Why is Special K Chocolate Noir classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra-processed because the formula combines refined grains, added sugars, milk chocolate, vitamin-mineral fortification, flavorings and an emulsifier. The only listed food additive is E322 (soy lecithin), which is used as an emulsifier, and the product also includes generic flavoring (aroma) that is not listed as a separate additive.

How does the sugar and salt content in Special K Chocolate Noir affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 22 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, so it is not recommended for people managing diabetes. Its salt level of 0.85 g per 100 g is moderate and about half the average for breakfast cereals, posing a lower but still relevant contribution to daily sodium intake for those with hypertension; moderation is advised.

Based on the ingredients, is Special K Chocolate Noir suitable for strict diets like vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free?

The product is not vegan because it contains milk powder, not gluten-free because it includes wheat and barley, and not keto due to its high carbohydrate and sugar content. The dairy and soy lecithin are generally acceptable in halal diets, but the cereal lacks an explicit halal certification, so consumers requiring certified halal should verify before use.

Special K • 300 g

Céréales Special K Kellogg's Chocolat Noir

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Chocolate Noir is a Kellogg's breakfast cereal made from rice, whole wheat and barley flakes coated with milk chocolate and fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals. It falls under the 'Breakfast cereals' group of the 'Cereals and potatoes' PNNS classification, carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), delivering 22 g of sugar and 0.85 g of salt per 100 g, along with 4.1 g of fiber and added vitamins, but its high sugar and moderate salt offset its vitamin fortification. The cereal is labeled vegetarian and free from artificial flavors, preservatives and colorings, yet it contains milk, gluten and soy lecithin, making it unsuitable for vegans, gluten-free or dairy-allergic consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal423 kcal

Fat5 g

Saturated Fat2.5 g

Carbohydrates77 g

Sugars22 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Special K Chocolate Noir contains substantially more sugar (22 g vs 14 g per 100 g) and less fiber (4.1 g vs 8.3 g), while its salt (0.85 g) is about half the category average and its saturated fat (2.5 g) matches typical levels.

Ingredients

Riz(39%), BLÉ complet(31%), Chocolat au LAIT (14%)(Sucre, Pâte de cacao, Beurre de cacao, LAIT entier en poudre, LAIT écrémé en poudre, Émulsifiant {Lécithine de SOJA}, Arôme), Sucre, ORGE(4%), Farine d'ORGE maltée(3%), Arôme de malt d'ORGE, Sel. Vitamines et Minéraux: Vitamines (Niacine, B2, B1, B6, Acide folique, D, B12), Fer et Zinc.

84%

35%

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