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

The bar receives a NOVA 4 rating because it undergoes extensive formulation steps and includes several industrial additives such as glycerol (E422) as a humectant, soy lecithin (E322) as an emulsifier, calcium carbonate (E170i) as an anti‑caking agent, and rosemary extract (E392) as an antioxidant, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 16 g of sugar per 100 g, the bar can raise blood glucose levels and should be limited for people with diabetes, while the 0.61 g of salt per 100 g is moderate but may contribute to increased blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, so consumption should be monitored.

Based on the ingredients, is this bar suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The bar is not vegan because it contains milk and honey‑derived sweeteners, it is not gluten‑free due to wheat and barley, it is not keto‑friendly because it provides 44 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, and while it contains no pork‑derived ingredients and may be acceptable for many halal observers, certification would be needed to confirm compliance.

NORDISK KELLOGG'S NORGE NUF

Special K Protein Bars Coconut, Cocoa & Cashew 4 x

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

The Special K Protein Bars Coconut, Cocoa & Cashew are marketed as gluten‑free snack bars but their ingredient list includes wheat, barley and milk, making them unsuitable for those avoiding gluten or dairy. They belong to the sugary snacks and biscuits and cakes groups, carry a Nutri‑Score of D and are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) due to multiple additives such as glycerol (E422), soy lecithin (E322), calcium carbonate (E170i) and rosemary extract (E392). Nutritionally they provide 23 g of protein per 100 g, but also contain 16 g of sugar, 5.1 g of saturated fat and 0.61 g of salt, which together diminish the overall health profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal423 kcal

Fat16 g

Saturated Fat5.1 g

Carbohydrates44 g

Sugars16 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average cereal bars, this bar contains lower sugar (16 g vs 28.98 g), slightly lower fat (16 g vs 17.65 g) and saturated fat (5.1 g vs 7.8 g), much less salt (0.61 g vs 1.98 g), yet its protein content is markedly higher (23 g vs 6.33 g).

Ingredients

Céréales complètes(19%)(AVOINE, ORGE, BLÉ complet), Sirop de glucose, Isolat de protéine de SOJA, NOIX(6%)(NOIX DE CAJOU, NOISETTES), Fructose, CACAHUÈTES(5.5%), Dattes, Purée d'AMANDE(4.5%), Noix de coco séchée(4.5%), Graines de tournesol(4%), LAIT concentré sucré (LAIT, Sucre), Humectant(Glycérol), Cacao maigre en poudre(1.5%), Amidon de tapioca, Carbonate de calcium, Isolat de protéine de pois, Huile de tournesol, Sel, Arôme naturel, Émulsifiant(Lécithine de SOJA), Antioxydant(Extrait de romarin).

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.