Does Kellogg'S Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains both. It includes milk in the flavorings and malt flavor (derived from barley) which contains gluten.

Is Kellogg'S Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz good for weight loss?

No, it is high in sugar and calories relative to its size and lacks fiber or protein to keep you full.

Where can I buy Kellogg'S Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz?

These are available at most major grocery chains, convenience stores, and online retailers like Amazon or Walmart.

Is Kellogg'S Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz safe for kids?

It is safe for kids in moderation, but parents should be aware of the high sugar content and the presence of soy and milk allergens.

Is Kellogg'S Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz Gluten Free?

No, Kellogg's Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz are not gluten-free. While they do not contain wheat flour, the presence of malt flavoring—a derivative of barley—makes them unsafe for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Additionally, these treats contain milk and soy, making them unsuitable for those with multiple food allergies.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. When analyzing the ingredient list for Kellogg's Treats Squares Original, the verdict regarding gluten safety becomes clear almost immediately. The product relies on a base of toasted rice cereal. On the surface, rice is naturally gluten-free. However, the danger lies in the processing and the specific additives used to create that nostalgic cereal taste.

The primary culprit here is malt flavor. In the food industry, 'malt' almost exclusively refers to flavoring derived from barley. Barley is one of the three primary gluten-containing grains (along with wheat and rye). Even if the barley is processed into a flavor extract, it retains the gluten proteins that trigger autoimmune reactions in celiac patients. Therefore, despite the absence of wheat, the inclusion of malt flavor automatically disqualifies this product from a gluten-free diet.

Beyond the gluten issue, there are other ingredients of note. The product contains gelatin and natural and artificial flavors (contains milk), confirming it is not vegetarian or vegan. It also utilizes soy lecithin as an emulsifier. For those with allergies, the cross-contamination risks in a facility that handles wheat, though not explicitly stated on the snippet, are always a consideration, but the intentional inclusion of malt is the definitive factor here.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

malt

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Kellogg's Treats Squares Original 2.13Oz are best classified as a 'sometimes' food rather than a dietary staple. The ingredient list is dominated by sweeteners, specifically corn syrup, fructose, and sugar. This high concentration of simple sugars contributes to a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, followed by a crash, which is not ideal for sustained energy.

The product also contains vegetable oil (soybean and palm oil). While convenient for texture and shelf-stability, these oils are calorie-dense and provide little nutritional value in terms of vitamins or fiber. The presence of TBHQ and BHT indicates the use of synthetic preservatives to maintain freshness, a common practice in processed snacks but one that some consumers prefer to avoid.

If you are strictly counting calories, a 2.13oz package is relatively small, but the sugar content likely makes up a significant percentage of the daily recommended value. It fits into a diet only as an occasional treat, not as a meal replacement or a health snack.