The Great German Mineral Water Shift: Five Mineral Waters PRule-tested
Four mineral waters fall short of sufficient standards
Looks like the Germans are giving their beer bottles a pass in favor of mineral water! It's essential to hope these pricier drinks pack a punch. Eco-Test scrutinizes if these options are all they claim to be.
Over the past 50 years, the per capita consumption of mineral and spring water in Germany has skyrocketed. Today, thirsty Germans have a vast array of choices, with around 500 recognized mineral springs. As rainwater seeps through rock layers, absorbing minerals on its way, consumers can enjoy over 500 mineral waters, some with bubbles, others without.
Pro-Tip: Visit Eco-Test's next evaluation: 54 times Classic-Zisch in Eco-Test
Eco-Test analyzed 53 still mineral waters from across the country, prioritizing reusable glass bottles. The selection included five organic mineral waters and ten suitable for baby formula preparation. Prices ranged from 0.19 to 1.23 euros per liter. In contrast, the average cost of tap water in Germany hovers around 0.3 to 0.5 cents per liter.
Heavy Metals, Nitrate, TFA, and More
The lab evaluated each product for heavy metals, various elements, nitrate, chromium(VI), benzene, pesticide metabolites, sweeteners, PFAS, and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Bacterial tests also took place, with additional testing for nitrite, fluoride, sulfate, sodium, and radionuclides for infant and organic waters. Only nitrite and fluoride levels were detected in organic waters, but within safe limits set by regulations.
Many mineral waters cannot claim to be "originally pure": 21 products contain potentially harmful substances such as chromium(VI) or arsenic, which can occur naturally in the soil but can also stem from human-made sources like pesticides. Additionally, the lab discovered TFA, a persistent and reproductive toxin, in many of the waters. Since seven waters already surpassed the maximum allowable PFAS content in drinking water, the European Union member states must obey this limit by January 12, 2026, at the latest. While the measured levels do not pose an immediate health risk, TFA is concerning, as German authorities have classified it as a very persistent, reproductive toxic, and highly mobile contaminant in the environment.
Four Fall Short
Four waters were deemed "inadequate": "Gut & Günstig Natürliches Mineralwasser Still" from Edeka, "Naturalis Natürliches Mineralwasser Still" from Netto, and "Frische Brise Reinbeker Klosterquelle ohne Kohlensäuren." Rising chromium and TFA levels, as well as high total germ counts that surpassed the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance's values, led to these disappointing results.
Pro-Tip: Give these top-rated waters a try: "K-Classic Natürliches Mineralwasser Stil" from Kaufland and "Saskia Natürliches Mineralwasser Still" from Lidl, both priced at an affordable 0.19 euros per liter.
Source: ntv.de, awi | Drinking Water, Tests, Consumers, Food, Food Industry, Eco-Test
- In light of the findings from Eco-Test, it's crucial to consider not only the community policy but also the mineral content and health-and-wellness aspects of small and medium-sized undertakings in the health-and-wellness industry, particularly those producing mineral waters, to ensure they meet safety standards.
- As the fitness-and-exercise community prioritizes overall well-being, it would be beneficial for them to be aware of the nutrition profiles of small and medium-sized undertakings in the fitness-and-exercise sector, as mineral waters are a popular hydration choice, and understanding the contents can contribute to a well-rounded health regimen.
