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

The cereal is made from refined grains, added chocolate coating, and several processed ingredients such as sugar, cocoa paste, and milk powders, which are combined with emulsifiers; the only listed additives are E322 (lecithins) and E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids), both common in highly processed foods, leading to its NOVA 4 rating.

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

With 18 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic management unless portioned carefully; its salt content is moderate at 0.45 g per 100 g, which is lower than many cereals but still contributes to overall sodium intake, so hypertensive individuals should monitor total daily consumption.

Is the milk in Special flakes a concern for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies?

Yes, the product contains whole‑milk powder and skimmed‑milk powder in the chocolate chips, providing lactose and dairy proteins; both ingredients trigger reactions in lactose‑intolerant or dairy‑allergic consumers, so the cereal should be avoided by those groups.

Crownfield, Lidl • 425 g

Special flakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special flakes is a breakfast cereal composed mainly of rice, whole‑wheat flakes and milk‑based chocolate chips, falling under the PNNS groups “Cereals and potatoes” and “Breakfast cereals.” It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product that contains added sugars, salt, and the emulsifiers E322 (lecithin) and E471 (mono‑ and diglycerides). While it provides a decent amount of fiber (6.5 g per 100 g) and moderate fat, its sugar level (18 g/100 g) and relatively low protein (8.4 g/100 g) make it less balanced than typical cereals, and it is not suitable for those avoiding gluten or dairy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal392 kcal

Fat5.6 g

Saturated Fat2.7 g

Carbohydrates73.8 g

Sugars18 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal (14.1 g sugars, 9 g fat, 1.8 g salt per 100 g), Special flakes has higher sugar (18 g) and carbohydrate (73.8 g) but lower fat (5.6 g), salt (0.45 g), fiber and protein, placing it above the category average for sugars while below for several other nutrients.

Ingredients

42% riz, 35% flocons de blé complet, 14% copeaux de chocolat au lait (sucre, pâte de cacao*, beurre de cacao*, lait entier en poudre, lait écrémé en poudre, émulsifiant : lécithines, arôme naturel de vanille), sucre, 4,6% orge, 1,4% farine complète de blé, farine d'orge maltée, sel, émulsifiant : mono - et diglycérides d'acides gras.

84%

35%

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