Special K Protein Water
Towards the end of last year - a whole line of Kellogg's "protein-enhanced" foods started appearing on shelves. The growth of the beverage industry never ceases to amaze me.
Kellogg's K20 water contains just 5 grams of protein in a 16oz bottle. Along with that you get 8 grams of sugar (plus some Splenda) - all for $1.50 per drink.
A BusinessWeek column called it "a case of brand extension greed" - and I think they are right. According to Promo Magazine: "The line will be positioned as nutritious "shape management" tools, targeting consumers interested in weight loss."
Kellogg's have even included the drink in the "Special K Challenge" promotions - claiming that "Losing 6 pounds in 2 weeks just got easier".
Special K20 Ingredients
Water, contains two percent or less of sugar, whey protein isolate, citric acid, phosphoric acid, natural flavor (contains soy), calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, yellow #5.
Are consumers really that gullible? Anyone ever heard of milk?
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Anyone who needs to get their protein from artificially sweetened water clearly has serious dietary issues...
ReplyIndividuals should use this drink to increase satiety. I do not believe that it is intended to be used as a good source of protein. A well balanced diet is to be eaten in addition to the protein water. The protein water is just supposed to decrease snacking and overeating.
ReplyMS, RD, LD
Good work out water ....Good for people on the go looking to supplement between meals. For example you want to get some protien/fuel into your body between your evening work out and your dinner durring that post work out "golden hour" this is perfect. Granted you can just use your protien and shaker cup. But, if you have meal replacement shaker cup burn out and grabing a bottle of water isan easy habbit, this is perfection. Even better you can pour thier powder version into 0 calorie powerade....I should work 4 these guys. ....Maybe they do have Dietary issues???cancer, gatro intestinal surger etc...or maybe they are mindful of there carb to protien intake ration
Replyyou are an idiot. it is in no way advertised as a replacement for all foods containing protein. maybe hit the treadmill a few times a week and you wont have to worry about what kellogg puts in their water.
ReplyProof that the world has truely gone mad...
I'm all for leveraging your brand but I don't see protein water as a fit for a breakfast cereal brand. If it was a breakfast on the go then yes, but protein water? Off to go crack a few macadamia shells, because that's a much nicer way to get protein imho
Thanks Jim for making me smile at the crazy world of marketing
ReplyYES!!!! People are that gullible!!!
Even better....have you seen the new Special K cereal? It has "chocolatey pieces".....made with partially hydrogenated palm kernal oil....oh, yea, that's healthy!!!
Replyhttp://www2.kelloggs.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?brand=215&product=8093&cat=
yeah well maybe your the gullible one not people!!!!
ReplyMaybe some people just prefer to drink water or ice tea and not Milk. ever think of that? And as an added benefit get a little extra protien. different strokes for different folks live and let live and all that. sheesh
Replyi agree
Replycindy you are yet another reason why free speech shouldnt be so free. get a job
ReplyI love this stuff..
ReplyI take it to school with me on the go all the time..
and i certainly am not trying to lose weight..
it came in my cereal and now im obsessed with it.
'Natural Flavor Two Percent or Less - Contains Soy'
MSG flags for anyone sensitive to it.
ReplyAll I care about is calories. I drink sugar free energy drinks. 0-10 calories per can!
Replyim on the special k challenge, even though i shouldnt be, im only 15. ive been eating two bowls of special k for almost a year, and it led to anorexia. if you are going to do the special k challenge i suggest you eat more then what they say, im not better still and im going to keep doing the special k challenge even though im only 15, 5 foot 6, and weigh 100 lbs.
ReplyWow. I can`t believe you put that. I am in the EXACT same postion you are. My dieting started out with this Special K diet when I was 12 and weighed around 143. I`m 13 now and weigh less than 100. I`m 20 pounds underweight. I am still doing this diet even though I know it is bad for me to do it. I just can`t stop. This product can help with weight loss, but I don`t reccomend being on this diet unless you keep your personal best interest at heart. Best of luck with beating your eating disorder, if you`re like me, we both need the luck.
Replywow same here thats where it all started for me, and its the worst thing that ever happend to me.
i really dont think this diet should be advertised
ReplyHey I read your comment....does it really work?
ReplyThe diet does work. It is only because you keep on it. If you are 12 and 15 year old, you should not have been on it anyways. It doesnt have anything to do with the diet, it has to do with the fact that you have self image issues. I am sorry to be blunt but maybe you should get some help. i was on the diet for 2 weeks to jump start my diet but got sick of eating cereal. At your age you should really seek help or tell your parents.
Replywhat??? why would eating cereal lead to anorexia?
Replylol, eating "diet" cereal doesn't lead to anorexia. I had anorexia nervosa and I couldn't care less for cereal.
