Is kimchi vegan?
Sometimes vegan
Is kimchi vegan?
Why
kimchi is made from fish or shellfish, so it is an animal product even when it appears only as a trace processing ingredient.
Kimchi is sometimes vegan, as traditional recipes often include fish sauce or salted shrimp (saeujeot), but many commercial brands offer vegan versions without animal-derived ingredients. The key distinction is whether the kimchi uses fish-based seasonings or relies solely on plant-based alternatives like soy sauce or kelp broth. Always check the label for non-vegan additives to ensure it aligns with a vegan diet.
Where it comes from
- Kimchi is made by fermenting vegetables, typically napa cabbage or radish, with seasonings like chili powder, garlic, ginger, and salt.
- Traditional Korean kimchi often includes jeotgal (salted fermented seafood) such as fish sauce or saeujeot (small shrimp) for depth of flavour.
- Plant-based versions replace animal-derived jeotgal with vegan alternatives like soy sauce, miso, or kelp powder to mimic umami.
- Mass-produced kimchi can vary widely; some brands explicitly label products as vegan, while others may use anchovy or shrimp extracts without clear disclosure.
- Kimchi fermentation is a natural process involving lactic acid bacteria, and it is often considered a probiotic food, but the animal content depends on regional and brand recipes.
Names to look for on the label
- fish sauce
- anchovy extract
- saeujeot (salted shrimp)
- jeotgal (fermented seafood)
- oyster sauce (in some recipes)
- ocean fish extract
- natural fish flavour
When shopping for vegan kimchi, start by checking the ingredient list for any form of seafood: look for terms like 'fish sauce,' 'anchovy,' 'shrimp,' or 'jeotgal' in the ingredients. Vegan-friendly kimchi typically uses salt, soy sauce, or kelp instead. Many brands now label their products as 'vegan' or 'plant-based,' especially in health food stores or Asian markets with clear dietary signage. In the UK, supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's stock vegan kimchi from brands such as Wildbrine or local producers, but always verify the label if ambiguous. If buying from a Korean restaurant or market, ask directly if the kimchi contains fish or shrimp, as traditional recipes often do. Fermented radish or cucumber kimchi may be more likely to be vegan, but cross-check ingredients to be sure.
What to use instead
miso — It does exactly the same job in coffee, cooking and baking, with no change in method.
How to check a label
Ingredient lists are legally required to name allergens such as milk and egg in bold, which catches most hidden animal ingredients. E-numbers and processing aids are the gap: E120, E441, E542, E904 and E920 are animal-derived, and processing aids often go unlisted. When in doubt, look for a certified vegan mark or ask the manufacturer directly — most reply within a few days.
Common questions about kimchi
Is all kimchi vegan?
No, traditional kimchi often contains fish sauce or salted shrimp for flavour, so it's not vegan by default. Many modern brands offer vegan versions using plant-based seasonings.
Can I make kimchi at home to ensure it's vegan?
Yes, making kimchi at home allows full control over ingredients. You can use soy sauce, miso, or kelp powder instead of fish sauce for a vegan-friendly result.
Is kimchi in Korean restaurants usually vegan?
Korean restaurants typically serve traditional kimchi made with fish sauce or shrimp, so it's rarely vegan. Always ask for details or request a custom order.
Does kimchi count as a probiotic food for vegans?
If the kimchi is vegan, it remains a good source of probiotics from fermentation. Non-vegan versions still contain beneficial bacteria but have animal-derived additives.
Why do some brands call kimchi 'vegan' if it has fish extract?
Mislabelling can occur due to regional differences or hidden ingredients. Always check for explicit vegan certification or contact the manufacturer for clarity.
Sources: Poore & Nemecek (Science, 2018), FAO, USDA FoodData Central, Mekonnen & Hoekstra (2011).
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