Shop Map Research Get the app
Sauerkraut

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Sauerkraut healthy?

Sauerkraut scores 80/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sauerkraut is a processed food with a simple ingredient list, primarily consisting of sauerkraut and salt, which are beneficial for gut health due to fermentation.

How processed is Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Sauerkraut's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sauerkraut, Ascorbic Acid count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

98
VEGETABLES
Meijer
98
Organic Zucchini - Each, Vegetables
$0.83
98
Organic Celery - Each, Vegetables
98
Organic Mixed Vegetables
Wellsley

See more

Sauerkraut

Lowell
80 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Lowell Farms
Category Vegetables
Summary

This sauerkraut is a processed food with a simple ingredient list, primarily consisting of sauerkraut and salt, which are beneficial for gut health due to fermentation. The presence of ascorbic and citric acids as additives is minimal and not harmful, but the processing level limits the score. Despite being processed, the clean label and health benefits of sauerkraut contribute positively to its rating.

Key ingredients 4

Sauerkraut
Good

Sauerkraut is a fermented food that provides probiotics beneficial for gut health. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and supports digestive health. It is a traditional food with a long history of consumption.

Benefits

Rich in probiotics that support gut health and digestion. Contains vitamins and minerals that are more bioavailable due to fermentation.

Ascorbic Acid
Good

Vitamin C — beneficial even when serving as a preservative.

Benefits

Acts as an antioxidant and helps preserve the color and freshness of the product.

See more about Ascorbic Acid →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in sauerkraut. It is a necessary component for the fermentation process. However, excessive consumption of salt can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Essential for the fermentation process and enhances flavor. Provides sodium, an essential electrolyte.

See more about Salt →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in many processed foods. It is naturally found in citrus fruits and is generally recognized as safe. Its role in sauerkraut is primarily to maintain acidity and freshness.

Benefits

Helps maintain acidity and freshness, enhancing the shelf life of the product.

See more about Citric Acid →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Vegetables