Everyone knows Gerolsteiner, but hardly anyone knows this... 😵

With sales of around 8 million hectolitres, Gerolsteiner is one of the best-known mineral water brands in Germany. Founded in 1888, Gerolsteiner is one of Germany's most traditional mineral water brands. The mineral water has also gained a foothold in the USA, Canada and over 30 other countries. It is available in many American supermarkets and even in upmarket restaurants - a symbol of quality "Made in Germany". Here is one photo from my travels to the US:

What many people don't know about Gerolsteiner: Gerolsteiner NATURELL comes from a different source than FEINPERLIG, MEDIUM and SPRITZIG, which can be recognised by the two dots on the bottle.

1. The size of the name of the source: While "GEROLSTEINER" is written in smaller letters than "NATURELL" for the natural version, the opposite is true for the other versions. Here, "GEROLSTEINER" is written in capital letters, while "SPRITZIG", "MEDIUM" and "FEINPERLIG" are written in smaller letters. This is due to the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance. Under § 9 Misleading information, paragraph 2, it states:

   
   

   "'Where another commercial name or identifier is used alongside the name of a spring or the place of exploitation of natural mineral water on labels, inscriptions or in advertising, which could create the impression that it is the name of a spring or the place of exploitation of a spring, the name of the spring or the place of exploitation must be written in letters that are at least one and a half times the height and width of the largest letter used for the other commercial name or identifier."

   

   
   

For the still version, this means that the "NATURELL" label must be 1.5 times larger than the "GEROLSTEINER" label. For the other varieties, "GEROLSTEINER" is the source and must therefore be written in a larger font than the variety name. The source is also indicated on the side of the label, where the difference can be seen: "Naturell" and "Gerolsteiner".

2. The mineralisation level is shown on the back of the label. While Naturell has a total mineralisation of 807 mg per litre, the other varieties are characterised by significantly higher mineralisation levels. They contain a total of 2,479 mg of minerals per litre. This results in a difference in taste and allows Gerolsteiner to market the sources differently. The highly mineralised water is particularly suitable for replenishing the mineral balance and preventing heartburn, while the still variety is suitable for a low-sodium diet.

   

   
   

By the way, the difference in mineral content, from 807 mg/l to 2,479 mg/l, has a significant impact on the taste of the water. For the best results, open the "FEINPERLIG" and let it stand for 1–2 days. Alternatively, you can shake it until the carbon dioxide has evaporated. Then taste it alongside the still version. You'll see that the difference is huge.

Conclusion

Gerolsteiner stands for quality and tradition "Made in Germany", as well as an exciting variety of which many consumers are not even aware. With two sources of significantly different mineralisation, the brand offers the right water for every taste and need, whether you prefer highly mineralised sparkling water or soft, low-sodium water.

Many greetings

Timo Bausch

Certified Water Sommelier

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About Timo Bausch

My fascination with mineral waters began in 2016 during my training as a Water Sommelier. Since then, I have been exploring the characteristics and diversity of water. In addition to pairing water with food, wine, coffee and other beverages, I offer the creation of water menus for restaurants and hotels. Furthermore, it is also important to me to draw attention to the importance of drinking water.