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Special K

Flavor:

Pumpkin Spice

Ingredients:

Whole grain wheat, rice, sugar, wheat bran, whole grain oats, vegetable oil (palm kernel, canola, palm, hydrogenated coconut, soybean and/or cottonseed), contains 2% or less of salt, brown sugar syrup, malt flavor, rice flour, calcium carbonate, dextrose, honey, molasses, natural flavors, soy lecithin, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) for freshness, spices, cinnamon, paprika extract color, annatto extract color, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, BHT for freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Reduced iron, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), beta-carotene, vitamin E acetate, niacinamide, vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), folic acid, vitamin D3, vitamin B12.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Green Leaf Rating: 1/5

The Special K Pumpkin Spice cereal is a product that raises several concerns for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. It is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients. The ingredient list reveals the inclusion of multiple types of added sugars, such as molasses, brown sugar, and sugar, compounded by the presence of dextrose, which is a more processed form of sugar. These sweeteners contribute to the product’s low rating.

Further scrutiny shows the cereal contains a variety of additives and oils that are potentially harmful. Natural flavors and soy lecithin, while common in processed foods, are flagged for their ambiguous origins and potential health implications. More concerning is the presence of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), an additive used to preserve freshness but which has been linked to negative health effects.

The types of oils used in this product—canola, vegetable, and palm—also contribute to its low score. These oils are often highly processed and may be sourced from genetically modified crops. Additionally, the environmental impact of palm oil production is a well-documented concern, with significant implications for deforestation and habitat destruction.

Given these factors, the Special K Pumpkin Spice cereal receives the lowest possible rating on our scale, indicating that it falls short in providing a clean and healthy option for consumers. The cereal’s composition, heavily featuring non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and controversial oils, signifies that it does not align with the criteria for a healthier food choice. Consumers seeking products that support a clean diet and a more natural lifestyle may consider looking for alternatives that offer organic ingredients, minimal processing, and transparency in their production and sourcing practices.