From food halls in London and festivals in Amsterdam, kimchi —Korea’s beloved fermented dish—is turning heads and impresses with its delicious taste across Europe. But what’s driving this growing kimchi fascination across the continent? To find out, we conducted an in-depth survey with more than 2,000 people across Europe, including countries like the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and Spain.
Some of the survey results reveal interesting insights about kimchi’s journey across Europe and its trends in various European countries. Whether you’re a kimchi enthusiast or just curious about food trends, these findings will surprise, inform, and maybe even inspire your next meal.
Ready to dive in? Here are the 5 biggest kimchi trends in Europe in 2024!
1. Reasons of consumption
Europeans are embracing kimchi for its bold flavors and health benefits. But the motivations behind its popularity might surprise you:
A Flavor Adventure:
- Most of the respondents enjoy kimchi for its new and exciting taste, calling it a culinary adventure. In contrast, some love kimchi’s spicy kick, and others prefer its unique zing over pickles or sauerkraut.
The Ultimate Meal Enhancer:
- Most of the respondents use kimchi to add an authentic flavor boost to Asian-inspired dishes. Others incorporate it into everyday meals, proving kimchi’s universal appeal.
Health is a Top Priority:
- A lot savor kimchi for its well-known probiotic benefits, promoting gut health and overall wellness.
A Taste of Korean Culture:
- Some participants value kimchi as a symbol of Korean cuisine.
2. Kimchi ingredients
While traditional napa cabbage reigns supreme, European tastes are diversifying. The core ingredients for kimchi are napa cabbage and radish, with growing popularity for vegetables like carrots, onions, cucumber, and kale.
- Napa Cabbage is the favorite among the respondents. They are opting for this classic variety.
- Carrot Kimchi is gaining ground, praised for its versatility and crunch.
- Kale Kimchi is the surprise star, driven by health-conscious trends
Take a look at a new Kimchi series from Jongga with diverse vegetables – cabbage, carrot, and Kale !
3. Packaging Preferences
Europeans are serious about sustainable and convenient packaging:
- Ambient Storage is the most common packaging preference.
- Glass Jars were the most popular option, with over half of the respondents choosing this eco-friendly option. The rest preferred canned packaging and pouches.
After reviewing the survey results, Jongga launched a new glass jar kimchi that is both EU compliant and has a much larger best-before-date. Check more information about our new Glass Jar Kimchi on our website.
4. Perception of Kimchi
Most kimchi consumers associate it with fermentation-related benefits, such as being naturally fermented, supporting gut health, and being rich in probiotics.
Some respondents stated that they view kimchi as a premium product with health benefits and an original, natural product of South Korean heritage.
5. Consumption method
Europeans are finding exciting new ways to enjoy kimchi:
- Most Popular Method is to enjoy kimchi as a side dish. However, some respondents also preferred consuming kimchi separately as a main dish.
- Perfect Pairings:
- Kimchi was paired most with rice, noodles, or pasta and meat or fish.
- In the UK and Germany, pairing kimchi with bread is a unique and rising trend.
Kimchi is rapidly gaining popularity across Europe, driven by its unique flavor, versatility, and health benefits. From its role as a side dish and meal enhancer to its association with Korean culture and probiotics, kimchi resonates with diverse consumer preferences. While napa cabbage remains the most popular choice, innovations with ingredients like carrots and kale highlight its adaptability to local tastes. Packaging preferences vary across regions, with glass jars leading the way and refrigerated options.
These trends showcase how kimchi has successfully evolved beyond a traditional Korean dish, becoming a beloved and versatile staple across Europe’s diverse food landscape. The adoption of kimchi consumption has developed in diverse ways throughout the years. Apart from the traditional Korean way of consuming kimchi as a side dish, various countries eat kimchi with bread, as a seasoning ingredient, or in different culinary applications.
At Jongga Europe, Korea’s leading kimchi brand, we’re proud to bring authentic, high-quality kimchi to European tables. With a range of options—from traditional recipes to vegan-friendly offerings—Jongga’s kimchi ensures a delicious, gut-friendly experience for every occasion. Discover how kimchi can elevate your meals and explore our recipes and products.
As Europe embraces the bold flavors of kimchi, Jongga continues to lead the way, preserving the rich traditions of Korean cuisine while inspiring new culinary possibilities across the continent. Whether you’re a seasoned kimchi enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to savor the taste of authentic Korean kimchi.
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