Is Farina Gluten Free? (No, Here’s Why)

Written by Kaelyn Buzzo in Gluten Free,Pantry

Is Farina Gluten Free

A childhood favorite, farina is commonly found in a “hot cereal” form. Many remember their grandparents eating farina and boasting the benefits of this oldie favorite, but is farina gluten-free?

Farina is not gluten-free. It is made from semolina, a hard, coarse grain that is left over after milling wheat flour. The best gluten-free alternatives to farina are Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten-Free Rice & Shine Hot Cereal, Bakery on Main Organic Superfood Hot Cereal, Pocono Cream of Buckwheat, and Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cup.

In this article we will discuss the nutritional value of farina. We also will provide healthy, alternatives to your childhood favorite hot cereal that are gluten-free. Let’s dig in!

Is Farina Healthy?

Farina is relatively healthy, if eaten in moderation.

  • Contains riboflavin, vitamin B2, calcium, phosphorus, iron, fiber, and selenium.
  • Contains calcium and phosphorus which are great for improving bone health.
  • Contains carbohydrates to provide you with the energy you need to you through your day.
  • Contains B-vitamins essential for strengthening your nerves, and boosting mood.
  • Contains folic acid, making it  great for pregnant women, as it reduces the risk of neural tube flaws in the baby. 
  • An excellent source of dietary iron (incredibly helpful for vegans/vegetarians).
  • Very low in sugar content.

Farina is made from the endosperm, also known as the most central part of the kernel. The endosperm is responsible for growing the grain after it is planted and farina provides a natural source of carbohydrates. 

What Does Farina Pair Well With?

Farina can taste pretty bland when not paired with any foods that add the necessary flavor to this nutrient-packed food.

Fruit is one great addition. Think bananas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, even apples and peaches! Mix and match, if you’d like, to get that fruit pairing to make your tastebuds happy!

Nut butters added with farina can make breakfast feel a lot like a guilty pleasure, but don’t let that stop you. Nuts contain healthy fats (just be cautionary with what brand you choose, as some nut butter brands contain added sugar or palm oil!) and add that creamy, delicious texture and flavor with each bite.

Nutritional Facts for Farina

Farina Mills, Cereal

This American classic cereal by Farina Mills is not gluten-free as it contains “wheat farina”, an ingredient that contains gluten. Although an excellent source of iron and folate, this should not be consumed by anyone with gluten allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Wheat Farina
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Ferric Orthophosphate (Source of Iron)
  • Folic Acid
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
  • Thiamin Mononitrarate (Vitamin B1)
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
  • CONTAINS WHEAT

Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp, 35g):

  • Calories- 130
  • Total Fat- 0g
  • Total Carbs- 27g
  • Protein- 4g

Bob’s Red Mill, Creamy Wheat Hot Cereal

Bob’s Red Mill Creamy Wheat Hot Cereal is made using milled wheat that is enriched with vitamins and minerals. It should be noted that this product by Bob’s Red Mill does contain “wheat” a key ingredient that contains gluten, meaning this product is not gluten-free. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Wheat
  • Niacin
  • Iron
  • Thiamine
  • Riboflavin
  • Folic Acid
  • CONTAINS WHEAT

Nutrition Facts (per ¼ cup, 40g):

  • Calories- 140
  • Total Fat- 0g
  • Total Carbs- 30g
  • Protein- 5g

Sprouts, Farina Cereal

Sprouts’ Farina Cereal can be found in any Sprouts grocery store. It contains “farina wheat” which unfortunately is not gluten-free as it contains “wheat”.  

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Farina Wheat
  • CONTAINS WHEAT

Nutrition Facts (per ¼ cup, 45g):

  • Calories- 160
  • Total Fat- 0.5g
  • Total Carbs- 34g
  • Protein- 5g

Great Value, Quick Farina Hot Cereal

Great Value’s Quick Farina Hot Cereal is easy to find at your local grocery store, like Walmart. It contains “farina wheat” which unfortunately is not gluten-free as it contains “wheat”.  

