Kellogg alters Rice Krispies and Coco Pops recipes over weather issues

Breakfast cereal maker Kellogg has removed whole rice grains from Rice Krispies and Coco Pops in the United Kingdom, BBC News, the Daily Mail and the Guardian reported. The company blamed changing weather conditions for affecting the availability and quality of the ingredient. [1][2][4][5][6][8]

The cereals have been reformulated to use alternatives instead of whole rice grains. According to the Daily Mail and the Guardian, Rice Krispies now use rice flour, while Coco Pops contain a blend of rice flour and corn flour. BBC News reported that a company spokesperson said the new recipes were carefully assessed and took customer feedback into account. [1][2][4]

The outlets differed on the exact locations of the supply chain issues. BBC News reported that dry weather hit crops in key producing countries in Asia, driving up prices and reducing harvests. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reported that Kellogg sources its rice from Arkansas, California and Louisiana, which have experienced floods and strong storms in recent years. [1][2]

Rice Krispies are made of crisped rice and are famous for the sound effects created when milk is added. Kellogg noted that Rice Krispies products sold in the United States and Canada will continue to use the previous recipe, according to BBC News. [1][9]

Because of the updated ingredients, packaging for the cereals in the United Kingdom will now carry a warning stating that the product contains wheat gluten, BBC News reported. [1]