Can You Freeze Sauerkraut: Tips for Preserving its Taste and Benefits

May 19, 2025

Have you ever excitedly opened your fridge, hoping to make a creamy pasta with the cheese you bought last week? But, alas, you’re met with the unwelcome sight of green mould clinging to its surface.

This familiar refrigerator mishap might make you ponder about the best ways to preserve your homemade sauerkraut. Is freezing sauerkraut ideal? Will it lead to the loss of its flavour and crunch?

This blog explores whether you can freeze sauerkraut and how freezing affects its taste, texture, and probiotic nature.

Let's find the answer to this chilly question and uncover some interesting frosty facts about sauerkraut!

What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is simply fermented cabbage that has been enjoyed for centuries for its tangy taste and probiotic benefits. It is made through a process called lactofermentation, where finely shredded cabbage is mixed with salt. This creates an environment that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria naturally present on the cabbage leaves.

These lactic acid bacteria thrive in an anaerobic environment (without oxygen) and feed on the sugars in the cabbage, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. This lactic acid gives sauerkraut its characteristic features:

Flavour: It imparts that distinctly tangy and acidic taste, often accompanied by a pleasant, slightly salty undertone.
Texture: Ideally, well-made sauerkraut boasts a satisfyingly crisp and crunchy texture.
Probiotic benefits: The fermentation process significantly increases the population of beneficial bacteria (probiotics), which are known to be good for gut health.
Natural preservation: The lactic acid produced during fermentation acts as a natural preservative, inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.

Are probiotics really good for your gut? Explore how The Good Bug’s range of daily probiotics can help you achieve better health by watching the video below.

Health benefits of sauerkraut

Beyond its unique taste and texture, sauerkraut offers several health benefits. While probiotics contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, sauerkraut is an excellent source of essential nutrients, which influences your health in different ways:

Vitamin C: It is known for supporting immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
Vitamin K: This vitamin is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
Dietary fiber: It aids digestive health and promotes a feeling of fullness.

Here's a closer look at the nutritional content of sauerkraut per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	22 kcal
Carbohydrates	4.3 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Protein	0.9 g
Fat	0.1 g
Sodium	308 mg
Potassium	170 mg (4% of DV)
Vitamin C	14.7 mg (16% of DV)
Vitamin K	13 μg (11% of DV)
Iron	1.47 mg (8% of DV)

With the health talk out of the way, let's answer the big question you've probably been wondering: Is freezing sauerkraut ideal?

Can you freeze sauerkraut?

If you've got a large quantity of sauerkraut and want to ensure none goes to waste, freezing might seem like a logical solution. It is particularly useful if you are looking for long-term storage beyond what refrigeration allows and wish to extend sauerkraut’s shelf life.

Let's consider how long sauerkraut typically lasts without freezing:

Homemade sauerkraut: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can generally last for several weeks, often ranging from 1 to 3 months.
Canned or store-bought sauerkraut (unopened): These commercially prepared options have a much longer shelf life and can often last for many months, even years, when stored unopened in a cool, dry pantry.
Canned or store-bought sauerkraut (opened): Once opened, these should be treated similarly to homemade sauerkraut and will need refrigeration, typically lasting for a few weeks.

On the contrary, frozen sauerkraut can last in the freezer for 8-12 months. However, it might not be the best choice for maintaining its quality.

While frozen and thawed sauerkraut is safe to eat and retain some of its nutritional value, the process can alter its beloved texture and vibrant flavour.

Can you freeze cooked sauerkraut?

Cooked sauerkraut can be frozen as well. In fact, the texture changes resulting from freezing might be less pronounced in cooked sauerkraut compared to its raw counterpart. You can generally freeze cooked sauerkraut for 3 to 6 months. The prior cooking process already softens the cabbage, so the impact of freezing and thawing on texture might be less noticeable.

But before you go rushing to pop that kraut in the freezer, let's chat about why you might want to think twice.

Why should you avoid freezing sauerkraut?

While freezing sauerkraut helps with preservation, it can unfortunately lead to a decline in some of its most desirable qualities and make it less enjoyable.

