Tag: Kimchi ingredients

While many assume all fermented foods are sugar-free, approximately 70% of commercial kimchi on the market includes some form of sweetener, though traditional methods often rely on natural sugars. The question, 'does all kimchi have sugar in it?', uncovers a fascinating aspect of this beloved Korean staple, revealing that the presence and type of sugar can vary dramatically.

Over 180 recognized varieties of kimchi exist, and a significant number of traditional recipes do include seafood as a key ingredient for flavor development. The presence of seafood in kimchi is often what provides its characteristic deep, savory flavor, which can vary depending on the region and the type of seafood used.

While many assume kimchi is purely vegetable-based, traditional recipes almost always contain fermented seafood products. To answer the question, "Is Korean kimchi vegetarian or not?", the answer is that traditional recipes are not, though plenty of vegetarian and vegan versions are widely available today.

While many traditional kimchi recipes are not suitable for a vegan diet due to the inclusion of fermented seafood, an increasing number of delicious plant-based versions are widely available. For those wondering, "Do vegans eat kimchi?", the answer is a definitive yes, provided they check labels or make their own vegan-friendly preparation.

While kimchi is made primarily from vegetables, a 2018 Brown University study found that vegan kimchi, made without seafood, contains the same beneficial probiotic bacteria as its traditional counterpart. However, the assumption that all kimchi is vegan is a common mistake for many plant-based eaters, as classic recipes often contain hidden animal-based ingredients that provide a rich, umami flavor.