Kellogg's will reformulate Rice Krispies and Coco Pops sold in the UK, replacing whole rice grains with corn flour and rice flour, and adding wheat gluten as an ingredient. The company attributed the change to disrupted grain supplies caused by "changing weather conditions," particularly extreme weather affecting rice crops in South East Asia, which produces more than a quarter of the world's rice. El Niño weather patterns have driven up rice prices through droughts, floods and heatwaves.
The new versions will maintain the same nutritional benefits, including fibre, Vitamin D and iron, and will continue to meet UK food standards on fat, salt and sugar. Kellogg's said it has "carefully assessed" the reformulated cereals for taste, appearance and texture. The company stressed the products contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.
Packaging will now carry a "contains wheat gluten" warning instead of the previous "may contain gluten" label, since the new recipe intentionally includes wheat gluten as an ingredient rather than risking cross-contamination. No changes are being made to Rice Krispies products in the US and Canada. Kellogg's said the reformulation will help "maintain consistent quality" as the company navigates grain supply pressures.