Sauerkraut has been around for centuries, gaining popularity as an easy-to-make fermented vegetable. It is known for its health benefits and routinely found on menus across the world. But do you ever wonder if store-bought sauerkraut is really good for you? What are the best unpasteurized sauerkraut brands?
With so many options in stores, it can be difficult to know what type of sauerkraut is best. In this blog post, we will dive deep into unpasteurized sauerkraut brands and explore whether or not they are a healthier choice than their pasteurized counterparts. We will look at how these various types of sauerkrauts are made, their potential benefits, and which brands offer the most quality product.
What is unpasteurised sauerkraut?
Unpasteurised sauerkraut (raw unpasteurized sauerkraut) is a fresh, raw version of the fermented cabbage dish. It has not undergone pasteurization or other forms of heating to kill off bacteria as regular sauerkraut does. This means that it retains all of its beneficial live probiotics and enzymes, which are usually killed off during the pasteurization process.
Unpasteurised sauerkraut is a great source of probiotics and digestive enzymes, helping to improve gut health and digestion. It’s also rich in vitamins C, K, B6 and other minerals. Sauerkraut can be made from either cabbage or white radish. Depending on your taste preference, you can choose the type of vegetable used for your unpasteurised sauerkraut.
You can also add additional herbs and spices to make it more flavourful. Unpasteurized sauerkraut has a slightly tangy and sour taste which comes from its fermentation process. It’s best served alongside other foods like meats, salads and sandwiches. Enjoy the health benefits of unpasteurized sauerkraut while savoring its rich flavor!
With the rising popularity of fermented foods, it’s no surprise that unpasteurised sauerkraut has become a popular option for many people. It can be found in many health food stores, grocery stores, and even online. Unpasteurized sauerkraut is easy to make too; it just requires some preparation time, time ferment sauerkraut? Simply shred the cabbage or white radish and mix with salt in a large bowl. Allow it to sit for several hours before transferring to a jar and leaving in a cool place for another week or two. Once the sauerkraut has fermented, it’s ready to eat or store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.
>>> Read more: Best time to eat sauerkraut for gut health
Is store-bought sauerkraut good for you?
Store-bought sauerkraut is good for you, as long as it’s sauerkraut unpasteurized. This type of sauerkraut retains all its beneficial probiotics and enzymes that are usually killed off when the product undergoes pasteurization. Unpasteurized store-bought sauerkraut is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics that can help improve digestion. Be sure to check the label to be sure it’s unpasteurized before purchasing. Enjoy the health benefits of sauerkraut and its delicious flavor!
When eating store-bought sauerkraut, it’s always best to purchase organic and unpasteurized products. This will ensure that you’re getting the most nutritional benefits from the product. Try adding store-bought sauerkraut to sandwiches, salads, or other recipes for a nutritious twist. With its tangy flavor and beneficial probiotics, it’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of fermented foods.
Finally, it’s important to note that unpasteurized sauerkraut isn’t for everyone. People with conditions like IBS or Crohn’s should avoid this food as it may aggravate symptoms due to its high fiber content. Otherwise, it can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. Enjoy the health benefits of unpasteurized sauerkraut while savoring its delicious flavor!
The best Unpasteurized Sauerkraut Brands
When it comes to unpasteurized sauerkraut, there are a few brands that stand out for their quality and flavor.
1. Bubbies Sauerkraut
The first in the list of best unpasteurized sauerkraut brands is Bubbies Sauerkraut. This is an organic, unpasteurized sauerkraut brand made in the USA. It’s gluten-free and vegan, and comes in six flavors including classic, dill pickle, garlic dill, spicy kimchi, vegan bacon, and horseradish. They are created with finely shredded cabbage and other wholesome ingredients, then naturally fermented. It is free from preservatives and additives, retaining all its beneficial probiotics and enzymes.
2. Farmhouse Culture Sauerkraut
The next in the list of best unpasteurized sauerkraut brands is Farmhouse Culture Sauerkraut. This is a premium quality sauerkraut made with organic vegetables and spices. It is naturally fermented and unpasteurized, maintaining its probiotic and enzyme content. Their sauerkraut comes in six flavors including classic, bacon dill, garlic dill, spicy horseradish, smoky chipotle, and smoked jalapeno. Made with fresh ingredients, it is free from preservatives and additives.
3. Mountain Valley Farms Sauerkraut
Mountain Valley Farms Sauerkraut is a traditional-style sauerkraut made with organic cabbage and sea salt. It is unpasteurized, lacto-fermented, and has a crunchy texture and tangy flavor. This brand also offers sauerkraut juice, which is a great alternative for those who don’t care for the taste of fermented cabbage. It contains beneficial probiotics and enzymes that can help improve digestion and boost immunity.
>> See more: The Perfect Sauerkraut Salt Ratio: A Comprehensive Guide
4. Dietz & Watson Sauerkraut
Dietz & Watson Sauerkraut is a premium quality sauerkraut made with fresh cabbage and other vegetables. It is naturally fermented and unpasteurized, retaining its probiotic and enzyme content. This brand also offers different flavored sauerkrauts such as garlic dill, spicy jalapeno, and bacon dill. All of their products are free from preservatives and additives, making them a great option for those looking to enjoy the health benefits of sauerkraut without sacrificing flavor.
