So while people think they are making a healthier choice, they are actually choosing a product that is highly processed with high sugar levels, that has no nutritional fats and very few proteins. 100 g of Special K contain the equivalent of 2 tbsp of sugar, the kids cereals have even more than that!
Source of nutrients: Special K cereal is a good source of vitamins A and D and an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6, and can be consumed as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Oatmeal is one of those cereals that you really can't go wrong with – it's high in fiber, has protein, is always going to be the best sugar free cereal and least processed cereal option, and is super filling. Nutritional Info: 1/3 cup uncooked has 140 calories, 4 grams fiber, 0 grams sugar, and 6 grams protein.
Cereal: plain oats, corn flakes and shredded wheat are minimally processed, but when the manufacturer adds sugar, flavourings or colourings, they become ultra-processed cereals. Try sticking to cereals such as porridge, corn flakes, bran flakes, weetabix etc rather than the more processed versions.
Gluten Free Weet-Bix is minimally processed – wholegrains are cooked, flattened in a mill and baked in an oven – one of the least processed packaged foods. It is gluten free – not from processing but because we use an ancient grain, Sorghum, which is naturally gluten free.
Most packaged breakfast cereals are ultra-processed. EWG recommends limiting consumption of these foods, whether organic or conventional. A diet high in ultra-processed food is linked to an increased risk of depression, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Avoid Artificial Ingredients
"Look for options with at least 3 grams of fiber and 3 to 4 grams of protein," McGrane says. "I'd also steer clear of any cereals that contain partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavoring and coloring."
Nutrition. In the United States, Special K Original has 120 calories per 31g cup serving. One serving contains 0.5g fat, 23g carbohydrates, 4g sugar, and 6g protein. In the United Kingdom, Special K Original is 17% sugar, meaning a 30g serving contains 5g of sugar.
Breakfast: One serving of Special K cereal with 2/3 cup skim milk and fruit. Lunch: Repeat breakfast meal or substitute a Special K Protein Meal bar. Dinner: Eat your normal meal. Snacks: Eat two snacks each day of Special K products (bars, cereal, snack bites) or fruits or vegetables.
Both oatmeal and Cheerios are whole grains, which puts them ahead of cereals like Corn Flakes and Special K, in which the bran and germ have been removed, Dr. Mozaffarian said. Whole grains have more fiber and a wider range of vitamins and minerals.
Used for oatmeal, rolled oats are lightly processed to make them edible. The oat groats (grain kernels) are steamed, flattened, and dried. They still contain all three parts of the grain—the bran, germ, and endosperm—so they retain all of the fiber and other nutrients.
For the most nutritious breakfast, try to choose whole, unprocessed foods from each of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. Try to include proteins from foods like yogurts (look for varieties with less sugar added), eggs, nuts and seeds or legumes.
Eat like a pro
'Oatmeal itself is a whole grain, so it's not processed like the refined type,' says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D.N., author of The Flexitarian Diet. 'The other great thing about it is that it's a wet grain, meaning it's cooked with water.
Best weetabix alternative: Aldi Harvest Morn Wheat Bisks. Best golden syrup-flavoured porridge: Quaker Oats So Simple Golden Syrup Porridge. Best special k-style cereal: ASDA Special Flakes Cereal. Best fruit & nut muesli: Lizi's Super Muesli Glow.
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat.
One serve of Special K High Fibre provides more than 20% of your daily fibre needs. Each serve provides your body with protein plus essential vitamins and minerals to support wellbeing! Make your breakfast your special way.
Virtually all foods sold in the grocery store can be classified as processed to some degree. Because most foods begin to deteriorate and lose nutrients as soon as they are harvested, a few simple processing steps can improve the product while adding a level of convenience.