Sauerkraut News

Love it or Hate it: Sauerkraut Beats Top Canned Veggies for Flavor in National Taste Test among Students and Consumers

College students love it for flavor and convenience

Fremont, OH: Believe it or not Frank's canned Sauerkraut was ranked number one in a Vegetable Flavor Index (VFI) by hundreds of consumers and college students in a national taste test against the three most frequently purchased canned vegetables: corn, peas and green beans. Frank's Sauerkraut wanted to discover what motivated people to purchase canned vegetables and was shocked at the results. The taste test was conducted in multiple cities and college campuses with responders ranging in age from 18-70. Sauerkraut ranked 8.05 on the VFI, with corn garnering a 6.68, peas 4.85 and green beans 4.83 ranking. The VFI is based on a scale of one to ten—one being not flavorful and ten being extremely flavorful.

Consumers and college students also provided a wealth of other important information, including the fact that 45% cited taste as the highest purchasing attribute over brand loyalty and nutrition. 75% of consumers purchase vegetables year round, primarily monthly (38%) and biweekly (32%). 60% of consumers season their canned vegetables, with 35% using traditional salt and pepper. College students also purchased a surprising number of canned vegetables, indicating that they're motivated by convenience and flavor.

"Sauerkraut has a tremendous amount of flavor and really doesn't need any additional garnishment to serve. It's been a food staple for 2000 years now and has been part of literally hundreds of recipes. There is a reason for its longevity: it's one of the most flavorful vegetable products that has ever been created," says Chris Smith, VP of marketing for the Frank's Sauerkraut, one of the country's largest producers of sauerkraut.

Many consumers maintained dated notions about the uses for sauerkraut and were surprised at how zesty and flavorful it is. This survey indicates that sauerkraut has a natural position as a weekly canned vegetable food buy along with the most frequently purchased vegetables: corn, peas and green beans. It requires no additional flavoring and many chefs have embraced it with new and tantalizing recipes that extend its use far beyond Reuben sandwiches and Oktoberfest.

College students have been using sauerkraut during campus tailgating parties for generations and are now using it for the K'Tini: a martini made with a sauerkraut stuffed olive.

About The Fremont Company

The Fremont Company is a 100 year old consumer food product company headquartered in Fremont, OH. The Fremont Company produces nationally distributed consumer and food service products including Franks and Snowfloss Kraut and Mississippi BBQ Sauce. The Fremont Company maintains cross promotional relationships with several major restaurant chains and is distributed in various ballparks and stadiums including Yankee Stadium. Check out other unique recipes at www.sauerkraut.com.

Contact: BIGfrontier for the Fremont Company, (312) 238-9308