Kimchi is fermented, tangy, and sometimes spicy but, is it a food vegans can enjoy?
Not all Kimchi brands are vegan-friendly, some contain animal products that have been added for flavor. Luckily, you can find many vegan-friendly Kimchi brands at your local store that may or may not be clearly labeled as vegan.
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Is Kimchi Naturally Vegan
You could assume that kimchi is a naturally vegan food since it is often made from napa cabbage, radish, ginger, and garlic, that would be incorrect in many cases.
Although, the bulk of kimchi is vegan-friendly there are often non-vegan flavorings that are added.
What Isn’t Vegan About Kimchi
Some Kimchi will contain animal products making it not vegan, in most cases, non-vegan kimchi would contain fish or shrimp for flavoring.
Fish sauce or shrimp paste is often used in kimchi.
You will need to look closely at the labels of each product to make sure they do not contain animal products.
How Do You Know If Kimichi Is Vegan
The only way to know for sure is to seek our vegan-friendly kimchi brands from this article or read the labels of the products at your local stores to make sure that they are vegan.
Is Korean Kimchi Vegan
Korean Kimchi may or may not be vegan depending on the specific product.
You will need to check the label to see if it contains animal products.
Is Jongga Kimchi Vegan
It is the same as any kimchi, Jongga kimchi is often vegan but, you may find some products that are not.
What Kimchi Is Vegan
- Nasoya Kimchi
- Mother In Law’s Kimchi
- Wang Korea Stir-Fried Kimchi
- Seoul Kimchi
- Madge’s Vegan Kimchi
- Wildbrine Kimchi
- Sinto Gourmet Kimchi
- Surasang Napa Cabbage Kimchi
- Jongga Sliced Napa Cabbage Kimchi
- Simply Truth Korean Style Kimchi
- Sunja’s Kimchi
- Trader Joes Korean Napa Cabbage Kimchi
- Cleveland Kitchen
Nasoya Kimchi
The same brand that has been providing us with tofu for years also makes vegan kimchi.
Being a popular and easily assessable brand this kimchi is the most likely to be found at your local grocery store.
Some of the grocery stores that carry Nasoya Kimchi include Publix, Food Lion, Albertsons, Giant Eagle, ShopRite, and Price Chopper.
Nasoya makes a Spicy and Mild Kimchi and Spicy and Mild Kimchi Relish.
Mother In Laws Kimchi
With a catchy name you are sure to be noticed, Mother In Laws Kimchi comes in three flavors.
- House Napa Cabbage Kimchi
- MUU Diakon Radish Kimchi
- Table Cut Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Mother-In-Laws Kimchi can be found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh Market.
Wang Korea Stir-Fried Kimchi
Wang Korea Stir-Fried Kimchi is authentic kimchi that is canned and imported from Korea.
It may be tricky to find in stores but, can often be found online.
Seoul Kimchi
Seoul Kimchi is another vegan-friendly kimchi brand that is easily found in stores.
You can find Seoul Kimchi at Target, Fred Meyer, and Sprouts.
Seoul Kimichi comes in five delicious flavors.
- Original
- Spicy
- Vegan Original
- Vegan Spicy
- Radish
In addition to the traditional kimchi products Seoul kimchi also offers a variety of kimchi sauces in the following flavors.
- Sweet & Spicy Original Kimchi Hot Sauce
- Spicy Kimchi Hot Sauce
- Kimchi Mayo (and it’s vegan!)
- Kimchi Ketchup
Madge’s Vegan Kimchi
Madge’s makes a variety of fermented foods including three flavors of vegan kimchi.
The three flavors of kimchi are.
- Cucumber Kimchi
- Spicy Vegan Kimchi
- Vegan Kimchi
Wildbrine Kimchi
Wildbrine Kimchi can be found at many stores including Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, Greenwise Market, Sprouts, Safeway, and Ralphs.
Wildbrine Kimchi comes in the following flavors.
- Korean
- Mild Turmeric
- Miso Horseradish
Sinto Gourmet Kimchi
Sinto Gourmet Kimchi can be found at local grocery stores as well as online.
This Sanfransico-based company makes its kimchi in four flavors.
- Plenty Roots
- Spicy Red
- Radish
- Mild White
Surasang Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Surasang Napa Cabbage Kimchi can be found at Walmart, World Market, and Shaw’s.
Surasang Napa Cabbage has a mild spicy flavor.
Jongga Sliced Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Jongga Sliced Napa Cabbage Kimchi can be found a Walmart and Costco.
Simply Truth Korean Style Kimchi
SImply Truth Korean Style Kimchi is a brand that is exclusively sold at Kroger and its partners.
Sunja’s Kimchi
You will find Sunja’s Kimchi at your local Whole Foods.
Trader Joe’s Korean Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Like we needed another reason to love Trader Joe’s, at Trader Joe’s you will find their own branded Korean Napa Cabbage Kimchi that is vegan-friendly.
Cleveland Kitchen
In my opinion, I am saving the best for last. Cleveland Kitchen makes a delicious variety of sourkrauts and kimchi.
I purchase Cleveland Kitchen at my local Publix but, you can also find this product at Walmart and Winn Dixie.
Look for the following Cleveland Kitchen kimchi flavors at your local store.
- Classic Kimchi
- Mild Kimchi
Does Traders Joes Sell Vegan Kimchi
Trader Joe’s sells a variety of vegan kimchi including their own kimchi under Trader Joe’s name.
Can I Make My Own Vegan Kimchi
You can make your own vegan kimchi at home using ingredients like cabbage, garlic, ginger, and vegan-friendly soy sauce or fish sauce.
Final Thoughts
Kimchi is one of the foods your either love or hate.
Being that fermented foods are so good for the gut it’s good to try something new every now and then.
Luckily, vegan kimchi can be easily found at your local grocery store.
Of course, as a vegetarian or vegan you are already used to reading food labels looking for those unfriendly ingredients that are hidden within.
Save this list of vegan kimchi brands for the next time you have a craving for kimchi.
