Which product will be the "Consumer Duck of the Year" this year?

The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) calls for voting on the "Consumer Duck 2025". Until October 5, one can participate in the selection of the "most annoying food product of the year". Five products are up for election. The range extends from long-traveled Asian noodles to "shrunk" and simultaneously more expensive ice cream bars to only supposedly "healthy" products, as they are heavily sugared.

VKI Austria: 1,430 Food Checks in 15 Years

For 15 years, the platform www.konsument.at/lebensmittel-check has been receiving reports from consumers who want to report inconsistencies or defects in food products. The VKI experts examine, obtain statements from the affected companies, and publish the results. A total of 1,430 such "food checks" have been conducted. The "candidates" are selected from these.

Of Long Journeys and Supposedly Healthy Foods

In alphabetical order, these five products were nominated this year: The wheat flour used for Asia Green Garden Mie Noodles (at Hofer) comes from Australia, and the noodles themselves are made in China. Billa Vitamin Water Raspberry gives the impression of a healthy drink. However, according to VKI, the 0.5-liter bottle contains about seven sugar cubes in addition to the added vitamins.

"Shrinkflation" Says Hello - Also in Austria

Various types of Eskimo Magnum, such as Classic and Almond, have been reduced by ten milliliters per piece according to the consumer protection association, while the price has increased by up to 14 percent. The Mars Protein Bar is marketed as a fitness snack, but with 18 grams of sugar and around 190 kilocalories per bar, it remains a sweet treat - and about 80 percent more expensive than the original. NÖM Cremix Pistachio contains the equivalent of two pistachios per cup, with color and flavor additionally provided by dye and aroma.

Last year, Kotányi Grill Vegetable Spice Mix landed in first place as a "deceptive package". Other "ducks" included Paw-Patrol Water (2023 - bottled in Greece), Rama Margarine (2022 - "shrinkflation"), and Dr. Oetker Cake Decoration (2021 - additive titanium dioxide).

You can vote here.

(APA/Red)

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