Why does UK Kellogg's taste different? Climate change altered the recipe

Cereal giant Kellanova has acknowledged that its Rice Krispies may snap less when milk is added, after the company replaced the product's main ingredient due to climate change. Severe disruptions to rice supply prompted the switch in UK-produced Rice Krispies from whole rice to a blend of corn flour and rice flour.

The BBC reported Wednesday (local time) that Kellanova admitted the new product may differ from the original after consumers voiced widespread complaints following the ingredient change.

A Kellogg's spokesperson told the BBC that preserving the cereal's iconic sound was "one of the key goals" when designing the new recipe, but added that "consumers may notice that the snap is slightly less than before."

The snap sound Rice Krispies make when milk is poured over them has long been a cornerstone of Kellogg's marketing. Launched nearly 100 years ago, Rice Krispies are sold in a range of flavors — including vanilla and strawberry — alongside the widely popular chocolate-flavored Coco Pops.

Kellanova said the recipe change was made because "climate change has made food supply less stable," adding that the new product was developed through "careful evaluation of taste, appearance and texture."

Some consumers, however, expressed disappointment over the changes to the cereal's taste and texture, with some going so far as to call the new version off-putting.

A parent named Danny wrote on TikTok: "It doesn't snap, crackle and pop. My baby won't eat it." Another user, Lauren, posted: "I've eaten Rice Krispies for breakfast every day for years, but the new ones don't make any sound when you add milk."

Rice Krispies sold in the United States and Canada are produced by a separate company and remain unchanged.

Kellogg's has made incremental changes to its cereals before — reducing salt content in the 1990s and cutting sugar levels in 2018.

The company said it would continue producing its products in line with UK food standards and would "keep exploring ways to further improve product quality."