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

The cereal is made from refined rice and whole‑wheat flour, includes added sugar, malted‑barley flour, a malt flavouring, and a vitamin‑mineral blend; these industrially produced ingredients and the fortification process place it in NOVA group 4, even though no synthetic preservative additives are listed.

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

With 15 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, which is challenging for diabetes management, and the 0.84 g of salt contributes about 15 % of the recommended daily sodium intake, potentially raising blood pressure for hypertensive individuals.

Is the gluten in Special K Classic a concern for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Yes; the product contains wheat and barley, both sources of gluten, so it is not safe for anyone requiring a gluten‑free diet.

Kellogg's • 300

Special K Classic

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Classic is a ready-to-eat breakfast cereal classified in the cereals and potatoes group and marketed as a mixed-cereal flake. It carries a Nutri-Score of C and falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra-processed product with low fat (1.3 g/100 g) and saturated fat (0.3 g/100 g) but relatively high sugar (15 g/100 g) and moderate salt (0.84 g/100 g). The cereal is fortified with vitamins and minerals yet contains gluten from wheat and barley, making it unsuitable for gluten‑free diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal392 kcal

Fat1.3 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates84 g

Sugars15 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Special K Classic has similar energy (392 kcal vs 389 kcal) and lower fat, saturated fat, and salt, but its sugar (15 g) and carbohydrate (84 g) levels are higher while fiber (6 g) and protein (8 g) are below average.

Ingredients

Riso(46%), _frumento_ integrale(37%), zucchero, _orzo_ (5%), farina di malto d'_orzo_ (3.5%), aroma di malto d'_orzo_, sale. VITAMINE E MINERALI: Vitamine (niacina, B2, B1, B6, acido folico, D, B12) e minerali (ferro e zinco).

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Special K Classic.

Kellogg's

335 g