Kimchi, the iconic Korean staple, is a vibrant and flavorful fermented dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Its unique blend of spicy, sour, and umami flavors, coupled with a satisfying crunch, makes it a versatile ingredient that can elevate countless meals. While homemade kimchi offers a deeply rewarding culinary experience, the convenience of store-bought kimchi is undeniable for busy individuals and those new to Korean cuisine. But with a plethora of brands lining supermarket shelves, the question arises: Where To Buy Kimchi that delivers authentic taste and quality?
Navigating the world of store-bought kimchi can be overwhelming. The fermentation process, ingredient quality, and regional variations all contribute to the final product’s flavor profile. Too little fermentation can result in bland kimchi, while excessive fermentation can lead to a mushy, overly sour, and less palatable experience.
To simplify your search for the perfect kimchi, we’ve curated a list of top-notch brands available in the US, guiding you on where to buy kimchi that suits your taste and culinary needs. From classic Napa cabbage kimchi to vegan and extra-spicy options, this guide ensures you’ll discover the ideal kimchi to enhance your next meal.
Top Kimchi Brands and Where to Find Them
1. Mama O’s: Authentic Flavors Readily Available
Mama O’s stands out as a premier kimchi brand, particularly renowned for its Napa cabbage kimchi (baechu-kimchi). This family-owned business expertly balances the savory notes of anchovy fish paste with a subtle sweetness from cane sugar. While some reviews suggest a slightly softer texture, the generously thick cabbage slices offer a pleasant bite. Mama O’s kimchi is incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with dishes from Korean ramen to grilled meats.
Beyond the classic Napa cabbage kimchi, Mama O’s offers a diverse range, including a vegan kimchi (free of fish), daikon kimchi, and a fiery spicy kimchi for heat enthusiasts. For those who want to explore kimchi beyond the jar, Mama O’s also produces kimchi hot sauce, kimchi paste, and dried kimchi seasoning.
Where to buy Mama O’s Kimchi: Look for Mama O’s at gourmet grocery stores like Central Market and nationwide chains such as Whole Foods Market. You can also often find them in the refrigerated sections of well-stocked supermarkets and online retailers specializing in Korean foods.
2. Tobagi: The Perfectly Balanced Kimchi, Find It In Korean Markets
Tobagi is frequently cited as a top contender and arguably one of the best store-bought kimchi brands, celebrated for its harmonious balance of sourness, spiciness, and satisfying crunch. The brand’s signature flavor profile is characterized by a robust fishy note derived from shrimp and anchovy paste, subtly sweetened with apple and pear. The spice level is considered by many to be perfectly calibrated, delivering a pleasant warmth that lingers without overpowering the palate.
Tobagi offers a variety of kimchi types, including radish kimchi and classic Napa cabbage kimchi. It’s worth noting that Tobagi kimchi contains MSG, contributing to a higher sodium content, a characteristic shared by many kimchi brands.
Where to buy Tobagi Kimchi: Tobagi kimchi is often found in Korean grocery stores and Asian markets. Check the refrigerated sections, typically alongside other Korean banchan (side dishes). Availability in mainstream supermarkets may be more limited, making specialized markets your best bet for finding this brand.
3. Jongga: Korean Authenticity Now in the US, Widely Available
Jongga, a leading kimchi brand in Korea, has expanded its reach to the US, bringing authentic Korean flavors to American consumers. This brand prides itself on preservative-free kimchi, emphasizing natural fermentation. Jongga kimchi features a generous amount of garlic, balanced by the umami of fish paste, creating a deeply flavorful profile.
Jongga offers a range of classic cabbage kimchi, including original and vegan (fish-free) versions, as well as variations like white kimchi and radish kimchi. They also provide both refrigerated and shelf-stable kimchi options, catering to different storage preferences.
Where to buy Jongga Kimchi: Jongga kimchi enjoys widespread availability in major retail chains like Walmart and 99 Ranch Market. You can also find it in the international food aisles of many supermarkets and Asian grocery stores. The shelf-stable versions might be located in different sections than the refrigerated ones, so check both.
4. Cosmos Food Company: Soft Texture, Great for Cooking, LA Local
Cosmos Food Company, based in Los Angeles, produces kimchi that appeals to those who prefer a softer texture. The cabbage tends to be less crunchy compared to other brands, and the overall flavor is distinctly sour. This kimchi is particularly well-suited for cooked dishes like Korean tofu soup (soondubu jjigae), where the softer texture integrates seamlessly.
Cosmos kimchi is MSG-free and comes in various options, including classic and vegan cabbage, radish, and cucumber kimchi. For spice lovers, an extra-hot cabbage kimchi is available. Cosmos even offers a kimchi sauce for adding kimchi flavor without the vegetables.
Where to buy Cosmos Food Company Kimchi: Cosmos kimchi is often found in West Coast supermarkets, particularly in California, reflecting its LA origin. Check local Asian grocery stores and supermarkets with a strong international foods section in the region. Its distribution may be less extensive nationwide compared to larger brands.
5. Mother-In-Law’s: Spicy and Sour, Perfect for BBQ Pairings
Mother-In-Law’s is another well-known Napa cabbage kimchi brand, growing from a small-batch producer to a widely available option in stores like Sprouts and Whole Foods Market.
This kimchi delivers a noticeable spicy kick balanced by a good level of sourness. It excels as a side dish, particularly alongside Korean BBQ dishes like LA galbi (marinated beef short ribs), where its spicy and sour notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to rich meats.
