Where To Buy Kimchi: All The Choices

Kimchi serves two significant purposes, one as a savory condiment and second as a probiotic-rich superfood.  Napa cabbage and radishes get pickled and retain their nutritional content even after getting fermented and processed for selling as fermented sauerkraut. This guide will take you through the various ways you can obtain healthy kimchi and the upsides as well as downsides of each.

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• WHAT IS KIMCHI?

• WHY EAT KIMCHI?

• CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING KIMCHI

• COMMON PLACES TO BUY KIMCHI

• WHERE TO BUY DIFFERENT TYPES OF KIMCHI

• TOP 5 KIMCHI BRANDS

• Common Questions

What Is Kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented dish that was prepared by pickling Napa cabbages, radishes, and fish sauce in earthenware fermentation crocks (Onggi). Just like any other fermented food, you can adjust the recipe's ingredients to fit your desired flavor. When kimchi fully ripens, all its individual ingredients' flavors infuse into a rich slightly sour, tangy flavor with hints of umami.

Why Eat Kimchi?

Full Of Nutrients

Kimchi is a superfood consisting of: (per 1 cup serving)

• Calories: 23
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sodium: 747 mg
• Vitamin B6: 19% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 22% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 55% of the DV
• Folate: 20% of the DV
• Iron: 21% of the DV
• Niacin: 10% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 24% of the DV

Full Of Live Probiotics - During the fermentation process, billions of probiotics are added to the kimchi as the lactobacillus bacteria cultures feed on the carbs releasing lactic acid. These probiotics play a critical role in restoring the overall balance in gut bio upon consumption. Probiotics are also beneficial in treating hay fever and diarrhea. However, the effect is not instantaneous; instead, it is recommendable to consume kimchi or a regular basis to get its full probiotic benefits. Ref: nih.gov.

Strengthening The Immune System - The probiotics in kimchi significantly reduce inflammation and improve the immune system's response to infections. However, it's important to note that research on the viability of kimchi to treat health conditions is still in its infancy. If you want to supplement your treatment with kimchi, you should seek the advice of your doctor first. Ref: nih.gov.

Preventing Yeast Infections - Kimchi contains lactobacillus bacteria culture, which has a strong antimicrobial effect on the fungus that causes yeast infections. Due to the widespread misuse of antibiotics, vaginal yeast infections are developing resistance to treatment. Regular consumption of lactobacillus culture has been shown to reduce the activity of such drug-resistant fungal infections. Ref: nih.gov.

Considerations When Buying Kimchi

Brand - If you are in the market for quality kimchi, you should go for brands that are well known and that have an online presence so as to get customer reviews and information on where to buy. Find a brand that meets your needs, such as probiotic content or pasteurized varieties for pregnancy.

Price - Kimchi can get pricey due to the fact that it's fermented in small batches, but some traders take advantage of this to sell overpriced kimchi that doesn't offer any additional benefits. Avoid premium flavored kimchi varieties that tend to get overpriced and instead go for the best-rated product within your desired price range.

Raw Vs. Pasteurized - Raw kimchi contains billions of live probiotics which have a positive impact on the gut bio when consumed. Pasteurized varieties, on the other hand, undergo heat treatment, which kills off all living probiotics and bacteria culture in the kimchi before its sealed in the container.

Probiotic Content - There are two types of probiotic content in kimchi- raw natural probiotic content and added probiotic supplements. It is recommended sticking to raw naturally balanced probiotic content in kimchi instead of pasteurized kimchi, which gets artificially boosted with probiotic supplements.

Ingredients - The ingredients used in kimchi will vary depending on the recipe's desired flavor. Every brand does list all of the ingredients that go into the packaged kimchi so that you can avoid any ingredients you might be allergic to. Most brands will even include a nutritional breakdown of the kimchi meal per given serving size in case you need to track your nutrient consumption.

Canned Vs. Non-Canned - Canned kimchi can be stored for long-term use with a shelf life of up to 8 months. Non-canned varieties often have been kept under the frozen foods section with a shelf life of up to 4 months. Once opened, kimchi can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Common Places To Buy Kimchi

1.  Farmers Market

Local kimchi fermenters will often offer their raw kimchi for sale in the local farmers market. You can also get the required ingredients to start your own kimchi fermentation batch from other fermenters at the farmers market.

2.  Grocery Stores

Most grocery stores will stock up on canned and frozen kimchi dishes, so be sure to check the frozen foods section. Alternatively, you can check online if there are any stores nearby that stock up on kimchi products.

