Warning: Alcohol in bread rolls, desserts and ready-made products | Life & Knowledge

Be careful when shopping! Alcohol is hidden in bread rolls, pizza dough, marzipan and hot dog buns! Many customers are surprised, consumer advocates warn. The Bakery Association explains why alcohol is found in baked goods and why this is a natural process.

Alcohol is included in the ingredient lists, but often only in small print. The German consumer association is now calling for more conspicuous information. Because with beer and chocolates it is clear that there is alcohol in them. But with bread rolls and dough?

Consumer advocates demand clear labelling

Stephanie Wetzel from the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations says: “Consumer complaints show that many people overlook the information about alcohol in the ingredients list.” This is a problem for children and people who consciously avoid alcohol.

Foods containing alcohol should therefore be clearly labelled. “Alcohol should also be labelled on unpackaged food and restaurant meals,” Wetzel demands.

▶︎ “Hidden” alcohol is also often found in sweets, desserts and ready meals. Salad dressings, delicatessen salads and jams are also affected. The ingredient lists often contain “ethanol” or “ethyl alcohol”, according to the online portal Food clarity the consumer advice center.

Alcohol in bread ensures the best crust

The experts from the Association of German Bakeries explain why alcohol in Bread occurs. Partly alcohol in the dough through the fermentation process. The starch in the grain provides sugar, which yeast converts into carbon dioxide and alcohol. The carbon dioxide ensures that bread maintains volume and does not come out of the oven as a baked lump of dough.

The alcohol is responsible for the aroma and a good crust. The measurable amount is minimal and the products are intended for baking. The labeling in the ingredients list is sufficient, the association emphasizes.

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