Being gluten intolerant, I have not indulged in breakfast cereal in a long time. Most of the gluten free ones are like eating Styrofoam floating in milk, so I had humbly crossed that option off my breakfast choices. I must admit, however, that I missed cereal now and then, because it is so refreshing in the morning with some cold milk, and also, I missed the fact that here was a wonderful way to get some “fiber” into my diet. Then I recently read about Rice Chex becoming gluten free. Like every other gluten free person, I became very excited about this. I don’t know whether I was excited about that fact that they had become gluten free, or that I could actually walk down the regular cereal aisle in the supermarket (and it is a big one at that), and find a gluten free cereal choice.
So, during my next food shopping excursion, I perused the cereal aisle, and lo and behold, there they were, Gluten Free Rice Chex. I picked up the box and read all the ingredients and nutritional value box. I was a bit disappointed, as this product clearly lacks fiber and has added refined sugar as well as the preservative, BHT. I walked over to the Greenwise section of my market (Publix has a separate area for natural and organic foods), and discovered Nature’s Path Organic Corn Flakes. They offered 2 grams of fiber per serving as well as organic ingredients with no preservatives and the promise of organic.
Now in my heart, I just knew, even without tasting them, that the Rice Chex were going to taste good. I was taking a gamble with the corn flakes. You, being gluten free, are quite familiar with being at this crossroads. I did not dare say to myself, “How bad can they be”? I urged myself to be optimistic. I brushed out of my mind the usual little balloon over my head that would have imagined a bowl of tasteless wood chips floating in cold milk.
This morning, I poured myself a bowl of Natures Path Gluten Free Corn Flakes. I topped it with fresh blueberries. I used Almond Milk and just a teaspoon of Half and Half cream in lieu of milk. I just love the unsweetened Almond Milk. It is gluten free and makes some awesome smoothies. Yes, the corn flakes are delicious. They are crisp and full of flavor, and they clearly lack that odd preservative flavor. They are a hit and I am as excited, if not more excited, than everyone else who became excited about the Rice Chex. I proceeded to visit the Nature’s Path website, and they do offer many other cereals that are gluten free, including some “rice” versions. Will have to try some of those too.
In retrospect, it is truly a matter of choice and taste based on so many variables. I am sure you will agree. As for me, I could use some extra fiber in my life and I don’t need a lot of BHT, so I suppose I won’t be “chexing” any time soon.
And it you haven’t already, “chex” out some Natures Path cereals.