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

The bar is made from refined grains, multiple sweeteners, and a milk‑chocolate coating, all combined with industrial processes such as extrusion and enrobing, which place it in NOVA 4. Its additive list includes soy lecithin, calcium carbonate (E170i), tocopherol‑rich extract (E306), emulsifiers (E322, E322i, E476), and humectants sorbitol (E420) and glycerol (E422).

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

With 25 g of sugar per 100 g, the bar can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control unless consumed in very small portions. Its 0.6 g of salt contributes to sodium intake, which may elevate blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, so moderation is advised.

Is the milk chocolate in this bar a concern for people with dairy allergies?

Yes. The milk‑chocolate coating contains whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder, both dairy ingredients that can trigger reactions in individuals with cow‑milk allergy or lactose intolerance.

Kellogg's

Special K Milk Chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Special K Milk Chocolate is a chocolate‑coated cereal bar marketed as a sweet snack, falling into the Sugary snacks dietary family. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with high sugar (25 g) and saturated fat (5.1 g) per 100 g, though it also provides notable fiber (14 g) and protein (7 g). The formulation includes several additives such as soy lecithin, calcium carbonate, tocopherol‑rich extract and emulsifiers, and it contains common allergens like milk, wheat gluten and soy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal390 kcal

Fat9.6 g

Saturated Fat5.1 g

Carbohydrates62 g

Sugars25 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical snack bar averages, Special K Milk Chocolate is lower in fat (9.6 g vs 17.65 g), slightly lower in sugar (25 g vs 28.98 g), and markedly higher in fiber (14 g vs 3.07 g), while its salt, saturated fat and calorie levels also sit below category norms.

Ingredients

uk rl wholewheat flakes, cereal and milk chocolate pieces in a bar dipped in a smooth milk chocolate layer, fortified with vitamins. ingredients: wholegrain cereals(wholewheat(31%), whole oats(5.5%)), milk chocolate(14%)(sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, emulsifiers{soy lecithin, e476}, natural vanilla flavouring), cereal crispies(11%)(wholewheat flour, rice flour, sugar, malted barley flour, malted wheat flour, salt, rapeseed oil, stabiliser{calcium carbonate}, emulsifier{soy lecithin}), oligofructose, glucose syrup, fructose, sugar, milk chocolate chunks(2.5%)(sugar, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder, emulsifier{soy lecithin}, natural flavouring), humectants(sorbitol, glycerol), palm oil, barley malt extract, dextrose, salt, antioxidant(tocopherol rich extract), natural flavouring, emulsifier(soy lecithin), niacin, iron, vitamin b6, riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid, vitamin d, vitamin β12. for allergens see ingredients highlighted in bold. may contain gluten from other cereals. best before: see top.

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.