Symbiota

Raw Vegan Korean Kimchi – Naturally Fermented and Probiotic-Rich

Price: $8.99
Jar Size (Net Weight)

Looking to buy authentic kimchi in NZ?


Symbiota’s raw vegan kim chi is handcrafted in small batches in Papamoa, New Zealand. Using traditional Korean fermentation methods with locally sourced, organic or spray-free produce and wild fermentation methods results in a premium jongga kimchi ferment. 

This is the same trusted kim chi food recipe that’s been winning hearts (and taste buds) for years; deeply flavourful, naturally fermented, and alive with beneficial microbes. Customers particularly love, the fine shredded napa and green cabbage which lends to a delicate mouth-feel. 

Our NZ-made kimchi is wild fermented, unpasteurised, and packed with living probiotics, delivering a beautifully balanced flavour: tangy, umami-rich, and gently spiced. It’s approachable for first-time kimchi eaters, yet complex enough for true kimchi lovers.

 

Why Choose Symbiota Kimchi?

  • Made in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand in small batches
  • Raw & unpasteurised – alive with beneficial probiotics
  • Vegan & gluten-free
  • Naturally fermented using traditional Korean techniques
  • Made with spray-free and or organic, locally sourced produce
  • Long chilled shelf life – up to 6 months unopened

Unlike pasteurised kimchi, Symbiota kim chee remains alive, allowing beneficial bacteria to support gut health, digestion, and immune balance.


Flavour Profile & How to Use It

Symbiota Kimchi is:

  • Bright and tangy
  • Savoury and umami-rich
  • Gently spicy (not overpowering)

Enjoy it:

  • In rice bowls and noodle dishes
  • Stirred through soups, stews, or stir-fries
  • In kimchi pancakes or fritters
  • As a zesty side straight from the jar

Fermentation continues naturally, so flavour deepens over time.


Kimchi Ingredients

Napa cabbage, green cabbage, carrot, daikon radish, spring onion, garlic, ginger, gluten-free soy sauce, Korean chilli flakes, Himalayan salt.


What Are the Benefits of Eating Kimchi?

Kimchi is traditionally valued for its role in gut and overall health. Naturally fermented kimchi provides:

  • Probiotics to support digestion
  • Prebiotics to nourish beneficial gut bacteria
  • Vitamins A, B & C
  • Minerals including iron and calcium

When eaten regularly, raw fermented kimchi can support a healthy gut microbiome and immune function.

Discover delicious ways to eat kimchi in our blog!

 

Storage & Shipping

Keep refrigerated at all times. Once opened, consume within 4 weeks for optimal flavour and texture.

Shipping note:
Please use an urban address where possible. Fermented foods are best delivered quickly and kept chilled.

 

  • 5 stars: 63 (88%)
  • 4 stars: 4 (6%)
  • 3 stars: 3 (4%)
  • 2 stars: 2 (3%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
J
Julie
Usually it's great - but every single one has over fizzed and not a fan of losing 1/3 of the bottle

Usually it's great - but every single one has over fizzed and not a fan of losing 1/3 of the bottle, or having to open over a bowl to then tip into my glass. This is opening the lid very slowly, patting on the sides all the hacks. They're still in my fridge and no matter how long I leave them it is still over fizzing (over 2 weeks ago, as thought it might be from shipping). So think you should sort that out because it's not ideal. Otherwise lovely taste this is the best flavour in my opinion. The lychee one a close second.

Hi Julie, glad you usually enjoy these! Sorry to hear every bottle has been excessively fizzy and difficult to open, especially after being refrigerated. That’s certainly not the experience we want you to have. Please get in touch with us, and we will get a replacement out to you to compensate for the lost water kefir:)

A
Anonymous

So Healthy and refreshing! 5 Stars!

S
Shirley L
Water kefir

So nice and refreshing. Love the kefir sodas and excited about the kombucha made with your scoby.

What a great line up of ferments you have there! Love it :-)

H
Heidi
Beautiful fine cut vegetables

Beautiful fine cut vegetables. A great pickle to liven up many a meal.

A
Anonymous
Love the water kefir

Love the water kefir, very refreshing.

A
Anonymous
Great products loving it

Great products loving it, perfect for this summer.

C
Corazon Vallejos
Love this kimchi

Love this kimchi, small slices and more tastier than supermarket bought I think.

