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

It is classified as NOVA 4 because it undergoes multiple industrial processes such as extrusion, toasting and flavor coating, and it includes additives like soy lecithin (E322) as an emulsifier and flavorings, which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How do the sugar and salt levels in Special K Milk Chocolate affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The cereal’s 22 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 0.85 g of salt per 100 g contributes to daily sodium intake but remains below the average for breakfast cereals, though it should still be limited for hypertension.

Is Special K Milk Chocolate suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or halal diets?

No; the product contains milk powder, soy lecithin and barley, which make it non‑vegan, it includes gluten‑bearing grains (wheat and barley) so it is not gluten‑free, and the presence of dairy ingredients means it does not meet halal standards.

Kellogg's, Special K • 300 g

Special K Chocolat au Lait

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Milk Chocolate is a breakfast cereal made from rice, whole wheat, barley and milk chocolate flakes, reinforced with vitamins and minerals. It belongs to the breakfast-cereals group, carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product, reflecting a high sugar content of 22 g per 100 g and moderate salt at 0.85 g, while providing 5 g of fat and 4.1 g of fiber. The cereal offers a decent protein level (8.8 g) and added micronutrients, but the excess sugars and processed nature limit its nutritional profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal396 kcal

Fat5 g

Saturated Fat2.5 g

Carbohydrates77 g

Sugars22 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average breakfast cereals, this Special K variant contains substantially more sugar (22 g vs 14.1 g per 100 g) while delivering less total fat (5 g vs 9 g) and lower salt (0.85 g vs 1.77 g), with saturated fat matching the category average.

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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