Fruit granola is often considered a healthy choice for breakfast, thanks to the whole grains, nuts, vitamins and fiber it contains. But is it really like that? Behind those colorful packages and claims such as “no added sugar” or “natural” there may actually be unhealthy substances hidden.
The latest investigation proves it Oeko-Test who analyzed 40 samples of fruit and berry muesli sold mainly in Germany (but some are also present on Italian shelves, even if we don’t know if the composition is the same).
The test included products purchased in supermarkets, organic shops, discount stores, pharmacies and online shops, with a price between 1.15 and 7.82 euros per 500 grams.
The results
As already announced, the results of the survey demonstrate that fruit muesli is not always a healthy choice for breakfast or snack. German experts criticize four main aspects in particular, let’s look at them one by one.
Sugar
One of the weak points that emerged from the test concerns sugar. Many fruit granolas, even if they claim to be “no added sugar,” contain high amounts of natural sugars from raisins, dates and other dried fruits.
For example, raisins used in several products contain 32 grams of sugar per 100 grams, while dates reach 31 grams. From a legal point of view, the indication on the label is correct, but from a nutritional point of view the difference is irrelevant: sugar, regardless of the source, contributes to obesity, tooth decay and metabolic disorders.
Pesticides
The most worrying aspect that emerged from the test concerns pesticide residues. Some muesli have up to 14 different substances in a single product. These “chemical cocktails” derive in particular from raisins of Chinese origin, often used as the main ingredient.
Although residues are present at trace levels, multiple contamination is a serious problem about which too little is known, as the effects of combinations of pesticides on the human organism are not yet thoroughly studied. Eco-test then remember that some pesticides belong to categories considered highly problematic or even banned in the European Union. Recent studies have also highlighted a possible link between pesticide exposure and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Mineral oils
The laboratories in charge have detected the presence of hydrocarbons from mineral oils:
Contamination can arise from manufacturing machinery, packaging or transportation.
Mold toxins: ochratoxin A (OTA)
Added to these problems is the presence of the mold toxin ochratoxin A (OTA), which can develop in poorly stored cereals and fruit. OTA is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and harmful to the immune system, therefore representing a significant risk to consumer health.
The best and worst products
The muesli that obtained the best overall rating (“Very Good”) are predominantly organic and represent the majority of the 19 products awarded with the highest score. These muesli are characterized by the almost total absence of pesticides and the presence of any minimal traces of mineral oils. Among these there are two Lidl products: Crownfield muesli and the organic version.
The worst products, five of which “failed” with the rating “insufficient”, were obviously penalized for the presence of chemical contaminants and mycotoxins. These included Dr. Oetker Vitalis muesli and Kornmühle Früchte Müsli which contained traces of 10 different pesticides. The absolute worst, with 14 contaminated, is the “Alpen No Added Sugar” muesli.
How the test was conducted
The German experts purchased 40 fruit and berry granolas (25 of which were organic), selecting the variety with the highest fruit content when one brand offered multiple options.
The products were analyzed in the laboratory for:
