Is Kimchi vegan?
Depends on the brand
Depends — traditional kimchi is fermented with fish sauce or salted shrimp.
Why
Jeotgal (salted seafood) is a standard kimchi ingredient. Temple-style and many commercial vegan kimchis use kelp stock and soy sauce instead, with the same lactic tang.
What to check on the label
- Fish sauce, saeujeot, anchovy
- "Temple" or "vegan" kimchi labels
- Korean vegan certification
Swap it for
Vegan kimchiKelp-stock kimchiHome-made with miso
Questions people ask
Does vegan kimchi ferment the same?
Yes — the lactic bacteria come from the cabbage, not the seafood.
What replaces the umami?
Kombu, dried shiitake and a spoon of miso.