Vöslauer Balance: Now exposed as advertising insult of the year”!

Vöslauer Balance: Now exposed as advertising insult of the year”!

In an exchange of blows between consumer advocates and the beverage industry, the product “Vöslauer Balance Juicy Plus” was given a questionable honor: it was voted “Advertising Infamy of the Year 2024”. Loud Small newspaper and OTS Over 3,000 consumers cast their votes, and more than 30 percent decided against the drink, which combines obvious health claims with a high sugar content. Despite being advertised as low in calories and containing added vitamin B3, a single 0.75 liter bottle could contain a whopping 27 grams of sugar - the equivalent of about seven sugar cubes!

Foodwatch, which organized the election, tried to pass the negative price directly to the manufacturing company. But Vöslauer evaded responsibility and refused to comment. “Sugar water is not a balance, such products do not support a healthy lifestyle,” explained Indra Kley-Schöneich from Foodwatch Austria. The outcry over misleading advertising was underlined by the election, which was held for the third time. In addition to Vöslauer, the products Julius Meinl Donau Marille and Eskimo Cremissimo chocolate came in second and third place, while Billa Bio honey waffles and Kotányi “Spice up my Salad” completed the ranking.

Misleading marketing strategies under fire

Foodwatch found that such drinks, which are advertised as healthy, often actually endanger health by encouraging excessive sugar consumption. The company tried to criticize the misleading marketing directly on site, first in Bad Vöslau and then in Vienna. However, there was no reaction from the companies. “It is extremely questionable not to take the voice of 3,000 consumers seriously,” says Kley-Schöneich. This action aims to raise public awareness of the need for clear and honest advertising in the food sector and to educate consumers about the deceptions of marketing strategies.