Coleslaw vs. Sauerkraut — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 18, 2023
Coleslaw is a salad made primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing, usually based on mayonnaise. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, often seasoned and eaten as a condiment or side dish.
Difference Between Coleslaw and Sauerkraut
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Key Differences
Coleslaw, a popular side dish in various global cuisines, primarily consists of shredded raw cabbage mixed with a dressing. The dressing is often mayonnaise-based but can also include buttermilk, sour cream, or vinegar. On the other hand, sauerkraut is a result of fermenting cabbage, a process that gives it a tangy flavor and enhances its shelf life.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
In coleslaw, the cabbage retains its crispness and is combined with other vegetables like carrots or onions. It's typically served cold and complements dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, or sandwiches. Sauerkraut, however, undergoes a transformation where the cabbage softens, turns sour due to lactic acid bacteria, and often has a deeper, richer flavor. It pairs well with dishes like sausages, or stews.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
The origin of coleslaw is believed to be from the Netherlands, where it was called 'koolsla', meaning 'cabbage salad'. Contrastingly, sauerkraut has roots in Central Europe, with strong associations with German, Polish, and Alsatian cuisines.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Coleslaw's fresh and creamy texture contrasts the sour and somewhat crunchy texture of sauerkraut. While coleslaw offers a refreshing bite with its mayonnaise or vinegar dressing, sauerkraut brings a tangy depth of flavor due to its fermentation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Coleslaw➦
A side dish made by combining raw, shredded cabbage with a dressing, often served chilled.
Coleslaw added a refreshing crunch to our summer picnic.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Sauerkraut➦
Sour, fermented cabbage often paired with meats or used in various cuisines.
The Reuben sandwich uses sauerkraut as a key ingredient.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Sauerkraut➦
Chopped or shredded cabbage salted and fermented in its own juice.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 16, 2021
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Coleslaw➦
A cold dish made from finely chopped vegetables, predominantly cabbage, mixed with a dressing.
The tangy coleslaw balanced out the richness of the pulled chicken sandwich.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Sauerkraut➦
Cabbage that has undergone fermentation, giving it a tangy flavor.
I added sauerkraut to my sandwich for an extra punch.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Coleslaw➦
A salad consisting primarily of shredded raw cabbage and dressed with a mayonnaise-based sauce.
I paired my fried chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Sauerkraut➦
Cabbage that has been preserved through the process of lacto-fermentation.
Sauerkraut not only adds flavor but also offers probiotic benefits.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Coleslaw➦
A cabbage-based salad that typically incorporates mayonnaise, vinegar, or sour cream.
The barbecue plate was incomplete without a generous serving of coleslaw.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Sauerkraut➦
Fermented cabbage, seasoned and consumed as a condiment or side.
The bratwurst tasted even better with a topping of sauerkraut.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Coleslaw➦
A salad of finely shredded raw cabbage and sometimes shredded carrots, dressed with mayonnaise (white slaw) or a vinaigrette (red slaw).
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 16, 2021
Coleslaw➦
Coleslaw (from the Dutch term koolsla meaning 'cabbage salad'), also known as cole slaw, "New England Salad", or simply slaw, is a side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise. Coleslaw prepared with vinaigrette may benefit from the long lifespan granted by pickling.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 16, 2021
Coleslaw➦
A salad of shredded raw cabbage and sometimes shredded carrots, dressed with mayonnaise or a vinaigrette.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 16, 2021
Sauerkraut➦
Sauerkraut (; German: [ˈzaʊɐˌkʁaʊt] (listen), lit. "sour cabbage") is finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 16, 2021
Sauerkraut➦
Cabbage cut fine and allowed to ferment in a brine made of its own juice with salt, - a German dish.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 16, 2021
Coleslaw➦
A mixture of finely sliced cabbage, often with other vegetables, in a seasoned dressing.
I prefer coleslaw with a hint of mustard in the dressing.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
FAQs
Can coleslaw be fermented like sauerkraut?
While coleslaw is typically a fresh salad, cabbage can be fermented separately to create a product similar to sauerkraut, though the two have distinct flavor profiles.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
What gives sauerkraut its sour taste?
Sauerkraut gets its sour flavor from the fermentation process, where lactic acid bacteria break down sugars in the cabbage, producing lactic acid.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Is coleslaw always made with mayonnaise?
Coleslaw can be made with various dressings, including mayonnaise, vinegar, sour cream, or buttermilk, depending on regional and personal preferences.
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Aug 18, 2023
Is sauerkraut beneficial for gut health?
Yes, sauerkraut is rich in probiotics due to the fermentation process, which can be beneficial for gut health.
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Aug 18, 2023
Which is crunchier, coleslaw or sauerkraut?
Coleslaw, made from raw cabbage, is typically crunchier, whereas sauerkraut, due to fermentation, has a softer texture but can retain some crunch.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
What dishes pair well with sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut pairs well with hearty meats, sausages, stews, and sandwiches like the Reuben.
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Aug 18, 2023
How long can you store sauerkraut?
When stored in a cool, dark place and kept submerged in its brine, sauerkraut can last for several months.
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Aug 18, 2023
Is coleslaw served hot or cold?
Coleslaw is generally served cold, making it a refreshing side dish especially during warmer months.
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Aug 18, 2023
Are there other vegetables in coleslaw aside from cabbage?
Coleslaw can contain other vegetables such as carrots, onions, or bell peppers, but the primary ingredient is cabbage.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Can both coleslaw and sauerkraut be homemade?
Yes, both coleslaw and sauerkraut can be made at home, with coleslaw being a simple mix of ingredients and sauerkraut requiring fermentation over time.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 18, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform.
Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
