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Nutritional Density
Food guide

Kimchi

Fermented cabbage with live lactic acid bacteria and a chilli-driven depth of flavour.

FermentedVegetablesPlant-Based
Kimchi, a nutrient-dense fermented food, photographed on a plain linen surface

Nutrition per 100 g

Standardised to 100 g of kimchi for fair comparison. Typical serving: 100 g — 23 kcal per 100 g serving.

Nutrition information for Kimchi
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (100 g)Per 100 kcal
Energy23 kcal23 kcal100 kcal
Protein1.7 g1.7 g7.4 g
Carbohydrate3.9 g3.9 g17 g
Fat0.5 g0.5 g2.2 g
Fibre1.6 g1.6 g7 g

Figures are typical values and vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals per 100 g of kimchi, with a typical serving and FDA Daily Value for adults.

Micronutrients for Kimchi
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (100 g)% DV
Vitamins
Vitamin A5 µg5 µg<1%
Vitamin C0 mg0 mg0%
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.11 mg0.11 mg<1%
Vitamin K43.6 µg43.6 µg36%
Thiamin0.01 mg0.01 mg<1%
Riboflavin0.21 mg0.21 mg16%
Niacin1.1 mg1.1 mg7%
Vitamin B60.21 mg0.21 mg12%
Folate52 µg52 µg13%
Vitamin B120 µg0 µg0%
Choline15.5 mg15.5 mg3%
Minerals
Calcium33 mg33 mg3%
Iron2.5 mg2.5 mg14%
Magnesium14 mg14 mg3%
Phosphorus24 mg24 mg2%
Potassium151 mg151 mg3%
Sodium498 mg498 mg22%
Zinc0.22 mg0.22 mg2%
Selenium0.5 µg0.5 µg<1%
Copper0.024 mg0.024 mg3%

Source: USDA FoodData Central — Cabbage, kimchi

% DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. Nutrients that USDA does not report for this entry are omitted. Values vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Why eat kimchi?

  • Live cultures in unpasteurised jars from the chilled aisle.
  • Adds huge flavour for almost no calories.
  • Keeps for months once opened.

How to include it

  • Serve a spoonful alongside eggs or rice.
  • Fry into fried rice at the end of cooking.
  • Stir into a broth with tofu and noodles.

Things to consider

  • High in salt — a few tablespoons is a serving.
  • Shelf-stable pasteurised versions have no live cultures.
  • Often contains fish sauce or shrimp paste; check for vegan versions.

Educational content. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.

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