SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH FLAVORED CRUNCHY RICE & WHEAT FLAKES WITH APPLE CINNAMON CLUSTERS CEREAL, APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH
SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal scores 39/100 (Poor) due to its **high added sugar content** and ultra-processed nature, despite providing some beneficial micronutrients.
This cereal has a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
A single serving contains 19.66g of added sugar, contributing significantly to its low score.
It is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to plain rolled oats, this product offers less fiber and significantly more added sugar.
Consider portion control and pairing with unsweetened foods to mitigate its sugar content.
Scores -8 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
9.41g
34% of Daily Value
Protein
6.25g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
19.66g
39% of Daily Value
Sodium
625mg
27% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (9.4g)+12
Protein (6.3g)+2
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin)+12
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (19.7g)-25
Sodium (625mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 39
SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal receives a FoodScore of 39/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor driving this score is its high added sugar content, which stands at 19.66g per 100g. This contributes a significant penalty of -25 points. The product is also classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, resulting in an additional -10 point penalty. Furthermore, its sodium content of 625mg per 100g incurs a -2 point penalty. On the positive side, the cereal provides 9.41g of fiber, earning +12 points, and 6.25g of protein, adding +2 points. It is also fortified with several micronutrients, including Iron (141% DV), Vitamin A (260% DV), Vitamin C (73% DV), and Vitamin B12 (273% DV), which collectively contribute +12 points. However, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties, particularly from the sugar content and processing. Ingredients like sugar, brown sugar syrup, and honey are listed early, confirming the high sugar load. Compared to a baseline of plain rolled oats, this SPECIAL K cereal contains substantially more added sugar and sodium, while providing less overall fiber per 100g.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in special k apple cinnamon crunch flavored crunchy rice & wheat flakes with apple cinnamon clusters cereal, apple cinnamon crunch actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Fortified Micronutrients
SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal is fortified with several vitamins and minerals. Per 100g, it provides 141% DV of iron, 260% DV of Vitamin A, 73% DV of Vitamin C, and 273% DV of Vitamin B12. These nutrients are important for various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, vision, immune function, and nerve health. While fortification can help address nutrient gaps, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the food.
Contribution to Daily Fiber Intake
This cereal contains 9.41g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber goals. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety. However, the fiber content should be considered in the context of the product's other nutritional components, such as its added sugar.
Provides Whole Grains
The ingredient list for SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal includes whole grain wheat and whole grain oats. Consuming whole grains is associated with various health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are often removed during the processing of refined grains. While this product contains whole grains, the presence of other ingredients like added sugars should be noted.
SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal scores 39/100 (Poor) due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature, despite providing some beneficial micronutrients.
How to eat it
SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal is typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk or a milk alternative. A common portion size is 0.75 cup. Due to its added sugar content, mindful portion control is advisable to manage overall sugar intake.
Pair with unsweetened milk or yogurt and fresh fruit to add natural sweetness and additional fiber without increasing added sugar.
Combine a smaller portion of SPECIAL K with plain rolled oats or another unsweetened whole-grain cereal to dilute the added sugar content.
Use this cereal as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to help manage your intake of ultra-processed foods.
Be mindful of the serving size (0.75 cup) to avoid consuming excessive amounts of added sugar and sodium.
Things to keep in mind
This SPECIAL K cereal contains several ingredients that warrant attention. The presence of soy lecithin indicates a soy allergen, and it also contains wheat, which is a common allergen. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product due to the inclusion of wheat. The use of hydrogenated coconut, soybean and/or cottonseed oil suggests the presence of trans fats, although the label states 0g trans fat per 100g, small amounts can still be present. The high sodium content (625mg per 100g) may be a concern for individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension. The significant amount of added sugar may also be a consideration for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.
Is SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal a healthy breakfast option?
SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal has a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature. While it provides some fortified vitamins and minerals, it is not considered a top-tier healthy breakfast option when compared to less processed alternatives like plain oatmeal.
How does SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH compare to other cereals like Cheerios?
Compared to a plain whole-grain cereal like original Cheerios, SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal generally contains more added sugar and sodium. While both may offer some fortified nutrients, Cheerios typically has a simpler ingredient list and lower sugar content, making it a potentially better choice for daily consumption if sugar intake is a concern.
What is the role of 'natural flavor' in this cereal?
The term 'natural flavor' on an ingredient list, as seen in SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal, refers to flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, or vegetables. While derived from natural sources, these flavors are often highly processed and can contribute to the ultra-processed nature of a food product. Their specific composition is proprietary and not fully disclosed.
How much of this cereal can I eat daily?
Given its FoodScore of 39/100 and high added sugar content (19.66g per 100g), consuming SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal daily in large portions is not recommended. It is best enjoyed in moderation, perhaps as an occasional treat, and in the suggested serving size of 0.75 cup to manage sugar and sodium intake.
Does this cereal contain whole grains?
Yes, the ingredient list for SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal includes whole grain wheat and whole grain oats. This means it contributes some beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. However, the presence of whole grains does not negate the impact of other ingredients, such as the significant amount of added sugar.
Are there any preservatives in this cereal?
Yes, the ingredient list for SPECIAL K APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH Cereal includes mixed tocopherols for freshness and BHT for freshness. These are antioxidants used to prevent spoilage and maintain the product's quality over time. While approved for use, some consumers prefer to limit their intake of such additives.