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Farina Wheat
  • CONTAINS WHEAT

Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp dry, 33g):

  • Calories- 120
  • Total Fat- 0g
  • Total Carbs- 23g
  • Protein- 4g

Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Farina

Purely Elizabeth, Grain-free Cauli Hot Cereal Strawberry Hazelnut

Purely Elizabeth Grain-Free Cauli Hot Cereal, Strawberry Hazelnut (4 Ct.) Purely Elizabeth’s Grain-free Cauli Hot Cereal Strawberry Hazelnut is packed with protein, fiber, and superfoods like chia seeds and flaxseeds. It’s low-carb friendly, while remaining gluten-free, vegan, and packing an organic powerhouse of ingredients.

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Almond Protein Powder
  • Coconut Flakes
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Freeze-Dried Cauliflower
  • Hazelnuts
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries
  • Chia Seeds
  • Flax Seeds
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Organic
  • Gluten-free
  • Paleo
  • No Added Flavor or Refined Sugar
  • CONTAINS COCONUT, ALMOND, AND HAZELNUT

Nutrition Facts (per 1 Cup, 57g):

  • Calories- 190
  • Total Fat- 11g
  • Total Carbs- 17g
  • Protein- 8g

Arrowhead Mills, Organic Gluten-Free Rice & Shine Hot Cereal

Arrowhead Mills Organic Spelt Flakes Cereal (3x12 oz.) Arrowhead Mills has brought your favorite childhood foods back by making them gluten-free! This Organic Gluten-free Rice & Shine Hot Cereal uses only one organic and non-GMO ingredient while keeping it gluten-free and available to any with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Brown Rice Grits
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Kosher 

Nutrition Facts (per ½ cup, 42g):

  • Calories- 150
  • Total Fat- 1g
  • Total Carbs- 32g
  • Protein- 3g

Bob’s Red Mill, Organic Creamy Brown Rice Hot Cereal

Bob's Red Mill Creamy Rice Farina Hot Cereal, Brown, 26 Ounce Bob’s Red Mill has provided those with gluten allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities with this Organic Creamy Brown Rice Hot Cereal using gluten-free ingredients and processes! They boast non-GMO and organic ingredients, keeping their wholesome product healthy and real. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Whole Grain Brown Rice 
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan

Nutrition Facts (per ¼ cup, 41g):

  • Calories- 150
  • Total Fat- 0.5g
  • Total Carbs- 32g
  • Protein- 3g

Bakery On Main, Organic Superfood Hot Cereal

Bakery On Main, USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan & Non GMO, Probiotic, Unsweetened, 0g Sugar, Oatmeal Cup - Oats & Ancient Grains, 1.9oz (Pack of 12) Baked on Main’s Organic Superfood Hot Cereal boasts a celiac-safe, gluten-free product with oats sourced from purity protocol farmers. Farm to table, this product has passed the highest of standards to bring this superfood product to your waiting hands.  

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Whole Grain Oats
  • Organic Amaranth Flakes
  • Organic Quinoa Flakes
  • Organic Chia Seeds
  • Organic Flax Meal
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher
  • Non-GMO
  • Organic
  • Vegan

Nutrition Facts (per ½  cup, 45g):

  • Calories- 180
  • Total Fat- 4g
  • Total Carbs- 29g
  • Protein- 8g

Bob’s Red Mill, Organic Creamy Buckwheat Hot Cereal

Bob's Red Mill Org Whole Grain Creamy Buckwheat Hot Cereal, 18 Ounce Bob’s Red Mill has provided this alternative to farina hot cereal with this Organic Creamy Buckwheat Hot Cereal. If you’re a fan of buckwheat, you’re going to love this gluten-free hot cereal that uses only one organic ingredient! 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Whole Grain Organic Buckwheat
  • Gluten-free
  • Non-GMO
  • Organic
  • Vegan

Nutrition Facts (per ¼  cup, 40g):

