How long does sauerkraut last?

Checked 25 Oct 20262 official publishers, 2 sources

Canned, unopened: 12-18 months in the pantry.

Storage times for sauerkraut by state and place
StatePantryFridge 40 °F
Canned, unopened 12-18 months FoodKeeper Not stated
Canned, opened Not recommended FoodKeeper 5-7 days FoodKeeper
Times assume continuous refrigeration at 40 °F or below. When in doubt, throw it out. Freezer times are for quality: “Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.” FDA

Handling and freezing notes

  • Canned items will be safe to eat well past the ‘use-by’ or ‘best by’ date as long as the can shows no dents, rust, or swelling. FoodKeeper
  • “Fully fermented kraut may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for several months or it may be canned” Extension

What the sources say

FoodKeeper names sauerkraut in its entry for high acid canned goods, alongside juices, fruit, pickles, tomato soup and foods in vinegar-based sauce.1

Unopened canned sauerkraut falls under that entry's pantry time of 12 to 18 months from the date of purchase.1

Once the can is opened, FoodKeeper gives 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator and lists keeping it in the pantry as not recommended.1

The same entry says canned items will be safe to eat well past the use-by or best by date as long as the can shows no dents, rust or swelling.1

For kraut fermented at home, the National Center for Home Food Preservation gives no number of days: fully fermented kraut may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for several months, or it may be canned.2

Its recipe passes on the USDA recommendation to store sauerkraut at 70 to 75 °F while fermenting, where kraut is fully fermented in about 3 to 4 weeks; at 60 to 65 °F, fermentation may take 5 to 6 weeks.2

Below 60 °F kraut may not ferment, and above 75 °F it may become soft.2

When jars are used as the weight, the National Center says to check the kraut 2 to 3 times each week and remove scum if it forms; with a brine-filled bag, the crock is left undisturbed until bubbling ceases.2

Rules that apply here

Best-by and use-by dates
PicklesVinegarCabbageKimchi

Sources

  1. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 373: Canned goods, high acid (such as juices, fruit, pickles, sauerkraut, tomato soup, and foods in vinegar-based sauce). USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Canned goods, high acid (such as juices, fruit, pickles, sauerkraut, tomato soup, and foods in vinegar-based sauce). Pantry: - (Canned items will be safe to eat well past the ‘use-by’ or ‘best by’ date as long as the can shows no dents, rust, or swelling.); DOP_Pantry: 12-18 Months; Pantry_After_Opening: Not Recommended; Refrigerate_After_Opening: 5-7 Days
  2. Sauerkraut - National Center for Home Food Preservation. National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25. Fully fermented kraut may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for several months or it may be canned
  3. REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24. Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.