gluten free froot loops cravings tend to hit me at the most random times, usually when I want a bright, crunchy bowl that feels like Saturday morning. If you have celiac or a gluten sensitivity, you know that the cereal aisle can be tricky. That is exactly why I started testing blends, playing with colors, and figuring out which flours make the crispiest, happiest loops. If you are just getting into mixing your own gluten free flours, peek at my go to guide for gluten free flour blends. It will make this whole cereal project feel easy and fun. Stick with me, we are making a rainbow breakfast that crunches. 
Are Froot Loops Gluten Free?
Short answer, no. Traditional Froot Loops are not labeled gluten free, and the ingredient list has historically included wheat or carries a risk of cross contact. If you are sensitive to even tiny amounts of gluten, that is a problem. I learned this the hard way years ago when a quick bowl left me feeling foggy for the rest of the day.
The good news is that you do not have to give up that playful, fruity cereal vibe. You can either buy certified options that mimic the classic or make your own at home. Making your own gives you control over ingredients, sweetness, and flavor. Plus, it is surprisingly satisfying to pour a bowl of loops you shaped yourself.
So if you are wondering whether it is safe to eat the classic, it is best to skip it. But if you want the color and crunch, we can absolutely make a version that tastes great and treats your body kindly. And yes, we will keep this fun, simple, and weeknight doable.

Why Make Your Own Gluten Free Fruit Loops?
There are a few reasons you might want to DIY. First, dialing in the sweetness. Most store bought cereals are sweeter than they need to be. When you make your own, you can go lighter on sugar and still get a satisfying crunch. Second, texture. A blend of rice flour and tapioca bakes up crisp in the best way, and it actually stays crunchy in milk. Third, colors and flavors. You can use natural powders like beet, blueberry, and turmeric to get those bright shades without artificial dyes.
Making cereal is also just plain fun. Pop on a podcast, shape little rings, and let the kitchen smell like vanilla and citrus while the loops bake. If you are into playful gluten free treats, you might also love these easy air fryer gluten free donuts. They hit that nostalgic breakfast vibe without much effort.
Bottom line, homemade cereal gives you control. You choose the flour blend, the sugar level, and the colors. If you have kids, this is such a cute rainy day project. And if you do not, it is still a very grown up joy to crackle through a bowl of loops you made yourself.

Gluten Free Fruit Loops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine white rice flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup sorghum flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- 3 to 5 tablespoons milk or dairy free milk, as needed for dough
- Natural color options: 1 teaspoon each of beet powder, blueberry powder, turmeric, matcha, or spirulina
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk rice flour, tapioca, sorghum, xanthan, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Stir in melted coconut oil, egg white, vanilla, and zest. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you get a soft, slightly tacky dough that holds together like modeling clay.
- Divide the dough into 3 to 5 small bowls. Mix a different natural powder into each bowl for color.
- Roll each color into very thin ropes, about the width of a pencil lead. Cut tiny pieces and shape into small rings with your fingers. They puff slightly, so go smaller than you think.
- Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until set and just starting to color.
- Reduce the oven to 225 F and bake another 20 to 30 minutes to dry the loops so they crisp fully. Cool on the pans. They get crunchier as they cool.
Pro Tips That Make A Difference
Keep it small. Tiny rings give the best crunch and that classic cereal spoonful. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 10 minutes, then roll. If it cracks, wet your fingers lightly and smooth the surface.
Air fryer option: Bake at 300 F for 5 to 7 minutes, then drop to 250 F for 10 minutes to dry. Work in small batches and keep an eye on the color.
Flavor boosts: A pinch of citric acid gives a subtle tang that tastes surprisingly close to the boxed fruit cereal flavor. Start with 1/8 teaspoon for the whole batch.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy your loops with cold milk, sprinkle over yogurt, or use them as a colorful topping for smoothie bowls. For a quick brunch board, pair a bowl of loops with fruit, hard boiled eggs, and a warm flatbread like this simple 5 ingredient gluten free flatbread.
We made these for a school sleepover, and every kid asked for seconds. The colors were so bright, and the crunch held up in milk. My daughter said, this tastes happier than the box. That was all I needed to hear.
One more note on the keyword you came for. If you are searching for gluten free froot loops, this recipe is your shortcut to that nostalgic bowl without the gluten worries.
