Why is Special K Classic classified as a processed food (NOVA 3) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal is rated NOVA 3 because its ingredients undergo industrial processes such as grain malting and extrusion, which create a product that is more refined than whole foods but does not add any separate additives; the ingredient list shows no added colors, preservatives or flavor enhancers.

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

With 12 g of sugars per 100 g, the cereal adds a moderate amount of rapidly available glucose that can raise blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should monitor portion sizes; the 0.62 g of salt per 100 g is lower than the average cereal but still contributes to daily sodium intake, which may be a concern for those managing hypertension.

Is Special K Classic suitable for a strict vegan or gluten‑free diet?

The product is certified vegan and contains only plant‑derived ingredients, making it suitable for a vegan diet, but it includes whole‑wheat and barley, both of which contain gluten, so it is not appropriate for a gluten‑free diet.

Kellogg's • 600g

Special K - Classic

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Classic is a plant‑based breakfast cereal from Kellogg's that combines rice, whole‑wheat, barley and a modest amount of sugar, and it is marketed as vegan and vegetarian. It provides 393 kcal per 100 g, with 8.3 g protein and 6.2 g fiber, yet it also contains 12 g sugars and 0.62 g salt, resulting in a Nutri‑Score of C and a NOVA 3 classification. The cereal is gluten‑containing, low in total fat (1.3 g) and saturated fat (0.3 g), placing it as a moderately nutritious option within the Breakfast cereals PNNS group.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal393 kcal

Fat1.3 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates84 g

Sugars12 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast‑cereal profile, Special K Classic contains markedly less fat (1.3 g vs 8.97 g) and salt (0.62 g vs 1.77 g) and slightly lower sugars (12 g vs 14.13 g), but its carbohydrate level (84 g) and protein (8.3 g) are below the typical cereal averages.

Ingredients

Reis 48%, _Vollkornweizen_ 38%, Zucker, _Gerste_ 5%, gemälztes _Gerstenmehl_ 4%, _Gerstenmalz_, Salz.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Special K - Classic.

Kellogg's

335 g