Top Picks for Authentic Canned Kimchi

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Korean cuisine is becoming increasingly popular, and at the heart of many dishes is kimchi. However, anyone who appreciates authentic Korean kimchi knows the challenge: fresh kimchi has a limited shelf life and requires refrigeration. A convenient alternative for stocking your pantry, for on-the-go meals, or for quick cooking is canned kimchi.

This article serves as a buyer's guide to help you make your choice. We will introduce different types of canned kimchi and explain the key differences, so you can find the right product for your taste and needs when you're looking to buy kimchi.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Buying Canned Kimchi?

The selection of shelf-stable kimchi is growing. To make the right decision, a few objective criteria are helpful.

1. Kimchi Type: Napa Cabbage or Radish?

The base of the kimchi is crucial for its texture and flavour. The two most common canned varieties are:

• Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu-Kimchi): This is the most internationally recognised variety. Fermented napa cabbage is cut into strips or bite-sized pieces. The texture is softer, and the flavour is complex and multi-layered.
• Radish Kimchi (Kkakdugi): This consists of diced Korean radish. This radish kimchi is known for its firm, crunchy texture and an often sharper, more refreshing taste.

Your choice depends on your personal preference for texture and the intended use.

2. Ingredient List: Traditional or Vegan?

Traditionally, the seasoning mix for kimchi often includes ingredients of animal origin to deepen the umami flavour.

• Traditional Recipes: Frequently contain fish sauce (Jeotgal) or shrimp extract. These ingredients give the kimchi a characteristic, salty and savoury depth.
• Vegan Recipes: As an alternative, there is vegan kimchi, which omits animal products. The umami flavour is created here using ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, or mushroom extracts.

Check the ingredient list to ensure the product meets your dietary needs. Vegan products are usually clearly labelled as such.

3. Package Size and Intended Use

Canned kimchi is available in various sizes, typically between 160g and 350g.

• Small Cans (approx. 160g): Ideal as a side dish for one or two people, for trying a new variety, or for on-the-go situations like camping.
• Larger Cans (approx. 350g): Well-suited if you plan to use kimchi as an ingredient for dishes like Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae) or Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap).

Since opened shelf-stable kimchi should be refrigerated and consumed quickly, choosing the right size is also a matter of practicality.

Our Top Shelf Selection

Here is a selection of canned kimchi products that cater to different tastes and needs.

Jongga Mat Kimchi Can 350g

Why It Stands Out: Jongga is a well-known brand in Korea, prized for its traditional kimchi. This 350g can contains sliced napa cabbage kimchi (Mat-Kimchi), seasoned according to a classic recipe with chilli powder, garlic, and other spices. The larger quantity makes it a great choice for preparing Korean dishes.

Pros:

• Authentic, traditional flavour from the use of fish sauce.
• Versatile as a side dish or cooking ingredient.
• Larger package size (350g) for preparing meals.

Who It's For: For lovers of the classic, non-vegan kimchi flavour who need a larger quantity for preparing dishes like stews or fried rice.

View Product: Jongga Mat Kimchi Can 350g

Sempio Canned Kimchi Original Ambient 160g

Why It Stands Out: This product from Sempio is a kimchi variety explicitly declared as vegan and gluten-free. According to the manufacturer, it is free from preservatives as well as artificial colours and flavours. The bite-sized pieces in the 160g can are convenient for direct consumption.

Pros:

• Vegan and gluten-free recipe.
• Uses soy seasoning sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Convenient portion size (160g) for a single meal or as a topping.

Who It's For: For individuals who prefer a vegan or gluten-free diet, as well as for beginners who want to try a milder, purely plant-based version. The handy size is also ideal for on-the-go.

View Product: Sempio Canned Kimchi Original Ambient 160g

Delief Cubic Radish Kimchi Can 160g

Why It Stands Out: This product offers a welcome change from classic napa cabbage kimchi. It is radish kimchi (Kkakdugi) in cube form, known for its crunchy texture and spicy-hot flavour. The recipe includes shrimp extract for a deep umami taste.

Pros:

• Crunchy, firm texture from the use of radish cubes.
• Offers a flavour alternative to standard kimchi.
• Convenient 160g can, ideal as a side dish.

Who It's For: For experienced kimchi connoisseurs who appreciate the crunchy texture of radish, or for the curious who want to discover a different type of kimchi.

View Product: Delief Cubic Radish Kimchi Can 160g

Explore More Options

The world of kimchi is diverse, ranging from various canned options to fresh, refrigerated products. If you want to explore more varieties or compare different brands, you are sure to find the right one in our broader selection.

Discover our entire range of Korean Kimchi here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does canned kimchi last?

An unopened can of kimchi is very long-lasting, often for several years. The exact best-before date is printed on the packaging. After opening, the contents should be transferred to a clean, sealable container, stored in the refrigerator, and consumed within a few days to ensure quality.

2. Is canned kimchi as healthy as fresh kimchi?

Canned kimchi is pasteurised for preservation. This process stops the fermentation and reduces the number of live probiotic cultures found in fresh, unpasteurised kimchi. However, it retains its fibre and many nutrients from the vegetables and spices. The main advantage of canned kimchi is its long shelf life and convenience, while fresh kimchi is valued for its active probiotic properties.

3. Where can I order authentic kimchi online?

Those looking to order kimchi online can find a curated selection at specialised online retailers for Asian foods like Joybuy. Here, you can have various types of canned kimchi and other Korean specialities delivered directly to your home. This saves you the trouble of searching in local supermarkets, which often carry only a limited selection.