Trader Joe’s has steadily expanded its selection of Korean-inspired groceries, catering to the growing demand for authentic and convenient Asian flavors. As Korean cuisine gains popularity, it’s no surprise that Trader Joe’s has embraced this trend with a variety of unique products. In this blog, we’ll rank the top 15 Korean groceries available at Trader Joe’s, exploring their taste, quality, and value, to help you make the best choices for your pantry.
1. Green Onions (Scallions) $0.99/6 oz
Green onions are a staple in many Korean dishes, adding a fresh, zesty flavor to everything from soups to stir-fries. Trader Joe’s offers these scallions at a budget-friendly price, making them a must-have for any home cook.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5 per serving
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Green onions (scallions)
Preparation Instructions
Wash and chop scallions.
Use as a garnish for soups, stews, and salads, or incorporate into marinades and stir-fries for added flavor.
2. Organic Toasted Sesame Oil $3.49/5 oz
This organic toasted sesame oil is a versatile ingredient in Korean cooking, known for its rich, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for adding depth to soups, vegetables, and noodles.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per serving (1 tbsp)
- Total Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Organic toasted sesame oil
Preparation Instructions
Drizzle over cooked dishes as a finishing oil.
Use in marinades, dressings, or stir-fries for an authentic Korean taste.
3. Natural Rice Vinegar $2.49/16.9 fl oz
Rice vinegar is a key ingredient in Korean cooking, providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that’s essential for balancing dishes like kimchi and pickled vegetables.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 0 per serving
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Rice Vinegar, Diluted With Water To 5% Acidity
Preparation Instructions
Use in marinades for meats and vegetables.
Mix into salad dressings or dipping sauces for a tangy kick.
4. Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil $2.49/5 oz
This premium albacore tuna in olive oil is an excellent choice for adding protein to Korean-inspired dishes like bibimbap or tuna pancakes. Its rich flavor pairs well with spicy and savory ingredients.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Total Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 26g
Ingredients
- Albacore tuna
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
Preparation Instructions
Drain and flake tuna for use in salads, rice bowls, or as a topping for bibimbap.
Mix with gochujang and sesame oil for a Korean-style tuna salad.
5. Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce $3.79/17.6 fl oz
Trader Joe’s Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce offers all the savory, umami-rich flavor you need with less salt, making it a healthier option for seasoning your Korean dishes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 10 per serving (1 tbsp)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
- Water
- Soybeans
- Wheat
- Salt
- Vinegar
Preparation Instructions
Use as a base for dipping sauces or marinades.
Add to soups, stir-fries, and rice dishes for enhanced flavor.
6. Gochujang (Korean Fermented Red Pepper Paste) $1.99/7.05 oz
Gochujang is a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet red pepper paste that’s essential in Korean cooking. It’s used to add heat and depth to a variety of dishes, from stews to marinades.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 15 per serving (1 tsp)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Rice
- Tapioca Syrup
- Red Pepper Seasoning (Red Pepper Powder, Water, Salt, Garlic, Onion)
- Water
- Sea Salt
- Ethyl Alcohol (To Preserve)
Preparation Instructions
Mix into sauces, soups, or stews for added heat.
Use as a marinade for meats or a topping for bibimbap.
7. Organic Sprouted Tofu $2.99/15.5 oz
Trader Joe’s Organic Sprouted Tofu is an excellent source of vegan protein, with a firm texture that holds up well in Korean dishes like stir-fries and stews.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90 per serving (3 oz)
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
- Organic soybeans
- Water
- Calcium sulfate
Preparation Instructions
Press tofu to remove excess moisture.
Cube and stir-fry with vegetables and gochujang, or add to soups and stews.
8. Fully Cooked Pork Belly $6.99/12 oz
This fully cooked pork belly is a convenient and flavorful addition to many Korean dishes, providing the rich, savory taste of slow-cooked meat without the hassle.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240 per serving (3 oz)
- Total Fat: 21g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Water
- Sea Salt
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a skillet until crispy and golden brown.
Slice and add to tacos, salads, or Korean rice bowls.
9. Seafood Blend $8.99/16 oz
Trader Joe’s Seafood Blend is a versatile mix of shrimp, calamari rings, and bay scallops, perfect for adding to soups, stews, or stir-fries. The blend is free of preservatives and artificial flavors, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60 per serving (3 oz)
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Calamari rings
- Bay scallops
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in garlic and butter for a quick seafood stir-fry.
Add to soups, pasta, or rice dishes for an extra protein boost.
10. Dorot Crushed Garlic $2.79/2.8 oz
Dorot’s Crushed Garlic is a time-saving kitchen hack, offering pre-portioned garlic cubes that are perfect for adding to any dish. This product is a must-have for those who love the flavor of fresh garlic without the hassle of peeling and chopping.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5 per serving (1 cube)
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Garlic
- Water
- Sunflower oil
- Salt
Preparation Instructions
Pop a cube into your pan while cooking for instant garlic flavor.
Use in marinades, soups, or sauces.
