Does Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi contain dairy or gluten?

No, the ingredients list does not include dairy (milk, cheese) or gluten-containing grains. However, it is not kosher due to seafood.

Is Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi good for weight loss?

Yes, it is low in calories (approx. 15-20 per serving) and high in fiber, making it a good diet addition, though you must watch the sodium intake.

Where can I buy Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi?

It is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, H Mart, and online through Amazon.

Is Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi safe for kids?

It is generally safe for kids, but the spice level from the red pepper powder and the high sodium content may be too intense for very young children.

Is Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi Kosher?

No, Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi is not kosher. While kimchi is traditionally vegan, this specific brand includes shellfish and seafood that strictly violate kosher dietary laws. Here is the detailed breakdown of why this product is non-kosher.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is kosher, we look beyond the vegetables and focus heavily on the flavor enhancers and proteins used. In the case of Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi, the verdict is straightforward due to two specific ingredients listed on the label.

The primary non-kosher culprits are shrimp sauce and squid. Kosher dietary laws (Kashrut) explicitly forbid the consumption of shellfish. Shrimp, being a crustacean, falls into this category, as does squid (a cephalopod). Even if the shrimp sauce is used as a minor flavoring agent, its presence renders the entire jar non-kosher. Additionally, the fish sauce listed contains anchovy extract. While some fish with fins and scales are permissible, anchovies are often processed in facilities that handle non-kosher seafood, and strict supervision is required. Without a reliable kosher certification symbol (like a 'U' in a circle or a 'K' inside a star), you cannot assume the anchovy extract is kosher-compliant.

Furthermore, the inclusion of MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is generally considered kosher when pure, but in commercial kimchi, it is often processed alongside non-kosher ingredients. Without a certification, the risk of cross-contamination or non-kosher processing aids remains high.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

shrimp

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Refresh Sliced Napa Kimchi is relatively low in calories, with a standard serving containing roughly 15 to 20 calories. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates in the napa cabbage and the added sugar. While the sugar content is not excessively high, it is present enough to balance the intense heat of the red pepper powder.

The product contains very little fat, which is typical for fermented vegetable side dishes. However, the sodium content is the watch-out factor here. Between the added salt, fish sauce, and shrimp sauce, the sodium levels are significant. For those monitoring blood pressure or fluid retention, this kimchi should be consumed in moderation. It fits into a low-calorie diet plan easily, but the high sodium and presence of MSG make it less 'clean' than homemade or certified organic versions.