Why is Special K Red Berries classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal contains added sugars, brown sugar syrup, malt flavor, and a suite of fortified nutrients such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E acetate, niacinamide, beta‑carotene, reduced iron, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, folic acid, vitamin D3 and vitamin B12; these ingredients and the extensive processing steps place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the high sugar and salt content in Special K Red Berries affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 28.2 g of sugars per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making glycaemic control more difficult for diabetics, while the 1.6 g of salt per 100 g contributes to higher sodium intake, which may raise blood pressure and is a concern for hypertensive individuals; moderation is advised.

Is Special K Red Berries suitable for a vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑carb diet?

It contains wheat and wheat bran, so it is not gluten‑free; most ingredients are plant‑based but the source of vitamin D3 is unclear and may be animal‑derived, making vegan status uncertain; with 87 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, it is unsuitable for low‑carb diets.

Special K • 15.6 oz

Red Berries

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Red Berries is a breakfast cereal made from whole‑grain wheat, rice, wheat bran and freeze‑dried strawberries, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and belongs to the ‘Cereals and potatoes’ PNNS group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature, with 28.2 g of sugars and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g, while saturated fat is negligible. The cereal does provide 7.7 g of dietary fiber and added micronutrients, but the high added‑sugar level and lack of protein make it a less optimal choice for low‑sugar or high‑protein diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal359 kcal

Added Sugars7.7 g

Vitamin C15.4 mg

Vitamin E7.7 mg

Vitamin B60.8 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Special K Red Berries contains about twice the sugar and far more carbohydrates, but far less fat, saturated fat and protein, while its salt and calorie levels are close to typical values.

Ingredients

Whole grain wheat, rice, sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, wheat bran, brown sugar syrup, salt, malt flavor, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), reduced iron, vitamin E acetate, niacinamide, beta-carotene, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), folic acid, vitamin D3, vitamin B12.

84%

35%

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