Favorite Products of the Year: Delighting taste buds and waistlines

That sounds like a small portion — and it is slightly less than the typical 1 oz. bag of potato chips. But the crisps do a great job of satisfying the snacker’s need in a single pack. The packaging is eye-catching, too, and three variations on chocolate are offered: original (plain chocolate), cinnamon and mocha.
- David Feder

Kellogg Co.’s Special K Protein Meal and Snack Bars and Special K20 Protein Waters: Shaping up with protein-fortified products

“Kellogg’s [which celebrated its 100th birthday this year] was founded with the idea of eating healthier,” says Jill Saletta, director of communications. “We’ve always maintained cereal has a place in a healthy diet, and now we’re heading off into some exciting new areas.”

One such area is the new Health & Wellness Division, which recently rolled out a line of protein-fortified Special K products. They are positioned as nutritious "shape management" tools, targeting consumers (particularly women) interested in weight loss.

“Our new protein-fortified products are intended to provide new and additional solutions to help them stay on track throughout the day,” says Saletta of the Battle Creek, Mich., company. “We know protein can create a feeling of fullness or satiety, so that’s why we think these products will be a great complement to our existing portfolio.”

Sold in the diet and nutrition sections of grocery and drug stores, the line includes Special K Protein Meal Bars (190 calories), which have 10g of protein, are a good source of 13 vitamins and minerals and an excellent source of calcium. Flavors include: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate and Strawberry. Another option is Special K Protein Snack Bars (110 calories), with 4g of protein and a good source of nine vitamins and minerals. They are available in Chocolate Peanut and Chocolate Delight.

Most surprising is Kellogg’s dive into unknown territory with Special K2O Protein Waters, the first broadly available brand of protein water. They deliver 5g of protein per 16-oz. bottle (50 calories) in Strawberry Kiwi, Lemon Twist and Tropical Blend. Consumer research shows that water, like snacks, plays an important role throughout each day as dieters try to stay on track with their weight management goals.

“Diets high in protein can help curb hunger,” says Harley Pasternak, fitness and nutrition specialist, fitness and diet-book author and adviser to Hollywood’s elite. “These products are great because they easily fit into busy lifestyles without sacrificing on taste or nourishment.”

According to an Insights Research Ethnographic Study conducted by the Insight Research Group for Kellogg, millions of women start the week with good intentions for healthy eating to meet their weight-management goals. By Tuesday at 3 p.m., tummies are grumbling, and many are looking for a vending machine in search of a quick “fix.” The study also found women’s eating habits could swing drastically from good to bad across the day and throughout the week.

Kellogg’s entire Special K product line is designed to be part of a wholesome diet, helping women (and men) stay on track with their shape-management goals.
- Diane Toops