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Special K
Flavor:
Protein
Ingredients:
Whole wheat, rice, sugar, soy protein isolate, wheat bran, contains 2% or less of cinnamon, malt flavor, salt, natural flavor, BHT for freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium carbonate, iron, niacinamide, vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), folic acid, vitamin D3, vitamin B12.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 2/5 green leaves, Special K Protein cereal falls short in providing a clean eating option for health-conscious consumers. The product is not organic, contains GMO ingredients, and includes added sugars, which detract significantly from its healthfulness. Of particular concern are the additives such as natural flavors and BHT, which are deemed potentially harmful, and BHT specifically is identified as a known harmful additive.
Special K Protein is composed of whole wheat and rice, which serve as the base for the cereal. These ingredients, in their unadulterated form, can offer nutritional benefits such as fiber. However, the presence of soy protein isolate raises questions due to the processing involved and the potential for it to be sourced from genetically modified soybeans. The product’s vitamin and mineral fortification, including calcium carbonate, iron, and a variety of B vitamins, aims to enhance its nutritional profile. Yet, the overall benefit of these added nutrients is overshadowed by the more contentious ingredients.
The inclusion of sugar as a third ingredient signals a considerable amount of added sweeteners, which undermines the product’s health value. The natural flavor and malt flavor, while common in processed foods, are criticized for their lack of transparency, as they can encompass a wide range of chemical compounds. BHT, a synthetic antioxidant used for freshness, carries the most weight in the assessment due to its classification as a known harmful additive. Its purpose is to prevent the oxidation of oils, but its safety has been questioned by various health organizations.
Despite its high protein content, Special K Protein cereal’s reliance on non-organic, GMO ingredients, and the inclusion of added sugars and questionable additives, compromise its standing as a clean and healthy food option. The product’s composition reflects a need for reformulation if it aims to meet the rising demand for wholesome, minimally processed foods. The 2/5 green leaves rating serves as a clear indicator that this cereal has substantial room for improvement in terms of its ingredient quality and overall health impact.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
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