Kellogg's Rice Krispies Change Recipes Due to Weather

Breakfast cereal giant Kellogg's has stopped using rice grains in its Rice Krispies and Coco Pops products in the United Kingdom. The company shifted to corn flour and rice flour because changing weather conditions have disrupted supplies and hit crops in key producing regions in Asia. A Kellogg's spokesperson explained that the updated recipes were carefully assessed after taking customer feedback into consideration.

The region produces more than a quarter of the world's global rice supply, but many parts have been impacted by droughts, floods, and heatwaves linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon. The World Meteorological Agency expects this record-breaking weather event to continue until at least 2027, reducing harvests and driving up prices for traditional grains.

Weather disruptions in Asia have forced Kellogg's to remove rice grains from UK cereal recipes.

The recipe adjustments in the UK help maintain consistent product quality despite supply challenges. A spokesperson for Kellogg's North American business confirmed that products in the US and Canada will continue to use real rice with no expected recipe changes. The company also stated that the altered products will continue to meet UK food standards regarding fat, salt, and sugar levels without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, while maintaining nutritional benefits like fiber, Vitamin D, and iron.

The global corporate structure includes Kellanova, which focuses on snacks and cereals globally and is owned by Mars, while WK Kellogg's operates in North America following a takeover by Ferrero.

Why it matters

The updated recipes mean that cereal packaging in the UK will now feature a 'contains wheat gluten' warning label. Consumers who enjoy kellogg's rice krispies cereal will notice changes to the ingredients list, though the nutritional profile and dietary standards remain consistent.