Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut
Jars storing sauerkraut and other vegetables.
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Keywords

fermented foods
sauerkraut
lactic fermentation

Categories

How to Cite

Domingues, Paula P., and Wendy Dahl. 2026. “Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut : FSHN26-3 FS474, 3 2026”. EDIS 2026 (2). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-FS474-2026.

Abstract

Sauerkraut is a cabbage product that originated in ancient China and is now consumed worldwide. Sauerkraut is made through lactic acid fermentation, and it has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, individuals with high blood pressure, histamine sensitivities, those prescribed MAOIs, or those who are immunocompromised should consider avoiding sauerkraut due to its high sodium and histamine content, possible food safety risks, and potential interaction with MAOIs.

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https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-FS474-2026
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References

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National Research Council (NRC). 1992. “Report of an Ad Hoc Panel of the Board on Science and Technology for International Development.” In Applications of Biotechnology to Traditional Fermented Foods. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/1939

Nielson-Stowell, A. n.d. “The Safety of Fermented Food.” The Fermentation Association. Archived July 21, 2024, at https://web.archive.org/web/20240721222046/https://fermentationassociation.org/the-safety-of-fermented-food/

Özer, C., and H. K. Yıldırım. 2019. “Some Special Properties of Fermented Products with Cabbage Origin: Pickled Cabbage, Sauerkraut and Kimchi.” Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 7 (3): 490–497. https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v7i3.490-497.2350

Peñas, E., C. Martinez-Villaluenga, and J. Frias. 2017. Sauerkraut: Production, Composition, and Health Benefits.” In Fermented Foods in Health and Disease Prevention. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802309-9.00024-8

Raak, C., T. Ostermann, K. Boehm, and F. Molsberger. 2014. “Regular Consumption of Sauerkraut and Its Effect on Human Health: a Bibliometric Analysis.” Global Advances in Health and Medicine 3 (6): 12–18. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2014.038

Touret, T., M. Oliveira, and T. Semedo-Lemsaddek. 2018. “Putative Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Sauerkraut Fermentations.” PloS ONE 13 (9): e0203501. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203501

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). n.d. FoodData Central. Accessed January 14, 2026. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Zepp, M., A. Hirneisen, and L. LaBorde. 2023. “Let's Preserve: Fermentation—Sauerkraut and Pickles.” PennState Extension. Last updated May 22, 2023. https://extension.psu.edu/lets-preserve-fermentation-sauerkraut-and-pickles

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