11. Jumeokbap (Korean Rice Ball with Plant-Based Beefless Bulgogi & Vegetables) $4.99/10.58 oz
Jumeokbap is a traditional Korean rice ball that Trader Joe’s has made convenient with this plant-based version. The combination of beefless bulgogi and vegetables provides a satisfying, meat-free option that’s full of flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving (1 pack/100g)
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Water, Rice, Sauce (Sugar, Soy Sauce [Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt], Water, Onion, Salt, Garlic, Modified Tapioca Starch, Black Pepper Powder, Citric Acid [To Preserve]), Beefless Bulgogi (Water, Sauce [Sugar, Water, Soy Sauce {Water, Defatted Soybean, Wheat, Salt}, Pear Puree, Onion, Garlic, Apple Puree, Caramelized Sugar Syrup {Sugar, Water}, Modified Cornstarch, Ginger, Green Onion Extract {Water, Green Onion, Maltodextrin, Salt, Pectinase}, Dextrin, Black Pepper, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum], Textured Soy Protein [Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Wheat Gluten, Cocoa Powder], Soybean Oil), Carrot, Green Onion, Cabbage, Onion, Textured Soybean Protein Concentrate, Soybean Oil, Soy Sauce (Water, Defatted Soybean Flakes, Wheat, Salt), Sugar, Garlic, Cornstarch, Sesame Oil, Salt, Wheat Gluten.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve as a quick snack or pair with kimchi for a full meal.
12. Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack $3.29/2.1 oz
This Spicy Tempura Seaweed Snack combines crispy seaweed with a light tempura batter and a kick of spice. It’s a perfect snack for those who enjoy bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 170 per serving (1/2 package/30g)
- Total Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- Tempura Flour Mix (Wheat Flour, Modified Tapioca Starch, White Pepper, Leavening [Baking Powder {Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Monocalcium Phosphate, Cornstarch}], Salt, Sugar, Yeast Extract)
- Rice Bran Oil (Rice Bran Oil, Rosemary Extract [To Preserve])
- Nori Seaweed
- Togarashi Style Seasoning (Sugar, Spice Mix [Chili Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Red Chili Powder, Black Pepper], Salt, Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Soybean Oil)
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight out of the bag as a snack.
Crumble over salads or rice dishes for added texture and flavor.
13. Kimbap (Korean Tofu and Vegetable Seaweed Rice Roll) $3.99/8.11 oz
Kimbap is Korea’s answer to sushi, and this tofu and vegetable version from Trader Joe’s is a convenient option for a quick meal or snack. Wrapped in seaweed and filled with rice, tofu, and vegetables, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140 per serving (3 pieces/77g)
- Total Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- Seasoned Rice (Water, Rice, Sesame Oil, Salt, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar)
- Fried Tofu And Braised Burdock (Water, Sliced Fried Tofu [Soybeans, Water, Soybean Oil, Calcium Chloride, Canola Oil, Calcium Carbonate], Burdock Root, Corn Syrup, Soy Sauce [Water, Fermented Soybeans, Salt], Cane Sugar)
- Stir-Fried Carrot (Carrot, Soybean Oil, Salt)
- Pickled Radish (Salted Radish [Radish, Salt], Cane Sugar, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Lemon Concentrate)
- Seasoned Spinach (Spinach, Sesame Oil, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Salt)
- Seaweed
Preparation Instructions
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve with kimchi or a dipping sauce.
14. Beef Bulgogi $11.99/16 oz
This Beef Bulgogi offers a ready-to-eat version of a classic Korean dish. The thinly sliced marinated beef in a sweet and savory sauce is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 280 per serving (5 oz)
- Total Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Beef and Binder Product (Beef, Water, Contains 2% or Less of Cornstarch, Tapioca Starch), Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Sugar, Onion, Pear Puree (Pears, Ascorbic Acid [To Maintain Color]), Apple Puree (Apples, Ascorbic Acid [To Maintain Color]), Pineapple Juice (Pineapple Juice, Ascorbic Acid [To Maintain Color]), Garlic, Black Pepper, Sesame Oil.
Preparation Instructions
Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through.
Serve over rice with a side of kimchi.
15. Tteok Bok Ki (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes) $3.99/16 oz
Tteok Bok Ki is a popular Korean street food, known for its chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce. Trader Joe’s version is easy to prepare and delivers the authentic flavor of this beloved dish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 280 per serving (140g)
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 61g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Rice Cakes (Rice, Water), Water, Brown Sugar, Red Pepper, Soy Sauce (Water, Fermented Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol [To Preserve]), Scallions, Red Pepper Paste (Rice, Tapioca Syrup, Hot Red Pepper Seasoning [Red Pepper Powder, Water, Salt, Garlic, Onion], Water, Salt, Alcohol [To Preserve]), Toasted Sesame Seeds, Modified Cornstarch, Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Sesame Oil.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in a pan with a little oil until heated through and slightly crispy.
Serve with a side of boiled eggs or vegetables.
Final Say
This comprehensive guide ranks the top 15 Korean groceries at Trader Joe’s, each offering a taste of authentic Korean cuisine. Whether you’re preparing a full meal or just looking for a quick snack, these products will bring the vibrant flavors of Korea to your kitchen.
