Australian Supermarket Sauerkraut Taste Test Reveals Wide Range of Flavours and Textures
A recent blind taste test of Australian supermarket sauerkraut products brought together Nicholas Jordan and eight friends to sample 21 different shredded and fermented cabbage items. The focus was on texture, taste, and funk, with the aim of identifying the qualities that make sauerkraut a valued condiment, especially its hallmark acidity and fermentation character.
Expectations and Surprises in Sauerkraut Quality
The tasters expected sauerkraut to be sour, crunchy, and full of fermentation depth. However, some products lacked acidity and vigor, presenting instead as wet, salty cabbage without the expected sourness. This absence of acidity was described as deflating to the spirit and unbalanced in flavor.
Contrary to the assumption that acidity and softness go hand in hand, the best sauerkrauts in the test were both tart and crunchy. The tasters were pleased to find that none of the products were unpleasant, with the lowest score given being 5.5 out of 10, and many products scoring around 7 out of 10.
Notable Sauerkraut Products from the Taste Test
- Herbs of Life Sauerkraut with Seaweed – Priced at $12.99 for 380g, this product stood out for its unique oceanic flavor and crunch. It contains wakame seaweed, which can impart umami similar to MSG. The ginger and red cabbage variants were also noted for their distinctive tastes.
- Bryne Co Sauerkraut with Garlic and Pepper – Available at Woolworths for $4 per 460g, this sauerkraut was described as having a strong garlic and chili aroma reminiscent of Hunan cuisine. While some questioned if it was traditional sauerkraut, many expressed interest in buying it for pairing with meats and hotdogs.
- Marco Sauerkraut – At $2.55 for 500g, this product was bright, salty, and fresh with added acid, though its smell was strong and divisive. Despite some reviewers reacting to its aroma, it scored at least 6 out of 10 for taste.
- Always Fresh Sauerkraut – Polish – Priced at $4.30 for 460g, this sauerkraut had a smoky cheese-like flavor, which is unusual but impressive given its widespread availability and consistent acidity.
- Edgell Sauerkraut – This canned product, costing $3.60 for 410g, had a distinctive grey-yellow color and a complex aroma described variously as “shredded grandpa skin” and reminiscent of Italian walnut liqueur. The canning process likely affected its flavor profile.
- Wicked Sinfully Sublime Sauerkraut – Available at Coles for $3.50 per 460g, this sauerkraut shared similarities with Always Fresh, including acidity and a slight cheese flavor. It was described as very approachable and enjoyable.
- Sandhurst Polish Sauerkraut – At $4.50 for 500g, this product featured extremely sour flavor and thin, noodle-like cabbage strands. Its sourness was notable and it had a smoky appeal similar to Always Fresh.
- Coles Special Burger Slaw – This 440g product priced at $3.50 was described as oniony and sweet, with a flavor likened to the smell of a McDonald’s pickle. Unlike other sauerkrauts, it was considered a different product altogether, more suited as a burger accompaniment than a traditional sauerkraut.
- Deli Originals Sauerkraut with Beetroot and Apple – Sold at Aldi for $2.59 per 460g, this sauerkraut was seen as a mild side dish that did not assert itself with acidity or texture, making it less effective as a traditional sauerkraut.
- Kühne Barrel Sauerkraut – Available at Woolworths for $6.20 per 810g, this product was noted for lacking zest and impact, described metaphorically as a techno concert without a beat. It was not unpleasant but lacked the defining qualities of good sauerkraut.
Summary of Findings on Australian Supermarket Sauerkraut
The taste test highlighted the diversity of Australian supermarket sauerkraut products, ranging from highly acidic and crunchy to soft and mild. Some products introduced unique flavors such as seaweed or garlic, while others resembled more conventional European styles. One product was notably described as tasting like the smell of a McDonald’s pickle, illustrating the variety in flavor profiles available.
Overall, while some sauerkrauts lacked the expected sourness and vigor, none were considered unpleasant, and many offered a satisfying balance of acidity and texture. Consumers seeking traditional sauerkraut flavors have options, but should be aware of the differences in taste and style among brands.