LONDON — Beloved breakfast staples Rice Krispies and Coco Pops will no longer be manufactured using whole rice grains in the UK, following a recipe overhaul announced by Kellogg's.
According to the company, changing weather conditions have disrupted supplies and driven up prices for key crops, particularly in South East Asia where a significant portion of the world's rice is grown. Droughts, floods, and heatwaves driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon have severely impacted agricultural production across the region.
To maintain consistent quality, the iconic toasted puffs will now be produced using a blend of corn flour and rice flour, alongside the addition of wheat gluten as an ingredient. Consequently, packaging will feature a direct "contains wheat gluten" warning, replacing the previous cross-contamination advisory.
Kellogg's stated that the newly formulated cereals have been carefully tested for taste, texture, and appearance. The company confirmed that nutritional benefits such as fibre, Vitamin D, and iron will remain unchanged, and the products will continue to meet UK food standards for fat, salt, and sugar.
The recipe changes currently apply exclusively to the UK market, with no modifications planned for Rice Krispies products in the US and Canada.
