Canadians, do NOT buy the Special K Shakes

heathersmilez

About 2 months ago the Special K ‘protein’ shakes came to Canada and I was very excited to try them especially since I obtained a BYGO coupon. If you are a Canadian couponer, you know this is awesome b/c Extreme Couponing TLC-style is just not possible in Canadian grocery stores due to numerous factors that I won’t get into here.... So I picked up my 2 packs and when I brought them home I noticed the astronomical difference in the nutritional spectrum of the Canadian version vs. US. This was very disheartening so I just wanted to point this out for any users or potential users of this product.

The Differences:
Name/Sugar Content: Firstly, you may have already noticed that the name of the product changes once it goes north of the border. In Canada, it’s called “Morning Shake-Protein Beverage” rather than “Protein Shake” like in the US most likely because the second ingredient in Canada is sugar while in the US its protein. There is only 1 more g of sugar in the Canadian version compared to the US but it’s just enough to negatively tip the scales of the sugar:protein ratio.

Vitamins: Secondly, there are so few vitamins and nutrients in the Canadian version that the nutritional breakdown is almost identical to that of 2% dairy milk but this product is 5x the price!!!

Important vitamins most lacking are; 2% vitamin C vs 100% in the US, 0% vitamin A vs 35%, 25% vitamin E vs 100%, 0% vitamin D vs 35% and 0% folic acid vs 30%,

In addition to; 10% vitamin B12 vs 35% 15% magnesium vs 30% 0% selenium vs 25% and 0% chromium vs 35% 0% vitamin K vs 25% and 20% riboflavin vs 35%.

Cost: Milk is $4 for 4L hence $0.30 for 296ml compared to special K’s $1.50 per bottle price based on the sale price of a $5.99 for a 4-pack).

melr01

I compared the Special K shakes to Ensure and Carnation Breakfast and Special K doesn't even come close in comparison. It is basically a sugary drink. I guess this is why it is in with the breakfast foods and not in the pharmacy section like the other protein drinks.

livitup85

Thanks for posting this!!!

canadianbugga

It seems like everything Special K is a farce. Drinks, cereal, sandwiches, chips, bars... all junk. Yet they manipulate people into thinking they are making a better choice. Sad.

heathersmilez

I guess this is why it is in with the breakfast foods and not in the pharmacy section like the other protein drinks.

Good point!

heathersmilez

It seems like everything Special K is a farce. Drinks, cereal, sandwiches, chips, bars... all junk. Yet they manipulate people into thinking they are making a better choice. Sad.

Very true and even in a pinch, I find their products very flavourless compared to their counterparts whether it be a granola bar or their new breakfast sandwiches that I found tasted incredibly processed and bland.

Itzli

I think Ensure would be better than a glorified sugar milk drink.. They serve Ensure in the hospitals and nursing homes here so it must be better... I can't stomach it tho.