Limos reimagined: Purpose of the zesty lemon-adorned vehicle
In the heat of summer, a refreshing lemonade can be a welcome treat. However, a recent evaluation by the Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer protection organisation, reveals that many citrus lemonades on the market may not be as thirst-quenching as we'd hope.
The test examined 29 different citrus lemonades, assessing taste, ingredients, packaging, and labeling. The results were mostly disappointing: only 3 out of 29 lemonades received a "good" rating. Most were rated "satisfactory," and three scored only "adequate" due to high sugar content and poor taste.
One of the key findings was the excessive sugar content in many lemonades. Often between 7 and 9 grams per 100 ml, this is roughly equivalent to six sugar cubes in a small glass, making them overly sweet and less refreshing. Lemonades sweetened with artificial sweeteners were often perceived as even sweeter, which was not positively received.
The test also evaluated for harmful substances and found that two products had elevated levels of chlorate, possibly from cleaning agents. Packaging also influenced ratings: beverages in reusable (Mehrweg) bottles scored better than those in single-use packaging or cans.
The best-tasting lemonade was Fritz-Limo Orange, which stood out for its natural and fresh flavor. A well-known classic like Fanta scored poorly overall, particularly on ingredients and flavor. Four of the tested drinks were organic, and eight were light products with sweeteners, but overall, freshness of taste and appropriate sweetness were rare among the group.
For those seeking additional consumer tips, Consumer Expert Ron Perduss, host of the podcast "make or leave," offers insights three times a week. The podcast is a source for further information and advice on a variety of consumer-related topics.
In summary, the Stiftung Warentest's test advises consumers to watch for high sugar content and artificial taste in many citrus lemonades and points to only a handful of brands, like Fritz-Limo Orange, that combine better flavor with reasonable ingredients.
[1] Stiftung Warentest (2022). Test: Citrus-Lemonaden. Retrieved from https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/testberichte/citrus-lemonaden/ [2] Perduss, R. (2022). Make or Leave: Episode 157 - Citrus Lemonades. Retrieved from https://www.makeorleave.de/episodes/157 [3] Stiftung Warentest (2022). Test: Citrus-Lemonaden - Ergebnisse. Retrieved from https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/testberichte/citrus-lemonaden/ergebnisse/
- The Stiftung Warentest's test suggests that people should be cautious about the high sugar content and artificial taste found in many citrus lemonades, as these factors can make them less refreshing.
- Among the 29 tested lemonades, only three received a "good" rating, demonstrating that finding a well-balanced and flavorful beverage may be challenging.
- Some health-and-wellness enthusiasts might find the podcast "make or leave," hosted by Consumer Expert Ron Perduss, helpful, as it offers insights and tips on various consumer topics related to food-and-drink, lifestyle, and science.
