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

Special K Classic is actually classified as NOVA 3, a processed cereal, and it contains no listed food additives; its ingredient list consists solely of rice, whole-wheat, sugar, barley, barley malt flour, salt, barley malt extract and fortified vitamins and minerals.

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

With 15 g of sugars per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making it less suitable for people managing diabetes; its 0.84 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and lower than many cereals, but still contributes to sodium intake, which may be a concern for hypertension, so portion control is advised.

Based on its ingredient list, can Special K Classic be used in vegan, keto, halal, or gluten-free diets?

The cereal is not vegan because it may contain trace milk and is not certified dairy-free; it is not gluten-free due to wheat and barley; its high carbohydrate content (approximately 63 g per 100 g) makes it unsuitable for a keto regimen; it contains no pork-derived ingredients, so it may be acceptable for halal diets if no additional certification is required.

Special K • 450 g

Special K Classic

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Classic is a ready-to-eat breakfast cereal made from a blend of rice, whole-wheat and barley, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and classified in the Breakfast cereals sub-group of the Cereals and potatoes food family. It carries a Nutri-Score of C (score 9) and falls into NOVA group 3, indicating a processed but not ultra-processed product, with low fat and saturated fat, modest fiber (6 g/100 g) and a relatively low salt level (0.84 g/100 g). However, it contains 15 g of sugars per 100 g - slightly above the category average - and includes gluten-bearing grains and trace milk, which are relevant allergens, so it may not be suitable for gluten-free or dairy-restricted diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal393 kcal

Fat1.3 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates84 g

Sugars15 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Special K Classic delivers slightly more sugar (15 g vs 14.1 g per 100 g), markedly less fat (low vs 9 g) and salt (0.84 g vs 1.78 g), but also provides less fiber (6 g vs 8.3 g).

Ingredients

Riso 47%, frumento integrale 37%, zucchero, orzo 5%, farina di malto d'orzo, sale, estratto di malto d'orzo, niacina, ferro, riboflavina, tiammina, vitamina B6, acido folico, vitamina D, vitamina B12. Può contenere: glutine, latte, soia.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Special K Classic.

Special K

550 g