5. Whole Foods Market Sauerkraut
Whole Foods Market Sauerkraut is an organic, unpasteurized sauerkraut made with fresh cabbage and sea salt. It is lacto-fermented for a deliciously tangy flavor and crunchy texture. This brand also offers flavored varieties such as garlic dill, horseradish, and smoked jalapeno. The products are free from preservatives and additives, making them a great option for those looking to enjoy the health benefits of sauerkraut without sacrificing flavor.
6. Sauer Frau Sauerkraut
Sauer Frau Sauerkraut is an unpasteurized, lacto-fermented sauerkraut made with organic cabbage and sea salt. Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor make it a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and other recipes. It is free from preservatives and additives, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy the health benefits of sauerkraut without sacrificing flavor.
7. Jimmy’s Sauerkraut
Jimmy’s Sauerkraut is an unpasteurized, lacto-fermented sauerkraut made with organic cabbage and sea salt. It has a crunchy texture and tangy flavor, making it a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and other recipes. This brand also offers sauerkraut juice for those who don’t care for the taste of fermented cabbage. All their products are free from preservatives and additives, retaining all its beneficial probiotics and enzymes.
These are just a few of the best Unpasteurized Sauerkraut brands on the market. With so many options, there’s sure to be one that suits your taste and nutritional needs! Enjoy the health benefits of sauerkraut with these quality products.
Best store-bought sauerkraut
You can buy sauerkraut in many places in the USA, including:
Grocery stores and supermarkets: Sauerkraut is typically sold in the vegetarian/vegan section or in the refrigerated food area. You can find sauerkraut at major supermarkets such as Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and local grocery stores.
Farmers’ markets: If you want to buy natural sauerkraut without preservatives, local farmers’ markets often have these products. Otherwise, you can inquire about local sauerkraut makers in your area.
Online purchase: If you’re looking for specific types of sauerkraut or can’t find it in local stores, you can buy sauerkraut online through websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, or directly from sauerkraut producers.
When purchasing sauerkraut, be sure to check the brand and ingredients to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
V. Related question
How do you know if sauerkraut is pasteurized?
The best way to know if a sauerkraut is pasteurized is to check the label. Pasteurized sauerkraut will include the words “pasteurized” or “heat treated” on the packaging. It may also have ingredients that indicate it has been heated, such as vinegar and other preservatives. Unpasteurized sauerkraut will not have these words or ingredients listed on the label and instead should be made only with cabbage, salt, and water. Additionally, unpasteurized sauerkraut tends to have a more mellow flavor compared to pasteurized versions.
Is all refrigerated sauerkraut unpasteurized?
No, not all refrigerated sauerkraut is unpasteurized. Some brands may use pasteurization to extend the shelf life of their product, so it’s important to check the label before purchasing. If the package says “pasteurized” or “heat treated” then it has been processed using heat. If the label only lists cabbage, salt, and water as ingredients then it likely has not been pasteurized. Unpasteurized sauerkraut will typically be found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
Should sauerkraut be unpasteurized?
Some people may prefer to consume unpasteurized sauerkraut because it retains more of its beneficial probiotics and enzymes. Pasteurization, which involves heating the product, can reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria that’s present in the food. However, pasteurized products tend to have a longer shelf life than unpasteurized versions, so the choice is ultimately up to the consumer.
It’s important to note that unpasteurized sauerkraut can contain harmful bacteria if not prepared and stored correctly. For this reason, it’s important to purchase from a reputable source and follow all preparation instructions when consuming unpasteurized sauerkraut.
Is unpasteurized sauerkraut a good probiotic?
Yes, unpasteurized sauerkraut is a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to improve digestive health and boost immunity. Unpasteurized sauerkraut contains active cultures that can provide these benefits. However, it’s important to purchase from a reputable source since improper preparation and storage can lead to contamination with harmful bacteria. As long as the product is made and stored correctly, unpasteurized sauerkraut can be a great source of probiotics for those looking to boost their gut health.
Is all canned sauerkraut pasteurized?
Not all canned sauerkraut is pasteurized. Some brands will use pasteurization to extend the shelf life of their product, but it’s important to check the label before purchasing. If the package says “pasteurized” or “heat treated” then it has been processed using heat. If the label only lists cabbage, salt, and water as ingredients then it likely has not been pasteurized. Unpasteurized sauerkraut will typically be found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
Is German sauerkraut pasteurized?
It depends on the brand. Many German sauerkraut brands will use pasteurization to extend the shelf life of their product, so it’s important to check the label before purchasing. If the package says “pasteurized” or “heat treated” then it has been processed using heat. If the label only lists cabbage, salt, and water as ingredients then it likely has not been pasteurized. Unpasteurized sauerkraut will typically be found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
Conclusion
Unpasteurized sauerkraut can be a great source of probiotics and beneficial bacteria that help to improve digestive health. While pasteurization can extend the shelf life of sauerkraut, it also reduces the amount of probiotics present in the product. Therefore, those looking for a good probiotic should look for the best unpasteurized sauerkraut brands, which can typically be found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores or farmers’ markets. It’s important to purchase from a reputable source and follow all preparation instructions when consuming unpasteurized sauerkraut.
