Did you know you don't have to get your dose of Probiotics from supplements?
You can feed your gut the Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic strains by eating delicious kimchi.
As a certified nutritionist I often recommend Kimchi to my clients and enjoy making my own Kimchi.
Both strains have been studied scientifically & may provide a bunch of health benefits.
Here are 6 of the Best Kimchi Brands in 2023.
6 Best Kimchi Brands 2023
1) Lucky Food Seoul Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi
I had the opportunity to try Lucky Foods' Kimchi, and it's truly a gem! The company prides itself on using locally sourced napa cabbage and following a "Grandma's recipe" to preserve the authentic flavors of the product. The small craft batches and non-GMO ingredients make it a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
What sets this kimchi apart is the use of Gochugaru chili pepper, which adds a delicious kick of spice to the mix. While some customers have challenged the flavor and price to quality ratio, I found it to be fresh and tasty, with a unique taste that stands out from other brands.
One thing to note is that the kimchi doesn't arrive fully fermented, but that's because Lucky Foods wants you to have the best probiotic benefits. You'll need to transfer it to your own containers and let it sit for a bit longer to reach the desired fermentation level.
At $34.99 for a 3.5 pound pack, it's definitely not the cheapest option on the market. However, the quality of the ingredients and the taste make it worth the price for those who want to indulge in a premium kimchi experience. Overall, I highly recommend Lucky Foods' Kimchi for anyone looking to try a unique and flavorful take on this Korean staple.
2) Mother In Law's Kimchi
I recently ordered Mother in Law's Kimchi, and I have to say, it's a winner! Made from all-natural ingredients, including napa cabbage, this kimchi is spicy and has a perfectly fermented blend that gives it a tangy and sour taste. The addition of bone broth, salted shrimp, and anchovies might sound unusual, but they add to the authentic flavor profile.
I was impressed by the quality of the product, especially considering it's made by a small company from Manhattan. It's priced at $8.49 ($0.53/Fl Oz), which is reasonable considering the amount in each jar. While some may find the flavor too strog for their liking, I thought it was deliciously authentic.
3) Eden Foods Organic Kimchi
Weirdly, I found Eden Foods Organic Kimchi to taste similar to Lucky Food's but instead of napa cabbage, this kimchi is made with sauerkraut, fermented with lactic acid, and then infused with kimchi spices and herbs.
At first, I was skeptical about this fusion food, but I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. It's different from the traditional kimchi, but in a good way. The flavor is well-balanced, with just the right amount of spice and tanginess.
Not only does it taste great, but it also has great benefits for stomach health, which many customers have experienced. The organic ingredients make it a healthy option, and the lactic acid fermentation process adds to its probiotic benefits.
What's even better is that the Eden Foods Organic Kimchi is reasonably priced at $9.98 per 18 oz jar. This makes it far cheaper than some others in this.
If you're looking for a unique and tasty kimchi experience that also promotes digestive health, I highly recommend giving Eden Foods Organic Kimchi a try.
4) Madges Spicy Vegan Kimchi
I am not a vegan, but was still excited to try Madge's Food Company's Spicy Vegan Kimchi, and it did not disappoint. This small-batch producer uses only plant-based ingredients, so you can rest assured that no animal products are used in the preparation of this delicious food.
The product arrives fresh and ready to eat, but it's important to refrigerate it immediately to slow down the living bacteria's action. The ingredients used in Madge's Spicy Vegan Kimchi are top-notch, including napa cabbage, daikon radishes, Asian chives, and an umami powder made with mushrooms and sea vegetables.
What sets Madge's Spicy Vegan Kimchi apart is that it's one of the few 100% vegan kimchi products on the market and they also offer both a milder and a spicy version, and I highly recommend trying both.
A 15 oz jar will cost you $11.99, which is in the middle of the price range for top tier kimchi. While it may be pricier than some non-vegan options, it's definitely worth it if you're looking for a delicious and ethical kimchi product.
I would recommend the Madge's Spicy Vegan Kimchi brand to vegans and non-vegans alike because the quality of the ingredients and the delicious taste make it a standout product in the crowded kimchi market.
