Benefits of gluten-free cereals

There are many reasons why you may want or need gluten-free foods for your baby or toddler: they may have coeliac condition or show some sensitivity to gluten. You may even already maintain a gluten-free diet for yourself or other family members. Whatever the reason for your decision, the range of gluten-free cereals for children is growing all the time, and this article will show you how.

What is a gluten-free diet?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and cereal products such as malt and brewer's yeast. A gluten-free diet eliminates any products containing these components. Babies who do not consume gluten-containing foods can still maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, legumes and most dairy products. These ingredients are naturally gluten-free and healthy for children who do not have gluten sensitivities. Gluten-free diets are the only option for children with coeliac condition to stay healthy: no pill or injection can make their coeliac condition disappear.

Top 5 gluten-free cereals for children

If your child suffers from food allergies, it may be a little difficult to find solutions that meet their nutritional needs and at the same time please their demanding palates. Here are some gluten-free cereals that are suitable for children.

1.       Post Pebbles

Post-Consumer Brands' Pebbles cereals have long been a safe choice for coeliacs. These cereals are made from rice and include no gluten-containing ingredients. Although Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles were the initial flavours of the cereals, Post has, over the past two years, come out with more unique, gluten-free cereal varieties to appeal to its customers.

2.       EnviroKids organic cereals

Nature's Path Organic's EnviroKidz product line includes nine gluten-free children's cereals: Jungle Munch, Chocolate Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch, Koala Crisp, Leapin Lemurs, Amazon Frosted Flakes, Turtle Splash, Cheetah Chomps and Panda Puffs. It should also be noted that none of them contain oats.

All EnviroKidz cereals are packaged in bright boxes with animal themes and pictures. They also feature nutritious grains that are low in sugar and salt.

3.       Barbara's Honey Rice Puffs

Barbara's Honey Rice Puffins are a favourite with kids and adults alike. The base of this cereal is whole grain brown rice, and it is lightly sweetened with a blend of cane sugar, molasses and honey.

4.       Cheerios

Cheerios are one of the most famous breakfast cereals in the world, but many people are unaware that they are gluten-free. Cheerios are made from whole grain oats and are fortified with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and vitamin D. They are also reasonably priced and very convenient. They are also reasonably and competitively priced, low in sugar and enjoyed by children of all ages.

5.       Chex cereals

With the exclusion of Wheat Chex, the Chex brand offers a total of seven types of gluten-free cereals: rice, corn, honey-nut, cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla and blueberry. The main selling point is that they are all free of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

In addition, it should be noted that although it can be difficult to find high quality gluten-free cereals with good nutritional value, all types of cereals are optimal as they fulfil their role as regulatory foods. Fortunately, there is a wide range of delicious gluten-free options and easy recipes that you can start giving to your baby. Before choosing a cereal, think about its content, nutritional profile, price and purpose: considering these qualities will help you select the one that best suits your baby's needs and, in turn, help your baby start learning to eat.