Mineral water in the test Plastic affects the water taste

Non-typical taste of mineral water in plastic bottles
Mineral water is one of the favorite drinks of the Germans. Most of them buy intermediate carbonated products. Stiftung Warentest has now taken a closer look at 30 of these medium mineral waters. They discovered, among other things, that water in plastic bottles sometimes tastes atypical. Overall, only every third product was "good".

Mineral water with medium carbonation in the test
To keep cool in the current heat, it helps to drink a lot. Mineral water is one of the most drunk drinks in Germany. It should tingle but not too strong: "Most Germans buy mineral water with medium carbonation - also called medium," writes Stiftung Warentest on its website. The experts have now taken a closer look at 30 of these products and published the results in the magazine "test" (issue 07/2017).

Stiftung Warentest has tested 30 medium-carbonated mineral waters. Only about every third person got the grade "good". Some water from plastic bottles had an atypical taste. (Image: v.poth / fotolia.com)

Tap water as well as mineral water
There have been many studies that have shown that tap water is just as good as mineral water in many regions.

This has also been confirmed in a test of Stiftung Warentest last year. At that time the experts examined still mineral water.

In a recent test, the experts have now dedicated medium carbonated mineral waters. Only about every third product was rated as "good".

Carcinogenic chromium
Not all products were as untouched as one might think. Partly undesirable substances were included, with some also errors in the taste were detectable.

A total of eleven of the 30 waters tested performed well in the analysis, 18 were satisfactory and one got the grade "sufficient".

The reason for the devaluation was that it contains comparatively much carcinogenic chromium (VI) at 0.5 micrograms per liter.

"Nevertheless, even with a permanent intake of water, the health risk is rather low," it says in a press release.

Atypical taste through plastic bottles
In five waters traces of sweeteners, pesticide degradation products and a corrosion inhibitor were found. The contents are harmless to health.

"The term, natural mineral water 'but they question," said Ina Bockholt of the Stiftung Warentest.

The bottle material also causes problems. Many waters in plastic bottles taste atypically lemony.

The taste comes from the acetaldehyde, which is produced during the production of plastic and can pass from the bottles into the water. Even the smallest amounts lead to changes in taste.

Plastic bottles have had a bad health reputation for years. The goods testers rated the packaging as "defective".

The best of the waters came from Edeka's own brand "Gut & Günstig" and "Saskia" from Lidl as well as from Franken Brunnen and Gerolsteiner. (Ad)