Very — low calorie (28-40 kcal/100g), probiotic, high in vitamin K and vitamin C. Look for traditionally fermented brands without added sugar or preservatives.

What is the glycemic index of kimchi?

Kimchi has a glycemic index of 15, which is classified as Low GI. Kimchi is a fermented vegetable with very few carbohydrates (around 2g per 100g), giving it a very low estimated GI of around 15.

Glucose: Very LowNOVA 2

How Many Calories for Kimchi?

100g of kimchi has around 28-40 calories. It's one of the lowest-calorie condiments available, packed with probiotics from fermentation. Traditional kimchi is NOVA 1-2.

Nutrition per 100g

Nutrient	Per 100g	Per serving
Energy	36 kcal / 151 kJ	5 kcal
Protein	1.3g	0.2g
Carbohydrates	4g	0.6g
of which sugars	2g	—
Fat	0.5g	0.1g
of which saturated	0.1g	—
Fibre	2.8g	—
Salt	2.4g	—

Serving size: 1 tablespoon (~15g) · Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Glucose impact

Glycemic Index

Very Low

Glucose risk

Kimchi has minimal carbohydrate (2-4g per 100g) and fermentation further reduces sugar content. Negligible blood sugar impact.

Processing level

NOVA 2 (processed culinary ingredient)

Traditional kimchi is fermented cabbage with chilli, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce — NOVA 2. Some supermarket brands add sugar, preservatives, or flavourings (NOVA 3-4). Biona Organic and traditional Korean brands tend to be cleaner.

Kimchi at Tesco

Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Sun Hee Kimchi - Spicy Fermented Cabbage 190g

£2.2*

Biona Organic Kimchi 350G

£5.2*

Baxters Kimchi 300G

£3.5*

Vadasz Raw Kimchi 400G

£4.5*

*Prices were correct at the time of collection and may have since changed. Check Tesco.com for current pricing.

What to watch for when shopping

Traditional kimchi (fermented cabbage, chilli, garlic, fish sauce) is NOVA 2 and very low calorie (28-42 kcal/100g). Watch for supermarket versions that add sugar, preservatives, or flavourings - these push to NOVA 3-4. Biona Organic and traditional Korean brands tend to be the cleanest. Kimchi sauce is a different product with much higher calories (174 kcal/100g).

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