Simple Truth Kimchi

Discover the Authentic Korean Kimchi Made by Simple Truth

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables that is ubiquitous in Korean cuisine. Known for its tangy, spicy and umami flavors, kimchi boasts an extensive list of health benefits thanks to the lactic acid bacteria formed during fermentation. With its growing popularity worldwide, kimchi can now be found just about anywhere, including at your local grocery store.

One widely available brand of kimchi is Simple Truth Kimchi, made by Simple Truth. As a leader in organic and non-GMO foods, Simple Truth offers an authentic kimchi made with certified organic ingredients and real Korean flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into all things Simple Truth Kimchi – from its ingredients and nutrition facts to how it tastes and the best ways to eat it.

An Overview of Simple Truth Kimchi

Simple Truth Kimchi is a high-quality kimchi produced by Simple Truth, the natural and organic brand of Kroger grocery stores. It is made through traditional fermentation techniques with organic vegetables like napa cabbage, carrots, radishes and green onions.

Unlike some commercial kimchi brands that use artificial preservatives or flavors, Simple Truth Kimchi relies on an all-natural fermentation process for its characteristic tangy taste and health benefits. It is also certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan.

Simple Truth Kimchi comes in a 16 oz plastic jar and is usually stocked in the refrigerated produce section of Kroger grocery stores. It has a medium level of spiciness and pairs well with rice, noodles, tofu, eggs and more. The kimchi can be eaten straight from the jar or incorporated into recipes.

Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients

One of the standout qualities of Simple Truth Kimchi is that it’s made entirely from certified organic ingredients. The main vegetable is organic napa cabbage, which gives kimchi its crunchy texture. It’s combined with organic carrots, radish, green onion, ginger, red pepper and sea salt.

According to the Simple Truth website, none of the ingredients in Simple Truth Kimchi are genetically engineered. The non-GMO claim has been verified by the Non-GMO Project, meaning the kimchi has gone through a rigorous validation process to confirm its non-GMO status. This gives health-conscious consumers peace of mind.

The organic ingredients and lack of GMOs set Simple Truth Kimchi apart from mass-produced kimchi brands that may use conventionally grown vegetables or artificial preservatives like sorbic acid. By keeping the ingredients list clean and simple, Simple Truth is able to create an authentic kimchi the traditional way.

Where to Buy Simple Truth Kimchi

Since it’s a Simple Truth product, Simple Truth Kimchi can be found at Kroger supermarket chains across the U.S. This includes Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer and other regional Kroger banners.

Simple Truth Kimchi is stocked in the refrigerated section near other fresh produce like vegetables, hummus and salsa. It’s often housed in a special section dedicated to organic and natural foods. The kimchi normally comes in a 16 oz clear plastic jar with a red lid and Simple Truth logo.

If you can’t find Simple Truth Kimchi at your local Kroger or affiliate store, you can ask an employee to order it or get it shipped to your nearest location. Simple Truth Kimchi typically costs around $4.49 per jar.

You can also purchase Simple Truth Kimchi online from Kroger’s website or sites like Amazon and Walmart if you don’t live near a Kroger store. However, shipping refrigerated items may increase the price. Checking your local Kroger first is recommended.

Health Benefits of Simple Truth Kimchi

One of the biggest benefits of kimchi, including Simple Truth Kimchi, is the probiotic content derived from fermentation. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that provide benefits for your gut and overall health. The lactobacillus bacteria found in kimchi offers probiotics that may:

• Boost immunity – Probiotics stimulate immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
• Improve digestion – Probiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome and help with digestion and elimination.
• Enhance heart health – Probiotics can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Aid weight loss – Probiotics support metabolism and help regulate appetite.

In addition to probiotics, Simple Truth Kimchi provides nutrients like:

• Vitamin K – Important for blood clotting and bone health.
• Vitamin A – Supports immune function and vision.
• Vitamin C – Acts as an antioxidant and immune booster.
• Iron – Helps carry oxygen in the blood to give you energy.
• Fiber – Promotes digestion, heart health and weight management.

Overall, the fiber and active cultures make Simple Truth Kimchi a nutritious functional food that offers you health perks along with flavor.

Taste, Texture and Flavor Profile

According to customer reviews, Simple Truth Kimchi has an authentic Korean kimchi flavor with:

• A perfect balance of sour and spicy – The taste has a tangy sourness from fermentation along with heat from the red pepper powder.
• Crunchy napa cabbage – The cabbage retains a nice crispy texture.
• Savory umami flavor – The kimchi delivers a savory, briny taste.
• Aromatic scents – It smells pungent yet appetizing.

The level of spiciness in Simple Truth Kimchi is considered medium, so it offers a kick of heat without being overwhelmingly hot for people who don’t tolerate spice well. The taste profile is complex with layers of sour, sweet, salty and spicy.

Overall, fans of authentic kimchi say Simple Truth perfectly captures the traditional Korean flavors. The kimchi tastes best chilled straight from the fridge.

Uses for Simple Truth Kimchi

Simple Truth Kimchi is extremely versatile and can be eaten in many ways:

• As a side dish – Enjoy a spoonful alongside any meal to liven up your plate.
• Stir-fries – Kimchi pairs well with protein and vegetables.
• In soups – Add some heat and probiotics to your favorite soup.
• With rice – Mix kimchi into rice or enjoy it on the side.
• Sandwiches and wraps – Give your sandwich a flavor boost with some kimchi.
• Omelets – Saute some kimchi and eggs for a quick probiotic breakfast.
• Burgers – Top your burger with kimchi instead of pickles.
• Tacos – Koreans love kimchi tacos with meat or tofu.
• Salads – Toss some kimchi in your leafy green salads.
• Kimbap – Make some Korean-style rice rolls filled with kimchi.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless with this versatile fermented condiment! Simple Truth Kimchi works in both Korean and fusion recipes.

How Long Does it Last?

When properly stored, Simple Truth Kimchi has a decent shelf life since it’s fermented. An unopened jar will last 1-2 months past the sell-by date when stored in the refrigerator below 40°F.

Once opened, it’s best to eat the kimchi within 3-6 months for peak flavor and activity of the live cultures. Over time, the texture becomes softer as the veggies continue fermenting.

For long-term storage, you can transfer kimchi to airtight containers and keep refrigerated or freeze it. Frozen kimchi can be stored for up to 1 year.

The phytonutrients may degrade after long periods at freezing temperatures, but the probiotics should remain intact. Thaw frozen kimchi in the fridge before eating.

Is Simple Truth Kimchi Spicy?

According to Simple Truth and consumer reviews, Simple Truth Kimchi has a medium level of spice. It contains just enough red pepper powder to give it a noticeable kick, but likely won’t burn your mouth.

The spiciness also balances nicely with the cool, tart flavors from the fermented vegetables. The kimchi delivers more complexity than outright heat, making it appropriate for those who don’t tolerate a lot of spice.

That said, spice levels can vary slightly from jar to jar based on the individual red peppers used. If you prefer mild kimchi, start with a small taste to test the heat level before eating a whole bowl. You can also rinse with water or add more broth or sauce to tone down the spiciness.

How Does It Compare to Other Brands?

Simple Truth Kimchi gets high marks in comparisons with other leading kimchi products. While there are many kimchi brands available today, Simple Truth stands out for:

• Authentic taste – It hits all the markers of traditional Korean kimchi’s sour, salty and spicy flavor.
• Good value – At around $4.49 for a 16 oz jar, it provides quality kimchi for less than artisanal brands.
• Wide availability – You can easily find it year-round at Kroger grocery stores versus niche kimchi makers.
• Organic ingredients – Many big brands use conventional produce, but Simple Truth is certified organic.
• Non-GMO – It’s third-party verified as non-GMO for extra purity.
• No preservatives – Simple Truth avoids additives like sorbic acid found in some kimchis.

For an authentic kimchi made with organic practices, Simple Truth Kimchi is a delicious choice at a reasonable price point. The main downside is you’re limited to Kroger grocery stores versus nationwide shipping.

Customer Reviews: A Favorite Kimchi

Based on reviews on Kroger and other sites, Simple Truth Kimchi earns rave reviews as a high-quality store-bought kimchi. Here’s what customers have to say:

• “Tastes like what I would get in a Korean restaurant!”
• “Spicy and tangy without being overpowering. Love the crunch of the veggies.”
• “This kimchi tastes better than other brands I’ve tried, almost like homemade.”
• “Love having it in my fridge – I add some to just about everything I eat!”
• “I appreciate that it’s organic and not too salty. Pleasantly spicy too.”
• “Goes great with rice or Asian noodle bowls. My new favorite comfort food.”

Many reviewers say Simple Truth Kimchi reminds them of the kimchi made by Korean mothers and grandmothers. Customers also love the affordable price for an organic, preservative-free product.

Is Simple Truth Kimchi Worth a Try?

Based on its stellar reputation and high-quality ingredients, Simple Truth Kimchi is absolutely worth trying if you enjoy authentic Korean flavors. This refrigerated kimchi brings a taste of Korea using traditional fermentation methods.

The clean, organic ingredients let the true flavors shine while providing probiotics and nutrients. At under $5 per jar, it’s very reasonably priced compared to artisanal kimchi. It also requires no prep work – just open the jar and enjoy!

While availability is limited to Kroger stores, you can often find it in stock. For an accessibly-priced kimchi made with organic practices, Simple Truth Kimchi gets top marks. Give this preservative-free product a taste to add some zesty fermented goodness to your dishes.