Where do You Find Sauerkraut in the Grocery Store?

Originally posted on February 18, 2022 @ 4:53 am

If you’re looking for sauerkraut in the grocery store, you’ll most likely find it near the other fermented foods like kimchi and pickles. Sauerkraut is a popular condiment that can be used on sandwiches, tacos, and salads. It’s also a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.

Choose a brand that has been fermented for at least two months to ensure that you’re getting the best quality product.

What is sauerkraut?

Picture a traditional German dinner – buttery mashed potatoes, a bratwurst on a bun and tangy sauerkraut. The tart cabbage dish is commonly served with meals in many European countries and has been a staple of European diets for centuries.

But what exactly is it? It’s finely shredded cabbage that has been allowed to ferment, or age, in its own juices until it becomes slightly sour and develops an appealing flavor.

Sauerkraut is made by a process of pickling called lactic acid fermentation that involves adding salt to chopped cabbage and leaving the mixture to stand for several days so that the natural bacteria present in the cabbage can break down the cabbage’s sugar into lactic acid. Fermentation is complete when the acidity of the sauerkraut is at least 2 percent on a scale called pH. The lower the pH number, the more acidic the food. Sauerkraut typically has a pH level between 2 and 3, which means it’s slightly sour to moderately acidic in taste.

The tart flavor of sauerkraut comes from this lactic acid.  This bacteria also produces several compounds believed to have health benefits, such as organic acids, probiotics and exopolysaccharides.

What is Sauerkraut Used For?

Sauerkraut is used for many different things. Most of the uses are about getting vitamins and nutrients, but it also helps people eat more healthy foods. One way to use sauerkraut is to add it to a food dish so you can get more flavor from it without using salt or other unhealthy spices. 

Another way is to take a bath with sauerkraut juice on your skin so that your body gets all of the Vitamin C and other good stuff in the sauerkraut while you’re relaxing in a nice warm bath! This is very fun because if you’ve ever just eaten some plain sauerkraut, then you know that after while it starts tasting pretty sour, which isn’t very fun. If you just put it on your skin though, then you can smell the sauerkraut and feel like you’ve eaten some, but not taste it.

Tips for Cooking with Sauerkraut:

– Tuna salad: Mix 2 cups of tuna with 1 cup of sauerkraut, drain the liquid off before mixing.

– Coleslaw: Mix in sour cream, mayonnaise and vinegar to desired consistency, add salt if needed. Add sauerkraut until the cabbage is completely covered.

– Pork chops or pork roasts ( after browning): Pour 2 cans of sauerkraut  and 1 can of crushed pineapple over pork chops or roast. Cover and seal pan with aluminum foil. Bake at 325 degrees for two hours. Remove aluminum foil and continue baking until desired color of meat has been reached.

– Potato skins: Add cheese, bacon bits, green onions and sauerkraut to potato skins before baking at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

– Pierogies: Sautee onion with 1/4 cup water; add sauerkraut; season with salt. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add 1 tbsp, butter and a dash of white pepper before serving.

– Reuben sandwich: Mix together sauerkraut, swiss cheese, shredded corned beef and thousand Island dressing on rye bread. To make a delicious reuben, grill the sandwich with mayonnaise instead of butter on each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

– Potato pancakes: Mix 2 potatoes with 2 tablespoons flour or cornmeal; add salt, pepper and chopped onion to taste. Add small amount of baking powder for fluffier pancake mix if desired. Shallow fry in hot pan with oil or shortening until golden brown on both sides. Serve with sour cream and sauerkraut or applesauce.

– Deviled eggs: Mix 1/2 cup sauerkraut with 2- tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 4 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon sugar. Spoon into egg whites and serve with toast points or crackers.

– Sauerkraut Balls: Mix together half a can of sauerkraut and one pound ground beef. Shape meatballs and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add cooked meatballs to cream of mushroom soup and serve with mashed potatoes.

– Ham sandwiches: Mix chopped boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and salt to taste; add enough sauerkraut to make a creamy spread-able consistency (depending on ham sandwich size).

– Bean salad: Mix one can of drained beans with 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp. salt, mix in 2 cups of sauerkraut and let chill overnight.

– Accompanying side dish for pork chops or roast.

– Tossed Salad: After mixing lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and cucumber; add crumbled bacon on top. Add dressing to taste; toss before eating. Stir dressing into salad instead if preferred. Stir in sauerkraut thoroughly (to avoid clumps).

– Grilled cheese: Add a layer of cheese to sandwich and broil until melted. Cover with sauerkraut before closing sandwich.

– Baked potato: Bake a potato with skin on, cut open and add butter and salt to taste. Add sauerkraut to top of potato and broil until bubbly and hot.

