Special K

Kellogg's Special K₂O Protein Water

A bottle of Special K2O Protein Water
Launch year	September 2006
Company	Kellogg Company
Website	Official website

Special K is a lightly toasted breakfast cereal manufactured by the Kellogg Company. The cereal was introduced to the United States in 1955. It is made primarily from rice and wheat. Special K is marketed primarily as a low-fat cereal that can be eaten to help one lose weight. The cereal frequently has give-away offers for various health and fitness products or contains dieting information on the back of the box. It is also generally targeted at adults, rather than children.

The Special K brand advocates the "Special K Challenge." The goal of this challenge is to help an individual lose six pounds in two weeks; this loss is achieved by eating specific Special K products throughout the day. The diet begins with a single serving of any Special K cereal, accompanied with 2/3 cup of skim milk and a side of fruit. The second meal of the diet may include either a Special K Protein Meal Bar, Special K Protein Shake, or another serving of Special K cereal with 2/3 cup of skim milk and a side of fruit. The third meal of the day may be consumed normally, without any Special K restrictions. Throughout the day an individual is allotted two Special K snacking times, eating any of the following specified snacks: Special K Protein Meal Bars, Special K Protein Shakes, Special K Breakfast Shakes, Special K Protein Granola Bars, Special K Crackers, Special K Cracker Chips, or Special K Popcorn. For any additional snack servings, an individual may consume fruits and vegetables. During the challenge, drinks may be consumed normally.

Critics of the Special K diet feel that it may leave dieters feeling hungry because of its limited food options and deter people from sticking to the diet. The diet has been criticised for being too low in protein, fiber, vegetables and fruits. The diet does not include guidance on how to change unhealthy overeating or lack of exercise and their importance to permanent weight loss.

In the United States (US), Special K Original has 120 Cal per 31g cup serving. One serving contains 0.5g fat, 23g carbohydrates, 4g sugar, and 6g protein. In the United Kingdom (UK), Special K Original is 17% sugar, meaning a 30g serving contains 5g of sugar.