Kellogg's will no longer make UK versions of Rice Krispies and Coco Pops from whole rice grains. The cereals will instead be made from corn flour and rice flour, and will contain wheat gluten.
A Kellogg's spokesperson attributed the change to "changing weather conditions" that have disrupted supplies of some grains and cereals. The company said the new versions were "carefully assessed for taste, appearance and texture" and that it is listening to customer feedback. It said the change will help "maintain consistent quality."
The BBC reported that extreme weather is taking a toll on crops, particularly in South East Asia, where much of the world's rice is grown, and that this is driving up prices. The source links the weather to the El Niño phenomenon, and it says the World Meteorological Agency expects the El Niño event to last until at least 2027.
Packaging will now carry a "contains wheat gluten" warning. Previously, packaging said the products "may contain gluten" because of possible cross-contamination in a factory that handles other cereals.
Kellogg's said the cereals still contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, and that their fibre, vitamin D and iron levels are unchanged. It said the products will continue to meet UK food standards for fat, salt and sugar. The company also said no changes are being made to Rice Krispies products in the US and Canada, and that it has not changed the recipe for any of its other cereals.