RMF242 days agoBusiness2 min read

A revolution in the composition of iconic breakfast cereals. All because of climate change

The reason is disruptions in rice supplies caused by droughts in Asia. Products in the UK will contain wheat gluten, which excludes them from the diet of people with allergies and celiac disease.

Quick Look

Kellogg's has changed the recipe of Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals in the UK, replacing traditional rice with rice flour and corn flour due to droughts in Asia disrupting rice supplies.
The products will contain wheat gluten, making them unsuitable for allergy sufferers and people with celiac disease.
The change does not affect fat, salt, sugar, fiber, vitamin D or iron levels.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Kellogg's has changed the recipe for Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals in the UK, replacing traditional rice with rice and corn flour. The reason is disruptions in rice supplies caused by droughts in key Asian countries, which reduced harvests and raised prices of the raw material. The products will contain wheat gluten, which excludes them from the diet of people with wheat allergy and celiac disease. The change did not affect levels of fat, salt, sugar, fiber, vitamin D or iron, and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners were added. Rice Krispies flakes are also available in Poland, although the Kellogg's plant in Kutno only produces Pringles chips. According to the World Meteorological Organization, extreme weather events associated with El Niño may last until 2027.

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The decision to change the recipe was made by Kellogg's, a global giant in the breakfast cereal industry. The company's representatives explain in a statement quoted by British media that the reason is "changing weather conditions" that have disrupted rice deliveries to Great Britain. As a result, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops flakes now contain rice and corn flour instead of traditional rice grains.

This change is not accidental. Rice crops in key Asian countries have been severely affected by droughts, which has led to a decline in harvests and an increase in prices of the raw material. The new formulas have been, as the company assures, "thoroughly assessed" and customer opinions have been taken into account in their development.

Beware of gluten. Important information for allergy sufferers

The change in composition involves new requirements for labeling on packaging. Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals available in UK stores will now contain wheat gluten. This means they are no longer suitable for people with wheat allergies or celiac disease. Until now, the information "may contain gluten" was included on the packaging because the products were produced in plants that also processed other cereals. Currently, wheat will be highlighted as an allergen in the ingredient list, and a warning about the presence of gluten will appear on the front of the packaging.

The recipe change did not affect other aspects of the products. Kellogg's ensures that Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals still meet British food standards regarding fat, salt and sugar levels. No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners were added, and the level of fiber, vitamin D and iron in one serving remained unchanged.

This change is important for the Polish consumer because Rice Krispies breakfast cereals are also available in stores in our country. Kellogg's has its plants in Kutno - however, only the famous Pringles chips are produced there.

El Niño destroys Asian crops

Rice availability problems are the result of global climate change. The largest crops of this grain are located in Southeast Asia, a region particularly exposed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Droughts, floods and heatwaves in recent years have severely limited production capacity, which has had an impact on global food markets.

According to forecasts by the World Meteorological Organization, extreme weather phenomena related to El Niño may last until 2027.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Kellogg's will have to update labeling on its Rice Krispies and Coco Pops cereals in the UK, highlighting wheat as an allergen in the ingredient list and placing a gluten warning on the front of the pack.
Very likely · Within days
El Niño-related extreme weather events could continue to disrupt rice crops in Southeast Asia through 2027, which could keep rice availability tight in global food markets.
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

Will the recipe change also apply to cereals sold in Poland?
When exactly will the new gluten warning packaging appear in stores?
Does Kellogg's plan to return to the traditional recipe once the rice supply problems subside?