canned & pickled products
German Canned & Pickled Products — Authentic Brands Since 1722
German pantry staples like sauerkraut, pickled gherkins, and red cabbage have sustained households for generations. Our shelf stocks over 80 products from brands you actually grew up with — Kühne, Hengstenberg, and Spreewaldhof — all shipped directly to the USA, UK, and Canada. Whether you need Rotkohl for Sunday dinner or a jar of Spreewälder Gurken for Abendbrot, you'll find the exact products sold in German supermarkets right here.
What Sets German Preserved Foods Apart
German canned and pickled foods follow strict production traditions that prioritize clean ingredients and regional sourcing. The brands in our range have earned their reputation over decades — and in some cases, centuries.
Kühne — Nearly 300 Years of Quality
Kühne was founded in 1722 as a vinegar distillery in Berlin. Today the Hamburg-based company is one of Europe's largest producers of pickled vegetables, gherkins, and sauerkraut. Their ready-to-serve red cabbage, introduced in 1957, remains Germany's best-selling Rotkohl.
Hengstenberg — Swabian Tradition Since 1876
Richard Alfried Hengstenberg founded his vinegar factory in Esslingen am Neckar in 1876. Still headquartered there today, Hengstenberg is known for its sauerkraut, mild gherkins, and herb-infused vinegars. The company helped shape early German food purity standards with its own vinegar quality guidelines.
Spreewaldhof — Protected Gherkins From Brandenburg
Spreewald gherkins (Spreewälder Gurken) hold EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, granted in 1999. Only gherkins grown and processed in the Spreewald region of Brandenburg may carry the name. The unique microclimate and centuries-old cucumber cultivation traditions — dating back to Dutch settlers in the 16th century — give these pickles their distinctive crunch and flavor.
Beyond Pickles
Our canned range also includes white asparagus (Spargel), chanterelle mushrooms, herring fillets, and German potato salad — ready-to-eat products that make weeknight meals feel like home. All items have long shelf lives and ship well internationally.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between Spreewald gherkins and regular pickled cucumbers?
A: Spreewald gherkins are a EU-protected specialty (PGI since 1999) from the Spreewald region in Brandenburg. They are grown in a unique microclimate and processed using traditional recipes that include mustard seeds, dill, horseradish, and onions — resulting in a more complex flavor than standard pickles.
Q: How long do German canned products last after shipping?
A: Most German canned and jarred products have a shelf life of 18–24 months from production. We check expiration dates before shipping and ensure you receive products with plenty of remaining shelf life.
Q: Is German sauerkraut different from the sauerkraut sold in American stores?
A: Yes. German sauerkraut, particularly from brands like Hengstenberg and Kühne, is typically milder and less acidic than many North American versions. It is naturally fermented, finely shredded, and often prepared in regional styles — including Weinsauerkraut (wine sauerkraut) and Bayrisches Sauerkraut with caraway.
Q: Can I use jarred German Rotkohl (red cabbage) right out of the jar?
A: Absolutely. German jarred red cabbage is fully cooked and seasoned — just heat and serve. It's the same convenience product German households have relied on since Kühne introduced ready-to-serve Rotkohl in 1957. It pairs perfectly with roasts, Sauerbraten, or Rouladen.