Can Sauerkraut Go Bad?: Are you a Sauerkraut lover and not sure about the storage practices and shelf life of this healthy dish?
Whether you fall into the category that you cook it quite a ton or seldom use it you might have got this Query Can Sauerkraut Safe to Eat then, this article is for you as we will explain everything in this guide.
Sauerkraut has a long shelf life and doesn’t spoil that easily but that doesn’t mean it lasts forever. Read on to know more about How to Tell if Sauerkraut is Bad, Tips to Store Sauerkraut for a long time here.
Learn How Long Sauerkraut Last, What Happens if You Eat an Expired Sauerkraut, and the Differences between Unpasteurized vs. Pasteurized Sauerkraut in the further sections.
- Can Sauerkraut Go Bad?
- Unpasteurized vs. Pasteurized Sauerkraut
- How Long Does Sauerkraut Last?
- How to Store Sauerkraut?
- How to Tell if your Sauerkraut has Gone Bad? | Signs that Sauerkraut Has Gone Bad
- Does Sauerkraut Need to Be Refrigerated?
- Can You Freeze Sauerkraut?
- Does Sauerkraut Go Bad if not Refrigerated?
- How Long does Cooked Sauerkraut Last in the Fridge?
- What Happens if you eat Bad Sauerkraut?
Can Sauerkraut Go Bad?
Yes, Sauerkraut can go bad with time. However, this takes a certain time to go bad. If you preserve Sauerkarut in a Sugar and Vinegar Solution it will not go bad and even extend the shelf life. The Pickling Solution present prevents bacterial growth and thus the product will not go bad easily. It can be damaged only if it is not stored properly.
Unpasteurized vs. Pasteurized Sauerkraut
There are two kinds of Sauerkraut available in the market namely Unpasteurized Sauerkraut and Sauerkraut namely. The key difference between these two is that the first one is raw and alive, full of probiotics whereas in the second one probiotics are dead.
You need to refrigerate the Unpasteurized Sauerkraut as the fermentation process is still ongoing. As there are no live bacteria in the Pasteurized Sauerkraut there is no need to refrigerate this. Certain products stay in between and don’t need refrigeration. Most of the time Sauerkraut is either one type or the other.
How Long Does Sauerkraut Last?
Unpasteurized Sauerkraut will stay in the fridge for about a few months even beyond the expiration date. Whereas Pasteurized Sauerkraut will stay up to only 7-10 days after opening. The difference between the Pasteurized one and the Unpasteurized one is huge in terms of shelf life.
However, the shelf life even depends on the factors like the brand of the product. The Shelf life will be based on the recommended date the manufacturer suggests and sometimes even beyond it. Now that you have known the Shelf Life of Sauerkraut have a glance at the below table.
| Type | Pantry | Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Sauerkraut (unpasteurized, unopened) | Sell-by + 3+ months | |
| Sauerkraut (unpasteurized, open) | 1-2+ months for best taste | |
| Sauerkraut (pasteurized, unopened) | Best-by + 3-6 months | |
| Sauerkraut (pasteurized, open) | 5 – 7 days |
How to Store Sauerkraut?
Of all how you can store Sauerkraut the best way to store is to keep it in a Refrigerator. Refrigeration minimizes bacterial growth as well as reduces the risk of spoilage. As Sauerkraut doesn’t stay well in hot and humid environments better keep it in cold storage so that you can extend its shelf life.
To keep the Sauerkraut in the Fridge, you better leave it in the Original Packaging itself. On the other hand, if the Kraut comes in any tins you should transfer them to plastic bags or glass jars.
If the sauerkraut is kept in the fridge it will last about 6 months or even more if stored at proper temperatures. Remember to Seal it tightly after every use.
See More:
How to Tell if your Sauerkraut has Gone Bad? | Signs that Sauerkraut Has Gone Bad
If you find yourself a jar of Sauerkarut sitting in your Fridge for a long time and are not sure how to figure out if it is safe to eat or not. Follow the below-listed ways to check if it is fine or not and then decide whether to toss it out or not.
- Off Smell: If you notice any kind of funky or off smell it is clear that sauerkraut has gone bad. If yours is fresh your Sauerkraut should smell fermented.
- White Smell on the Surface: If the brine is left uncovered for a couple of days there might be chances that your sauerkraut might develop a white film on the surface or even mold might show up.
- Sour: If you have stored your Unpasteurized Sauerkraut in the Fridge too long there are chances that your Kraut might become too sour and it is time to toss it out.
- Storage Time: If your Pasteurized Sauerkraut is kept in the Fridge for a too long time better let it go. If this is an issue better toss it out for quality purposes.
Does Sauerkraut Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, in the case of an Unpasteurised Sauerkraut Refrigeration is needed most of the time. However, Pasteurized Sauerkraut needs Refrigeration only if the jar is opened. Since the Unpasteurised Sauerkraut is undergoing the fermentation process better store it in a Refrigerator better slow down the process.
Can You Freeze Sauerkraut?
Yes, you can Freeze Sauerkraut just like any other food. Freezing is not mandatory but you can do so to extend the Shelf Life of the Product. On the other hand, freezing will change the taste and texture of the Sauerkraut.
Frozen Sauerkraut will not have the same taste as a freshly bought Sauerkraut. If you still want to freeze the Sauerkraut it is better to transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
Read More:
FAQs on Does Sauerkraut Go Bad
1. Does Sauerkraut Go Bad if not Refrigerated?
No, Sauerkraut will not go bad that easily unless and until you leave it to air exposure. However, storing it in the Refrigerator will increase its shelf life.
2. How Long Does Cooked Sauerkraut Last in the Fridge?
If Kept in a Refrigerator Cooked Sauerkraut can stay up to 4-5 days in the Fridge.
3. What Happens if you eat Bad Sauerkraut?
You may experience the symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, and indigestion.
Final Words
We wish the info shared here regarding Can Sauerkraut Go Bad has shed some light on you. Make sure to follow the guidelines and storage tips explained above to enjoy your Sauerkraut for a long time comparatively.
If you have any other questions to shoot up related to Sauerkraut and its Shelf Life and we are open to hearing and will try to answer them at the soonest. Keep connected to know more info related to How Long Radishes Last and all in a matter of seconds.