– Tri-tip: Season tri-tip with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Broil for 8 minutes per side or until desired color is reached. Slice thinly across grain before serving with horseradish sauce, sauerkraut and rye bread.

– Fish tacos: Toss 1/4 cup of sauerkraut with chopped green onions and vinegar. Add to fish tacos for a crunchy, tangy taste.

– Creamed cabbage: Cook chopped cabbage in boiling water until just tender; drain well. Sautee onion in butter and add the cooked cabbage and seasonings to taste (including salt, sugar, pepper and nutmeg); cook covered over low heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove cover during last 3 minutes so that the bottom layer of cabbage browns slightly.

– Sauerkraut and hotdogs: When serving sauerkraut on the side, try adding it to the plate with charcuterie (dried salami or beef jerky) and mustard. Pairs well with German beers served in large glasses called boots.

– Sauerkraut is a traditional dish served during Christmas dinners in the Philippines where it accompanies local lechon baboy (roast pig). The meaty ribs of Filipino shortribs are slow cooked for five hours while sauerkraut is boiled separately along with pork knuckles and potatoes. The meats are then roasted on a spit over an open fire pit while basting them with soy sauce and beer until golden brown.

Where to buy Sauerkraut near me?

The question that’s been on everyone’s minds since they’ve heard the word. In the same way, it has been a topic of discussion for people who have heard of Sauerkraut and are interested in trying it but don’t know where to get started.

Where to Find Sauerkraut in the Grocery Store?

– The produce section: A grocery store will most likely have a section for fresh vegetables. Look here to find your canned sauerkraut.

– The deli area: A grocery store may also offer a great selection of meats, cheeses, and breads from the deli counter. Sauerkraut is available as a canned pickle in this case.

– The canned vegetable or pickle aisle: Many stores offer canned goods where you can find items such as olives and pickles, including sauerkraut. This is another common spot to find the kraut.

– The condiment aisle: If you want to go all out with your sandwich ingredients, look for sauerkraut in the condiment aisle, just as you would with mustard and mayonnaise.

What Grocery Store Sells Sauerkraut?

There are various grocery stores that sell sauerkraut.

– Aldi is a discount grocery store chain that primarily sells its wares at lower prices than most other retailers do. Its selection of produce includes fresh items such as apples, oranges and bananas as well as packaged goods like cereal and spaghetti sauce. Sauerkraut can be found in the deli section of each store. A 16 ounce jar costs $0.99 cents for five ounces or $1.79 for ten ounces on average during regular business hours with some outlets selling it more cheaply after closing time until supplies run out .

– Amazon: Amazon is a great spot to find  sauerkraut in bulk. They carry over two hundred different types of sauerkraut and kimchi, including brands such as Annie Chun’s, Heinz, Trader Joe’s and organic options from Dutch Farms and Eden Foods.

– Walmart: Look for sauerkraut at Walmart in cans, jars and pouches, as well as in fresh and frozen options.

– Whole Foods: You can find a large variety of kimchi and sauerkraut at Whole Foods. They carry both fresh and fermented options from brands such as Kedem, The Brinery, Farmhouse Culture and Bubbies

– Safeway: Safeway carries a variety of sauerkraut options, including organic and kosher.

– Target: Target’s selection of sauerkraut is limited to a few jars and cans.

– Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s is a great place to find sauerkraut. They carry both organic brands and standard options.

– Kroger: Kroger only carries a few options for sauerkraut and kimchi. Look for pouches and jars of the fresh condiment, as well as an organic option.

– Publix: The majority of the sauerkraut sold by Publix is jarred, so this option probably won’t be appealing if you’re looking for something more traditional that hasn’t been processed yet!

– Ethnic Markets: Ethnic markets will almost always sell some type of fermented cabbage in their refrigerated sections. Some examples are H Mart, Han Ah Reum and Lotte Plaza Market.

Common Types of Sauerkraut

– Classic Sauerkraut is the most common type of sauerkraut. It is made with shredded cabbage and salt, and left to ferment at room temperature for about 3 weeks, although some recipes call for a shorter fermentation time of 10 days to 2 months. During the fermentation process it turns into a tangy, slightly sour tasting food that works as a condiment or side dish. 

The classic version of sauerkraut is a staple in northern European countries such as Germany and Poland where it originates from. In German cuisine, it is used as a side dish with pork and sausage products, such as bratwurst or frankfurters.

– Turnip Kraut is a type of sauerkraut that uses turnips or rutabagas instead of cabbage. It is prepared in the same way that classic Sauerkraut is prepared using shredded cabbage and salt, but can contain other spices to add additional flavor. 

