The best mineral water 2022
Sparkling, tangy and refreshing; and healthy too - mineral water has an invigorating effect and is ideally lightly mineralized. Perfect for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. And that doesn't just apply when temperatures are at their highest in summer or during physical exertion. Water is vital for all human bodily functions.
Considering that an adult's body consists of 50 to 65 percent water, it quickly becomes clear how essential a sufficient supply of fluids is for the body. According to the recommendation of the German Nutrition Society, adults should drink 1.5 to 2.0 liters a day. In summer and during exertion, it can be as much as three liters a day.
To meet this requirement, the majority of consumers opt for sparkling Classic mineral water. However, as in many other areas, not all water is the same. The current Mineral Water Test 2022 shows that most manufacturers offer very good quality. At the same time, however, it also shows that there are significant differences in terms of taste. Stiftung Warentest took a closer look at several mineral waters. Eight products were awarded top marks: VILSA Classic mineral water also scored "very good".
Why not all water is the same!
In Germany, mineral water is by far the most popular cold drink. Hardly anyone wants to do without the sparkling water, so it's no wonder that the calculated per capita consumption in Germany is around 123 liters. A closer comparison of consumption patterns quickly reveals which varieties are particularly popular in German households.
Most people prefer mineral water with little carbon dioxide - the medium variant. The current demand is 4 billion liters per year. Classic sparkling mineral water is a close second. This sparkling water, which is perceived as particularly invigorating, is sold in quantities of around 3.2 billion liters per year. In comparison, still mineral water is far behind with just 1.9 billion liters per year. The continuous increase in demand for organic water is also striking. Mineral water with an organic label must regularly prove its quality under very strict controls. The organic label creates security for consumers. In this context, the VILSA Classic mineral water performs particularly well according to the Stiftung Warentest mineral water test. It received top marks in the aforementioned 2022 mineral water test and was also rated "very good" in the Öko-Test. The quality of the water was not the only decisive factor in achieving this rating. The environmental footprint of the packaging also played a key role in Öko-Test's decision.
Mineral water test 2022 - the result
In the 2022 mineral water test, Stiftung Warentest tested both private labels and branded mineral water. In the end, 32 waters were tasted, tested and scrutinized. In addition to the test winner from VILSA, this also included other brands such as Saskia, Quellbrunn, Aquintus, Ja Classic, Alasia, Carolinen and many more.
Glass and plastic bottles were considered as containers. The test clearly showed that the container not only has an impact on the eco-balance, but also on the taste of the water. Compared to 2017, however, no traces of acetaldehyde were detected in the PET bottles in 2022. To explain: acetaldehyde is produced during the manufacture of PET bottles. Residues of the substance have a detrimental effect on the taste of the water and give it an atypical, fruity aftertaste. Acetaldehyde is commonly found in tobacco and alcohol. The substance is considered potentially carcinogenic. It is therefore all the more pleasing that there were no residues in the bottles tested in 2022. Nevertheless, some deductions were made for water from PET bottles due to unpleasant taste components. In addition, traces of sweeteners and in some cases even residues of pesticide degradation products were found in a few cases.
Nevertheless, the final result of the mineral water test is quite respectable. A total of eight products were awarded the grade "very good". With an excellent final score of 1.5, VILSA Classic mineral water is one of them. VILSA Classic comes directly from the VILSA-Brunnen spring in Lower Saxony. It is one of the few in the test that is also suitable for preparing baby food. It is low in sodium and certified organic. The only competitor with these criteria is Labertaler Bio-Classic, which only received a "good" rating in the overall result. However, VILSA was not only able to impress with its special quality criteria. It also delivered an outstanding performance in terms of taste. For example, VILSA mineral water does not contain any adulterating flavors. In addition, VILSA was awarded top marks for microbiological quality. Neither critical substances nor impurities were present. The minerals had a very balanced profile. However, it should not be concealed that there was also a point deduction. However, this was limited to the declaration.
What mattered in the 2022 mineral water test
Every test carried out by Stiftung Warentest is subject to various criteria. This also applies to the mineral water test. This test is limited exclusively to classic mineral water. In other words, mineral water with a lot of carbon dioxide. A total of 32 waters were tested. These included 11 private labels, 19 German branded products and two Italian waters. In terms of the test criteria, the sensory part carried the most weight with 40 percent. This refers to factors such as taste and smell. The detailed examination for potentially critical substances was also very important for the test result. 20 percent of the overall rating was influenced by this point. The declaration was also weighted at 20 percent. Packaging and microbiological quality accounted for 10 percent of the overall rating. In this area, glass bottles scored particularly well in the mineral water test.
Mineral water test 2022 - Not all water is the same
Clear, sparkling, refreshing and invigorating - mineral water is and remains the most popular cold drink. It quenches thirst, contributes to a healthy lifestyle and provides a refreshing break. However, the Stiftung Warentest mineral water test shows that not all water is the same. Both in terms of taste and composition, there are various differences that have a significant influence on the rating.
What the test did show, however: Compared to past years, manufacturers now also place great importance on quality controls. This applies both to the packaging and to potentially problematic ingredients. The topic of sustainability has also gained in importance and awareness compared to previous years. VILSA Classic mineral water was awarded the top rating of "very good" and is considered an excellent thirst quencher. The water is free from acidic components, has a balanced taste profile and also provides a pleasant sensation in the mouth. The carbon dioxide content is also balanced. VILSA Classic mineral water is therefore also suitable for people who have problems with too much carbon dioxide. As the water is very low in sodium, it is also suitable for preparing baby food. An excellent mineral water for anyone who values quality.
