Kellogg’s removes rice… from Rice Krispies due to ‘changing weather conditions’

The cereal giant attributed the reformulation to “changing weather conditions” that have undermined both the quality and supply of rice used in its products.

Dry weather across key growing regions in Asia has reduced harvests and pushed prices higher.

Defending the change, a Kellogg’s spokesman said: “This recent change helps us maintain consistent quality at a time when changing weather conditions are affecting the quality and availability of some of the rice and grains used in our cereals.”

“We appreciate that even small changes to a much-loved product can feel noticeable, and that’s why we have approached this with a lot of care and consideration.”

Kellogg’s sought to reassure consumers that the revamped cereals had been “carefully assessed for taste, appearance and texture,” adding that it was “continuing to listen closely to consumer feedback.”

The rice substitutes also mean the much-loved breakfast cereals will no longer suit those with dietary restrictions.

Wheat gluten is now a listed ingredient in both cereals, rendering them unsuitable for anyone with coeliac disease or a wheat allergy.

Previously, boxes of Rice Krispies and Coco Pops carried a “may contain gluten” label, reflecting the fact that they were manufactured in facilities handling other gluten-containing products.

That precautionary note has now been replaced by a formal allergen declaration, with wheat highlighted in bold on the ingredients list as required.

Kellogg’s said both products now feature prominent on-pack labelling to alert shoppers to the change.

Kellogg’s stressed that both Rice Krispies and Coco Pops remain classified as non-HFSS, meaning they do not exceed UK food standards thresholds for fat, salt or sugar content.

The firm also said the nutritional profile of each serving has been maintained, with fibre, Vitamin D and iron levels unchanged from the previous recipes.

Neither cereal contains artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, the company confirmed. Across the Atlantic, the recipe remains untouched.

A spokesperson for Kellogg’s North American operation confirmed that Rice Krispies sold in the US and Canada will continue to be made with real rice, with no alterations planned.

The timing of the UK reformulation is notable given that sales of Rice Krispies were already faltering domestically.

According to trade publication The Grocer, both the value and volume of Rice Krispies sales have been falling — a trend its forthcoming Top Products Survey 2026, due for release next month, is expected to confirm.

Separately, Kellogg’s US arm announced earlier this year that it would eliminate artificial dyes from all its American breakfast cereals by the end of 2027.