Strawberry, apricot, light, organic, rich in fruit… There are countless jams, and not all are equal. To find out which is the best, the magazine 60 million consumers compared 40 of the most common jam references, with the best-selling flavors in France: strawberry and apricot. Through this comparative trial published in the April 2023 issue, the organization wanted to see what is the worst jam sold in the supermarket.
Pesticides: 15 molecules found in 22 references
The researchers have thus analyzed 20 types of strawberry jam and 20 types of apricot jam (the most sold in supermarkets). Result : 60 million consumers detected more than 600 traces of different pesticides. In addition, pesticides were found in more than half of the products. “We have found 15 different molecules of insecticides or fungicides in 22 of the 40 references analyzed“, says the magazine. However, in the jams of biological origin, no trace of pesticide was detected.
The association is not only interested in pesticides, but also to the entire composition of the products. Thus, the researchers studied the labels of all the jars. “We valued the products richest in fruit and with the simplest composition. The quantity of sugar has been estimated and the Nutri-Score has been calculated for information purposes, taking into account the algorithm in force in 2022 as well as that of 2023, still under discussion. Our final grades range from 7.5/20 to 15.5/20“, explain 60 million consumers.
Apricot jams more contaminated
The test showed that the most contaminated jams are those with apricot. “Strawberries, most often grown above ground, benefit from a more controlled environment. The strawberry jam from Dordogne Reflets de France (Carrefour brand) nevertheless contains 5 fungicides or insecticides”, notes 60 million consumers. Moreover, 4 apricot jams contain pesticides banned in the European Union.
The references of the contaminated products are as follows:
- Auchan La Gourmande ;
- Confipot 65% fruit ;
- Gerblé without added sugar ;
- Intermarché extra pack.
The latter is therefore the worst in the rankingaccording 60 million consumers. In fact, she is assigned the score of 7.5/20.
The pesticides contained in these products are carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. Another apricot jam contains carbendazim, but no thiophanate-methyl: Andros light apricot jam -30% sugar.
Opt for organic jams!
If many traces of pesticides have been detected, the organization would like to remind you that they have “concentrations below regulatory thresholds“. Nevertheless, 60 million consumers adds: “That does not prevent his presence from being undesirable, and even worrying for consumers.” In effect, these pesticides can have many toxic effects : allergies, impact on fertility or the health of the foetus. So, he remains preferable to opt for organic jamswhich obtained better results.