3.  Online

Online stores like Amazon offer top of the range kimchi products which can be shipped in no time. Having online sources allows you o source for the best-rated products and compare different prices to get the best deal.

Where To Buy Different Types Of Kimchi

Top 5 Kimchi Brands

1.  Mother In Law’s Kimchi

Where To Buy: Amazon.com

Brand: Mother In Law’s

Ingredients: Napa cabbage, daikon radish, red bell peppers, carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, sea salt, and raw sugar

Price: $9.73

Overview

Mother In Law’s kimchi is packed raw and natural, allowing fermentation to continue even when the product is sealed. As a result, the kimchi retains a substantial amount of gut, helping probiotics.

What We Liked

•  Full of live probiotics

What We Didn’t Like

• The Napa cabbages used in the preparation of this kimchi are not cut into small sizes and can make a mess when serving out.

2.  Eden Foods Organic Kimchi

Where To Buy: Amazon.com

Brand:  Eden

Ingredients: onions, Napa cabbages, ginger, garlic, bell peppers

Price: $9.49

Overview

Eden is offering its classic kimchi with a spicy and zesty flavor. This product is packed raw so as to retain its probiotic content and its associated health benefits.

What We Liked

• Full of probiotic content

What We Disliked

• The product requires to be kept under refrigerated conditions at all times

3.  Korean Bottled Kimchi

Where To Buy: Amazon.com

Brand: Wang

Ingredients: Salted Napa Cabbage, Refined Water, Kimchi Sauce, Radish, Red Pepper Powder, Sugar, Garlic, Onion, Apple Puree, Carrot, Green Onion, Refined Salt, Ginger, Sorbitol, Vitamin C, and Xanthan Gum

Price: $9.35

Overview

If you are looking for authentic Korean kimchi with original flavor and nutritional content, look no farther. The Wang brand offers its bottled Korean kimchi that’s prepared from organic ingredients that are also non-GMO.

What We Liked

•  Full of probiotic content

What We Disliked

• Some customers complained about the kimchi being too spicy

4.  Canned Cabbage Kimchi

Where To Buy: Amazon.com

Brand: Dongwon

Ingredients: miso paste, fish sauce, cabbages, salt, and water

Price: $3.95

Overview

Dongwon offers tasteful Korean kimchi that’s the best side dish with ramen for the ultimate blend of spiciness. However, this product undergoes pasteurization, which eliminates all of its probiotic content.

What We Liked

• The kimchi has a rich, spicy flavor profile

What We Disliked

• This product is pasteurized, which eliminates all probiotic content.

5.  Dongwon Tuna Chunk Kimchi

Where To Buy: Amazon.com

Brand: Dongwon

Ingredients: tuna, water, canola oil, hot pepper, seasoning base (oleoresin capsicum, oleoresin paprika, flavor enhancer, wheat, milk).

Price: $26.00

Overview

Tuna chunks match perfectly with spicy kimchi sauce in this Dongwon kimchi. Beef extract and red pepper are also added to improve the flavor while also increasing the nutritional content of the kimchi.

What We Liked

• Rich, spicy flavors

What We Disliked

• This kimchi product is pasteurized and does not contain probiotic content.

Common Questions

Can You Buy Kimchi In The Grocery Store?

Yes, most grocery stores do stock up on various kimchi brands, both raw and pasteurized.

What Is The Best Brand Of Kimchi To Buy?

The best kimchi brands should be raw so as to contain the live probiotic content.

Where Can I Order Kimchi?

You can order kimchi from Amazon for the best delivery time.

Does Asda Sell Kimchi?

Yes, ASDA does stock up on Korean kimchi products.

Can You Buy Kimchi At Walmart?

Yes, Walmart sells major kimchi brands in all their locations.

Does Target Sell Kimchi?

Yes, Target offers various kimchi brands in their stores.

Why Is Kimchi So Expensive?

Kimchi is expensive due to its specialized refrigeration requirement and its relatively short shelf life.

Should I Eat Kimchi Cold Or Hot?

The choice of whether to eat hot or cold kimchi should be governed by the recipe you are relying on.

Is It Safe To Make Your Own Kimchi?

Yes, you can make safe and healthy kimchi on your own as long as you adhere to strict sanitization standards within the fermentation area and when handling the ingredients.

Does Trader Joe's Carry Kimchi?

Yes, Trader Joe's stocks up on all major kimchi brands.

How Much Does Kimchi Cost?

Kimchi has an export price of $3.36 per kg (2.2 lbs.)

Can You Eat Too Much Kimchi?

Avoid overeating fermented food such as kimchi as it can lead to digestive distress.