Fermented foods to start with
A shortlist of sauerkraut and kimchi options with simple ingredients. Look for refrigerated jars and minimal additives where possible.
At a glance
A short, practical shortlist plus the label cues that matter (freshness, ingredients, and how you’ll actually use it).
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Top options (shortlist)
Three solid starting points, then a fuller list below.
Refrigerated sauerkraut (simple ingredients)
Best starterLook for cabbage, salt — and not much else.
- Simple ingredients
- Check refrigeration
- Taste varies a lot
Kimchi (refrigerated)
Best flavourGreat as a side, in rice bowls, or eggs.
- Great flavour
- Check spice level
- Watch added sugars if sensitive
Organic sauerkraut
Organic pickIf organic matters to you, pick simple recipes.
- Simple recipe
- Check storage
- Start with small jar
Full shortlist
Choose based on your needs (space, budget, comfort, and how often you’ll actually use it).
Refrigerated sauerkraut (simple ingredients)
Best starterLook for cabbage, salt — and not much else.
- Simple ingredients
- Check refrigeration
- Taste varies a lot
Kimchi (refrigerated)
Best flavourGreat as a side, in rice bowls, or eggs.
- Great flavour
- Check spice level
- Watch added sugars if sensitive
Organic sauerkraut
Organic pickIf organic matters to you, pick simple recipes.
- Simple recipe
- Check storage
- Start with small jar
Non-spicy kimchi
Mild optionIf you don’t love spice, choose mild versions.
- Milder taste
- Good starter option
- Still check ingredients
Fermented vegetable mix
VarietyIf you want variety, choose minimal-ingredient mixes.
- Variety
- Check additives
- Start with small portions
Starter culture kits (DIY)
DIYOnly if you enjoy making food — not required.
- DIY option
- Not necessary
- Good if you love fermenting
How we build our shortlists
Our approach here is: sensible features, decent reviews across many buyers, and a realistic fit for most homes — not hype, not extreme claims.
Always check sizing/specs and current pricing before you buy. If a product makes strong health claims without evidence, treat that as marketing.
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