Proposed to Develop a Directive for Environmental Safeguards by the Commission.
Frozen Cream Spinach Products Under Scrutiny: Öko-Test Reveals Findings
In the latest issue of Öko-Test (8-2025), a comprehensive analysis of 22 frozen cream spinach products was conducted. The results reveal a mixed bag, with some products passing with flying colours and others falling short of expectations.
Four products received the highest rating of "very good": K-Bio Cream Spinach from Kaufland, Tegut Cream Spinach from Tegut, All Seasons Cream Spinach in portions from Aldi Nord/Aldi Süd (Ardo), and Ja! Cream Spinach from Rewe (Ardo). Notably, none of these products contained relevant bacteria or listeria, a significant finding.
However, seven products were rated "inadequate" or "unsatisfactory" due to problematic substances such as elevated nitrite values, pesticides, and heavy metal contamination. Nitrite, a common concern, can inhibit oxygen transport in the blood and react in the stomach to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Interestingly, five products were found to have less than 0.8% milk fat, which is below the recommended minimum for vegetable products. This may affect the taste and texture of these products.
Some testers also found some products to have too little cream, a factor that can impact the overall flavour and consistency of cream spinach. The spinach content in these products varies from 64% to 88% per pack.
In terms of prices, the recommended products range from 0.56 euros to 1.88 euros per 500g.
While the tested products were free from relevant bacteria and listeria, Öko-Test advises against consuming spinach more than once a week due to the conversion of nitrate to harmful nitrite. They also caution against the consumption of frozen spinach products due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals that can pose health risks. These substances were detected as contaminants in some frozen spinach items tested by Öko-Test.
Leftovers of once-prepared spinach should be covered quickly, stored in the refrigerator, and well reheated before consumption to ensure safety and quality.
The Öko-Test results show that two more products are rated "good", six are "satisfactory", and three are "adequate". This wide range in ratings underscores the importance of careful product selection when purchasing frozen cream spinach.
[1] For more specific information on the chemicals or contaminants detected in the tested frozen cream spinach products, please refer to the Öko-Test magazine's original report.
- In the realm of health and wellness, the Öko-Test report warns against consuming frozen spinach products excessively due to the conversion of nitrate to harmful nitrite, which can pose a health risk.
- In the domain of environmental-science and food-and-drink, the Öko-Test analysis exposed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in some frozen cream spinach items, a contamination that could potentially pose health risks.
- Progressing to lifestyle considerations, the Öko-Test results emphasize the significance of careful product selection when purchasing frozen cream spinach, as the ratings encompass a wide range from 'very good' to 'inadequate'.
