Kellogg's

Special K

Barcode 5059319029016

Scanned 155 times by Nomi users

Yes — Special K is ultra-processed.

The product contains malted barley flour and barley malt extract, which are industrially processed flavoring ingredients considered ultra-processed according to the NOVA guidelines. Therefore the overall product is classified as UPF.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

(en) crunchy rice
OK

wholewheat and barley flakes fortified with vitamins and iron. ingredients: rice (47%)
OK

whole wheat

Whole grain wheat used as a basic flour/ingredient in foods; not inherently ultra-processed.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

barley

Barley grain used as a food ingredient in breads, cereals, and soups; considered minimally processed.
OK

malted barley flour

Flour milled from malted barley, a basic cereal ingredient used in baking and brewing.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
UPF

Barley Malt Extract

Barley malt extract is a sweetener made from malted barley grains.
OK

niacin (vitamin b3)

A water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient and often added to foods as a fortifying vitamin.
OK

iron

Essential mineral used as a nutrient or fortifying ingredient in foods.
OK

riboflavin

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B2) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

thiamine

A water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B1) used as a nutrient and fortification additive.
OK

vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)

Essential water-soluble vitamin used as a nutrient supplement and fortificant in foods and dietary supplements.
OK

folic acid

A B-vitamin (B9) important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation; commonly added to fortified foods and supplements.
OK

vitamin d

Fat-soluble vitamin used for fortification and dietary supplementation; commonly present in foods as a nutrient or supplement.
OK

vitamin b12. for allergens see ingredients highlighted in bold. may contain gluten from other cereals
OK

milk. best before: see top. store in a cool
OK

dry place

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

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Common questions about Special K

Is Special K ultra-processed?

Yes — Special K by Kellogg's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains malted barley flour and barley malt extract, which are industrially processed flavoring ingredients considered ultra-processed according to the NOVA guidelines. Therefore the overall product is classified as UPF.

Which ingredients in Special K are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Special K as an ultra-processed marker: Barley Malt Extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Special K?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Corn Flakes by M&S. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.