The Best Store-Bought Kimchi to Add to Your Shopping List
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
If you’re not already riding the kimchi train, now’s your sign to get on board. The gut-healthy condiment is a spicy, fermented Korean staple. It’s typically made with napa cabbage, radish, gochujang, garlic, ginger and a mix of anchovy, shrimp or fish sauce for a kick of umami. Many kimchis also have apple or pear for a touch of sweetness to balance the fermented, umami flavor.
You can add kimchi to so many dishes. It’s a great addition to pasta sauce for a spicy kick or top your rice or noodle bowl with it, it’s also excellent in a taco instead of lettuce and makes a bright topping for eggs as well. You can serve kimchi as a stand-alone side dish too or just eat it as a healthy snack for those probiotic benefits.
Now that Kimchi has become more mainstream in the United States, there are some great brands out there to try that are widely available at local grocery stores, Asian markets and some are right on Amazon. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite store-bought kimchi brands to help you shop. Get ready to add some crunch and tang to your life!
Mother In Law’s Kimchi
Mother-in-Law’s Kimchi is widely available in grocery stores so it may look familiar. It’s a fan favorite for a reason. Their house kimchi is made with napa cabbage, red pepper, onion, scallion, chives, salt, sugar, garlic, ginger, anchovy sauce, salted shrimp, bone broth – to name a few ingredients! It’s tangy, umami and complex and the veggies retain their crunch somehow. They also make a great vegan kimchi.
Wildbrine Kimchi
Wilbrine’s kimchi is made with high-quality ingredients like freshly chopped napa cabbage, ginger, and grated horseradish root. Their kimchi is also fish-free so it’s safe for those with a shellfish allergy.
Cleveland Kitchen Classic Kimchi
Cleveland’s Classic Kimchi is made with garlic, mustard greens, red pepper and apple which gives the kimchi a nice subtle note of sweetness.
<strong>Cleveland Kitchen Classic Kimchi</strong>
Nasoya Kimchi
Made with napa cabbage, radish, red pepper powder, pear, garlic, and salt, this kimchi from Nasoya delivers that perfect balance of sour, spicy, and umami flavors.
Choi’s Kimchi Company
Choi’s Kimchi Company uses a traditional recipe and is made to order. Their award-winning Spicy Napa Cabbage Kimchi is the most traditional variety and a delicious gateway into the world of kimchi.
Half Gallon (3.5 lbs.) Spicy Napa Cabbage Kimchi [Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Probiotic] by Choi's Kimchi Co. Made in USA.
Jongga Kimchi
In addition to the traditional kimchi, Jongga makes a variety of types, including baek kimchi (white kimchi that’s not too spicy) and other varieties that range in funk and spice levels. What’s also great about this brand is that they sell their kimchis in a variety of packaging options ranging from glass jars to plastic containers and large plastic bags. It’s widely distributed and reasonably priced – you can even find it at Costco!
Sunja’s Kimchi
This vegetarian kimchi is shockingly good. It’s tangy, spicy and the perfect condiment to serve with a bowl of rice or noodles. Since kimchi continues to ferment, when you open this jar it may bubble!