Ever wondered what the real difference is between Corn Flakes and Special K? You’re not alone. At a glance, they might seem similar — both are flake-style cereals from Kellogg’s — but once you look at the ingredients, texture, and nutrition, they’re definitely not the same.
Corn Flakes are lighter, simpler, and made from corn, while Special K blends rice and wheat for a denser, crispier flake with a hint of sweetness. One isn’t necessarily better than the other — it just depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re trying to decide which one is better for you — or just want to know what actually sets them apart — you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down.
Corn Flakes vs Special K: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Corn Flakes | Special K Original |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Corn | Rice, whole wheat, barley |
| Texture | Light, crisp, thin flakes | Denser, crunchier flakes |
| Flavor | Plain, mild corn taste | Slightly sweet with a hint of malt |
| Fibre (per 30g) | 0.9g | 1.8g |
| Sugar (per 30g) | 2.4g | 4.5g |
| Protein (per 30g) | 2.1g | 2.4g |
| Calories (per 30g) | 113 kcal | 118 kcal |
| Best For | A simple, low-sugar option | A slightly more filling, fibre-boosted choice |
What They’re Made Of: Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients in each cereal:
| Category | Kellogg’s Corn Flakes (UK) | Special K Original (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Grains | Corn | Rice (47%), Wholewheat (37%), Barley (5%) |
| Sweeteners & Flavor | Sugar, Barley malt flavoring | Sugar, Malted barley flour, Barley malt extract |
| Salt | Yes | Yes |
| Vitamins & Minerals | B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, D, Iron | B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, D, Iron |
Note: Ingredients may vary slightly depending on where you buy the cereal (which country).
In short:
Corn Flakes are simple — mostly corn, with added sugar and vitamins. Special K blends several grains for a firmer, slightly sweeter flake, but both are fortified with the same key nutrients.
How Corn Flakes and Special K Compare on Nutrition
Let’s take a look at how these cereals compare nutritionally, based on a typical 30g serving:
| Nutrient (Per 30g Serving) | Corn Flakes | Special K Original |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 113 kcal | 118 kcal |
| Fat (Saturates) | 0.3g (0.1g) | 0.4g (0.1g) |
| Sugar | 2.4g | 4.5g |
| Salt | 0.34g | 0.25g |
| Fibre | 0.9g | 1.8g |
| Protein | 2.1g | 2.4g |
Calories
Special K has 118 calories, while Corn Flakes have 113 calories per serving. The difference is tiny — just 5 calories — so unless you’re counting every single calorie, it’s not something to worry about when choosing between them.
Sugar
Special K contains 4.5g of sugar per serving, while Corn Flakes have 2.4g. That’s almost double the sugar in Special K.
For reference, the NHS recommends no more than 30g of free sugars per day for adults. A bowl of Special K would make up about 15% of that limit, while Corn Flakes would account for around 8%.
Salt
Corn Flakes contain 0.34g of salt, compared to 0.25g in Special K. The NHS recommends adults consume no more than 6g of salt per day, so both cereals stay well within a healthy range.
Still, if you’re keeping a close eye on salt intake, Special K is slightly lower.
Fibre
When it comes to fibre, Special K wins, offering 1.8g per serving, compared to just 0.9g in Corn Flakes.
That little extra fibre can help you feel fuller longer and support digestion.
Protein
Special K also has slightly more protein — 2.4g per serving versus 2.1g for Corn Flakes. Again, not a huge difference, but every bit counts if you’re trying to build a more filling breakfast.
The takeaway?
Special K has slightly more fibre, protein, and calories, while Corn Flakes are a bit lower in sugar and salt. The differences are small — but depending on your goals, one might suit you better than the other.
Is Special K Healthier Than Corn Flakes?
Not necessarily. Special K has more fibre and protein, which can help with satiety, but it also has nearly twice the sugar.
Corn Flakes are lower in sugar and calories, but they’re also lower in fibre and protein.
If you prefer Corn Flakes but want a more filling breakfast, you can easily boost the fibre and protein by adding a handful of nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.
The healthier choice depends on your priorities — less sugar or more staying power.
Can You Use Special K Instead of Corn Flakes in Recipes?
Yes, you can — but expect a slight difference.
Special K works well as a substitute in most recipes that call for Corn Flakes, like crispy toppings or baked coatings. Just keep in mind that Special K is a bit denser and has a mild malty flavor, so the taste and texture might be a little different, especially in simpler recipes where Corn Flakes’ plain crunch is key.
It’s a fine swap if you’re in a pinch — or curious to give your usual dish a small twist.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a lighter, lower-sugar cereal with a classic crunch, Corn Flakes are the better pick.
If you’re after a bit more fibre and protein to help keep you full, and don’t mind a touch more sugar, go for Special K.
Both have their place — it just depends on what you need from your breakfast.
More Cereal Comparisons:
Bran Flakes vs Weetabix: Which is the Healthier Cereal Option?
Kellogg’s All-Bran Original vs All-Bran Buds: The Ultimate Comparison Guide
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