What they mean is that when they started their diet it DEVELOPED into an eating disorder. But an E.D. has nothing to do with Kellogg's products; rather, many people's eating disorders begin with a diet and then progress to something more serious.
ReplyNic--I like those sugar free energy drinks too, but they are SO expensive! This protein water is pretty pricey too. I think I'd rather just eat an egg and drink a glass of regular water. Maybe it's not as convenient, but it would probably satisfy me more. I tried this Special K water and I didn't particularly care for it...it has a funny taste to it.
ReplyIf you go to the Special K website and read up on the "Special K Challenge," you'll see that they only guarantee weight loss in people with BMI's > 25. That means you have to be overweight in order for the diet to work, and Caity, you're nowhere near a BMI like that.
ReplyActually if it does contain protein I think it is a good thing. I had a gastric bypass surger a number of years ago, and i've always struggled to get my protein. I can't do those thick drinks, because they make me throw up. Milk is out of the question because not only is it loaded with fat, the milk sugar makes me quite ill. I haven't tried the water but I'm going to.
ReplyDonna - I, too, had gastric bypass a number of years ago. I totally understand the deal with the thick protein drinks as well as trying to drink a lot of milk (even though it's natural sugar).
I just tried this protein water and think it is fabulous! It tastes great and just happens to be good for you, too! Very refreshing alternative, although keep in mind it is still just 5g of protein... that's still 5g more than I had yesterday!
On the milk deal, if you like milk but just have an issue wiht the fat and sugar content, look for various "low carb" varieties. They are sometimes hard to find, but Hood-brand produces a very tasty line of milk from whole to skim (chocolate, too!). Not to push a particular brand, but it's low in sugar, and has added protein.
If you happen to live in Texas and are near and HEB grocery store, they produce their own brand of reduced-sugar/protein-enhanced milk varieties including skim.
I know your post was over a year ago - hope you check in.
To everyone else - just try the water for yourself. If you love it - great. If you hate it and think we're ridiculous for loving it - great, too. Just keep that to yourself - you're only showing that us "protein water lovers" aren't the only ridiculous idiots out there!
ReplyMY FRIEND RECENTLY HAD GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY AND SHE STARTED DRINKING THIS SPECIAL K WATER AND LOVES IT. SHE SAYS IT IS AN EASY WAY TO KEEP HER PROTEIN LEVELS UP AND GET HER WATER IN. SHE SAYS IT IS A LITTLE PRICEY. HE KEEPS THE BOTTLES AFTER SHE DRINKS THE 1.50 BOTTLES AND USES THE MIX PACKETS FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.I THINK THEY COULD HAVE LEFT THE SUGAR OUT AND JUST USED SPLENDA?? THE PACKETS OF THE MIX ARE HARD TO GET TO DISSOLVE ALSO. THE SOUTH BEACH DIET FLAVORED WATER MIX TASTE BETTER AND IS BETTER FOR YOU.
ReplyI have the lap band and I love them... I use the drink mix. But I can not use the whole thing as its too sweet. I mix 1/2 the mix in 32 oz of water. Also if you add the mix AFTER you put your water in you bottle and shake it dissolves with no issues.
ReplyThis is a good way for me to get my water and supplement my protein intake but i never use it to replace it. 5 grams is not that much at all.
Each flavor is different, I only like the strawberry kiwi one, but my friend (who has the same surgery) like the lemon-aid one.
We both think the TEA is gross.
I'm a lifelong vegetarian, who hates eggs, and have always struggled with getting protein. After reading that this has 8 grams of sugar vs 5 grams of protein, I'm glad I didn't find this in the store.
A woman my age (28), should consume at least 24 g of protein a day. A boca burger, one patty alone, delivers 13 g of protein!!! Top a salad with two of these puppies, and you'll be good.
The Special K Honey Nut bars are decent at 5g of protein (90 calories), and green giant has those "just for one" portions of carrots and brocolli that for 60 calories, delivers another 3 or 4 g of protein.
Drink milk, eat your veggies, and opt for whole/multi-grained foods.
This water, although infused with extra protein, should only be a once-in-a-while pick-me-up to stave hunger. Just like you can't live on energy drinks (or you shouldn't), you probably shouldn't rely on this as a daily supplement.
ReplyI bought this beverage just to try it. While I'm not convinced it will help me lose weight, I think it's better for me to drink this artificially sweetened protein-water beverage than to continue drinking copious amounts of Diet Coke. I know water is good for me, but I have always had trouble motivating myself to drink it. Maybe with this drink, which really doesn't taste so bad, I will eliminate 32 ounces per day of Diet Coke and break myself of that bad habit.
ReplyI just bought this drink because I hate milk and never get up in time to make breakfast. I try to eat a granola bar in the morning, but the ones I can actually stomach don't have enough protein in them to fill me up. The ones that are full of Soy don't agree with my stomach (like the South Beach Diet bars), so I hope this drink will help in my endeavor to not starve before lunch time.
