Kellogg’s Swaps Whole Rice for Rice Flour in U.K. Rice Krispies and Coco Pops, and Adds Wheat Gluten

Kellogg’s has changed the recipes of Rice Krispies and Coco Pops in the U.K., replacing whole rice with rice flour and adding wheat gluten, The Grocer reported on Nov. 3, 2026. The company says changing weather is affecting the quality and availability of some of the rice and grains it uses.

TLDR

• Rice Krispies now use rice flour instead of whole rice. Coco Pops use a blend of rice flour and corn flour.
• Both cereals now list wheat gluten as an ingredient, so they are no longer suitable for people with a wheat allergy or coeliac disease.
• Kellogg’s says no other cereal recipes have changed, and that both products still contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.
• Other U.K. brands have also reformulated as extreme weather and crop disease push up ingredient costs, FoodNavigator noted.

What Changed

Rice Krispies are now made with rice flour in place of whole rice grains, according to The Grocer and FoodNavigator. Coco Pops now use rice flour and corn flour. Kellogg’s said the new recipes were assessed for taste, appearance and texture.

A Kellogg’s spokesperson told The Grocer that the change helps the company keep quality consistent while changing weather affects the quality and availability of some of the rice and grains in its cereals. The company said it has not changed the recipe of any of its other cereals.

The Allergen Change

Both cereals previously carried a “may contain gluten” warning because they are made in a factory that also handles gluten. Wheat gluten is now an ingredient, so wheat must be declared on the pack and shown in bold in the ingredients list. FoodNavigator reported that packs carry a large blue “Allergen update” callout for people with coeliac disease or a wheat allergy.

Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, founders of the allergy charity Natasha’s Foundation, said it was a shame the cereals will no longer be safe for people with wheat allergies or coeliac disease, according to The Grocer. Kellogg’s said it is continuing to listen to consumer feedback.

What Stayed the Same

Kellogg’s says both products remain non-HFSS, meaning they are not classed as high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS). The company says they still contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, and are still fortified with fibre, vitamin D and iron.

Why It Matters

Weather is now reaching the ingredient list. FoodNavigator noted that pladis cut the cocoa in the coating of McVitie’s Penguin and Club bars, which must now be labelled “chocolate flavoured,” as cocoa prices soared. RaboResearch forecasts a 13% fall in global orange juice production in the 2026/27 season. When a crop gets scarce, recipes change, and an allergen label can change with them.

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Sources: The Grocer (Nov. 3, 2026); FoodNavigator (Nov. 4, 2026).