Kellogg's has removed whole rice grains from Rice Krispies and Coco Pops sold in the UK, replacing them with flour after changing weather conditions disrupted grain supplies. The company confirmed the recipe change to the BBC this week, after shoppers complained about the taste and the sound.

What has changed

Rice Krispies sold in the UK are now made with rice flour instead of whole toasted rice grains, while Coco Pops use a mix of rice flour and corn flour. The change applies only to the UK. Rice Krispies sold in the United States and Canada are made by a separate company, WK Kellogg Co, and will continue to be made with real rice.

Why Kellogg's made the switch

Kellogg's said changing weather conditions had disrupted supplies of some grains and cereals. Droughts and heatwaves in Spain in 2022 and 2023 cut rice availability, while dry weather in Asia reduced harvests and pushed up prices. The company said the new recipes had been carefully assessed for taste, appearance and texture, and would help maintain consistent quality while supplies remained unstable.

A quieter snap, crackle and pop

A Kellogg's spokesperson told the BBC keeping the cereal's iconic sound was a "huge focus", but admitted customers "might notice that the sound may be quieter and not as instant as before". The sound has been central to the brand's marketing since the 1950s.

New allergen warning

The reformulation also changes the labelling. New packaging carries a "contains wheat gluten" warning, as wheat gluten is now a direct ingredient. The cereals are therefore no longer suitable for people with coeliac disease or wheat allergies. Kellogg's insisted the nutritional values were unchanged, with fibre, vitamin D and iron unchanged and no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.