Aldi Kimchi Pieces: Veganuary Taste Test & Recipe Ideas

This Veganuary, we gave Aldi’s new Plant Menu Kimchi Pieces a go — and we’re glad we did. The name caught our eye, and the light, healthy meal idea shown on the box sealed the deal. These pieces are part of Aldi’s expanded vegan range for 2026, and they’re a great example of how simple, flavourful plant-based options can inspire everyday cooking.

🌶️ Why Are They Called “Kimchi”?

Traditional kimchi is a Korean fermented dish made from cabbage, chilli, garlic, and salt. Aldi’s version isn’t kimchi itself, but kimchi‑inspired — meaning the seasoning takes cues from those classic flavours. You get a mild chilli warmth, a hint of tang, and a subtle savoury depth, but without the strong fermentation that some people find challenging. It’s a gentle introduction to the flavour profile, which makes the product more accessible for families, beginners, or anyone curious about Korean‑influenced dishes.

🌱 First Impressions

• Packaging: Bright, clean, and inviting — the meal suggestion looked fresh and balanced.
• Cooking method: We used the air fryer, which gave the pieces a lightly crisped exterior without drying them out. We added no oil.
• Flavour: Mild chilli with a subtle fermented tang and a gentle afterbite. Not overpowering — ideal for those easing into spicier flavours.
• Texture: Tender with a slight chew, perfect for wraps, bowls, or stir-fries. They were not dry, even though we added no oil when cooking.

What we did not like

The only thing we weren’t completely sure about was the shape — the pieces looked a little uniform, almost as if they’d come from a mould, and we would have preferred a more natural, irregular look.

🍽️ How We Served Them

We paired the Kimchi Pieces with:

• Wild and white basmati rice
• Peas, sweetcorn, and mangetout

The result was a colourful, satisfying main meal — light enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner.

🧪 Nutritional Value (per 200g pack)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	187 kcal
Protein	3.4g
Carbohydrates	11.1g
Fat	12.5g

These pieces are relatively low in calories and carbs, with a modest protein boost — ideal for pairing with legumes, grains, or greens to round out your meal.

🌯 More Ways to Enjoy Them

Here are some easy, inspiring ideas to help you get the most out of Aldi’s Kimchi Pieces:

• Wrap filler: Pair with shredded lettuce, cucumber, and vegan mayo or sriracha in a soft tortilla.
• Buddha bowl: Serve with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, avocado, and a tahini drizzle.
• Kimchi tacos: Use mini wraps, pickled red cabbage, and lime for a Korean-Mexican fusion.
• Stir-fry boost: Toss into a wok with noodles, spring onions, and sesame oil.
• Air-fried snack: Serve with dipping sauces like gochujang, peanut satay, or garlic soy.

🥬 Ingredients: What’s Actually Inside?

Aldi’s Kimchi Pieces are made from a blend of soy‑based protein, vegetable fibres, and a mild kimchi‑style seasoning. The flavouring includes ingredients like chilli, garlic, ginger, and a light fermented-style tang designed to mimic the gentle heat of traditional kimchi without being overpowering. You’ll also find common binders and coatings used in many plant‑based products to help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. It’s a straightforward ingredient list — nothing too flashy, nothing too intense — which makes them approachable for people who want to try something new without diving into strong fermented flavours.

💬 Final Thoughts

We’ll definitely be buying these again. They’re easy to cook, versatile, and mild enough for most palates — a great entry point for anyone curious about fermented flavours but not ready for full-on kimchi heat.

We also liked the look of the ingredients — mostly veg‑based and straightforward — which made the product feel light, simple, and easy to build a meal around.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or just looking for something fresh this Veganuary, Aldi’s Kimchi Pieces are worth a try. They’re proof that plant-based eating can be simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.