Kellogg introduces hot cereal, bars and shakes to meet changing consumer needs

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Kellogg Company is adding new Special K Nourish hot cereal and bars, and Kellogg's To Go breakfast shakes to its line of breakfast options.

"Special K Nourish hot cereal and bars are specifically designed for people who are seeking positive nutrition to help manage their weight," said Doug VanDeVelde, senior vice president, Kellogg Morning Foods. "These consumers are focused on eating better, not just eating less."

When considering a nutritious breakfast, 54 percent of consumers think fiber is important and 49 percent think protein is important. Special K Nourish hot cereal features a unique whole grain blend, including quinoa, oats, barley and wheat, and each serving provides 8 g of protein and 5 g of fiber.

This is the first-ever hot cereal from Special K in the U.S. and it debuts in three flavors: maple brown sugar crunch, cranberry almond and cinnamon raisin pecan. Nourish hot cereal comes in a two-pack of single-serve cups that can be prepared quickly by stirring in hot water or adding cool water and heating in a microwave. Nuts and fruit are provided in a removable cap and can be stirred into the hot cereal.

Nourish nutrition bars provide 5 g fiber and 8 g protein as well, and each bar is made with such ingredients as quinoa, fruit, nuts and seeds. Nourish nutrition bars are available in dark chocolate nut delight, cranberry almond and lemon twist flavors.

Even though most consumers know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, 30 million Americans skip breakfast every day, with young adults (20%) and teens (17%) having the highest rate of missing their morning meal, the company noted. And recent studies have shown nearly two-thirds of high schoolers skip breakfast at least once per week, and children who eat cereal for breakfast — even pre-sweetened varieties — have lower body weight and BMI readings. One thing that would enable more people to eat breakfast is increased availability of convenient breakfast items.

With that in mind, Kellogg's is introducing Kellogg's To Go breakfast shakes — a healthy and convenient drinkable option that provides 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 21 vitamins and minerals.

"Kellogg's believes in the power of breakfast, and too many people skip this important meal," VanDeVelde said. "That's why we created a new delicious option for on-the-go breakfast nutrition."

The shakes are available in three flavors — milk chocolate, vanilla and strawberry — and come in either an easy-to-mix powder or ready-to-drink-single serve bottles. They can be found in retailer breakfast aisles.

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