Why is Special K Classic classified as moderately processed (NOVA 3) even though it lists no additives?

NOVA groups evaluate the overall manufacturing steps, not just added substances; the cereal is extruded, malt-extracted and fortified with vitamins and minerals, which places it in NOVA group 3 despite having zero listed additives.

How do the sugar and salt levels in Special K Classic affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

At 15 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal provides a high amount of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so diabetics should limit portion size, while its 0.84 g of salt per 100 g is below the category average and poses a lower, but still present, sodium contribution for those managing hypertension.

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

The product contains no animal-derived ingredients and carries halal and kosher certifications, making it suitable for vegan, halal and kosher diets, but because it includes barley and whole-wheat it is not gluten-free, and its high carbohydrate content (rice and added sugars) means it does not fit a strict keto regimen.

Kellogg's • 450 g

Special K Classic

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K Classic is a breakfast cereal in the "Cereals and potatoes" food group, composed mainly of rice and whole-wheat and fortified with iron and several B-vitamins. It has a Nutri-Score of C and falls into NOVA group 3, reflecting a moderately processed product that undergoes extrusion, malt extraction and vitamin fortification without any listed additives. The cereal supplies 6 g of fiber per 100 g and a notable iron boost, but it also contains 15 g of sugar and 0.84 g of salt, making it relatively high in sugar and modest in salt compared with typical breakfast cereals.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal392 kcal

Fat1.3 g

Saturated Fat0.3 g

Carbohydrates84 g

Sugars15 g

Comparative Analysis

Special K Classic delivers 15 g of sugar per 100 g - just above the average of 14.13 g for breakfast cereals - while its 0.84 g of salt and 6 g of fiber are both lower than the typical 1.77 g of salt and 8.26 g of fiber in the category.

Ingredients

Arroz (47%), trigo integral (37%), azúcar, cebada (5%), harina de malta de cebada, sal, extracto de malta de cebada, niacina, hierro, riboflavina, tiamina, vitamina B6, ácido fólico, vitamina D, vitamina B12.

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Special K Classic.

Kellogg's

600g