The UFC-Que Choisir consumer service devoted its November issue to a detailed analysis of the nutritional quality and prices of low-cost products compared to major brands. The results are edifying: in two thirds of the product categories evaluated, at least one low-cost item offers a recipe just as recommendable as that of the major brands.
12 food products scrutinized
Twelve families of ingredients were screened, including common products such as biscuits, jams, brioches, mayonnaises and frozen pizzas. This comparison reveals that the nutritional quality of inexpensive products is not systematically inferior to that of items from more expensive brands.
When low cost competes with big brands
Some inexpensive products even outperform their big brand counterparts. For example, the brioche sold for €2.90 at Lidl obtains a better rating than that of the Harrys brand, sold at €4.23. These results show that low-cost products can, in some cases, offer an equally satisfactory, or even better, alternative than branded products.
However, it is important to put these conclusions into perspective. The UFC-Que Choisir comparative study does not mean that all low-cost products are of high quality, but rather that mid-range brands are not always impeccable. In other words, paying more does not necessarily guarantee better quality.
How to make the right choices in store?
To choose the best products without breaking the bank, it is advisable to favor products labeled organic and those without pesticide residues. Experts also recommend cooking at home using raw or minimally processed foods, which remains the best solution for eating healthily at a lower cost.
A good indicator to look out for is the ingredient list: the shorter it is, the better. The Nutri-Score, displayed on the packaging, also provides useful information on the nutritional quality of the product. For the most connected, the Yuka application is a practical tool that analyzes products by scanning their barcode, thus giving a clear assessment of their impact on health.
