1 serving (medium) of Pickled red cabbage (60 g) has 17 calories. That works out to 28 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.1 g of carbs, 0.7 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber. Its 24 µg of Vitamin K covers 20% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Pickled red cabbage?

Pickled red cabbage is finely sliced purple cabbage preserved in a tangy brine, often made with salt and vinegar; some home recipes also add lemon or garlic. It is a familiar pickle in Turkey and across parts of Europe, where cabbage has long been preserved for the table.

Its crisp ribbons and sharp, slightly salty flavour brighten grilled meats, beans, sandwiches and simple meals, or add colour to a mezze spread. It is low in calories and provides fibre: a 100 g portion has 28 calories and 2.3 g of fibre. If you prefer a milder taste or want to reduce the saltiness, drain and briefly rinse it before serving.

Pickled red cabbage Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

5.1g

· 2% DV

Protein

1.2g

· 2% DV

Fat

0.2g

· 0% DV

Fiber

2.3g

· 8% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 76% · Protein 18% · Fat 6%

Pickled red cabbage Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin K

40µg · 33% DV

Vitamin C

22mg · 24% DV

0.1mg · 6% DV

Folate

18µg · 5% DV

Minerals

Sodium

480mg · 21% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Potassium ⭐

170mg · 5% DV

Calcium

38mg · 4% DV

How Nutritious Is Pickled red cabbage?

Nutrient density

High

75/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

51/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Pickled red cabbage Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Pickled red cabbage

To burn the 28 calories in 100 g:

🚶

7min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

3min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

4min

Cycling

🏊

3min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Pickled red cabbage Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Pickled red cabbage Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Pickled red cabbage Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Pickled red cabbage Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.03g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.02g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.04g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 0.3:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Pickled red cabbage

🥬vs🍅

Pickled red cabbage vs Tomato10 kcal more per 100 g

→🥬vs🥗

Pickled red cabbage vs Mixed Green Salad10 kcal more per 100 g

→🥬vs🫑

Pickled red cabbage vs Red Pepper3 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🥬vs🥄

Pickled red cabbage vs Boiled Beetroot16 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Pickled red cabbage

🍅

Tomato

18 kcal

🥗

Mixed Green Salad

18 kcal

🫑

Red Pepper

31 kcal

🥄

Boiled Beetroot

44 kcal

🫑

Green pepper

20 kcal

🥗

Potato Salad

110 kcal

🥗

Arugula

25 kcal

🥕🥦🍆

Oven-Roasted Mixed Vegetables

65 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickled red cabbage

Is pickled red cabbage fermented?

Pickled red cabbage is fermented only when it is made by allowing naturally occurring bacteria to acidify the cabbage, usually in brine. Many quick-pickle recipes use vinegar instead, so the word “pickled” alone does not mean the cabbage is fermented.

How do you make pickled red cabbage?

Pickled red cabbage is made by thinly slicing the cabbage and covering it with a seasoned acidic brine, commonly made with vinegar. Some recipes use salt and citrus instead. Keep the cabbage submerged, then chill or ferment it according to the recipe.

How long does pickled red cabbage last after opening?

Pickled red cabbage should be kept refrigerated after opening and handled with a clean utensil. Its shelf life varies with the recipe and whether it was commercially packed or homemade; discard it if you see mold, a slimy texture, or an off smell.

Why does pickled red cabbage turn pink or blue?

Pickled red cabbage changes hue because its natural pigments respond to acidity. Vinegar or lemon often shifts it toward pink or red, while less acidic conditions can make it look purple or bluish. A color shift alone does not mean it has spoiled.

Should you rinse pickled red cabbage before eating it?

You do not need to rinse pickled red cabbage before eating it. Drain it and serve as is; if its brine tastes too sharp or salty, a quick rinse can mellow the flavor, though it also washes away some of the seasoning.

What is the difference between pickled red cabbage and sauerkraut?

Pickled red cabbage is made with red cabbage and may be quick-pickled in vinegar, while sauerkraut is traditionally fermented cabbage, usually made from green or white cabbage and salt. Their color, flavor, and preparation method are therefore different.

Can you cook pickled red cabbage?

Yes, you can cook pickled red cabbage, but heating it softens its crunch and can mellow its tang. Add it near the end of cooking when you want to preserve more texture, or use it cold as a topping for sandwiches and bowls.

Does pickled red cabbage need to stay covered by brine?

Yes, keep pickled red cabbage submerged in its brine while storing it. Cabbage exposed to air is more likely to dry out or spoil. Use a clean utensil to serve it, and close the container promptly before returning it to the refrigerator.

Can pickled red cabbage be frozen?

Pickled red cabbage can be frozen, but thawing usually makes its crisp shreds softer and releases liquid. Freeze it only if texture is not important, and thaw it in the refrigerator before adding it to cooked dishes or sandwiches.

Does pickled red cabbage have to be refrigerated before opening?

Pickled red cabbage that is sold shelf-stable can usually stay unopened in a cool, dry cupboard; refrigerated products must remain chilled. Once opened, refrigerate it. Follow the storage directions for the specific product, since processing methods differ.

Have another question about Pickled red cabbage?

Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.

Scan calories with your camera

Instant AI nutrition analysis

Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026