Trader Joe‘s has long been a go-to destination for adventurous foodies seeking unique, globally inspired flavors at affordable prices. From Mandarin Orange Chicken to Cauliflower Gnocchi, the beloved grocery chain has a knack for turning international delicacies into mainstream hits. In recent years, Trader Joe‘s has expanded its offerings of Korean-inspired foods, including a house-brand kimchi that‘s been generating buzz among shoppers. But how does this mass-market version stack up to the real deal? As a kimchi connoisseur and food industry expert, I did a deep dive to find out.
The Rise of Kimchi in America
First, some context. Kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable dish that‘s considered Korea‘s national dish, has been surging in popularity stateside over the past decade. According to a 2021 report by Grand View Research, the global kimchi market size was valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028. In the U.S., kimchi sales have been driven by a number of factors, including:
- Growing interest in Korean cuisine, fueled by the popularity of Korean BBQ, K-pop, and K-dramas
- Increased awareness of the health benefits of fermented foods and probiotics
- Rising demand for bold, spicy flavors and plant-based options among younger consumers
- Proliferation of Asian grocery stores and online retailers that make kimchi more accessible
Kimchi has also been popping up on restaurant menus and in food publications with greater frequency. In 2020, kimchi was featured in over 500 articles in U.S. food magazines and blogs, up from just 100 mentions in 2010, according to data from Technomic. Fast-casual chains like Sweetgreen and Chipotle have introduced kimchi as a topping option, while high-end chefs like David Chang and Roy Choi have elevated kimchi to gourmet status.
"Kimchi has definitely hit the mainstream in America," says Esther Choi, chef-owner of Mokbar in New York City and author of The Kimchi Cookbook. "It‘s not just a niche, ethnic food anymore – it‘s become a flavor that people crave and seek out."
The Trader Joe‘s Kimchi Test
Sensing an opportunity, Trader Joe‘s launched its "Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi" in 2018 as part of its ongoing effort to bring trending flavors to the masses. The 10-ounce jar retails for $4.49 and is stocked in the refrigerated section alongside other pickled and fermented vegetables.
At first glance, Trader Joe‘s kimchi looks the part – the packaging features a vibrant red label with a close-up photo of napa cabbage chunks coated in a crimson sauce. The ingredients list is relatively short and recognizable: napa cabbage, radish, red pepper powder, garlic, green onion, ginger, rice paste, mushroom powder, and sea salt. Notably absent are the seafood-based seasonings like salted shrimp, anchovy sauce, or fish sauce that lend traditional kimchi its signature pungent aroma and umami depth.
"Trader Joe‘s kimchi is made to appeal to a wide audience, so it‘s not as funky or fishy as what you‘d find in a Korean grocery store," notes Choi. "But for an entry-level kimchi, it delivers a good balance of spice, sourness, and crunch."
I recruited a panel of five kimchi enthusiasts, including two Korean-American home cooks and three non-Korean foodies, to sample Trader Joe‘s kimchi alongside two other popular brands: Mother-In-Law‘s Kimchi (made in the U.S. by a Korean-American family) and Tobagi Sliced Napa Cabbage Kimchi (imported from Korea). We judged each kimchi on four key criteria: appearance, aroma, flavor, and texture. Here‘s how Trader Joe‘s stacked up:
| Kimchi Brand | Appearance (1-5) | Aroma (1-5) | Flavor (1-5) | Texture (1-5) | Overall (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe‘s | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.75 |
| Mother-In-Law‘s | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.25 |
| Tobagi | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
The results were somewhat mixed, but the overall consensus was that Trader Joe‘s kimchi was a solid option for the price and availability. Tasters praised the "vibrant red color," "generous chunks of cabbage," and "pleasant crunch" of the TJ‘s kimchi, though some found it "a bit one-dimensional" and "lacking in depth of flavor" compared to the artisanal and imported varieties.
"It tastes like a toned-down, beginner version of kimchi," remarked one Korean-American panelist. "Not bad, but not quite the real deal. I‘d eat it in a pinch, but I wouldn‘t serve it to my grandmother!"
The Health Benefits of Eating Kimchi
Taste aside, there are plenty of good reasons to add kimchi to your diet. Like other fermented vegetables, kimchi is packed with beneficial probiotic bacteria that can aid digestion, boost immunity, and promote overall gut health. Kimchi is also an excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium. Studies have shown that regular consumption of kimchi may help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and even slow the aging process.
"Kimchi is a superfood in every sense of the word," says Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of NY Nutrition Group in New York City. "It‘s low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants and healthy probiotics. Plus, the spicy kick from the red pepper flakes can help rev up your metabolism and keep you feeling full and satisfied."
Of course, not all kimchis are created equal when it comes to nutrition. Some commercial brands may contain added sugars, preservatives, or excessive amounts of sodium that can negate some of the health benefits. Moskovitz recommends reading labels carefully and choosing kimchi with short, simple ingredient lists and no more than 500 mg of sodium per serving.
"Trader Joe‘s kimchi is actually a pretty healthy option, as it‘s made with all-natural ingredients and has only 330 mg of sodium per 2-ounce serving," she notes. "Just keep in mind that it‘s still a high-sodium food, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet."
How to Enjoy Trader Joe‘s Kimchi
So you‘ve picked up a jar of Trader Joe‘s kimchi – now what? Koreans typically eat kimchi as a side dish (banchan) with rice and other dishes like grilled meat or stew. But kimchi is a versatile ingredient that can add a zesty, probiotic punch to all kinds of recipes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Spoon it over avocado toast or a grain bowl for a quick, flavorful breakfast or lunch
- Chop it up and add it to scrambled eggs, fried rice, or potato hash
- Use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, burgers, or hot dogs
- Stir it into soups, stews, or braised dishes for an extra kick
- Toss it with cold noodles and julienned vegetables for a spicy Korean salad
- Mix it with mayonnaise for a tangy sandwich spread or dipping sauce
- Saute it with pork belly or bacon for a salty-spicy-sour combo
Feel free to get creative and experiment with your own kimchi creations. One of my favorite ways to use Trader Joe‘s kimchi is in a quick and easy kimchi quesadilla:
Spicy Kimchi Quesadillas
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup Trader Joe‘s Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi, drained and chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Cooking spray or butter for the pan
Instructions:
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Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or melt a pat of butter.
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Place a tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the surface. Scatter half of the chopped kimchi and scallions on top of the cheese.
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Place another tortilla on top and press down gently with a spatula. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Using the spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook until the other side is crispy and the cheese is fully melted, another 1-2 minutes.
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Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.
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Serve hot, with sour cream or guacamole if desired. Enjoy!
The Bottom Line on Trader Joe‘s Kimchi
In conclusion, while Trader Joe‘s "Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi" may not be the most authentic or complex kimchi on the market, it‘s a convenient, affordable, and tasty option for kimchi newbies and fans alike. Made with all-natural ingredients and free of preservatives or added sugars, it offers a good balance of spice, tang, and crunch that can liven up a variety of dishes.
If you‘re looking for a more traditional kimchi experience, you may want to seek out artisanal brands from Korean producers or specialty grocers. But if you‘re just getting started with kimchi or want a quick fix, Trader Joe‘s version is definitely worth a try. With its wide availability and budget-friendly price, it‘s a great gateway to the wonderful world of kimchi.
Just remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced, varied diet to reap the full health benefits. And don‘t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen – with its bold, versatile flavor, kimchi can be a secret weapon in all kinds of delicious recipes. Happy fermenting!