In Germany, Turnip kraut is eaten steamed with boiled potatoes on New Year’s Eve for good luck in the new year. Other vegetables have been used to make this food, but turnips are the most common alternative to cabbage when making turnip kraut.

– Apple Sauerkraut is made with shredded cabbage that has been fermented in salt water, then mixed with fresh grated or chopped apple. A variety of spices are used to give it additional flavor. Some recipes call for caraway seeds, cloves, allspice and bay leaves. Many people enjoy this type of sauerkraut because the apples add a sweet taste to balance out the sourness of plain sauerkraut. 

This variation of sauerkraut is eaten more in America than it is in Germany since Americans tend to eat more meat products including pork and beef.

– Spicy Sauerkraut also known as Sour Kraut or Polish Kraut is prepared using sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage. The only difference is that the sauerkraut has been seasoned differently, usually with additional spices. It can be prepared with caraway seeds, ginger, garlic and chili pepper to give it a spicy taste. Spicy Sauerkraut is eaten as a side dish or condiment in Germany, Poland, Russia, Hungary and other European countries.

Spicy Sauerkraut was first created to increase the shelf life of the fermenting cabbage. Since fresh cabbage will not last more than four days without spoiling because of its high sugar content, adding spices added flavor while also preventing the food from spoiling for longer periods of time. Traditional Sauerkraut uses salt to promote fermentation, so removing additional sugar quickly will prevent the bacteria that causes mold and other harmful products from growing on the cabbage.

How To Use Sauerkraut in the Grocery Store

How to use sauerkraut in your diet? Many of you may be wondering how to eat sauerkraut. You can add it to sandwiches or just eat it with your meals, but did you know that there are many other ways to use this fermented food in your diet?

#1. Sauerkraut can also be used for making salads . Just add some slices of apple and cranberries on top for a dose of sweetness. This fermented cabbage salad will make the perfect side dish for your lunch or dinner!

#2. Sauerkraut is an excellent substitute for meat because it has high levels of vitamin B12 . It is very healthy and contains no fat at all. So next time when looking for a low-fat meat alternative, try sauerkraut!

#3. If you want to make a healthy sandwich , add some sauerkraut. It will make a great addition to your favorite deli meats and cheeses. You can also add some vegetables for a more nutritious twist.

#4. Sauerkraut makes an excellent addition to stir-fry meals . Try adding it on top of fried rice or noodle dishes. This will add a new texture and create a yummy taste that you’ll love!

#5. In order to get the most out of your sauerkraut, use it as a main ingredient in homemade soups . Add potatoes and celery for extra flavor and leave it to simmer for at least an hour to get the best flavors.

#6. Sauerkraut makes a great marinade . Just mix it with onions, leeks, meat of your choice and spices for extra flavor. Marinading the meat in sauerkraut juice will give it a delicious taste that you can enjoy week after week!

#7. Instead of using ketchup, mayonnaise or mustard next time when making burgers , use sauerkraut instead. This will add moisture to them and make them absolutely delicious!

#8. If you’re trying to avoid starchy side dishes while dieting , then try making cabbage rolls with sauerkraut. You’ll love this tasty take on traditional cabbage rolls and it is really easy to make too!

#9. Sauerkraut also makes a great addition to casseroles . Try adding some on top of your favorite meat and potato meal. It will give this dish an extra kick that you’re sure to love!

#10. You can try making sauerkraut juice at home . Just put the cabbage through a juicer and drink the juice – healthy, simple and delicious!

FAQS on Sauerkraut in the Grocery Store

Q: How long has man been eating sauerkraut?

A: There are written references to pickled cabbage dating back over 2000 years in ancient Rome, Egypt, China, Mesopotamia and India. The word “sauerkraut” comes from the German meaning sour herb or sour cabbage. The first commercial production of sauerkraut began in North America in the late 1700’s when it was used as a way to preserve the vitamin C content of late-season cabbages.

Q: When did sauerkraut come to America?

A: It is believed that Christopher Columbus may have taken sauerkraut with him when he sailed in 1492, because it was part of the staple diet of sailors at that time. However, it wasn’t until the late 1700’s that German speaking settlers in Pennsylvania planted cabbage seed brought over from Europe and began producing sauerkraut commercially in North America.

By 1901, when over 900 million pounds were produced in the U.S., it had become a highly important commercial crop for ranchers throughout California, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Q: What are the different types of sauerkraut?

A: By far most commercially produced sauerkrauts are made from finely shredded green or red cabbages that have been fermented with salt using a process developed by Japanese microbiologists in the early 1900s.

Most traditional European sauerkrauts are typically raw and unpasteurized and are made from a combination of green and red cabbage fermented with salt and various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found on the surface of fresh cabbage leaves.