Here's why you should avoid freezing sauerkraut, if you can:

Probiotic loss: The process of freezing can potentially kill a significant portion of beneficial bacteria or at least render them inactive. While some may survive, the overall probiotic potency of your sauerkraut is likely to be reduced after a deep freeze.
Texture changes: Sauerkraut is known for its crisp, crunchy texture. When frozen, sauerkraut’s water content forms ice crystals within the cabbage cells, which can rupture the cell walls. Upon thawing, it leads to a flabby, mushy, or rubbery sauerkraut texture.
Flavour alteration: The vibrant, tangy flavour of sauerkraut can also be affected by freezing. Freezing sauerkraut can result in a less flavourful final product. It can lose some of its intensity, become milder or even develop slightly undesirable off-notes.

Since lactic acid fermentation naturally preserves sauerkraut, refrigeration suffices to keep it fresh for extended periods without risking the loss of its essential qualities.

Also read: Spotless and Smooth Skin: Is Sauerkraut Good for Acne?

Still hanging onto the idea of freezing? If so, let’s ensure you do it right!

How to freeze sauerkraut?

There might be instances where freezing a large batch of sauerkraut seems like the most feasible way to prevent waste.

While not the ideal method, if freezing is your chosen path, here are some tips to help minimise the potential loss of quality:

Use freezer-safe plastic bags or containers: Opt for sturdy, freezer-grade plastic bags or containers specifically designed to withstand the low temperatures. Avoid glass jars, as the water content in the sauerkraut will expand as it freezes, potentially causing the glass to crack or shatter.
Leave some headspace at the top of the container: When filling your bags or containers, make sure to leave about an inch or two of empty space at the top. This allows the sauerkraut to expand as it freezes without putting excessive pressure on the container.
Squeeze out as much air as possible: Minimise the amount of air trapped with the sauerkraut before sealing. Excess air can lead to freezer burn, which can negatively impact the flavour and texture of your kraut. If available, use a vacuum sealer to remove air.
Thaw slowly in the fridge: When using frozen sauerkraut, plan ahead and allow it to thaw gradually in the refrigerator for about 24-48 hours. This can help minimise drastic changes in texture compared to thawing it quickly at room temperature or defrosting in a microwave.
Consume sooner rather than later: While frozen sauerkraut can technically last for a considerable time, generally 8 to 12 months, it's best to use it as soon as possible after thawing. The longer it stays frozen, the greater the potential for further degradation in both texture and flavour.
Portion the sauerkraut before freezing: Consider dividing your sauerkraut into smaller, meal-sized portions before freezing. This way, you only need to thaw the amount you intend to use at one time, avoiding repeated freezing and thawing which can further compromise the texture and flavour.

Thinking outside the freezer box, there are other savvy ways to store your sauerkraut while keeping its essence intact.

Also read: Delicious Pairings: What Goes Good with Sauerkraut?

Alternative ways to store sauerkraut

Before reaching for the freezer, consider these alternative storage methods that are more effective at preserving the delightful tang and satisfying crispness of your sauerkraut:

Canning: Canning is a great way to store sauerkraut long-term. It involves heating the sauerkraut and sealing it in sterilised jars. Canned sauerkraut can last up to a year in the pantry, but the heating method might kill live cultures. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks.
Refrigeration: Refrigeration remains the most common and preferred method for everyday storage. By placing your sauerkraut in an airtight container and storing it at the back of the fridge, you can preserve its tangy flavour and crunchy texture for one to three months.
Traditional methods: Although less prevalent today, traditional methods of storing sauerkraut have stood the test of time and continue to be effective:

Basement storage: Historically, sauerkraut was stored in cool, humid environments like basements or cellars, typically in large, food-grade crocks. This method relied on the naturally cool temperatures (around 45–60°F) to slow fermentation and preserve its natural crunch.
Korean kimchi pots (Onggi): These traditional Korean earthenware vessels, known as Onggi, are porous and help regulate temperature and humidity, making them suitable for both fermenting and storing kimchi and sauerkraut.

Preserving sauerkraut is not just about prolonging shelf life but also maintaining its flavour and probiotic benefits. While you can freeze sauerkraut, it's often best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated with its vibrant tang and satisfying crunch intact. Ultimately, the best storage method for your sauerkraut will depend on your needs and the quantity you have on hand.

Are you ready to experience the authentic flavour and probiotic goodness of expertly crafted sauerkraut? Check out The Good Bug's sauerkraut, made with care to deliver that perfect balance of tang and texture straight to your plate. Visit our website to place your order and take home a fresh jar full of vibrant life!