Even though tap water in Germany is among the best in the world in terms of quality, many consumers swear by bottled still mineral water – be it because of the minerals it contains or just because of the taste. In a current issue, Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 32 common varieties of the silent thirst quencher – including products from major manufacturers and private labels from Aldi, Lidl and Co. that are available throughout Germany and some products that are only available regionally.
Particular attention was paid to the ingredients of the types of water during the test: If they contain substances that break down pesticides, nitrates, sweeteners or uranium, points are deducted in the overall ranking.
The good news for consumers: 26 of the types of water tested scored “very good” or “good” – the products are completely unpolluted. With the overall rating “very good” (grade 1.4), three brands can compete first place to back up:
- Prince Bismarck Still
- Kaufland K Classic Still
- Lichtenau mineral springs pure
Among the very good products are numerous, comparatively cheap discounter and supermarket water:
- Lidl Saskia Still
- Penny Elitess Still
- Yes! Quiet
Still mineral water: Critical substances in organic water, Volvic and Adelholzener
Three types of water are not convincing in the “Critical Substances” category: Das Adelholzener nature scores “good” (grade 1.7) in the overall rating. However, the laboratory found chromium (VI) in the water, which led to point deductions. Also for Volvic For this reason it hails a “satisfactory” (grade 2.7) in the sub-category “Critical Substances”. Overall, however, the Volvic water scores “good” (grade 1.9).
With two premium brands rated “sufficient” in chic designer bottles, Voss and Healsi Among other things, the testers complained about the rather sobering mineral balance and the larger CO2 footprint compared to other brands.
A water even cuts off only “inadequate” (grade 4.6): Im Rieser Urwasser Organic Still, not only excessive amounts of Radium 226 and 228 Discovered, the lab can also test pesticide breakdown products as well benzene prove. There are also disagreements on the subject of primeval water from the actually advertised Rieser region spring.
You can read the complete report with the detailed results here at Stiftung Warentest.
ÖKO-TEST recently took a closer look at sparkling mineral water. Here, too, some varieties are clearly discouraged – we have summarized the results for you here.