Have you ever wondered what happens if you eat bad sauerkraut? While fermented foods like sauerkraut are a healthy part of any diet, it’s important to know if what you’re eating has gone bad. Spoiled sauerkraut can cause several unpleasant side effects, so learning how to recognize the signs and prevent it is essential for all food lovers.
In this post, we’ll explore why sauerkraut goes bad, how to tell if its spoiled, and potential health risks associated with consuming tainted kraut. Read on to get the inside scoop!

Is sauerkraut spoiled?
That depends on a few factors. If the sauerkraut has been stored properly, it should be safe to eat for several months – even up to a year. However, if the sauerkraut has been exposed to too much oxygen or heat, or if bacteria has begun growing on the surface of the kraut, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
Does sauerkraut have an expiration date?
Yes, sauerkraut does have an expiration date. Depending on the type of sauerkraut and how it is stored, the expiration date can vary from a few weeks to several months. Be sure to check the label on the package for the exact expiration date. If you’re not sure, it’s best to discard any sauerkraut that has been open for longer than a week.
Why does Sauerkraut spoil?
Sauerkraut can spoil due to a number of factors, such as:
- Contamination: Sauerkraut can be contaminated with bacteria if it has been stored in an unclean environment or container, handled by someone who didn’t wash their hands properly, or exposed to other sources of contamination.
- Improper storage conditions: Sauerkraut needs to be stored in an airtight container at a temperature below 40°F (4.5°C) to prevent bacteria from growing on the surface of the kraut.
- Exposure to oxygen: Oxygen can cause the sauerkraut to spoil faster, so it’s important to make sure that the container is completely sealed.
- Exposure to light: Light can cause sauerkraut to go bad faster, so it’s best to store it in a dark place.
- Improper fermentation: If the fermenting sauerkraut process isn’t done correctly, or if too much salt is added, this can cause the sauerkraut to spoil prematurely.
- Insufficient acidity: Sauerkraut needs to have a low pH in order to prevent bacterial growth. If the acidity is insufficient, this can cause it to spoil faster.
If you’re ever unsure about whether or not your sauerkraut is spoiled, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

What happens if you eat bad Sauerkraut?
Answer the question “Can eating bad sauerkraut make you sick?” If you eat spoiled sauerkraut, you may experience digestive upset such as:
- Nausea: This is often the first symptom of spoiled sauerkraut.
- Vomiting: Eating spoiled sauerkraut can cause vomiting which can lead to dehydration.
- Diarrhea: Spoiled foods can contain bacteria that may cause diarrhea.
- Abdominal Pain: Eating spoiled food may also lead to abdominal cramping and pain.

In some cases, it can lead to more serious food poisoning and should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, make sure to always check the expiration date before consuming any type of fermented food product like sauerkraut.
It’s important to take note of any these symptoms after eating spoiled sauerkraut and seek medical attention if necessary. Eating spoilt food can be very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If you suspect your sauerkraut is spoiled, it’s best to discard it and purchase a fresh batch. Taking the time to check expiration dates and store food properly can help prevent any unpleasant symptoms from eating spoiled foods.
How can you tell if sauerkraut is bad?
There are a few ways to tell if your sauerkraut is bad.
- The first way is by smell – if the kraut smells off or has an unpleasant odor, it’s best to throw it away.
- Visual cues can also be helpful – look for any signs of mold or discoloration on the surface of the kraut.
- If the kraut is slimy or has an unusually sour taste, it’s likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
- You can also check for any changes in consistency – if the sauerkraut has become mushy or soggy, it’s best to discard it.
- Finally, always make sure to read the expiration date on the package before consuming any fermented food product. If it’s past the expiration date, toss it out!
By taking these simple precautions, you can make sure that your sauerkraut is always fresh and safe to eat. Enjoying sauerkraut as part of a healthy diet is a great way to boost your gut health – just make sure that you have the freshest kraut possible!
How to minimize Sauerkraut spoilage?
There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent your sauerkraut from spoiling too quickly.
- First, make sure that the kraut is stored in an airtight container at temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C), such as how to freeze Sauerkraut.
- Second, ensure that the container is sealed tightly so that oxygen cannot enter and spoil the kraut.
- Third, store the kraut in a dark place away from direct light as this can cause it to spoil faster.
- Fourth, pay close attention to the fermentation process – make sure that you do not add too much salt or allow it to ferment for too long.
- Finally, always check the expiration date on the package before consuming any fermented food product.
By following these simple steps, you can minimize spoilage and ensure that your sauerkraut stays fresh for as long as possible!
>> Read more: The Perfect Sauerkraut Salt Ratio: A Comprehensive Guide
What should you do if sauerkraut is spoiled?
If you suspect that your sauerkraut is spoiled, it’s best to discard it and purchase a fresh batch. Eating spoiled food can be dangerous and may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur after consuming the kraut, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s also important to note that there is no way to salvage spoiled sauerkraut. Even if you cook it or reduce the acidity, it will still not be safe to consume. Therefore, make sure to always check the expiration date before eating any fermented product like sauerkraut.
Related questions
What does spoiled sauerkraut smell like?
Spoiled sauerkraut typically has a sour and unpleasant odor. It may also have a slimy texture or be discolored in appearance. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the kraut and purchase a fresh batch.
Does unopened frozen sauerkraut spoil?
Yes, unopened frozen sauerkraut can spoil. Make sure to always check the expiration date before consuming any type of fermented food product. If it’s past the expiration date, toss it out!
Is it safe to eat expired sauerkraut?
No, it is not safe to eat expired sauerkraut. It may contain dangerous bacteria and can cause food-borne illnesses if consumed. Therefore, make sure to always check the expiration date before eating any fermented product like sauerkraut. If it’s past the expiration date, discard it! This will help ensure that your sauerkraut is always fresh and safe to eat.
Can bad bacteria grow in sauerkraut?
Yes, bad bacteria can grow in sauerkraut if it is not stored correctly. For instance, storing the kraut at temperatures above 40°F (4.5°C) or allowing oxygen to enter the container can cause spoilage and bacterial growth.
Is slimy sauerkraut safe to eat?
No, slimy sauerkraut is not safe to eat. It is likely spoiled and can cause food-borne illnesses if consumed. Therefore, it’s best to discard the kraut and purchase a fresh batch. Check for any changes in consistency – if the sauerkraut has become mushy or soggy, it’s probably no longer safe to eat.
Why does my sauerkraut taste fizzy?
Sauerkraut that tastes fizzy is most likely still in the process of fermentation. The fizziness is caused by the production of carbon dioxide as a byproduct of fermentation. This is perfectly normal and not something to be concerned about – simply enjoy your sauerkraut! However, if the kraut tastes sour or has an off-taste, discard it and purchase a fresh batch.
Conclusion
Sauerkraut is a delicious food that can be enjoyed year-round. To make sure it stays fresh and safe to eat, always store it in an airtight container at temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C), pay close attention to the fermentation process, and check the expiration date before consuming any fermented product. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your sauerkraut always stays fresh and safe to eat!
If you suspect that the kraut has spoiled, discard it and purchase a fresh batch. If you don’t know what happens if you eat bad sauerkraut then the answer is eating spoiled food can be dangerous and may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Therefore, make sure to check the expiration date before consuming any fermented product like sauerkraut.
>> Related post: Best time to eat sauerkraut for gut health
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