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

The bar is deemed ultra‑processed because the ingredient list includes multiple added sugars, a blend of emulsifiers such as soy lecithin and E476, palm oil, a stabilising calcium carbonate, and various flavorings and vitamins, all of which are typical of NOVA 4 foods.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this bar affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With 5 g of sugar per 100 g, the bar contributes moderate carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so diabetic individuals should consume it sparingly; the very low salt (0.12 g) has minimal impact on blood pressure, making it less concerning for hypertension but overall it should be treated as an occasional treat.

Is the presence of gluten, milk, soy and palm oil a concern for consumers with allergies or sustainability worries?

Yes – the product contains gluten (wheat), milk proteins, soy lecithin and palm oil; these ingredients can trigger reactions in people with celiac disease, milk or soy allergies, and palm oil is linked to deforestation, so environmentally conscious consumers may prefer alternatives.

Kellogg's • 120 g (6 x 20 g)

Barres de Céréales Special K Chocolat au Lait

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Special K Chocolate Milk Cereal Bar is a sweet snack classified in the sugary‑snacks and biscuits‑and‑cakes groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B and is placed in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with added sugars (5 g per 100 g) but relatively low fat (1.9 g), saturated fat (1 g) and salt (0.12 g). The bar offers 2.8 g of fiber and added B‑vitamins, yet contains common allergens such as gluten, milk and soy, and includes palm oil and emulsifiers, which may be undesirable for gluten‑free, vegan or environmentally‑focused consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal78 kcal

Fat1.9 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates12 g

Sugars5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average chocolate cereal bar (28.9 g sugar, 17.7 g fat, 2.0 g salt per 100 g), this Special K bar provides only 5 g sugar, 1.9 g fat and 0.12 g salt, but also supplies less protein (1.4 g vs 6.4 g) and slightly less fiber (2.8 g vs 3.1 g).

Ingredients

Céréales complètes (_blé_ complet (31%), _avoine_ complète (5.5%)), chocolat au _lait_ (14%) (sucre, beurre de cacao, _lait_ entier en poudre, pâte de cacao, émulsifiants {lécithine de _soja_, E476}, arôme naturel de vanille), céréales croustillantes (11%) (farine de _blé_ complet, farine de riz, sucre, farine d'_orge_ maltée, farine de _blé_ malté, sel, huile de colza, stabilisant {carbonate de calcium}, émulsifiant {lécithine de _soja_}), oligofructose, sirop de glucose, fructose, sucre, morceaux de chocolat au _lait_ (2.5%) (sucre, pâte de cacao, beurre de cacao, _lait_ entier en poudre, _lait_ écrémé en poudre, émulsifiant {lécithine de _soja_}, arôme naturel), humectants (sorbitol, glycérol), huile de palme, extrait de malt d'_orge_, dextrose, sel, antioxydant (extrait riche en tocophérols), arôme naturel, émulsifiant (lécithine de _soja_), niacine, fer, vitamine B6, riboflavine, thiamine, acide folique, vitamine D, vitamine B12.

84%

35%

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