Mother-In-Law’s Everyday Kimchi line includes regular cabbage, vegan cabbage (with seaweed instead of fish), and spicy cabbage varieties. Their signature Reserve Kimchi line features house cabbage, vegan cabbage, and vegan daikon kimchi.
Where to buy Mother-In-Law’s Kimchi: Look for Mother-In-Law’s kimchi at health-focused grocery stores like Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market. It’s also available in some well-stocked supermarkets and online retailers specializing in gourmet foods.
6. King’s: Unique Paprika Infusion, Vegan and Mild Options
King’s kimchi stands out with the unique addition of paprika, setting it apart in the kimchi market. The mild variety offers a surprisingly balanced spice and sourness level, making it a great choice for those who prefer a gentler kimchi experience. A spicy variety is also available for those seeking more heat.
King’s Napa cabbage kimchi is vegan, excluding fish ingredients, and is based on a family recipe.
Where to buy King’s Kimchi: King’s kimchi is conveniently found in major supermarkets like Walmart, Safeway, and Whole Foods Market. Check the refrigerated sections alongside other kimchi and refrigerated side dishes.
7. Cleveland Kitchen: Sauerkraut Style, Versatile for Fusion
Cleveland Kitchen offers a distinctive kimchi experience with its chopped cabbage, resulting in a sauerkraut-like texture. They produce classic, mild, and spicy kimchi varieties, all vegan and made with cabbage, gochugaru red pepper, and garlic, among other traditional kimchi ingredients. The addition of apple contributes to a unique sweet and sour flavor profile.
The sauerkraut-style texture makes Cleveland Kitchen kimchi a unique topping for hot dogs and burgers, in addition to its suitability for classic kimchi recipes.
Where to buy Cleveland Kitchen Kimchi: Cleveland Kitchen kimchi is often found in the refrigerated sections of supermarkets, particularly those with a focus on natural and fermented foods. Look for it in stores like Whole Foods Market, natural food stores, and well-stocked supermarkets.
8. Sunja’s: Green Cabbage Crunch and Napa Variety Too
Sunja’s is another excellent vegan kimchi brand, excluding fish sauce from its recipes. A key differentiator is the use of green cabbage in their primary recipe, rather than Napa cabbage, resulting in a notably crunchier kimchi.
Sunja’s offers a spicy variation and a white kimchi. Recognizing the popularity of Napa cabbage kimchi, Sunja’s has also introduced a Napa cabbage variety alongside their green cabbage offerings. Cucumber kimchi is also available, providing a wide range of options.
Where to buy Sunja’s Kimchi: Sunja’s kimchi can be found in various supermarkets and grocery stores, particularly those with a good selection of international or specialty foods. Check local Asian markets and well-stocked supermarkets.
9. Bing Gré: East Coast Favorite with Ginger Zing
Bing Gré kimchi, a Napa cabbage kimchi popular on the East Coast, is pickled with salt and anchovy sauce and includes red pepper powder, onion, garlic, and scallion. The addition of ginger imparts a unique flavor dimension worth exploring. While sugar tempers the saltiness, some find this brand quite salty.
Despite mixed reviews, many appreciate Bing Gré kimchi for its satisfying crunch, fulfilling kimchi cravings. Bing Gré Kimchee is primarily found in markets in Queens, NYC, with limited availability elsewhere in the US.
Where to buy Bing Gré Kimchi: Bing Gré kimchi is predominantly available in the New York City area, especially in Queens markets and grocery stores. If you are outside of the NYC area, finding this brand may be challenging, making it more of a local East Coast specialty.
10. Seoul Kimchi (Lucky Foods): Mild and Flavorful, Keto-Friendly
Seoul Kimchi, produced by Lucky Foods, uses a Napa cabbage-based family recipe and is non-GMO and keto-friendly. Packaged in BPA-free bags or glass jars, the original Seoul Kimchi is milder compared to some brands but remains flavorful, featuring both shrimp and anchovy.
For those who prefer more heat, a spicy version is available. Vegan options (original and spicy, without anchovy and shrimp) and a radish kimchi are also offered.
Where to buy Seoul Kimchi: Seoul Kimchi (Lucky Foods) is widely available in supermarkets across the US. Look for it in the refrigerated sections of major grocery chains and supermarkets. Its broad distribution makes it a readily accessible kimchi option.
Finding Low-Sodium Kimchi Options
Traditional kimchi preparation involves salt brine, resulting in high sodium content. MSG, often used as a flavor enhancer, can further elevate sodium levels.
Salt plays a crucial role in kimchi fermentation, preventing harmful bacteria growth. Reducing salt content can compromise food safety.
For those on low-sodium diets, some brands offer lower-sodium kimchi options. Mama O’s and Mother-In-Law’s are examples of brands with relatively lower sodium content (140-150mg per serving). Cosmos Food Company and King’s offer MSG-free kimchi.
If low-sodium brands are unavailable, consider using kimchi as a condiment in small portions or pairing it with less salty foods to manage sodium intake.
Explore Kimchi Cooking
Beyond its delicious taste, kimchi is nutrient-rich and contains probiotics beneficial for digestion. It can boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve gut health. Incorporating kimchi into your cooking is a fantastic way to enjoy its flavors and health benefits.
To learn kimchi preparation or new recipes using store-bought kimchi, consider local cooking classes near you or online cooking classes. Professional chefs can provide tips on pairing kimchi and integrating it into various dishes.
With numerous kimchi brands available, selecting the perfect one can seem daunting. This guide to the top 10 store-bought kimchi brands and where to buy kimchi aims to simplify your choice. From classic Napa cabbage to vegan and alternative vegetable kimchis, a diverse world of kimchi flavors awaits your exploration!
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