- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
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- BreakfastComfort FoodGerman
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 2nd Sunday of February
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National Kraut and Frankfurter Week celebrates the iconic German-American pairing every second full week of February. This week-long observance invites you to explore the rich history of these two comforting foods, from their origins to their place in modern cuisine. Discover new recipes, visit your local deli, or host a themed dinner party to savor every bite.
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Expected National Kraut and Frankfurter Week Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows National Kraut and Frankfurter Week brings delightful deals. Expect major grocery chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Aldi to feature sales on frankfurters, sausages, and various types of sauerkraut. Local delis and German restaurants may offer special platters, combo meals, or discounts on their signature kraut and frankfurter dishes. Look for brands such as Oscar Mayer, Ball Park, and Nathan’s Famous to have promotions on their hot dogs, while companies like Claussen and Libby’s might offer deals on their sauerkraut products. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Kraut and Frankfurter Week
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #KrautAndFrankfurterWeek. Film a quick video showcasing your favorite kraut and frankfurter recipe or a fun taste test.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #KrautAndFrankfurterWeek. Share mouth-watering photos of your kraut and frankfurter creations, from classic hot dogs to gourmet preparations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #KrautAndFrankfurterWeek. Share your family’s traditional kraut and frankfurter recipes or photos from a themed dinner party.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week Hero
Charles Feltman
History of National Kraut and Frankfurter Week
Although many people believe sauerkraut is a German invention, it actually originated in Ancient China over 2,000 years ago, when it was made from shredded cabbage fermented in rice wine. It is thought to have been brought to Europe by Genghis Kahn a thousand years later.
The Germans and Dutch adopted this dish into their daily lives as a means of preventing scurvy. The frankfurter, a pork-based meat sausage, has been around since the Middle Ages and is named after the German city of Frankfurt. The word kraut is a shortened version of sauerkraut. The sour flavor of shredded cabbage comes from fermentation. Because American sauerkraut producers were afraid of being labeled with a German word during World War I, they called it “Liberty Cabbage.” These sausages were first served at the Römerberg during the Imperial coronation ceremonies. During the 1800s, Pennsylvania Dutch and German settlers introduced sauerkraut and frankfurters to the U.S.
During WWII, it is said that Sauerkraut was renamed Liberty Cabbage due to concerns raised by the product’s German name. Both frankfurters and sauerkraut have become staples of American cuisine, despite the fact that they have reverted to their original names. In Coney Island, New York, in the early 1900s, hot-dog stands appeared, selling sausages as sandwiches, contributing to the island’s associations with picnics, barbeques, and athletic events. National Kraut and Frankfurter Week honor the history of these two foods, as well as their delectable combinations, in order to demonstrate how the fusion of cultures can result in delectable dishes for all to enjoy.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week timeline
Pennsylvania Sauerkraut and frankfurters are introduced to the U.S. by Dutch and German settlers.
The Freemont Kraut Company is founded by a group of small sauerkraut producers from the Great Lakes region.
The slang term "kraut" is used to refer to sailors and eventually all German soldiers during WWI and WWII.
Despite the fact that they are reverted to their original names, frankfurters and sauerkraut have become staples of American cuisine.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Kraut and Frankfurter Week
Local delis and German restaurants can celebrate National Kraut and Frankfurter Week by offering special platters featuring various frankfurter types, gourmet toppings, and house-made sauerkraut. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays that pair hot dogs, sausages, and different brands of sauerkraut, perhaps with suggested recipes or tasting notes. Food trucks specializing in comfort food could roll out unique kraut and frankfurter combinations. Even local breweries might offer beer pairings with classic German-American dishes, encouraging patrons to savor the week’s theme.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week FAQs
When is National Kraut and Frankfurter Week?
In 2027, National Kraut and Frankfurter Week is observed from Sunday, February 14 to Saturday, February 20. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy the comforting flavors of kraut and frankfurters.
How many hot dogs do Americans eat annually?
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates Americans eat 70 hot dogs per person per year on average. This week highlights one of the most beloved ways to enjoy them: with kraut.
What is the history of sauerkraut in the US?
Sauerkraut’s journey to American tables began with Dutch and German settlers, who brought their fermented cabbage traditions. It quickly became popular for its taste and health benefits, especially during the winter.
What is the difference between a frankfurter and a hot dog?
Historically, a frankfurter is a specific type of sausage from Frankfurt, known for its lean pork. ‘Hot dog’ is the Americanized term for any cooked sausage served in a sliced bun, making frankfurters a type of hot dog.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week Activities
Try some of the food
To commemorate the week, make your own frankfurters and sauerkraut from scratch. Use online recipes, or purchase your favorite brand at your local grocery store.
Share it on social media
Use the hashtags #NationalFrankfurterAndKrautWeek and #FrankfurterAndKrautWeek on social media. Let your friends and family know that this is a great time to eat delicious food and have a good time.
Head over to the authentic German cuisine
If you want a more authentic experience, visit an Amish community or a German festival in your area. You are bound to sample authentic German cuisine.
5 Fun Facts About Kraut
First mentioned in dictionary
In 1776, the American English Dictionary included the word ‘sauerkraut’ for the first time.
High digestive
Digestion enzymes found in sauerkraut aid in the breakdown of starches, proteins, and fats.
Natural antioxidant
Vitamin C is abundant in sauerkraut, which aids in collagen production and serves as a natural antioxidant for immune system support.
Prevent scurvy during sea voyages
During long sea voyages in the 18th Century, explorers like Captain Cook used sauerkraut to prevent scurvy, bringing up to 25,000 pounds of the Vitamin-C-rich ferment with them.
Brought sauerkraut to the U.S.
German and Central European immigrants brought sauerkraut to the U.S. during the Great Migration, primarily to Pennsylvania and Ohio, where they became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Why We Love National Kraut and Frankfurter Week
Frankfurter are the best comfort food
A frankfurter, a soft drink, and a bag of fries Who among us wouldn't want all three within easy reach? It's the ultimate comfort food trio!
They are nice alternatives
There's no denying that frankfurter is America's favorite food. The numbers back it up with about 50 billion frankfurters consumed each year!
Sauerkraut is both delicious and nutritious
Because your gut houses 70% of your immune system, it's important to eat foods that promote gut health. One of the best ways to do this is to eat raw sauerkraut, which also contains vitamins K, C, and B, calcium, magnesium, dietary fiber, folate, iron, copper, manganese, and potassium.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 9–15 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | February 8–14 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14–20 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13–19 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | February 11–17 | Sunday–Saturday |
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