Kellogg’s [1] has introduced Organic Rice Krispies [2], one of several new organic [2]versions of popular cereals [2], like Frosted Mini Wheats [3] and Raisin Bran [4]. Is this a smart update on favorite cereals? Or is organic [4] becoming the latest sales gimmick?

Kellogg’s [4] new line is made with organic products and on one level, I’m glad that Kellogg’s has taken this step. At the very least, it makes it easy to find cereal [4] made with organic rice and organic sugar cane.

The first few ingredients go like this: Organic medium grain rice, organic evaporated cane juice syrup, sea salt, organic malt extract, organic evaporated cane juice crystals… and then a list of chemicals that sound unfamiliar. Nonetheless, I’m sure they adhere to the strict standards mandated by the USDA Certified Organic [4] regulations.

It seems that when heavy-hitters like Kelloggs and Wal-Mart [4] demand organic products, the world starts to change. For instance, sugar companies will start producing organic sugar and introduce sustainable agricultural practices, which lessen the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Even if it’s a small change and a mere fraction of their business, it’s a start.

But, I have to admit, the whole thing also smacks of being the current food marketing fad. I hate to think that mainstream organic products are just the latest incarnation of Low-Fat [4] or Low-Carb [4]. I'm sure that careful market research has led Kellogg's to conclude that splashing "organic" on the label is the latest way to get health-conscious women, particularly mothers, to buy their product.

The truth is that prospect of organic Kelloggs products kind of makes my head spin with questions: Is it a good thing if powerhouse food conglomerates bring organics into the mainstream? Or is it just the latest flavor-of-month tactic? Isn’t it cool that regular people can buy higher quality products for themselves and their kids? Are organic Oreos, Snickers and Twinkies next on the horizon?

Questions aside, however, if organic Rice Krispies are coming to a cereal aisle near me, I’ll buy ‘em and happily leave the twigs and bird seed that I currently eat for breakfast to the serious health nuts.

It's a minor victory (and a treat) to eat wisely and get to have guilt-free snap, crackle and pop in the mornings.