Nutritional Information and Benefits of Gluten Free Cereals
Homemade cereal often comes with a few hidden wins. You control sugar and sodium. This recipe uses moderate sugar, a light fat source for crunch, and a blend of flours that bakes up crisp without heaviness. If you want even less sugar, drop it to 1/4 cup and add a touch more vanilla and zest. You will still get a tasty bowl.
Gluten free cereals also make breakfast more inclusive. If you are cooking for a crowd, a batch of loops alongside fruit and yogurt covers a lot of bases. For lighter mornings, I like to pair a small bowl with a protein side like eggs or a smoothie. On weekends, I sometimes rotate with these best gluten free low FODMAP pancakes when I want something fluffy instead of crunchy.
As for macros, think of this like a treat cereal you can tweak. The loop shape slows down sogginess, so tiny portions stay satisfying. And because the colors come from fruit and veggie powders, you get bright shades without artificial dyes. That is a small but meaningful upgrade.
If your goal is avoiding gluten without feeling deprived, a bowl of gluten free froot loops checks the fun box while still letting you decide what goes into your breakfast.
Comparison of Popular Gluten Free Cereals
When you want to stock the pantry, here is how I think about the options. There are three main routes: DIY loops like the recipe above, store brands labeled gluten free that mimic the classics, and whole grain options like crispy brown rice or corn flakes. Each has its own pros and tradeoffs.
DIY gives you full control over ingredients and sweetness, plus the fun of making them. Labeled gluten free lookalikes are the fastest option, and some taste very close to the original, but they can be pricier and may still use artificial colors. Whole grain cereals are often lower in sugar, but do not scratch that fruity loop itch.
I also pay attention to price per serving, crunch time in milk, and the ingredient list. You can absolutely mix and match. Some weeks I combine a handful of homemade loops with a base of crispy rice to stretch the batch and add texture. On big stock up trips, I look for bulk deals and check my own notes from previous tastings. If you are a bargain hunter, this list of best gluten free Costco finds can be a helpful roadmap for cereal and breakfast staples.
Below is a simple comparison table outline I use when testing new cereals for crunch, sweetness, and value.
Wherever you land, remember that breakfast should make you happy. If that means a colorful bowl now and then, there is room for that. If you are avoiding dyes, stick to natural powders and keep your loops small for the best crisp.
One last reminder for searchers: when you see gluten free froot loops on a label, always double check the certification and ingredient list. Certification is your friend, and so is a quick scan for oats that are not certified gluten free.
A Friendly Wrap Up You Can Actually Use
We covered a lot, but the takeaway is simple. Classic Froot Loops are not gluten free, yet you can still get that colorful, crunchy bowl by making your own or choosing labeled alternatives. With a few pantry staples and natural color powders, your gluten free froot loops can be bright, crisp, and not overly sweet. If you prefer to buy rather than bake, you will find plenty of options online like this roundup on Gluten Free Fruit Loops – Amazon.com.
I hope this gave you the confidence to try a batch and tweak it to your taste. Make it colorful, keep the rings tiny, and do not be shy with the vanilla and zest. When that first spoonful crackles, you will know it was worth it. If you crave more breakfast fun after your bowl, a pan of cozy rolls like these best gluten free cinnamon rolls always hits the spot. Happy cereal making, and may your mornings be crunchy and bright with gluten free froot loops.
Gluten Free Fruit Loops
A fun and colorful homemade version of the classic Froot Loops, made gluten-free for a satisfying crunch.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine white rice flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup sorghum flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- 3 to 5 tablespoons milk or dairy-free milk, as needed for dough
- Natural color options: 1 teaspoon each of beet powder, blueberry powder, turmeric, matcha, or spirulina
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk rice flour, tapioca, sorghum, xanthan, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Stir in melted coconut oil, egg white, vanilla, and zest. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you get a soft, slightly tacky dough that holds together like modeling clay.
- Divide the dough into 3 to 5 small bowls and mix a different natural powder into each for color.
- Roll each color into very thin ropes, about the width of a pencil lead. Cut small pieces and shape them into rings with your fingers.
- Arrange on baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until set and just starting to color.
- Reduce the oven to 225°F and bake another 20 to 30 minutes to dry the loops until they crisp up. Cool on the pans.
Notes
Keep the rings small for best crunch; use natural powders for coloring.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