German sauerkrauts typically contain only cabbage, salt and LAB while Polish varieties may also include carrots, onions, apples or juniper berries. Russian sauerkraut recipes may include horseradish or mustard seed.

Q: Is sauerkraut fermented or ripe?

A: Sauerkraut is fermented not ripe. The process by which it is produced allows for some level of naturally occurring sugar to still be present when it is bottled for consumption. If too much sugar remains after fermentation, the kraut may spoil. This is why it is extremely important to store sauerkraut in a cool place or refrigerate after opening.

Q: Is salt important in fermentation?

A: Yes! During the process of fermenting vegetables for sauerkraut salt acts as both a flavoring agent and as an anti-microbial preservative that inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms which could cause illness or spoilage. It also serves to draw water from cabbage leaves creating juicy, crunchy pickles during the salting process.

The amount of salt used varies depending on your taste preferences, but usually ranges between 2 teaspoons per 5 lbs of shredded cabbage up to 1 tablespoon per 5 lbs. Salt content can also be measured in “taste units” where 1 tsp salt = approx.

Q: What type of salt should be used?

A: The best salts to use are either unrefined natural sea salts or pickling/kosher salts which do not contain anti-caking additives or iodine which can inhibit or slow down the fermentation process. When fermenting vegetables for sauerkraut, choose pure non-iodized canning and pickling salt (example Morton Salt ® brand).

Q: Why is it necessary to keep the cabbage submerged under brine during fermentation?

A: As water is drawn out of cabbage leaves through osmosis when they are salted, much like when grape juice is transformed into wine, it becomes very important to keep the cabbage submerged under brine in order to create an anaerobic environment that allows for healthy fermentation which could otherwise be disrupted by air-borne pathogens that can cause spoilage.

Q: Is it safe to eat sauerkraut during pregnancy?

A: Since sauerkraut is a fermented food, the lactobacillus bacteria present are destroyed when cooked. Sauerkraut which has not been cooked should pose no harm or risk during pregnancy.

Q: What’s the best way to eat sauerkraut after I open a jar?

A: The best method of storage for opened jars of sauerkraut is refrigeration since sauerkraut contains a high level of naturally occurring lactic acid which acts as a preservative. It also maintains the crisp texture and taste of raw fermented cabbage longer.

If you don’t plan to eat opened jars of sauerkraut within 2 months, it would be best to can or freeze them in smaller containers for later use since refrigeration alone doesn’t prevent spoilage. Do not re-store an opened jar that has been left at room temperature since spoiling microorganisms may have gained a foothold during the time period it was out of refrigeration, potentially making this food unsafe to eat even with refrigeration.

Q: Is there anything else I should know about sauerkraut?

A: You can easily turn cabbage into sauerkraut by simply adding salt to shredded cabbage and letting time do the rest. It’s that simple!

No matter how you look at it, fermentation offers an amazing variety of health benefits including better nutrition, palate excitement, digestive comfort plus a way to preserve fresh fruits & vegetables which makes good sense – why wouldn’t you want your food to be fermented? Fermenting also means no added sugars or artificial ingredients are needed.

The best part about making sauerkraut is getting to enjoy its taste and healthful benefits along with your family. Happy fermenting friends! Make it a Yummy day!

Q: Should I rinse my sauerkraut before using it?

A: No. Sauerkraut is a raw fermented food and as such, there is no need to rinse it prior to use. Rinsing will only dilute the flavor of the finished product you’ve worked so hard for! It’s best to keep your homemade sauerkraut just as it is or if you’re feeling extra creative try adding other ingredients like shredded carrots, chopped onions & bell peppers.

Experiment with different combinations until you find one that suits your taste buds – but don’t forget about our good friend salt! Salt plays a big part in bringing out sauerkraut’s signature taste plus adding a little bit more for flavor balance isn’t a bad idea.

Q: How do I know when my sauerkraut is ready?

A: Sauerkraut is ready to eat once the cabbage has turned a bright shade of green and has begun to release its own juices which can be seen pooling on top of the shredded cabbage. This typically takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks but if you like your kraut slightly sweet, wait another week or two until you reach your desired taste preference. Also, keep in mind that fermentation temperatures will affect the speed at which this process occurs.

Conclusion

Sauerkraut is an excellent source of natural probiotics. It has been shown to help regulate digestion, decrease stomach acidity and relieve constipation. There are many ways to incorporate sauerkraut into your diet including eating it plain or adding it as a topping on things like salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza crusts and more!

You can find Sauerkraut in the Grocery Store in the refrigerated section near other produce products. To learn about where you can buy this healthy food online visit our website for delicious recipes with instructions on how to use our product effectively.

Buying now will have you stocking up on all the benefits that come from incorporating this amazing fermented vegetable into your diet today!