Special K Kellogg's Protein Nuts Clusters and Seeds, 330g

Product Information

When you consider that 10g of sugar is the equivalent of 2.5 teaspoons of sugar (which has no nutritional value) then Special K is maybe not as healthy as you thought it was. Fibre It would be worthwhile adding a chopped banana or apple to your bowl of Special K to increase the amount of fibre you eat at breakfast. Fat content For an added protein boost, Kellogg’s have created a Special K Protein cereal, which provides 15g of protein (which rises to 22g when served with ¾ cup of skimmed milk) making it a better option to help top up your protein levels. Calories May increase appetite: There is a potential for increased appetite for those following the Special K diet. In one study, two groups of participants who consumed cereal at two meals each day reported increased hunger versus the baseline groups.

Special K Original contains quite a lot of sugar and minimal amounts of fibre which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Being low fat doesn’t make it any healthier. With the average fat content of a serving at just 0.5g, they are not saturated or trans fats, which are the worse kind of fats for cardio health. Due to the vitamin D3 found in this complete protein cereal, this food product is not classed as a vegan for those who are on a strict vegan diet as vitamin D3 is derived from sheep’s wool. Doesn't create healthy habits: By following a short-term diet or challenge with specific meal replacement products, you’re not establishing good-for-you habits or learning how to incorporate healthy, real foods into your diet for the long-term.Each box of Kellogg’s Special K Protein contains around nine servings, based on a serving size of one-third of a cup, which is the equivalent of 59 grams. This equates to 210 calories.

The only positive about Special K is the added vitamins and minerals which offer some health benefits. Low-risk: The Special K diet doesn’t require you to go long periods of time without eating or to eat questionable supplements or products. It’s a relatively safe diet to follow for the short-term only. In terms of calories and salt, Special K Original is comparable to Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and it’s only slightly higher in protein than cornflakes. This does not make Special K cereal any healthier than sugary cornflakes though.

DITCH THE EXTREME DIETS

We’ve found that whilst Special K is an easy and tasty breakfast option that does offer some of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function, it’s not as healthy and beneficial for weight loss as most people think it is. Consuming protein in the morning may help you meet certain health goals or needs. For example, if you're doing tough workouts, recovering from illness or surgery, or following a vegan diet or vegetarian diet and struggling to get enough protein, a high-protein cereal can help increase your protein intake, says Pasquariello. Additionally, if you have diabetes, eating a high-protein cereal can help prevent blood sugar spikes due to the combo of protein and carbs, says Whittington.

Reducing the amount of bad fat in our diets is always a good thing, but it is worth remembering that some low-fat foods will have high amounts of added sugar in them as unfortunately, it is the sugar (or fat) that makes many cereals taste so good. Protein

Special K

Low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium: The restrictive nature of this eating plan is not supported by health and nutrition experts. On the plus side, however, the diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Today, Special K have taken a different approach in their marketing campaigns, switching women in little red dresses for those who enjoy working out and eating healthily. You can view the latest advert here. The Red Berries and Honey & Oats flavours score slightly higher but are not going to make a significant impact on your daily intake of fibre. The ‘Pinch an Inch’ campaign, created in 1984, is described as one of the most disheartening commercials you’ll ever see. We’ll let you come up with your own verdict; watch it here. Special K Original Protein Cereal isn’t classed as a keto-friendly breakfast option as it is a processed food that is high in carbs and other unhealthy ingredients such as BHA/BHT and sugar, although it isn’t overly sweet. Is Special K Protein Cereal High in Protein?

Whilst the original Special K has the lowest sugar content, it also has less than 1g of dietary fibre. Fibre is essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system and the British Nutrition Foundation recommends an adult should have 30g of fibre a day.Finally, like standard versions, high-protein cereals can be sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners or have no sweeteners at all, says Pasquariello. Generally speaking, options sweetened with added sugar typically have cane sugar, just like traditional cereals, she notes. "You may also see stevia extract and/or monk fruit extract added to unsweetened high-protein cereals to make them more palatable," adds Pasquariello. Options with milk protein may also taste sweeter, as the ingredient is naturally sweet. Enter: high-protein cereals. Traditional cereals are typically low in protein, so by making the swap, you'll be able to take better advantage of the benefits of protein at breakfast. As registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, M.S., R.D.N., explains, “Adding protein to the first meal of your day will keep you more satiated and [energized] throughout the morning.” (This can be especially helpful if you plan to work out after breakfast or often feel ravenous by lunchtime.) “Some high-protein cereals [might also be] higher in fiber, lower in sugar, and/or made with more natural flavors and colors compared to their traditional cereal counterparts,” adds Pasquariello. The amount of protein per serving can vary widely too. In general, high-protein cereals may offer between eight to 20 grams per serving, according to Whittington. (For context, the protein in traditional cereal is typically two to four grams of protein per cup, according to Pasquariello.) When shopping for high-protein cereals, Pasquariello usually looks for options with about 10 grams of protein and five grams of sugar (or less) per serving, but these numbers will differ depending on your goals and taste preferences, she notes. For more personalized recommendations, chat with a doctor or dietitian.