Taster's Choice last tackled the tangy topping in 2003, when Trader Joe's required the crown.
This time around, we did not find any on their own shelves, but we did notice several new brands within the refrigerated aisles of other markets. Therefore we stuck to individuals refrigerated sauerkrauts, which came either jarred or perhaps in plastic tubs and pouches.
First-place Boar's Mind ($2.19 for 16 ounces at Mollie Stone's) would be a "classic" sauerkraut - "simple" and "mildly salty" having a "good sour flavor." This "puckery" kraut also were built with a pleasing "crunchy texture." Four panelists would buy this brand, and also the fifth might.
Claussen ($4.99 for 32 ounces at Cala Foods) was close behind in second. Ideal for individuals who would like the "sour" in sauerkraut, this "quite tart" condiment would be a hit with basically one taster, who found the tartness worth an "ouch." This taster also considered the jarred, "finely chopped" sauerkraut "way salty," although the rest appeared to consider there is a "good balance of flavor." Guess which four would buy, and who wouldn't?
Third place introduced a dip in scores, plus a tie between Alexander Valley ($4.99 for 32 ounces at Whole-foods Market) and Bubbies ($5.29 for twenty five ounces at Rainbow Grocery).
Bubbies was "crunchy," although not always in a great way. "Very tough shreds of cabbage," one taster noted. "A little underfermented," stated another. The panelists were also split on taste. Some think it is pleasantly tart one think it is "salty, although not sour enough." Two would buy, one might and 2 wouldn't.
Similarly, the thick-cut Alexander Valley kraut was certainly fresh, but possibly a tad too fresh for that panel's liking. "No character." "Too youthful, not fermented enough." "Salty, although not sour enough." "Under-ready," the chorus line went. Still, the "natural cabbage flavor" would be a plus. You might buy, one might, and three wouldn't.
Finally, Farmhouse Culture ($6.99 for 16 ounces at Whole-foods Market) rallied in to the top 5 because of strong scores from two tasters who loved the "nicely salty" flavor and "caraway kick." Others thought it sampled "artificial" and "overpowered by spices." Two would buy, one might, and 2 wouldn't.