Licking off the yogurt lid: how dangerous is it really?

Lick the yogurt lid or not? Children in particular like to do this. We explain to you why it can be problematic and what you should generally pay attention to.

Anyone who likes to eat yoghurt knows the problem: As soon as the pack is opened, the lid literally invites you to lick it off. However, many think that the aluminum coating on the lid makes it unhealthy to lick off yogurt toppers. but how harmful is aluminum indeed?

Licking off the yogurt lid: Why aluminum is dangerous for the human body

Aluminum is a light metal that causes damage to our body in excessive quantities. Aluminum is suspected of damaging the central nervous system and having a negative impact on fertility. Researchers are also discussing whether aluminum can trigger Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. These assumptions are not yet scientifically proven.

The problem with aluminum is that components detach from the light metal when it is exposed to salt or acidic components. For this reason, recommends this Federal Institute for Risk Assessmentavoid storing acidic or salty foods in aluminum trays or foil, if possible.

How dangerous is it to lick the yogurt lid?

It is not dangerous to lick the yogurt lid off. Because: the yoghurt does not come into direct contact with the aluminum. A non-hazardous plastic layer on the aluminum, produced under strict conditions, prevents the yoghurt from coming into direct contact with the light metal. This procedure is in Food and consumer goods law regulated. It states that packaging materials must not migrate to food or its surfaces. This does not apply to parts that are technically unavoidable but do not pose a health risk. Manufacturers are even liable to prosecution if, for example, they illegally apply preservatives or other questionable substances to yoghurt pots.

However, a small amount of aluminum can loosen if the plastic layer is damaged. Even then, you don’t need to worry about your health as it would be a very small amount of aluminum.

In addition, we come into contact with residues of the light metal almost every day – via drinking water, pans, cosmetics, drug residues or other foods. Like the Ärzteblatt reported, if you are healthy, you excrete a large part of the light metal. Furthermore, the doctors cannot observe any acute health effects if aluminum is ingested through food. So there is no immediate danger if you lick the yogurt lid off.

Nevertheless, for the sake of your tongue, you should refrain from using it, as the lid can have sharp edges. You should therefore not chew on the yogurt lid or swallow parts of it.

Healthier alternative: make yogurt yourself

You don’t have to deal with the problem of yogurt lids if you opt for the healthier and less packaging option: a homemade natural yogurt with fruit, grain or honey. So you avoid aluminum and other unhealthy additives found in manufactured yogurt. Another benefit is that you are consciously eating a low-sugar diet. A simple guide to getting creamy Making yogurt yourself, we present you in detail in the linked article. If you are vegan, you can vegan yogurt do it Yourself.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Buying advice: dairy-free yogurt alternatives
• Probiotic yogurt: these are the benefits for the intestinal flora
• Greek yogurt: do-it-yourself recipe