5) Nappa Cabbage Kimchi
I found quite a few Napa Cabbage Kimchi reviews that suggest that it may not live up to customers' expectations. While the product is imported from Korea and appears to be authentic, some customers have been disappointed with the taste and the amount provided.
One potential issue is the packaging - the kimchi comes in a can, which may affect the overall flavor and this means the kimchi is not widely available on Amazon and may be more difficult to find.
Despite these drawbacks, the Napa Cabbage Kimchi may still be worth a try for those looking for a more genuine kimchi experience. It is priced at $11.87 for a 7.58 oz can, which seems reasonable too me. Ultimately, whether or not this kimchi is worth purchasing may come down to personal taste preferences.
7) Sinto Gourmet Spicy Red Nappa Cabbage Kimchi
The Kimchi produced by Sinto may be made in the US, but it’s produced by a Korean-born chef who creates many different varieties to suit every taste.
The spicy Kimchi is the classic napa cabbage mixed with daikon radish and seasoned to provide heat on the palate. This Kimchi is also vegan and gluten-free but doesn't taste similar to Madges in my opinion. At only $10.00 for a 16 oz bag, Sinto Kimchi is also exceptional value for money.
How To Make Your Own Kimchi
My Homemade Buchu Kimchi
Making your own Kimchi may sound daunting at first. You might be thinking the ingredients are hard to find, expensive or that the fermentation process takes months.
I know all about that because those are all of the things I was freaking out over.
All you need to make basic Kimchi is Napa Cabbage (or normal cabbage), Korean Gochugaru flakes (most stores have this), Fish sauce, Garlic, Ginger and maybe some Scallions as well.
Not that daunting is it?
The fermentation process can be done in a couple of days as well so making it at home might be even faster than ordering it online. It can be made vegan, gluten free and paleo. The Probiotic bacteria will be grown during fermentation if you ferment it with sea salt.
What is Kimchi?
As someone who has eaten and reviewed a lot of kimchi, I can attest to its addictive spicy, fermented taste. Originating from Korea, this probiotic-rich dish is traditionally made with a variety of vegetables, but cabbage is the most common base ingredient, often combined with daikon radishes and plenty of fiery chillies.
Kimchi has been recognized for its low-calorie, high-nutrient content, with plenty of vitamins A and C, over 34 amino acids, and 10 minerals, making it a nutrient powerhouse. Additionally, thanks to the lacto-fermentation process that occurs during its preparation, it is a great source of probiotics, which have been linked to improved heart, mental, and gastrointestinal health.
While some may consider fermented foods an acquired taste, the complex flavor profile of kimchi has made it a popular choice for many. The tangy, sourness of the fermented cabbage is complemented by the heat of the added chillies, creating a unique balance of salty, spicy, and sour flavors that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
You can enjoy Kimchi stir fried with rice, added to scrambled eggs, or even layered onto grilled cheese. More traditional Korean food like a bibimbap or a noodle soup are often topped with a bit of Kimchi for an added kick, giving you a great additional flavor and lots of health benefits.
Final Thoughts
I had a lot of fun trying all of the delicious and spicy Korean brands in this guide. Luckily they were also all rich in probiotics that may be beneficial for gut health.
Eating kimchi regularly can be an excellent way to consume these beneficial bacteria strains, and, there are many great kimchi brands available in the market.
Each brand reviewed in this guide has its own unique taste and benefits, and choosing the best one depends on personal preferences and dietary requirements but I hope you appreciate my personal preferences as well.
Overall, eating kimchi is an excellent way to enjoy a flavorful dish and boost gut health, and the six brands reviewed here are worth trying.
Alicia Harper is a NASM-CNC Certified nutritionist and the editor of ProbioticReviewGirl.
After suffering from recurrent gut issues she spent years researching Probiotics and the microbiome.
She has tested 29+ different Probiotics and is a probiotics expert. As a probiotic fanatic, she has valuable knowledge to share with the world.
The post 6 Best Kimchi Brands – Price & Taste (2023) first appeared on Probiotic Review Girl.