Korea's most celebrated fermented food — in every jar.
Kimchi is a centuries-old Korean preservation tradition that transforms napa cabbage, radish, and fresh vegetables into something complex, tangy, and deeply satisfying. The transformation happens through lacto-fermentation: naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid, building rich umami flavor without any cooking. Unpasteurized kimchi continues to ferment slowly in the jar, evolving in taste and character over time. What starts crisp and mildly tangy deepens into something bolder, more complex, and unmistakably its own.
Our Story
Fermented with intention, every week.
New Universe Food was born from a simple conviction: the best kimchi is made the way it has always been made — small batches, real ingredients, time, and care. We make our kimchi fresh in Florida every week, using organic ginger, panela sugar, and gochugaru sourced from Korean farms. No corn syrup. No MSG. No shortcuts. Just the kind of kimchi that keeps on living in the jar, the way it was always meant to be.
Side by Side
The difference, at a glance
The same word on the label — a world apart in the jar.
New Universe Food
Naturally Fermented · Unpasteurized · Authentic
FreshnessSmall-batch, made fresh every week
SweetenerPear & plum extract
HeatFresh Organic Korean Chili (Gochugaru)
SourcingKombu, shiitake & Korean chili
CulturesNaturally fermented, unpasteurized
VS
Typical Mass-Market
Shelf-Stable · Processed
FreshnessMade in bulk, months old
SweetenerPlum syrup cut with high fructose corn syrup
HeatDried chili powder only
SourcingConventional, undisclosed
CulturesOften pasteurized or heat-treated
Turn your sound on
Hear the crunch
Fresh, never-canned kimchi has a snap you can hear. This is what living food sounds like — the sound of a jar fermented this week, not months ago.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Is this kimchi completely vegan?
Yes. It is 100% plant-based and contains no fish sauce, salted shrimp, or other animal-derived ingredients.
Where does the savory flavor come from without fish sauce?
Kombu and shiitake mushrooms create the rich, deeply savory umami traditionally provided by seafood ingredients. Pear and plum extract add subtle sweetness and help round out the flavor.
Is it naturally fermented?
Yes. It is naturally fermented using traditional fermentation methods.
Is it naturally fermented or heat-treated?
This kimchi is naturally fermented and unpasteurized. The finished product is not heat-treated after fermentation.
Does it contain MSG?
No. We never add MSG. Its naturally rich umami comes from kombu, shiitake mushrooms, and traditional fermentation.
How will it arrive?
It ships refrigerated in insulated packaging with gel ice packs. Because fermented foods can continue to develop in flavor during refrigerated storage, tang and texture may vary slightly over time.
Should I refrigerate it immediately upon arrival?
Yes. Refrigerate promptly upon arrival and keep at or below 41°F (5°C).
How long is it fermented, and does fermentation continue?
We begin fermentation for two days before refrigerating and shipping the product. During refrigerated storage, the flavor may continue to develop gradually.
How does the flavor change over time?
When younger, kimchi is generally crisp and mild with a lighter tang. As it matures, it develops deeper savory notes, more pronounced tang, and a softer texture. More mature kimchi is especially well suited to cooked dishes such as kimchi stew, fried rice, and pancakes.
How long can I keep it?
When properly refrigerated at or below 41°F (5°C), the kimchi is generally best enjoyed within three to six months of production.
From the Community
Hear from folks like you
★★★★★
"I picked up a jar at the farmers market on a whim. Now it's a permanent fixture in my fridge. The crunch is unlike anything I've had from a grocery store."
— Sarah M.
St. Pete Saturday Market
★★★★★
"I've been buying kimchi for years. This is on a completely different level — you can taste the freshness. My whole family is obsessed."
— David L.
Orlando Farmers Market
★★★★★
"Tried the Classic at a food festival and immediately ordered a case online. The ginger heat is perfect — not too much, just right."
— Priya R.
Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival
★★★★★
"The vegan kimchi is absolutely incredible. It tastes just like the traditional version. I bought three jars the first time I tried it."
— Jasmine T.
Winter Park Farmers Market
★★★★★
"My Korean grandmother gave it her seal of approval. That says everything. Fresh, tangy, and alive — exactly what kimchi should be."
As a vegetarian who loves kimchi, I am delighted to find out about this vegan kimchi that is super delicious and has superb quality. Thank you for keeping us vegetarians in mind and offering this great product.
I have been taking this every day through the winter. I know it has been made organically and I trust the product. It gives me strength and a hope to start each day.