Sauerkraut vs. Kimchi: Which Fermented Food Is Best for Your Gut?

Key Takeaways

Sauerkraut and kimchi both contain probiotics (beneficial microbes), but kimchi often contains a wider diversity of bacteria.

Studies on the health effects of sauerkraut and kimchi are preliminary, but it appears both alter the makeup of the gut microbiome (the community of microbes in the gut).

Sauerkraut and kimchi both contain antioxidants and prebiotic fiber, which are beneficial to health.

Sauerkraut and kimchi are both foods made from fermented cabbage, with the primary difference being that kimchi typically includes additional spices and ingredients. Both foods contain probiotics and fiber and may benefit gut health.

Key Similarities and Differences Sauerkraut Kimchi Origins From China but associated with German cuisine Korea Ingredients Green or red cab