Trader Joe's sells a pickled Persian cucumber each month. A bite of this crunchy, refreshing treat packs a wallop. But many consumers have problems with Trader Joe's pickled cucumbers, which are coated in preservatives. Some have questions about the health benefits of a cucumber soaked in vinegar, and others wonder if Trader Joe's is cheating customers by using pickled and soaked cucumbers instead of fresh ones. To help you out, we have highlighted some of the health-related pros and cons of Trader Joe's sauerkraut below.

The pro is that sauerkraut has a strong, tangy taste that usually fills me with gladness - much like the sensation you get when you eat freshly picked berries. I often find myself reaching for a glass of wine or beer after a meal, and the smell is almost as strong as the flavor. It is also crisp on the palate, with a slight tartness that satisfies most palates. There are other health benefits to sauerkraut, as well. If the fermented pickled stuff is made without lactic acid (a key component of vinegar) and fermented at an appropriate temperature, it can be beneficial in helping to control both heart disease and high blood pressure.

The con is that Trader Joe's sells pickled sauerkraut that has been pasteurized at the temperature they specify, not at the temperatures used by other vinegar manufacturers. Pasteurized sauerkraut has less healthy properties than the fermented variety and may contain more calories and fewer nutrients. As a result, I would advise buyers of Trader Joe's sauerkraut to purchase the store bought variety and use it sparingly.

But what about those who love the taste of freshly pickled raw sauerkraut? Is there a substitute available? Fortunately, there are some very good alternatives to the store bought variety that are available on the market today. Two very good ones are traditional raw potato yogurt and probiotic cultured yogurt.

Traditionally, sauerkraut was eaten raw from the roots. Today it is often added to salads and other dishes at the table. My wife prefers the fermented variety, but either type will bring out the rich flavor of the pickled persian cucumbers used in the dish. A thick consistency sometimes adds a bit of separation from the cranberries, raisins or other fruits used to sweeten the pickled vegetable mixture. My favorite is the pickled cured cucumbers because it is so easy to make and enjoy - it really makes a difference when serving the traditional dish on the table!


trader joe's sauerkraut Trader Joe's sells a variety of sauerkraut products which are sold under its own brand name. Among the best sellers are their pickled Persian cucumbers in a variety of sweet marinades, sauerkraut patties with a savory caramelized butter. These melt in your mouth treats are absolutely delicious. They are quite tasty as a salad ingredient or served on their own, to be enjoyed as a snack. For something different to serve the pickled sauerkraut with a deliciously delicate piece of raw spinach.

Another excellent seller in Trader Joe's is their probiotics yogurt. Trader Joe's Probiotic Yogurt is very popular among those seeking a low carb, high nutritional yogurt alternative. This version comes in three strains - one is a freeze dried supplement, one is an active ingredient which are included in the yogurt, and the third strain has live, active cultures, which are replenished as you eat the yogurt. The crunchy, thick probiotics yogurt with the tangy taste of the sauerkraut is absolutely scrumptious.

As an added treat, try their delicious creamy goat cheese dip that comes in a wonderful sweet pickled in vinegar with a tart crust. Try Trader Joe's Greek style sauerkraut patties which come in a variety of flavors and textures. All of these tasty sauerkraut patties are available on their website and can be made in the in-store at any of the vegetarian food displays.