How Long Does Sauerkraut Last?

Got a sauerkraut jar for a long time, but now wondering, what if it goes bad? How long does sauerkraut last? How to keep it safe from getting spoiled? Don’t these questions sound familiar? Well, you are at the right place. This blog post is here to answer all your queries. Keep reading to find out more!

When it comes to storing sauerkraut in the fridge, unpasteurized can last for 1 year, while an open and unpasteurized can stay for 1 to 2 months. At the same time, an unopened pack of pasteurized sauerkraut can last for 3 to 6 months, while an opened pack can last for a week. 

Pasteurized, unopened sauerkraut, when kept in the pantry, can last for 3 to 6 months, and unpasteurized one can last for less than a day. Sauerkraut can last for a year in the freezer. Freezing the sauerkraut is the best possible way to extend its shelf life. 

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage and is a good source of fiber. It is an extremely healthy and nutritionally enriched ingredient. It fills your body with the goodness of vitamins and minerals. Wondering about its taste? Just think of kimchi but without blazing spiciness. You can enjoy its flavors, both raw and cooked. 

In this article, you will get an insight into the signs of spoilage, ways of storage, and the shelf life of the sauerkraut. Let’s zone in and know how long does sauerkraut last? 

How Long Does Sauerkraut Last?

Before getting into details, let’s get a sneak peek at the shelf life of the sauerkraut. 

How Long Does Sauerkraut Last In The Pantry?

If you somehow left a pasteurized, unopened sauerkraut in the pantry. Then you do not need to worry about it getting spoiled. It can last for 3 to 6 months or best by date. I do not recommend you store pasteurized and open sauerkraut in the pantry. It can easily get spoiled.

When it comes to unpasteurized and unopened sauerkraut, it can last for 1 day, while an open pack of unpasteurized sauerkraut can only last for a few hours. 

How Long Does Sauerkraut Last In The Refrigerator?

When it comes to refrigerating the unpasteurized, unopened sauerkraut, it can last for 3 months, or you can say best by date, while unpasteurized, open sauerkraut can stay fresh for 1 to 2 months or best by date. 

Let’s now talk about pasteurized and unopened packs of sauerkraut. It can last about 3 to 6 months, whereas the opened one lasts up to a week. 

How Long Does Sauerkraut Last In The Freezer?

Freezing the sauerkraut is the best possible way to extend its shelf life. Whether pasteurized or unpasteurized, sauerkraut all can last for a year when kept in the freezer. But ensure you store sauerkraut in an air-tight container to slow its spoilage process. 

Does Sauerkraut Go Bad? 

Yes, sauerkraut does go bad after some time. The fresh sauerkraut has a tangy and little sour aroma and has light cream color. 

But when it gets spoiled, you may notice spots, an overwhelmingly sour taste, and the presence of mold. If you notice any of these signs, then you must discard them. 

To extend the shelf life of the sauerkraut, you must pay attention to its storage. To avoid spoilage, you can use zip-loc bags or air-tight containers to store sauerkraut. 

How To Tell If Sauerkraut Goes Bad? 

Are you confused about whether your sauerkraut is good to use or not? Well, here I list some points you must remember to check whether sauerkraut is apt for further use.  

1. Unpleasant Smell

Well, the best way to check whether sauerkraut is good for use or not is its odor. Loosen the lid and give it a nice smell. The original aroma of the sauerkraut is quite fresh and distinctive. 

The basic smell of sauerkraut is tangy and sour with earthy flavors; if you are familiar with that, you will know if it is spoiled! 

The spoiled sauerkraut smells extra sour than usual. Well, it is quite tricky as it also has a sour smell, so you need to be extra sure about this. You must discard it whenever you feel an extra sour smell or rotten odor.

2. Change in appearance

The simple and easy way to find the spoilage of sauerkraut is to check its appearance. The original color of this ingredient is a light cream color. 

But if you notice any kind of color change, then you must discard it. The appearance of black or green patches shows that it is time to discard it away. 

3. Presence of mold

We all know molds occur when sauerkraut is exposed to bacterial attacks. If you notice any kind of cloudy appearance, then you must throw it away. The molds are unfit for human consumption. 

4. Change in taste 

If you have checked the signs mentioned above and the sauerkraut seems fine, try another way. This way includes the tasting of sauerkraut. 

If it has a bit of a sour taste and feels fresh and crunchy, it is good to go, but if you experience its taste being bitter, extra sour, or rotten, you must toss it away. 

5. Stored for too long

If your sauerkraut is kept in the fridge for a long time, it is the right time to discard it. Make sure you store it properly and consume it before it gets rotten or spoiled. 

How To Store Sauerkraut To Extend Its Shelf Life? 

Want to know how to extend the shelf life of sauerkraut? Follow these easy yet effective ways to store sauerkraut. 

1. Freezing 

If you want to extend the shelf life of the sauerkraut, then it is best to store it in the freezer. However, freezing may affect its texture and kill some probiotics. By freezing, you can extend the shelf life of sauerkraut for 6 to 12 months. 

2. Refrigerate it

Rather than storing it in the pantry, it is better to store sauerkraut in the fridge. This will help to extend the shelf life up to a month. Refrigerating provides a cool and dry place to store sauerkraut. 

3. Keep it away from sunlight

If you want to increase the shelf life of sauerkraut, make sure you keep it away from heat and direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can contribute to the spoilage of sauerkraut. Thus keep it away from heat and direct sunlight. 

4. Transferring sauerkraut to a smaller container

Once the whole batch of sauerkraut is fermented in one container, I suggest you transfer it to small containers. This will preserve the whole batch from getting spoiled. It is easier to manage a small jar than a whole container. 

5. Don’t store sauerkraut in a can

Well, it is not a good idea to store sauerkraut in a can. I would rather suggest you place it in the zip-loc bag. You can also use plastic or glass containers to store sauerkraut. 4

Make sure you properly seal the container. Do not forget to add brine to the container. The addition of brine prevents the sauerkraut from getting dry and becoming rancid. 

6. Wash it properly

Before placing it in the refrigerator, remember to wash it properly. Washing sauerkraut ensures that the chances of bacterial contamination are reduced. Just store it in the refrigerator in plastic containers which are properly sealed. 

Tips To Extend Its Shelf Life Of Sauerkraut 

• Make sure you keep sauerkraut away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Use plastic or glass containers to store it.
• You can also use zip-loc bags to store sauerkraut. 
• Use the brine to extend the shelf life of sauerkraut. 
• Avoid storing it in a can. 

Conclusion 

I hope all your doubts are cleared now. With proper storage, you can extend the shelf life of the sauerkraut. Use air-tight containers or Ziploc bags to store them. 

Before using sauerkraut, make sure you check the signs of spoilage. One of the best ways to extend its shelf life is to store it in the freezer. So, prepare a delicious ham dish with sauerkraut and enjoy it with your loved ones! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)