Your Guide to Buying Kimchi Online: From Crisps to Classic Jars

The distinctive spicy and sour tang of kimchi has firmly established itself in the UK's culinary scene. Whether you've enjoyed it as a traditional Korean side dish or are curious about the new wave of kimchi-flavoured snacks, navigating the options can be a challenge. This guide is designed to help you understand the different types of kimchi products available, so you can confidently choose the right one for your palate, whether you're cooking a meal or reaching for a snack.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to provide clear, practical advice to help you find products that suit your needs. Let's explore what to look for when you decide to buy kimchi online.

A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Kimchi

Before adding an item to your basket, consider these points to ensure you get the flavour and experience you're looking for.

1. Understand the Format: Snack vs. Side Dish

The first step is to decide how you want to enjoy this Korean flavour.

• Kimchi Crisps & Snacks: These products, often called kimchi chips or kimchi crisps, infuse the tangy, spicy flavour of kimchi into a familiar snack format. They are perfect for those seeking a bold and adventurous alternative to standard spicy crisps. They offer a convenient way to sample the flavour profile without committing to the texture of fermented vegetables.
• Jar of Kimchi: This is the traditional fermented cabbage product, a staple Korean side dish. It's a versatile ingredient that can be eaten on its own or used to add a powerful flavour boost to stir-fries, stews, fried rice and even sandwiches. A jar of kimchi offers a more complex taste and texture experience.

2. Check the Flavour Profile

Kimchi is not a one-note flavour. Its taste is a complex balance of spicy, sour, salty and umami. When looking at product descriptions, pay attention to keywords that indicate the overall taste. Some crisps might lean more towards a sour and savoury profile, while others will emphasise the chilli heat. Traditional jarred kimchi will often have a more pronounced sourness from the fermentation process, along with a deeper umami flavour from ingredients like fish sauce.

3. Key Ingredients to Note

The ingredient list provides valuable clues about the product's character. For traditional kimchi, look for core components like cabbage, radish, chilli powder (gochugaru), garlic and ginger. The presence of a fermentation agent or ingredients like fish sauce often points towards a more authentic, robust flavour. For Korean snacks like crisps, the seasoning blend is key. Look for descriptions that mention specific flavourings to get an idea of the intended taste.

Top Picks for Kimchi Lovers

Here are a few distinct options that showcase the different ways you can enjoy kimchi flavours.

Lay's Korean-Style Kimchi Crisps, 70g

Why It Stands Out: These Lay's kimchi crisps are made from potato flour, giving them a uniquely light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. The flavour is a prominent combination of sour and spicy, delivering a distinct and satisfying tang with every bite.

• Pros:
  • Light, crispy texture that differs from traditional potato crisps.
  • A clear and punchy sour and spicy flavour profile.
  • Convenient 70g bag, ideal for individual snacking.
• Who is it for?
  • Snackers who enjoy light-textured crisps and are looking for a bold, tangy flavour experience. It's an accessible entry point for those curious about kimchi.

Orion Korean Kimchi Flavoured Potato Chips, 70g

Why It Stands Out: The Orion kimchi chips are made from sliced potatoes and use a non-fried technology, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp texture without feeling greasy. The seasoning is more nuanced, balancing sweet, sour and a mild spiciness for a well-rounded flavour.

• Pros:
  • Classic potato chip crunch from real potato slices.
  • A balanced flavour profile with sweet, sour and savoury notes.
  • Contains a complex seasoning blend including sesame, garlic and onion for added depth.
• Who is it for?
  • Those who prefer the substantial bite of a traditional potato chip and enjoy a more layered, less intensely spicy kimchi flavour.

Baxters Kimchi Crunchy & Spicy, 300g

Why It Stands Out: This is a classic jar of kimchi, offering an authentic taste and texture. Made with crunchy cabbage (83%), spicy chilli and savoury fish sauce, it delivers the traditional experience. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.

• Pros:
  • Authentic texture and flavour, ideal for use as a Korean side dish or ingredient.
  • Highly versatile: can be added to stir-fries, noodles, rice dishes, or wraps.
  • Generous 300g jar for multiple uses.
• Who is it for?
  • Home cooks and food enthusiasts who want to incorporate the genuine taste and texture of kimchi into their meals.

Looking for More Options?

The world of tangy, savoury and fermented foods is wonderfully diverse. If our recommendations have sparked your interest but you're curious to see what else is available, there are many other products to discover.

From different styles of kimchi to a wide variety of other pickled vegetables, you can find your next favourite flavour. Explore our full range of crisp vegetable pickles to find your next pantry staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kimchi taste like?

Kimchi has a complex flavour profile that is difficult to describe with a single word. It is primarily spicy from the chilli, sour from the fermentation process and salty. Underlying these main notes is a deep, savoury flavour known as umami, which often comes from ingredients like fish sauce or fermented shrimp. The overall taste is bold, pungent and deeply satisfying.

How do you eat a jar of kimchi?

A jar of kimchi is incredibly versatile. You can eat it straight from the jar as a cold side dish, which is the most traditional way. It's also a fantastic ingredient. You can chop it up and add it to fried rice, put it in stews (like kimchi-jjigae), top a bowl of ramen, or even add it to a cheese toastie for a spicy, tangy kick.

Are kimchi crisps actually spicy?

The spice level of kimchi crisps varies by brand. Generally, they are designed to be flavourful rather than overwhelmingly hot. Most offer a noticeable but manageable chilli heat that is balanced by other flavours like sourness, saltiness and sometimes a hint of sweetness. If you enjoy moderately spicy crisps, you will likely find kimchi-flavoured varieties very enjoyable.