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

Special K is labelled NOVA 4 because it undergoes industrial processing that includes added sugars, fortified vitamins (niacin, B6, riboflavin, thiamine, folate) and mineral salts such as calcium carbonate, iron and zinc oxide, as well as malt extract, all of which are typical additives in highly processed foods.

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

The cereal provides 14 g of sugar per 100 g, which can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and may not be ideal for diabetes management, while its 0.8 g of salt contributes moderate sodium intake and should be monitored by people with hypertension.

Based on its ingredients, is Special K suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other strict diets?

Special K contains rice, whole‑grain wheat and wheat gluten, so it is not gluten‑free and is unsuitable for celiac disease, but all listed ingredients are plant‑based, making it vegan, though it may contain trace nuts.

Kellogg's • 300g

Special K

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Special K is a plant‑based breakfast cereal classified in the Breakfast cereals group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is listed as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with added sugars and fortified vitamins. While it provides 19 g of protein and 6 g of fiber per 100 g, it also contains 14 g of sugar and 0.8 g of salt, and may not be suitable for those avoiding gluten or nuts.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars3.2 g

Fruits & Vegetables0 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Special K has markedly lower fat (2.5 g vs 8.97 g) and salt (0.8 g vs 1.77 g) while its sugar content (14 g) is close to the category average of 14.13 g.

Ingredients

Riz (42%), céréales complètes (24%) (blé entier, farine d'avoine complète), gluten de blé, sucre, minéraux (carbonate de calcium, fer, oxyde de zinc), fibre d'avoine, sel, extrait de malt d'orge, vitamines (niacine, vitamine B6, riboflavine, thiamine, folate). CONTIENT GLUTEN CONTENIR LES CÉRÉALES. PEUT CONTENIR DES TRACES DE CACAHUÈTES ET/OU NOIX D'ARBRES.

84%

35%

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