Does Sauerkraut Need to Be Refrigerated

Chunky, crunchy and full health benefitsSauerkraut has been a traditional food enjoyed for centuries. But should sauerkraut be refrigerated?

The answer depends on whether it’s pasteurized or raw, store-bought or homemade, and how it’s sealed. In this guide, we’ll cover expert-backed storage tips, shelf life breakdowns, signs of spoilage, and fun ways to use up extra sauerkraut.

What is Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut means “sour cabbage” in German.

Sauerkraut is a condiment and ancient food traditionally made from minced cabbage fermented with salt and water. The fermentation process makes raw cabbage rich in probiotic nutrients that support gut health and have a distinctive sour taste.

Although this type of sauerkraut would be considered “raw,” most store-bought sauerkraut is not actually fermented. It’s just pickled cabbage.

Store-Bought Sauerkraut: What’s the Difference Between Raw and Pasteurized?

What sauerkraut you have will determine when to refrigerate your sauerkraut.

Pasteurized sauerkraut is common in most supermarkets. It’s usually sauerkraut made with a pickled vinaigrette, usually found packaged or canned and in the non-refrigerated section of the supermarket.

• Duration (unopened): 6-12 months in the pantry.
• After opening: Refrigerate and consume within 1-2 months.

Pasteurization kills the live bacteria commonly found in traditionally made pickles, and it is stable until opened. It won’t offer probiotic benefits, but it’s long-lasting and convenient.

Raw, unpasteurized sauerkraut found in supermarket fridges. It is traditionally made from fresh cabbage fermented with salt and water. It is rich in gut-healthy probiotics and is considered a living food.

• Duration (unopened): This type of sauerkraut should always be refrigerated, even before opening.
• After opening: It lasts 4-6 months in the cold and immersed in brine.
• Why: Raw sauerkraut is a “living food” with active probiotics. It is healthier, but also perishable.

Key Differences

• Pasteurized: Shelf stable, longer shelf life, no probiotics.
• Gross: Always refrigerated, shorter shelf life, probiotic benefits.
• Packaging: Store-bought sauerkraut can come in cans, jars, or vacuum-sealed bags. The preserves are pasteurized; put in a bag. Refrigerated versions are usually raw.

Need to refrigerate sauerkraut? Here’s what the experts say:

If sauerkraut is sold on a shelf (not refrigerated), it is pasteurized and safe to store unopened in the pantry.

If sold cold, it is raw and must be refrigerated at all times.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends refrigerating opened sauerkraut to slow bacterial growth and maintain quality.

Pasteurized sauerkraut in sealed jars can be stored at room temperature until opening, but raw sauerkraut should always be kept cold.

Raw, fermented sauerkraut is a living food. according to researchers from Penn State Extensioncooling is the key to prevent spoilage and to keep its probiotic benefits open or unopened.

Sauerkraut Shelf Life Breakdown

Carrying the key: You should always refrigerate raw sauerkraut, but pasteurized sauerkraut can sit in the pantry until opened.

Here’s a sign your Sauerkraut has gone bad

Even with proper storage, sauerkraut can spoil. Watch out for these warning signs:

Color change: Brown, dry or dull sauerkraut suggests spoilage.

Odorless: Sauerkraut should smell watery, not rotten or sulfurous.

Viscous Texture: This indicates bacterial contamination.

Mold growth: Mold gives off mycotoxins, which are chemicals that can make you sick if you ingest them. Visible mold means you should probably throw it away. For tips, check out our guide to finding out if your sauerkraut has gone bad.

Best practices for storing sauerkraut

✅ Store unopened pasteurized sauerkraut in a cool, dry pantry.
✅ Even before opening, always keep raw sauerkraut in the refrigerator.
✅ Use clean tools to avoid contamination.
✅ Close well after each use.
✅ Avoid direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures.

See also

Fun ways to use up extra sauerkraut

Sauerkraut isn’t just for hot dogs! Try these creative ideas:

Savory dishes

• Reuben sandwiches: Classic combination with beef, Swiss cheese and rye bread.
• Sauerkraut Dumplings: Fill the dumplings with sauerkraut and potatoes.
• German Sauerkraut Soup: A hearty winter dish with sausage and potatoes.

Unexpected twists and turns

• Sauerkraut Pancakes: Add to tasty pancakes.
• Sauerkraut Pizza: Top with sauerkraut, sausage and mozzarella.
• Fried Sauerkraut: Toss into stir-fry vegetables for acidity and crunch.

Health Promotion

• Sauerkraut Smoothies: Mix a tablespoon into green smoothies for probiotics.
• Sauerkraut Salad Mix: Toss with grated carrot, apple and vinaigrette.
• Sauerkraut Sauce: Combine with cream cheese and herbs for spread.

Final verdict: Should you refrigerate the sauerkraut?

Yes! Always refrigerate closed sauerkraut after opening.

Refrigerating your sauerkraut keeps it flavorful and safe to eat.

If you bought your sauerkraut in the grocery store cooler, you can safely store it in the pantry cupboard until you’re ready to enjoy it. Then refrigerate after opening.

Always make sure keep raw sauerkraut in the fridge, whether it is open or not. This helps retain its probiotic benefits while keeping it fresh. It will spoil very quickly if left out at room temperature.

With proper storage and a few creative recipes your sauerkraut will never go to waste.

Further reading

Does honey need to be refrigerated?

Must the mustard be refrigerated?

Does molasses go bad?

Does soy sauce need to be refrigerated?

Does olive oil go bad?