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

It is classified as ultra-processed because the grains are cooked, dried and extruded, sugars and flavorings are added, and a vitamin premix is included; the sole listed additive is soy lecithin (E322), which acts as an emulsifier in the milk-chocolate coating.

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

The 21 g of sugar per 100 g is high and can cause rapid blood-glucose spikes, making the cereal unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while the 0.67 g of salt is low compared with typical cereals and poses little risk for hypertension, though the overall product should be consumed in moderation.

Is the soy lecithin in Special K Chocolat au Lait a concern for people with soy allergies?

Soy lecithin is derived from soybeans, so trace amounts of soy protein may remain; most soy-allergic individuals can tolerate the small quantities present, but the product is still labelled as containing soy and should be avoided by those with severe soy allergy.

Kellogg's • 500g

Special K Chocolat au Lait

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Chocolat au Lait is a breakfast cereal classified in the "Cereals and potatoes" and "Breakfast cereals" groups, composed mainly of rice, whole wheat, barley and milk chocolate. It bears a Nutri-Score of D, falls into the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category, and provides about 415 kcal, 21 g of sugar, 0.67 g of salt, 2.5 g of saturated fat and 5.3 g of fiber per 100 g, while also being fortified with vitamins and minerals and containing gluten, milk and soy allergens. The high sugar level and moderate saturated fat are nutritional drawbacks, whereas the low salt content, added fiber and vitamin fortification offer some benefits.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal410 kcal

Fat5 g

Saturated Fat2.5 g

Carbohydrates81 g

Sugars21 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal (14.1 g sugar, 1.78 g salt, 2.5 g saturated fat per 100 g), this cereal contains substantially more sugar (21 g), similar saturated fat (2.5 g) and considerably less salt (0.67 g), resulting in a slightly higher energy content (approximately 415 kcal versus 389 kcal).

Ingredients

Riz(40%), blé complet (32%), chocolat au lait (14%)(sucre, pâte de cacao, beurre de cacao, lait entier en poudre, lait écrémé en poudre, émulsifiant {lécithine de soja} arôme naturel de vanille), sucre, orge (4%), farine d’orge maltée, sel, extrait de malt d’orge, niacine, fer, riboflavine, thiamine, vitamine B6, acide folique, vitamine D, vitamine B12.

84%

35%

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