Does Trader Joe's Have Raw Sauerkraut?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of the body's immune system resides in the gut, making probiotic-rich foods a popular wellness choice. For those seeking digestive support, a common question arises: does Trader Joe's have raw sauerkraut? Yes, Trader Joe's offers a naturally fermented, raw, and unpasteurized sauerkraut product, typically found in the refrigerated section of the store.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that Trader Joe's carries raw sauerkraut. It details the specific product, 'Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers,' explains why it qualifies as raw and live, and highlights its probiotic benefits and key ingredients.

Key Points

Availability: Yes, Trader Joe's offers a raw, naturally fermented sauerkraut in the refrigerated section of their stores.
Specific Product: The item is named "Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers".
Fermentation Method: It is traditionally fermented using just cabbage, cucumbers, sea salt, and garlic, without added vinegar or heat pasteurization.
Probiotic Benefits: Because it is unpasteurized, the sauerkraut contains live, beneficial bacteria (probiotics) important for gut health.
Location: Always find it in the refrigerated food aisle, not on a shelf with canned goods.
Labeling: The product details confirm that it is raw and not pasteurized.
Distinct Flavor: The addition of Persian cucumbers gives it a unique, crunchy, and tangy flavor profile.

Yes, Trader Joe's Sells Raw, Probiotic-Rich Sauerkraut

For those searching for raw and naturally fermented foods, Trader Joe's offers a product that fits the bill perfectly. The popular "Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers" is a naturally fermented item that contains live, beneficial bacteria. Unlike many shelf-stable varieties that are heat-treated or pasteurized to extend their shelf life, Trader Joe's version is found in the refrigerated section, a strong indicator that it contains live cultures. The store's own product description explicitly states that it is not cooked or pasteurized, and no vinegar or lab-cultured starters are used in its production.

The Fermentation Process at Trader Joe's

The secret to Trader Joe's raw sauerkraut is its traditional, all-natural fermentation method. Shredded green cabbage and Persian cucumbers are combined with sea salt and garlic. The salt draws the water out of the vegetables, creating a natural brine. In this brine, naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria convert the vegetables' carbohydrates into lactic acid. This process is what gives sauerkraut its distinct tangy flavor and also acts as a natural preservative, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. This fermentation is what makes the product a potent source of probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits, especially to the digestive system.

Why Raw Sauerkraut is a Healthier Choice

There is a significant difference between raw, fermented sauerkraut and its canned, pasteurized counterparts. The pasteurization process involves heating the product to a high temperature, which effectively kills off the live probiotic cultures. This is done to create a shelf-stable product that can be stored at room temperature for extended periods. However, it also eliminates the very benefits many people seek from fermented foods. Raw sauerkraut, by contrast, retains its full spectrum of live cultures and enzymes, making it far more beneficial for gut health.

Key differences between raw and pasteurized sauerkraut:

Live Cultures: Raw has live probiotics, pasteurized does not.
Refrigeration: Raw requires refrigeration, pasteurized is shelf-stable.
Flavor Profile: Raw often has a more complex, tangy flavor, while pasteurized can taste more acidic or vinegary.
Health Benefits: Raw offers significant gut health benefits, while pasteurized offers only limited nutritional value.

What to look for when buying raw sauerkraut:

To ensure you are getting a truly raw and live product, keep these tips in mind:

Refrigerated Section: Always check the refrigerated aisle, not the canned goods section. Raw sauerkraut requires constant chilling.
"Raw" or "Unpasteurized" Label: Look for these specific terms on the packaging. The Trader Joe's product specifically calls itself "all-natural fermentation" and confirms it is not cooked or pasteurized.
Simple Ingredients: A good raw sauerkraut will have a short, simple ingredient list. Trader Joe's version contains only cabbage, Persian cucumbers, sea salt, and garlic. Avoid products with added vinegar or preservatives.

The Trader Joe's Sauerkraut Product Profile

The Trader Joe's Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers is not a traditional German-style kraut. The addition of Persian cucumbers and garlic gives it a unique flavor profile that some reviewers rave about. This variation makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or eating straight from the jar. While some customers have noted inconsistencies in texture or flavor over time, the product remains a popular choice for its probiotic content and flavor.

Here is a comparison of Trader Joe's offering versus a typical shelf-stable brand:


Feature	Trader Joe's Raw Sauerkraut	Typical Shelf-Stable Sauerkraut
Pasteurized?	No	Yes
Live Cultures?	Yes	No
Storage	Refrigerated	Pantry
Ingredients	Cabbage, cucumbers, sea salt, garlic	Cabbage, water, salt, possibly vinegar/preservatives
Probiotic Benefits	High	None
Flavor Profile	Tangy, crunchy, with a subtle pickle flavor	Often more acidic, softer

Beyond Trader Joe's: Other Raw Sauerkraut Options

While Trader Joe's provides a convenient and accessible option, several other brands specialize in raw, naturally fermented sauerkraut. Companies like Wildbrine and Bubbies offer a variety of options, many of which are organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Exploring these brands can help you find a flavor and texture that best suits your preferences. It's always best to compare labels and ingredients to ensure you're getting a quality, unpasteurized product.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Does Trader Joe's have raw sauerkraut?" is a resounding yes. Their popular refrigerated product, Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers, is naturally fermented and unpasteurized, providing all the probiotic benefits of a raw fermented food. By keeping it refrigerated and avoiding heat treatment, Trader Joe's ensures the live, active cultures remain intact. This makes it a great choice for supporting gut health and adding a tangy kick to your favorite dishes, though those seeking a classic, unadulterated kraut might prefer other brands. You can learn more about the health benefits of fermented foods from authoritative health sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Trader Joe's sauerkraut is not pasteurized. The product label and description from the company confirm that it is made through an all-natural fermentation process without cooking or heat pasteurization.

You can find the raw sauerkraut in the refrigerated section of the store, typically near other refrigerated pickles, dips, and cheeses.

Yes, because the sauerkraut is raw and unpasteurized, it contains live, active cultures that are beneficial for gut health.

The ingredients for Trader Joe's Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers are simple: green cabbage, Persian cucumbers, sea salt, and garlic.

Trader Joe's inventory can vary, but their most consistently available and well-known raw sauerkraut product is the Sauerkraut with Pickled Persian Cucumbers. Other types or brands are not typically part of their store-brand lineup.

You can determine if a sauerkraut is raw by checking two main things: its location in the store (it should be refrigerated) and the product label, which should state that it is raw, unpasteurized, or naturally fermented.

You can cook with it, but heating raw sauerkraut will kill the beneficial probiotic bacteria. For maximum health benefits, it's best to add the sauerkraut to your food after cooking, such as on top of hot dogs or sandwiches.