ReplyIn response to the comment on having serious dietary issues...........Did you ever stop and think some people need the extra protein for health reasons and it is a good way to add protein to your diet. Everyone should have 60-75g of protein daily.
ReplyAs a male, athletic, lacto-ovo vegetarian, I love this idea. I do drink a large amount of nonfat milk, but milk does not travel well.
Further, I am frequently appalled by the lack of protein taken in by "dieting" women. That lack of protein is a key ingredient to the muscle-loss/metabolism-slowing/yo-yo dieting dilemnia. Extra protein is not going to hurt anyone, with the rare and obvious exception of the fractional percentage of the population with renal issues.
I have yet to try this product, but I'm giving two thumbs up for protein water!
ReplyI am going to try it as a fasting drink...I'm doing weight watchers, but I started exercising and that is putting a lb on here and there and I can't deal with that...so the next time I weigh in...the day before, I'm gonna fast on this water...wish me luck
ReplyI am drinking one right now..I saw it at the store today and it is hot and instead of plain water I decided to try this..
ReplyI think if a person wants somthing sweet this would be a better choice than soda pop..I don't drink pop often and will not buy this often either..
But I certainly think it has a place as a little healthier alternative to a soda pop.
The only draw back to me is the splenda..I like to avoid it..
Protein water is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. Being protein deficient is almost impossible in the first world. No one needs water fortified with protein.
ReplyYour ignorance is showing!
ReplyWow, do a little research before you post, please. There are lots of vegetarians out there who do not get enough protein, as well as health conscious people who do not eat meat every day. I eat meat about once a week and even though I drink lots of milk, I still don't get enough protein. Yes, it is hard to be so deficient in protein that you get seriously ill, but you can still easily consume less than is recommended for ideal health.
ReplyWell...you must be pretty stupid too. Or should I say..."stupidest"...before you can judge what other people are doing, you might want to work on yourself...and your grammar. Amazing.
ReplySad to say, some people do actually need a great deal of protein. I am a peritoneal dialysis patient and do not eat meat or flesh or any kind. I am supposed to get 100 gm of protein a day due to the loss of protein in dialysis fluid.. I am having a a lot of difficulty eating enough protein which has little phosphorus and fewer calories. I'm not keen with whey, as I wish to be vegan, but I do have to get the most protein for the least phosphorus and calories. I think the drink fits the bill, although I am not sure how many grams of phosphorus are in this drink. Anyone know?
ReplyI think that the water is a very good idea, it gives you a little flavor water is what we are suppost to be drinking anyway. It is fast and can save your hunger from meal to meal.. it can be a snack that hidrates you!
Replyartificial sweetner
does anyone do research on sucralose (splenda)
either all natural in moderation with or without natural sweetners sugar etc
thats why so many americans have health problems poor diet, fast foods, loaded in grease
people are unhlthy because they choose to be there are many whole foods market and the like where you can find good substitutes for the usual can of soda pop
try some plain water with natural vinegar and some lemons to kick start the metabolism before each meal don't be lazy do some research
ReplyBE Careful with Splenda. I used it for several months until I realized it was causing my incessive itching -- due to the BLEACH that is used to process it.
Replydoes that really work to eat a lemon before meals??????????? because i have really low metabolism and that would be great if a lemon before a meal would help kickstart it
ReplyThis is a god-send having to be on a clear liquid diet for 2 days prior to having an out-patient procedure, I have searched high and low for protein drinks that are "clear" and not shakes or milk based!
Replyomg this stuff is soooooo good! the taste is great and it is great for you. this is the best water ever, the only thing bad is that it is like $5.29 for four bottles! oh well if you have not tried any, you need to get on that. =)
ReplyI like the water and find it is a very helpful resource for protein. I am allergic to milk and other dairy products and while I use a lot of soy products, it's refreshing to have something different!!
ReplyI am taking treatments for Hep-C and I noticed that now since I have been drinking the Special K 2 Water that this time my white and red blood counts have been controlled due to the protein level intake. I have to drink enough fluids divide 1/2 of my body weight and do you know that when I first started I weighed 329 and I am down to 129 by protein and foods that I eat, nothing is fried anymore for me. I bake or grill and watch the trans fat and carbs. I also put equal my fat and proteins which also has helped with my epilepsy, as maybe I will able to get off a little of that medicine. I also eat lots of fruits and vegtables as that could almost be a meal for me at times. I eat 8-10 meals a day if not more plus my snacks as I need.
ReplyThanks to the protein water I now buy it by cases and get it at my local grocery store as the manager makes sure that every 3 months 10 cases are there for me. I just wish that this water was around 3 years ago as I wouldn't be going through this again.
THANKS TO SPECIAL K
This product has a market with wls patients such as myself who need the protein to heal but are unable to consume large enough amounts of protein rich foods. Ever heard of isopure well its very pricey and i am grateful special k made this product which i can afford.
