Stiftung Warentest compares mineral water: cheap water is top, organic water comes in last

Stiftung Warentest has tested mineral water.

A total of 32 different waters, including premium and organic brands, were tested for quality and taste.

Berlin - It's important to drink a lot, especially in summer.

Fortunately, you can buy a liter of mineral water in the supermarket for as little as 13 cents.

Those who rely on a brand, however, have to dig much deeper into their pockets.

Stiftung Warentest has now taken a closer look at whether this really pays off.

32 still mineral waters were tested, including own brands from discounters, international waters as well as premium and organic brands.

In terms of microbiological quality, all products performed quite well.

There was also little to complain about in terms of taste.

Only the water “Real / Tip naturell” at 19 cents per liter could not completely convince the testers with a “smooth, soapy impression” in terms of taste.

In general, the cheaper products could keep up with their more expensive competitors.

Stiftung Warentest: Cheap mineral water scores well

The best waters in the test with a grade of 1.4 are still mineral water from “Fürst Bismarck” for 51 cents per liter, “Kaufland K Classic” for 13 cents per liter and “Lichtenauer Mineralquellen” for 52 cents per liter.

Other cheap waters were also rated “Very Good”.

Including “Lidl Saskia”, “Penny Elitess” and “Rewe Ja”, all for 13 cents per liter.

The premium brands “Healsi” (3.40 euros) and “Voss” (3.60 euros) are further down the list.

The two mineral waters were only given the "sufficient" rating.

The decisive factors for the mediocre rating were packaging and various labeling deficiencies.

Stiftung Warentest: organic mineral water contaminated with benzene

One of the five bio-waters tested came in last in the test: the “Rieser Urwasser” had the breakdown product of a pesticide.

In addition, Stiftung Warentest was able to detect the carcinogenic substance benzene, which comes from the bottle of the product.

The "Landpark Bio-Quelle" received the grade "sufficient". In the evaluation, however, the taste was particularly decisive. This reminded the testers of plastic and cardboard. Overall, however, the test makes the mineral water offer in Germany look good. Eighteen of the 32 water tested received a “good” rating, and eight received a “very good” rating.