I Finally Tried the Viral Trader Joe’s Kimbap—Here’s What I Thought
I Finally Tried the Viral Trader Joe’s Kimbap—Here’s What I Thought
The Wait is Over: Trader Joe’s Kimbap is Back in Stock
Around this time last year, Trader Joe’s frozen food that was taking the internet by storm disappeared from shelves, leaving fans eager to try it. The fan-favorite item, Trader Joe’s Kimbap, is a Korean tofu and vegetable rice roll wrapped in seaweed. After months of waiting, I finally got my hands on the viral product and put it to the test.
What is Kimbap?
Before diving into my review, let’s clarify what kimbap is. It’s a large maki sushi roll made with rice seasoned with sesame oil, and it can have a variety of customizable fillings. Trader Joe’s version highlights fried tofu, burdock, stir-fried carrots, pickled radish, and spinach.
Nutritional Information
The listed serving size is 3 pieces of the roll, but who isn’t eating a full roll (is that just a me thing?) So, here is the nutritional information for the 9-piece Trader Joe’s Kimbap:
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Total Sugars: 7 g
- Added Sugars: 7 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Pros and Cons
Let’s start with the pros. TJ’s Kimbap is a great source of plant-based protein thanks to the tofu, making it a satisfying meal. Additionally, due to its veggie-forward ingredients, it provides a good source of fiber. Fiber is essential for gut health, healthy digestion, and weight loss or maintenance depending on your goals.
However, this sushi roll is a little high in sodium, as the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams a day. So, if you want to eat the full roll like me, we suggest limiting your sodium intake throughout the day for a balanced eating pattern.
My Review
I followed the package instructions as directed and microwaved the roll until room temperature. As a veggie roll fan, I was immediately impressed by the savory smells of the sesame oil rice and stir-fried veggies. I paired the kimbap with low-sodium soy sauce—but I quickly realized that no dip was needed.
Each bite of the kimbap was texture heaven, with soft rice and crunchy filling making the chew incredibly pleasing. The taste made me believe Trader Joe’s promise that the roll was curated by a kimbap expert based in the Republic of Korea. Full of aromatic, deliciously piquant flavors that literally felt like they were bursting in my mouth, I’m already planning my next Trader Joe’s trip to stock up on this easy main dish.
Conclusion
For only $3.99, it’s a clear yes: I’m definitely buying this fulfilling dinner again. To take it up a notch next time, I may even pair it with a spinach side salad for more crispiness and freshness on my plate. Safe to say, it’s officially added to the grocery list alongside my favorite high-protein drink and favorite cheese from Trader Joe’s.
FAQs
Q: What is kimbap?
A: Kimbap is a Korean tofu and vegetable rice roll wrapped in seaweed.
Q: Is kimbap high in sodium?
A: Yes, the kimbap is a little high in sodium, with 980 milligrams per serving. However, you can limit your sodium intake throughout the day for a balanced eating pattern.
Q: Can I customize the fillings in kimbap?
A: Yes, kimbap can have a variety of customizable fillings. Trader Joe’s version highlights fried tofu, burdock, stir-fried carrots, pickled radish, and spinach.
Q: Is kimbap a good source of protein?
A: Yes, TJ’s Kimbap is a great source of plant-based protein thanks to the tofu.
Q: Can I microwave the kimbap?
A: Yes, the package instructions recommend microwaving the roll until room temperature.
Note: The FAQs section is added to provide additional information and answer common questions related to the content.
