UK Rice Krispies lose their pop as weather hits grain supply

The snap and crackle will remain, but the pop is disappearing from UK breakfast bowls. According to the Guardian ^[1], Kellogg’s has removed rice grains from its Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals, replacing them with rice flour and corn flour due to “changing weather conditions” linked to the climate crisis.

The BBC News reported ^[2] that dry weather in key Asian producing countries has reduced harvests and driven up prices, forcing the cereal giant to reformulate. The change applies only to the UK market; a spokesperson for Kellogg’s North American business told the BBC that Rice Krispies in the US and Canada will retain their original recipes using real rice.

For British shoppers, the shift means a noticeable difference in texture. A Kellogg’s spokesperson told the Guardian ^[1] that the updated recipes have been “carefully assessed for taste, appearance and texture” to maintain consistent quality. The company acknowledged that “even small changes to a much-loved product can feel noticeable,” and stated they are listening closely to consumer feedback.

Beyond the taste test, there is a significant safety update. The Independent noted ^[3] that the new recipes now contain wheat gluten. Previously, these cereals were labelled “may contain gluten” due to factory cross-contamination risks. Now, wheat is a declared ingredient, meaning the products are no longer suitable for shoppers with wheat allergies or coeliac disease. The packaging has been updated with prominent allergen warnings, highlighted in bold, according to the Daily Star ^[4].

Despite the recipe overhaul, Kellogg’s insists the nutritional profile remains intact. Both cereals are still classified as “non-HFSS” (not high in fat, salt or sugar) and contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners. The levels of fibre, Vitamin D and iron are maintained at previous standards ^[1].

The timing of the reformulation coincides with a downturn in sales. The Grocer trade magazine’s Top Products Survey 2026, cited by the Guardian ^[1], indicates that both the value and volume of Rice Krispies sales are in decline. This strategic pivot aims to stabilise supply chains while navigating the dual challenges of climate impact and market saturation.