Stiftung Warentest Evaluation of organic food only rarely qualitative

Conventional products are similar in many areas
Many consumers prefer to buy organic products in order to eat healthier and more environmentally friendly. But is that really true? Are foods labeled "organic" actually better than conventional ones? The Stiftung Warentest examined more than 1,200 products and came to the surprising conclusion that organic is not always the better choice.

Various reasons for using organic products
Whether animal welfare, lower pollution levels or a more intense taste: The reasons why more and more consumers opt for organic products are manifold. But are the goods from Bioland, Demeter and Co. actually better in quality than conventional foods? The Stiftung Warentest has now asked this question and evaluated the test results for a total of 1,020 conventionally produced and 217 organic foods. The testers compare the values ​​for pollutants, pesticides, taste, overall quality, animal and environmental protection as well as prices and health aspects.

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Potentially carcinogenic substances in tea and linseed oil
It has been shown that the quality of both organic and conventional foods has increased overall in the last six years. Organic is "but not automatically better, tastier or healthier than conventional foods", according to the statement of the Stiftung Warentest. This has been shown for example in the category "taste", because both groups achieved here after blind tastings equally good results. "In terms of quality, appearance, smell and taste, organic and conventional fare are going head-to-head," the Foundation continues.

Also in terms of pollution, there was no plus for organic, because here were, for example, In tea and linseed oil from the health food store even potentially carcinogenic substances have been detected. In organic sunflower oil, the testers also came across critical mineral oils, as well as organic noodles were beyond the permissible maximum content burdened with a mold fungus poison.

Plus for organic: more transparency and closer cooperation with suppliers
In terms of contamination with pesticides, the organic products, however, turned out to be "by far the cleanest". They were also able to score points by the fact that suppliers often work transparently and know their suppliers well. In addition, many of the organic suppliers would be more committed to the welfare of the animals - although in the meantime also in the organic sector large-scale industrial enterprises have emerged in which, for example, Laying hens are kept. Therefore, according to the Foundation, "organic" meat is still the better choice for anyone who cares about animal welfare, because outdoor spouts or additional facilities such as perches and cockroaches for chickens can only be guaranteed by certain organic suppliers. Here, however, a higher price must be taken into account due to the more elaborate animal husbandry.

More nutrients in lettuce and tomatoes from organic farming
Organic produce also performed better in the fruit and vegetables sector. Accordingly, organic cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes and potatoes contain more antioxidants, vitamins and bioactive substances, which from an expert's point of view may have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and metabolism. Likewise, organic milk was richer in omega-3 fatty acids than the conventionally produced counterpart. However, it is not clear whether the greater amount of nutrients actually have an impact on health, the researchers said. To answer this question, long-term studies would now have to follow. (No)