Are Rice Krispies a Good Pre Workout Snack?

If you have been around the fitness scene for a while, then you know that it is a popular method to have a pre-workout snack. Whether that be a protein shake, protein bar, fruit, or really, just anything to get some carbs in you, it is a great way to get some good energy to fuel your workout.

Obviously, there are some food items that aren’t the best pre-workout snacks though. I think it is probably safe to say that Reeses or a hamburger is probably not your best choice for a pre-workout energy boost. There are however some items that seem to be a bad option but are not and vice versa.

In this article we are going to look into Rice Krispies and whether they are a good pre-workout snack.

Are Rice Krispies Gluten Free

No. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal and Rice Krispies Treats both list malt flavor, which is made from barley, a gluten grain. They are not labeled gluten-free, so avoid them if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

You can however make homemade gluten-free rice Krispies. A great recipe can be found here.

Are Rice Krispies Vegan

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats are not vegan, because the marshmallow contains gelatin, which comes from animals. The plain cereal is fortified with vitamin D3, which is often animal-derived, so strict vegans may avoid it too. Some other brands of crispy rice treats are vegan.

You can find a recipe for vegan Rice Krispies here

Are Rice Krispies Dairy Free

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats are not dairy-free: the label lists flavors that contain milk. However, there are plenty of recipes out there where you can easily make Rice Krispie treats that have no dairy and are vegan friendly.

Here is a great recipe for Dairy-free Rice Krispies.

Are Rice Krispies Nut Free

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal and Treats do not list nuts in their ingredients. If you have a nut allergy, check the allergen statement on the package you buy, since recipes and facilities can change.

Are Rice Krispies a Good Pre Workout Snack

Yes, Rice Krispies Treats can be a decent pre-workout snack. A standard 0.78-ounce Original treat has about 90 calories and 17 grams of carbs, mostly fast-digesting sugar and refined rice, with very little fat or fiber. That makes it easy on the stomach shortly before training.

MedlinePlus advises avoiding fried or high-fat foods before exercise and not exercising on an empty stomach, and a low-fat treat fits that. It also notes that carbs before exercise matter most for sessions longer than an hour.

The sodium is not a concern: one treat has about 105 mg, under 5% of the 2,300 mg Daily Value, which the FDA counts as low. The downside is that it offers little nutrition beyond quick sugar.

I recommend trying a Rice Krispies Treat as a pre-workout, but be careful not to overdo it, because these treats could become junk food for you and lose their purpose. A banana or toast with jam does the same job with more nutrients.

Sources

• Nutrition and athletic performance, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• Sodium in Your Diet, U.S. Food and Drug Administration