Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented and seasoned vegetables such as radish, napa cabbage, scallions, and garlic. It has become increasingly popular in the United States for its delicious flavor. But does Trader Joe’s have kimchi? In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question. We’ll look at what kinds of kimchi Trader Joe’s carries and how to find it on their shelves. So let’s get started!
Does Trader Joe’s Have Kimchi?
The answer to this question is yes! You can find kimchi in Trader Joe’s stores. It might not be what you expect from a typical Korean kimchi, considering the lack of fish products in its ingredients, but it still has a great flavor. Many customers find it just as delicious as traditional kimchi.
What Kind Of Kimchi Does Trader Joe’s Have?
Trader Joe’s carries only one type of kimchi: the fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi. It’s a vegan-friendly option, made with only natural ingredients such as cabbage, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. That is why you will find it labeled something like “Spicy Napa Cabbage” on the shelves instead of kimchi.
Where to Find Kimchi in Trader Joe’s?
At Trader Joe’s, you can find kimchi in the refrigerated section near other prepared foods.
Although kimchi traditionally comes in mild and spicy versions, you will only find the spicy version at Trade Joe’s. This version is made with more chili paste and has a bolder flavor. It’s great for those looking for a kick of flavor in their kimchi.
What Does Trader Joe’s Kimchi Include?
Since Trader Joe’s kimchi is vegan, you won’t find traces of fish products, such as shrimp paste, oysters, or fish sauce, traditional ingredients in authentic kimchi recipes. To make up for this, Trader Joe’s has added a secret umami flavor booster—shiitake mushroom powder.
Other than that, Trader Joe’s kimchi stays faithful to the traditional kimchi formula. It’s made with napa cabbage, garlic, ginger, radish, green onions, spicy chili paste, and red chili peppers.
Is Trader Joe’s Kimchi Fermented?
Yes, Trader Joe’s kimchi is indeed fermented. This means that the longer you leave your kimchi in the refrigerator, the stronger and more intense its flavor will become. That means those packages of kimchi that have been sitting in the store’s refrigerator for a while are much more sour and pungent than when they were first made.
So, if you want a milder flavor, look for the freshest kimchi available. And if your taste buds can take the extra heat, go for the ones that have been waiting in the refrigerator for a while.
Is Trader Joe’s Kimchi Vegan?
Since Trader Joe’s kimchi doesn’t contain any fish or animal products, it is a vegan-friendly option. Instead of containing traditional fish sauce, it relies on shiitake mushroom powder to provide the umami flavor. That is why you can’t really call it a traditional version of kimchi.
Is Trader Joe’s Kimchi Expensive?
Many people consider Trader Joe’s to be an affordable grocery store, and kimchi is no exception. You can buy a 10-ounce jar of Trader Joe’s kimchi for just $4.50. That’s far cheaper than what you would pay for a 10-ounce jar of traditional kimchi at a supermarket.
How Does Trader Joe’s Kimchi Taste Like?
Trader Joe’s kimchi has a strong, spicy flavor that will appeal to those who like bold flavors. Depending on how long it has been sitting in the fridge, the flavor can be anywhere from mild to very intense. But even at its most intense, you can still taste the cabbage, garlic, and ginger in the mix.
You can’t really predict how it will taste until you try it, so it’s better just to go ahead and give Trader Joe’s kimchi a shot. That said, devoted fans of kimchi might have to adjust their expectations before trying it. It may not be the same as traditional kimchi, but it is certainly still delicious.
You can get an idea of the flavor by reading customer reviews from those who have already tried it. Trader Joe’s has a dedicated page on their page exactly for this purpose.
Is Trader Joe’s Kimchi Spicy?
Some people find it pretty mild in terms of spice, while others find it rather sour than spicy. It really depends on how long the kimchi has been sitting in the refrigerator, as well as your own taste preference.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question: Does Trader Joe’s have kimchi? The answer is yes! Trader Joe’s kimchi is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, vegan-friendly version of the traditional Korean dish. It may not be as authentic as traditional kimchi, but it has a flavor that many people enjoy.