K
Krissy Ballantyne
Love this drink makes me feel

Love this drink makes me feel great

A
Adri
Kimchi that enhances rather than overpowers and

Kimchi that enhances rather than overpowers and dominated

A
Anita

Vegan kimchi

G
Gillian Bennett
I just love Kimchi

I just love Kimchi, on rice, on eggs, on fish, it is super tasty and delicious.

N
Nicole Anderson
Yummy

This is a yummy kimchi. Not too spicy, easy to eat.

B
Barbara Gill
Love your products and I am cutting back on my

Love your products and I am cutting back on my evening wine and will be replacing with a soda

S
Susan C
Symbiota Kimchi

I am addicted to this kimchi. It spicy but not too hot for me. It's got a finer texture than most kimchis but I find it much nicer to eat. I'm eating it everyday and watching the jar go down. I bought the Fermentation booklet so I'll try making it..once I manage to get a Chinese cabbage. Little 4Squares in little towns don't stock more exotic foods so I will be buying more ready made for sure to avoid running out. Kimchi is SO healthy for our gut microbiome and no need for the costly probiotic capsules. If you love flavour, spice and a touch of heat without the burn I recommend this kimchi.

Hi Susan, we're thrilled to hear you love our kimchi! It’s wonderful that you’re enjoying the flavor and texture, and we hope the fermentation booklet inspires your homemade attempts. Thank you for your kind recommendation and for supporting our probiotic-rich kimchi—your gut will thank you!

k
k.

So excited to taste “real” tibicos rather than the one i make myself!!

H
Heidi
great product

My favourite has always been the watermelon but got adventurous and tried the lychee. It’s beautiful, light and refreshing.

B
Bex C.
I keep coming back for more - thank you!

I absolutely love this kimchi. I love that it is shredded, not in big chunks. I find the flavours perfectly balanced. I won't buy any other kimchi! Thanks team!

J
Jill Armstrong-Wood
Really enjoyed the soda

Really enjoyed the soda. Definitely recommend it.

J
Janet Rountree
Awesome product - didn’t travel well

Product didn’t travel well at all. Am assuming it got quite warm & shaken about. I put it into the fridge straight away. But loads of lees & despite letting the bottles sit for days & opening very very carefully a significant amount fizzes out when opened. I really 🧡 this yummy product but doubt I’ll buy direct again given the issues. Better purchased from a retailer - not directly. It’s 5 stars when not shaken about.

A
Anonymous
Another lovely product

I’m a keen eater of kimchi 😋💯 even put my adult son on to it 👌🏾

C
Caroline L
Delicious!

One of my all time favourite flavours. Perfect for a summer evening.

A
Anonymous
Kimchi

I really enjoyed it! However, some members of the family were looking for a little more chilli heat. Now I would like to try make some.

A
Angela Lyall
Really like the fine sliced veges in this

Like the bug shot which I am also currently trying, I am not a fan of fermented foods in general but am trying to introduce them to my diet. Compared to a kimchi I brought from the supermarket I found this one far more to my liking mainly because the veges are finely sliced and very easy to consume, plus they look more attractive than a big piece of unappealing cabbage. If you are not a chili fan (I am not) you will be surprised to find that in this kimchi (and the other I tried) it is not overwhelming, it didnt put me off at all. If I stick to fermented foods this will definitely be my go to.

K
Katrina Ward
Great mix

Love the kefir soda, all flavours are delicious and good for my tummy. Favourite is the watermelon but the other 2 are nice too. Love how they are refreshing and help my tummy at same time. Packaged well and delivered in good time. Would recommend these products

r
rose dean

yumm!!

T
THR
Amber,the kefir soda is amazing! I love this stuff

Amber,the kefir soda is amazing! I love this stuff. Where have I been that I have only just tried it now! 💖

S
Simi Sam

Vegan Korean Kimchi – Naturally Fermented, Raw and Probiotic-Rich

Hi Simi Sam, we are sorry to hear you did not enjoy the kimchi. Please may you provide feedback as to why this is so we can improve?

L
Linda Gilbert
Delicious!

I absolutely love these kefir water drinks. Fine bubbles, natural ingredients and they are actually good for you.

K
Karen Sorenson
Kimchi

Lovely flavor.