The golden leaves are falling, the wind is cooling and we love catching beneficial vitamin bombs. But be careful, not all so-called healthy fall foods are actually a good choice. Experts warn that products from Kaufland, Aldi & Co. can not only harm your health, but also the environment.
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During the cool season, conscious food shopping at Kaufland, Lidl & Co. is crucial to supporting our health as well as the environment and fair working conditions. Here are the products you should avoid in the coming months.
Kaufland: Strawberries in autumn? Do not touch!
Fall strawberries, like Kaufland’s, often come from overseas, including countries like Spain, Israel and the United States. These plantations are known for their abusive working conditions and questionable agricultural practices. Strawberries ripened in Germany are deceptive because their cultivation requires considerable energy expenditure in autumn, especially for artificial lighting.
Aldi: Imported apples – An ecological dilemma
Regional apples such as Cox Orange, Jonagold and Elstar are available until mid-December. Apples imported from overseas, including from Aldi, result in unnecessary energy consumption due to cooling and are therefore environmentally questionable.
Green salads: not always a good choice
Salad greens like lettuce often come from greenhouses heated in winter. This leads to less taste and lower nutritional content. Instead, you should favor regional salads such as lamb’s lettuce, endive or endive.
Imported nuts: rely on regional alternatives
Many nuts in our supermarkets like Kaufland come from distant countries like e.g. Ex.: peanuts from the United States and Israel, walnuts from California, almonds from the United States and Spain, cashew nuts from India. Walnuts and hazelnuts from Germany are not only more regional, but also more ecological.
Kaufland: Conventional citrus fruits – Focus on organic quality
Even so-called untreated citrus fruits can contain residues of pesticides and preservatives because manufacturers use tricks to avoid having to declare the chemical treatment.
How? Sprays that are normally applied to fruits after harvest are already sprayed on lemons and oranges hanging on the tree. Organic citrus fruits are a healthier and more environmentally friendly choice when traveling to Kaufland, as reported by “Utopia” among others.
Aldi: Conventional ACE drinks – Be careful with vitamin drinks
ACE drinks such as B. at Aldi often contain only a small amount of fruit and are enriched with water, sugar or sweeteners. The benefits of the vitamins it contains are controversial. Pure organic juices are a better alternative because they are usually bottled during the season.
Tomatoes, cucumbers or zucchini in winter?
In winter, tomatoes often come from heated, energy-intensive greenhouses. Organic potted tomatoes are a more sustainable choice. Cucumbers and zucchini are also imported into greenhouses. This means: fewer healthy nutrients and longer transportation journeys in winter. Shopping regionally and seasonally is the best choice.
Aldi: Tea from dubious sources – Pay attention to organic and fair trade
Conventional black and green tea from some countries is often contaminated with pesticides and produced under questionable working conditions. Organic tea or herbal teas from local crops are preferred.
Kaufland: Grapes imported in November?
As is often the case, imported grapes follow long transportation routes and, like citrus fruits, can be contaminated with pesticides. Organic and regional grapes are a healthier alternative.
Conclusion: smart purchase – Healthy choice
When shopping in the coming months, it’s important to keep in mind not only your own body, but also the environment. The tempting diversity of supermarket shelves often encourages people not to think about the origin and ecological impact of products. But more conscious behavior when shopping can not only support your own health, but also contribute to environmental protection and fair working conditions.
Warnings for certain products emphasize that not everything that seems healthy at first glance is also environmentally acceptable. Fall strawberries, imported apples or conventional tea may not only pose health risks, but also cause environmental damage. Experts’ recommendations offer alternatives that take into account not only personal pleasure, but also environmental impact.
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The emphasis on regional, seasonal and certified organic products is increasingly becoming a decisive criterion for responsible food purchasing. Consciously avoiding certain foods in winter not only improves your diet, but also sustainably supports local agriculture and reduces your ecological footprint.
Overall, it’s not only about satisfying your own sense of taste, but also about contributing to a more sustainable and healthy world. It’s in our hands to make a positive impact through smart purchasing decisions. By relying on regional alternatives, we not only support our health, but also help ensure that nature and producers are treated fairly.
