Your KIMCHI ERA starts here: 12 UK-based brands to know
Kimchi is the new black and the UK is obsessed. British makers are taking this Korean staple and making it their own. We've rounded up 12 UK-based brands that are redefining fermentation and proving that gut health never tasted this good.
FERMARY
Wellness-focused premium fermented food brand, female-led and rooted in decades of fresh produce expertise, Fermary works with trusted UK growers to source exceptional British cabbage for raw, unpasteurised kimchi and kraut.
Must-try: Mellow Vegan Kimchi
EDINBURGH FERMENTARIUM
Award-winning artisan producer hand-making healthy fermented condiments in small batches.
Must-try: their signature Mac Kimchi pays homage to traditional Korean Mak kimchi while celebrating Scottish heritage – using a warm rice flour porridge blended with garlic, ginger, pear and gochugaru.
FERMENTS AND CULTURES
Handcrafted kimchi made with homegrown and locally sourced ingredients. Their classic kimchi features Napa cabbage, daikon radish, spring onions, carrots and kimchi paste, packed in glass jars for better shelf life and fewer environmental impact.
Must-try: Classic Kimchi
BERMONDSEY GUT
Cool kimchi brand at Borough Market. Founded by J-Min and Min, this locally based producer makes Seoul-style kimchi – or as they call it, gimchi, closer to the Korean pronunciation.
Must-try: Traditional Gimchi
LOVING FOODS
Organic, certified kimchi inspired by Korea, using Celtic sea salt with a wide variety of organic vegetables, herbs and spices. 100% certified organic, raw and unpasteurised with live probiotics.
Must-try: Organic Turmeric & Black Pepper Kimchi
GLASTONBURY FERMENTS
A craft fermentary creating kimchi that honours centuries of Korean tradition. Every Korean family has its own kimchi recipe, passed down through generations – and this Somerset maker brings that spirit to the UK.
Must-try: Piccalilli Sauerkraut
GOOD FERMENTATION
Claiming a first in the category: a white, plant-based seaweed kimchi using Cornish seaweed – free from fish and additives, handcrafted in Surrey.
Must-try: Seaweed Kimchi – uses wild laver and sea spaghetti hand harvested from the Lizard Peninsula.
MR.KIMCHI
Established in 2013, a UK-based food manufacturer specialising in authentic, naturally fermented Korean kimchi with an in-house production facility ensuring full traceability and process control. SALSA-approved food safety standards.
Must-try: Traditional Kimchi
VADASZ
The UK's No.1 chilled pickles and kimchi brand, now valued at £16.2m with 38% growth in the past year.
Must-try: Kimchi Shot – the first-ever kimchi-inspired health shot, a true market first. The distinctive flavours and gut-health benefits in a convenient, on-the-go drink format.
CLUB CULTURED
A community-driven movement towards better gut health, now operating from a new Norfolk factory. Known for producing the UK's finest Tempeh, they've expanded into a range of rich kimchis, punchy pickles, and unique ferments.
Must-try: unique KFT (Kimchi Fermented Tofu)
BATH CULTURE HOUSE
An aromatic, live, natural and raw kimchi made with locally grown British curly kale. Produced in Somerset and winner of a 1-Star Great Taste award (2021) and Gold Taste of the West (2023).
Must-try: Kimchi Kale with a distinctly West Country personality.
EATEN ALIVE
"Fermentation for the Nation" – artisanal selection of kimchi, kraut, hot sauces and pickles made in London. Founded by chefs Glyn and Pat and praised by The Times, The Guardian and The Independent.
Must-try: Golden Kimchi
