Rice cakes are made by puffing rice and then molding it into some shape - usually in the form of a circular disk. Crunchy, low-calorie, and easy on the pocket, rice cakes are quite a hit with dieters. What's more, they can be paired with just about anything, and come in a large variety of flavors just like a cracker, but are said to be far more healthier. But is this really true? Rice cakes are good if you have them as a snack, instead of chips and cookies. However, they are not recommended for diabetics (they have a high glycemic index) or if you are loading them with tablespoons of peanut butter. The above is true for plain rice cakes; the flavored ones are generally more calorie-dense, and tend to have more sodium. How densely the rice is packed will also vary from brand to brand, and it is advisable to refer to the pack for details. For a general idea, though, read further to get an analysis of its nutrient content, health advantages, and disadvantages. Low in Calories Rice cakes are very low in calories - the reason dieters love them. Eating 2 cakes will give you just 70 calories - the same amount as you would get from eating half a cupcake. High in Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are a readily available source of energy, but unfortunately, we consume rather too many of them. Excess carbohydrates get stored in the body as fats. They are also easily digested - which means, you feel hungry soon after consuming them. Low in Fats Most plain rice cakes have very little fat in them. But in case of flavored ones, and the rice cakes with other ingredients, especially chocolate, cheese, or peanut butter, the fat content and calorie value goes up pretty high. High in Sodium Like most processed foods, manufacturers add a lot of salt to rice cakes to make them palatable. Although it is not as high as in most potato and corn chips, the flavored ones, again, will contain more sodium. Gluten-free Generally, rice cakes contain very little gluten, and are considered gluten-free. However, a small amount of other ingredients might slip in during the manufacturing process, and could lead to some problems if you have celiac disease. It is best to stick to rice cakes labeled 'Gluten-free'. Low in Nutrients Although a very small amount of protein, calcium, and potassium is present in rice cakes, it is not significant enough. For this reason, it is mostly considered an empty food. Coating the rice cake with a small amount of nutrient-rich food like peanut butter, tahini, or hummus, will increase its nutritional value. Rice cakes are good for health only if you have a diet that consists of green vegetables, plenty of fruits, and sufficient proteins. Multigrain and whole grain rice cakes fair slightly better when it comes to nutrition, though bear in mind that cakes labeled 'Brown Rice Cake' may not offer any significant advantage. It is also wiser to stay away from flavored rice cakes.