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
A good gluten-free pancake recipe?
Here, you will find yet an easy and tasty pancake recipe that does not include gluten, and it is easy to prepare. The following are great for breakfast as they are light and fluffy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup/ 130g gluten-free all-purpose flour which must contain xanthan gum
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 270 ml milk (regular cow milk, soy milk or other milk of the consumer’s choice ).
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add this dry mixture to a large bowl and whisk until well combined with the gluten free flour, sugar, baking powder as well as salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another small bowl beat the milk with the egg, melted butter (or oil) and vanilla essence.
Combine Mixtures: Transfer the wet ingredients into the dry ones and combine the mixture until barely mixed. This is perfectly fine even if part of the mixture begins to form lumps.
Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to rest for about five minutes. This makes the gluten free flour to swell up and incorporate more air making the pancakes fluffy.
Cook the Pancakes: Preheat a non-stick skillet to medium or griddle unto medium and lightly coat with oil. With a cup, scoop 1/4 cup of batter and pour it in the skillet to form each pancake. It should take around 5 minutes after the formation of bubbles on top and slightly brown around the edges after the first flip and another 5 minutes on the second side until it turns brown.
Serve: Delicious served warm and with toppings of your choice including maple syrup, fresh fruits or a spoonful of whipped cream.
Tips for Flipping Pancakes
Wait for Bubbles: That is the secret to when to flip since pancake bubbles form on top of the surface. If the edges appear to be firm and blisters start to form, it is time to overturn.
Use the Right Tool: To flip pancakes, a thin, wide spatula makes for the most effective flipping tool. This lets you slip under the pancake without bending it or the like and adjust it properly.
Gentle Lift and Flip: Flip the pancake by placing the spatula under the pancake and then moving the spatula under the pancake. Gently raise it up in order to avoid the dough sticking to the pan. After that, quickly but all in one move toss the pancake over.
Medium Heat: Browning the pancakes takes not more than twenty minutes on medium heat. The essence of it is that extreme temperatures can overcook the crust of the food while the inside part of the food is still raw.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Do not overcrowd the pan and so ensure that you give each pancake the needed space. Overcrowding can complicate the flipping and may result to foods being cooked unevenly.
Practice Makes Perfect: It may, however, take some time; Do not panic if your first couple of flipps are not well done. I think after some time of practicing you will be in a position to do it on your own.
Use a Non-Stick Pan: Better yet, a non-stick pan, or a cast-iron skillet with a well-developed seasoning will help make flipping the pancakes a lot easier.
Grease the Pan Lightly: To grease the pan, it is recommended that one should use a little amount of butter or oil. Essentially too much can even make the pancakes oily and when one is flipping, it becomes difficult.
Bonus Tip: Made to Warm Them
In case you are making many pancakes store them in a baking tray with a low heat setting the heat around 200°F or 95°C.
Conclusion: Be Cautious but Don’t Miss Out
Although Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains gluten, there are other great Gluten free Cereals for people with a sweet tooth that loves the crunch. Depending on whether one opts for any of the gluten-free cereals listed above or opt to cook a gluten-free version at home, one does not have to sacrifice on this option, and have a good meal in the morning.
One should also make sure to carefully check the labels for ingredients as the manufacturers may alter the ingredients sometimes. The only way to ensure that one avoids this is to take certified gluten-free products especially for those suffering from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
This means that through proper consultation a person can still have a good breakfast to satisfy his or her appetite without the associated risks of being unhealthy.
FAQs
1. Is Cinnamon Toast Crunch safe for people with celiac disease?
No, Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains wheat, which means it is not gluten-free and should be avoided by people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
2. Can I find gluten-free alternatives to Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Yes, there are several gluten-free cereals available, such as Chex, Nature’s Path, and EnviroKidz, that offer similar textures and flavors.
3. What is gluten, and why should I avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it as it can cause digestive issues and other health problems.
4. Can I make a gluten-free version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch at home?
Yes, by using gluten-free flour and following a simple recipe, you can create a homemade version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch that’s safe for those avoiding gluten.