(:
ReplyLOL to neone who thinks protein water is dumb.. HELLO ppl there are ppl in the world who don't eat eggs and can't drink milk... so this is perfect... bout dat "serious dietary issues..." wow.. u need to get out more........ !!!!! i love this water... wht a way to add for protein to my diet...
Replyit is too bad
ReplyAs far as the protein water is concerned. I drink it because I love the flavor. I drink Vitamin Water as well...is someone going to tell me Vitamins are bad for me too? I have never let others dictate to me what I should drink or what I shouldn't drink. If you like the taste the drink it. Nothing good for you has ever hurt you unless you didn't read the directions. Which is always highly recommended that you do on any product.
ReplyI have been looking for this at the store for a while and have not found it. I think its a great idea for me because I cannot drink dairy but need the protein!!!
ReplyYe Im with you on that, Ive been looking everywhere for it, and havent found it.
ReplyIt's not with the regular water and gatorades it's in the nutrition area with slimfast and that stuff.
ReplyAny research hounds out there that know how much this product line has added to Kellogg's Market share and margin?
ReplyI fail to understand the practical purpose for all the new protein enhanced products popping up in America today. With 90% of the population consuming more protein than they need to daily, the last thing we need are companies touting protein-enhanced products as "healthy food options."
ReplyAnd as for weight loss - consumers may find it alarming to hear that excess protein is converted to glucose and stored as fat...
Vinegar with your water? Thats not lazy thats discusting! Who drinks vinegar with water? And frankly I dont like being called lazy because i like to drink these.
I dont think that there's anything wrong with drinking these, its alot better then drinking sodas, coffie and things that have tons of caffine (which leads to early osteoperosis because the caffine sucks the Ca+ out of your bones)
If you dont like it fine but dont sit there and call everyone idiots or dummies because they do happen to like it.
Replywoo hoo!
ReplyI just picked up 2 bottles of this today to try. I just drank the Tropical Blend and I thought it was actually quite good. I have trouble finding foods with high protein but low calories to eat during the day at work so I thought this might help. It's now 4:40 and I'm not starving so maybe it did help that regular 3:00 crash! I will admit though, it wasn't cheap so I won't be stocking up on them any time soon. But as an occasional little boost it might be good to have a few on hand.
ReplyI just tried the Lemon Protein water and the artifical sweetener is just too much! I like the idea but I think the sweetness needs to be taken down a few notches. If you are looking for a way to kill the hunger, I suggest a cup of fat free yogurt. It not only has around 5g of protein but it's a great way to get your calcium and feel full! And it's as portable as a bottle of the protein water!
ReplyI love this drink I just had lapband surgery and i am to drink protien shakes, but i am only aloud 2 a day, So this drink helps with hunger all day, also the powder form has fiber so i say keep it coming. I tell everyone i know about it. I am not allowed carbonated drinks so giving up my diet mt dew i needed to find something.
ReplyWell It worked for me. I'm 5'9" and i used to weigh 160 lbs but after two months on the special K challenge and working out I lost 15 LBS! so I mean its not going to work for everyone but it worked for me. However anorexia is a mental issue I don't think you can blame that on protein water.
ReplyThis post irks me.. it is in the middle of the page, it said:
"im on the special k challenge, even though i shouldnt be, im only 15. ive been eating two bowls of special k for almost a year, and it led to anorexia. if you are going to do the special k challenge i suggest you eat more then what they say, im not better still and im going to keep doing the special k challenge even though im only 15, 5 foot 6, and weigh 100 lbs."
Stories like these are what makes our culture so disturbing. Women become obsessed with their appearance, and are constantly evaluating themselves, (which in some backward way is probably the same root of the problem in obesity) As a society, our self image is so low that we now have obesity and anorexia epidemics, far worse than any other country in the world.
It is sad to know that our insecurities have become a multi-billion dollar industry.
And with that said... I'm going to have a glass of water. Normal water.
ReplyShe says that she knows she should be drinking water, but she can't motivate herself to do it. Your smugness is misplaced.
ReplyNo everyone who consumes protein does so to lose weight. I think the protein water is a great product for certain people. My son for example runs track, he can't grab a meal after school before a run so he loves the protein water. I am a student myself and after working all day then going straight to classes I find that the protein waters keep curbing my apetite just long enough for me to get home from school and eat a healthy meal. It's not meant to replace your protein intake, it's designed to help you get some additional protein without having to carry a chicken leg around with you.
ReplyYour last statement is just pointless. Any extra calorie will get converted to fat. No one's under the illusion that protein is immune from that process.
I've just tried the powder packet of the iced tea flavor to add to water and found it to be delicious. That product makes a ton of sense, something you can carry with you to add to a bottle or glass of water for a little flavor and protein.
Reply