Beverage products receive Gouden Windei award

Three beverage products are sharing this year’s Gouden Windei award. Van de Boom Siroop Peer, Innocent Citrus Shield and 1 de Beste Ice Tea Perzik received the highest number of votes in Foodwatch’s public poll. According to the consumer watchdog, the packaging creates a different impression of the ingredients used than the actual recipe reflects.

Fruit takes center stage on packaging

The three products jointly received 28 percent of the votes. According to Foodwatch, the misleading element lies in the use of appealing fruit imagery and descriptions on the front of the packaging. This suggests a larger share or a more premium fruit ingredient than is actually present.

The juice component of Van de Boom Siroop Peer consists of 10 percent pear and 75 percent apple. In Innocent Citrus Shield, apple juice accounts for approximately 35 percent, making it the largest fruit ingredient. According to Foodwatch, 1 de Beste Ice Tea Perzik contains just 0.1 percent peach juice from concentrate, despite featuring a large peach prominently on the front of the carton.

Dirk acknowledged the criticism of the iced tea and will add the word “flavor” to the product name this autumn. It remains unclear whether the recipe will also be adjusted. Innocent stated that citrus fruits together account for 46.5 percent of the recipe. Riedel, owner of Van de Boom, did not respond.

Snacks and tuna trail the winners

Ella’s Kitchen Crispy Lentil Sticks finished in second place with 25 percent of the vote. According to Foodwatch, the lentil content of 8 percent is disproportionate to the 73 percent share of corn flour. The watchdog also stated that, in terms of calories and fat, the snack is comparable to Wokkels or Cheetos. Ella’s Kitchen did not respond to the poll.

John West Protein tuna steak placed third with 17 percent of the vote. Foodwatch argues that a natural characteristic of tuna, its high protein content, is being presented as a distinguishing product feature. John West rejected the nomination and stated, among other things, that its protein claims comply with European regulations.

Calvé Cheddarsaus and the Milka Milk Chocolate Bar were also among the nominees. Foodwatch described the reduction in the weight of the Milka bar from 100 to 90 grams, combined with a higher price, as a textbook example of shrinkflation.

Foodwatch.org