BARREL + BRINE FAQ
Your guide to pickles, fermentation, and kombucha in Buffalo, NY.
The Brine Breakdown: Buffalo’s Guide to Fermentation & Pickles
Got questions about the funk? Whether you’re looking for the best probiotic kimchi in Buffalo or wondering how long our NY-made pickles last, we’ve got the answers.
At Barrel + Brine, we specialize in small-batch ferments and vinegar-based pickles made with real ingredients and traditional methods.
FERMENTATION 101
What is the difference between fermented and pickled foods?
Fermented foods use salt and natural bacteria to preserve vegetables, creating probiotics and deeper flavor. The sourness you taste in naturally fermented foods is caused by the lactic-acid bacteria.
Pickled foods are preserved in vinegar for a brighter taste. The sourness you taste in pickled vegetables comes from acttic-acid from the vinegar.
At Barrel + Brine we offer both Naturally Fermented vegetables, and Small-Batch pickled vegetables.
Pickled foods are preserved in vinegar for a brighter taste. The sourness you taste in pickled vegetables comes from acttic-acid from the vinegar.
At Barrel + Brine we offer both Naturally Fermented vegetables, and Small-Batch pickled vegetables.
My jar is bubbling or hissing… is it supposed to do that?
Short answer: Yes.Thats normal!
Our fermented products like kimchi and sauerkraut are raw and unpasteurized. We
What makes your sauerkraut different from grocery store kraut?
Most mass-produced krauts are heat-treated or packed in vinegar.
Our kraut is traditionally fermented, barrel-aged, raw, and rich in probiotics.
No vinegar, no preservatives, no dyes or additives. Just naturally raw & probiotic.
Our kraut is traditionally fermented, barrel-aged, raw, and rich in probiotics.
No vinegar, no preservatives, no dyes or additives. Just naturally raw & probiotic.
Do your ferments need to be refrigerated?
Our fermented vegetables do best refrigerated. It slows the fermentation process and keeps the product crunchy and fresh.
PICKLES 101
Are your pickles fermented or vinegar pickled?
Our classic shelf-stable pickles are vinegar pickled and slowly heat processed for safety and long shelf life.
During the peak growing season, we also produce traditional fermented products like Half Sour, or Full Sour Dills, and Green Tomatoes.
During the peak growing season, we also produce traditional fermented products like Half Sour, or Full Sour Dills, and Green Tomatoes.
How long do your pickles last?
Unopened shelf-stable pickles last up to 2 years.
Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within 4–6 weeks.
Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within 4–6 weeks.
Do your pickles need to be refrigerated?
Shelf-stable pickles do not need refrigeration until opened.
After opening, keep them refrigerated.
After opening, keep them refrigerated.
Do your pickles contain preservatives or artificial ingredients?
No. We use simple, real ingredients and traditional preservation methods. Zero dyes, additives, preservatives. No high fructose corn syrup, or Yellow #5 in our pickles!
HEALTH & PROBIOTICS
Do your fermented foods contain probiotics?
Yes. Our raw fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi contain naturally occurring probiotics.
Are your products vegan and gluten-free?
Most of our pickles, ferments, and kombucha are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Always check the label for details.
Always check the label for details.
KOMBUCHA
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is fermented tea made with sugar, tea, and a living culture.
It becomes lightly carbonated and tangy during fermentation.
It becomes lightly carbonated and tangy during fermentation.
BUYING & SHIPPING
Where can I buy Barrel + Brine products?
You can find our products at some amazing places!
- At our Market in Buffalo, NY
- In select regional retailers across NYS
- Online through our website
If you’re looking for a specific restaurant, bar, cafe, or retailer near you:
check out our full store locator!
Do you offer wholesale or distribution?
Yes. We work with regional distributors and wholesale partners. E-mail for more information.
Where do your products ship from?
All online orders ship from our production facility in Buffalo, New York.
What happens if a jar breaks during shipping?
If your order arrives damaged, contact us with your order number and a photo.
We will replace or refund the affected items.
We will replace or refund the affected items.