  • Calories- 140
  • Total Fat- 0g
  • Total Carbs- 32g
  • Protein- 3g

Pocono, Cream of Buckwheat

Pocono Organic Cream of Buckwheat Cereal (3x13 oz.) Made with 100% stone-ground buckwheat, Pocono’s Cream of Buckwheat is organic and gluten-free! This creamy product is meant to be easy to digest, while also being nutritionally beneficial for consumers. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Buckwheat
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic

Nutrition Facts (per ¼  cup, 40g):

  • Calories- 140
  • Total Fat- 0g
  • Total Carbs- 32g
  • Protein- 3g

Bakery On Main, Organic Oats & Ancient Grains Oatmeal Cup

Bakery On Main, Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal, Vegan & Non GMO - Unsweetened, 10.5oz (Pack of 3), (1) Bakery On Main has created this Organic Oats & Ancient Grains Oatmeal Cup for those constantly on the go! Made using probiotic cultures and 50g of whole grains per serving, this product is filled with nutrients while remaining gluten-free, organic, and vegan. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Whole Grain Oats
  • Organic Amaranth
  • Organic Quinoa
  • Organic Chia Seeds
  • Organic Flax Meal
  • Bacillus coagulans GBI-306086
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic
  • Kosher
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan

Nutrition Facts (per 1 Container, 54g):

  • Calories- 210
  • Total Fat- 5g
  • Total Carbs- 35g
  • Protein- 9g

Bakery On Main, Organic Almond & Vanilla Oatmeal Cup

Bakery On Main, USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan & Non GMO, Probiotic, 10g Protein Added, Oatmeal Cup - Almond & Vanilla, 1.9oz (Pack of 12) Bakery On Main has created this Organic Almond & Vanilla Oatmeal Cup with a boastful 36g of whole grains per serving! Gluten-free and filled with fiber and probiotic cultures to boost health, this product is a great healthy, gluten-free alternative to farina. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Whole Grain Oats
  • Organic Cane Sugar
  • Organic Almonds
  • Organic Isolated Soy Protein
  • Organic Vanilla Extract
  • Organic Quinoa
  • Sea Salt
  • Organic Inulin
  • Bacillus coagulans GBI-306086
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic
  • Kosher
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan
  • CONTAINS ALMONDS & SOY

Nutrition Facts (per 1 Container, 54g):

  • Calories- 210
  • Total Fat- 4.5g
  • Total Carbs- 35g
  • Protein- 10g

Bob’s Red Mill, Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashion Rolled Oats, 32-ounce (Pack of 4) Bob’s Red Mill has brought together this Gluten-free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats to provide those with any gluten allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances their favorite hot breakfast! With only one ingredient, that remains organic and non-GMO, this product is a healthy, gluten-free alternative to farina!

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Whole Grain Oats
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan

Nutrition Facts (per ½ Cup, 48g):

  • Calories- 190
  • Total Fat- 4g
  • Total Carbs- 33g
  • Protein- 6g

Bob’s Red Mill, Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cup

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal Cup, Apple & Cinnamon, 2.36-ounce (Pack of 12) Bob’s Red Mill has made breakfast easy with this Gluten-free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cup! Using foods high in health benefits and nutrients, like chia seeds and flaxseed, this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cup is gluten-free while remaining organic and good for you. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Gluten-free Whole Grain Oats
  • Cane Sugar
  • Dried Apple
  • Chia Seed
  • Flaxseed
  • Sea Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Gluten-free
  • USDA Organic
  • Non-GMO

Nutrition Facts (per 1 Container, 67g):

  • Calories- 270
  • Total Fat- 5g
  • Total Carbs- 48g
  • Protein- 7g

Related Questions

What does the term “Farinaceous” mean?

“Farinaceous” is an adjective, and is that which “consists of or contains starch”. Fun fact! 

What does Farina mean?

Interestingly enough, “farina” is Italian. When translated into English, it means “flour”. 

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Kaelyn Buzzo

Kaelyn Buzzo is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and a writer. She’s been vegan for over four years and has a passion for health and fitness. You can find her with her fur-babies, writing, or playing volleyball.

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