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Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut

andWendy Dahl


Release Date: 3/24/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-FS474-2026

Family and Consumer Sciences

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.

About this Publication

This document is FSHN26-3, one of a series of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date March 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

How to Cite

Domingues, P. P., & Dahl, W. (2026). Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut. EDIS, 2026(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fs474-2026

Authors

Paula P. Domingues
Paula P. Domingues

alum and former dietetic intern (MS-DI, Spring '24), UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Gainesville, FL

Wendy Dahl
Wendy Dahl
Specialist
University of Florida

professor and Extension specialist, UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

Publication #FSHN26-3

Peer Reviewed