Company blames changing weather for the recipe shift, which brings gluten into two of Europe’s best-known breakfast cereals
Rice Krispies, a cereal named after rice, no longer contains rice grains in Europe. Kellogg’s has reformulated both Rice Krispies and Coco Pops, citing the impact of changing weather on the supply of its key ingredients.
The new recipes are made using corn flour and rice flour, with wheat gluten now added as an ingredient.
Weather Hits the Breakfast Bowl
A Kellogg spokesperson said the change helps the company keep quality consistent at a time when shifting weather patterns are affecting the quality and availability of some of the rice and grains used in its cereals.
The move reflects growing pressure on global rice supplies. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s All Rice Price Index rose 9.5% in September from a year earlier and 1.4% month-on-month. It stood at 110.5, above last year’s average of 103.5.
Gluten Now on the Label
The reformulation brings a notable labelling change. Both cereals were previously marked “may contain gluten” because of possible cross-contamination in factories. With wheat gluten now a direct ingredient, packs must state this clearly.
The change matters most for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, who will need to check labels carefully.
Kellogg’s said the cereals are still classed as non-HFSS, meaning they are not considered high in fat, salt or sugar. They also contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, and continue to provide fibre, vitamin D and iron.
Europe-Wide Rollout
Kellanova, now owned by Mars, confirmed the new recipes will roll out across its European markets in the coming weeks and months.
Mars took control of Kellogg’s international cereal business through its 2024 acquisition of Kellanova. Kellanova was created a year earlier when US-based Kellogg split into two companies.
No Change in North America
The other half of that split, WK Kellogg, now owned by Italian confectionery giant Ferrero, runs the Kellogg’s cereal brands in North America.
WK Kellogg said its Rice Krispies range in the US and Canada, including Rice Krispies, Cocoa Krispies and Frosted Krispies, is made with real rice and will continue to be. It added that there are no changes to ingredients or recipes in those markets.
“Approached With Care”
Kellogg’s acknowledged that even small changes to a much-loved product can feel noticeable to shoppers. The company said the new recipes were carefully tested for taste, appearance and texture, and that it is listening closely to consumer feedback.
It added that it has always looked for ways to evolve its products, whether to make them healthier or tastier.
Why It Matters
The reformulation is a striking example of how climate pressures are reaching everyday food products. As extreme weather disrupts harvests and pushes up prices, food makers are increasingly reworking familiar recipes to protect supply and costs.
For European shoppers, the famous snap, crackle and pop will stay. What goes into it will not.