Kellogg’s announced a recipe modification for its Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals sold in the United Kingdom, replacing traditional rice grains with corn flour and rice flour as primary ingredients. The company attributed the change to supply disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions affecting rice production in key Asian growing regions. A company spokesperson stated on Tuesday that the reformulated products have undergone careful assessment and incorporated customer feedback into the development process.
The shift in ingredients results in updated packaging that now includes a “contains wheat gluten” warning label. However, Kellogg’s emphasized that the cereals will continue to meet UK food safety standards regarding fat, salt, and sugar content. The company also noted that nutritional components including fiber, Vitamin D, and iron levels remain unchanged, while the products maintain their status as containing no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
The recipe modification applies only to UK markets. Rice Krispies products sold in the United States and Canada will maintain their original formulations with real rice grains, according to statements from Kellogg’s North American division. The company’s global operations have been structured across two separate entities since 2023, with Kellanov handling international snack and cereal products now under Mars ownership, while WK Kellogg’s manages North American operations under Ferrero ownership.
The supply challenges stem from broader agricultural disruptions across Asia, where drought conditions, floods, and extreme heat events linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon have impacted crop yields. Southeast Asia, which produces over a quarter of the world’s rice supply, faces particular vulnerability to these weather patterns. The World Meteorological Agency projects that the current El Niño event will continue until at least 2027, suggesting ongoing pressure on rice availability and pricing.
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