Calories in kimchi
Cabbage kimchi. 15 kcal (63 kJ) per 100 g. Choose a portion below and every figure on the page updates.
Kimchi is Korean fermented vegetables, and this classic version is based on napa cabbage seasoned with chilli, garlic, ginger and salt. It is about 94% water and has just 15 kcal (63 kJ) per 100 g. The main nutrition story is not energy but sodium, at about 498 mg per 100 g, plus useful amounts of vitamin K, folate and iron.
Where the energy comes from
Share of total energy contributed by each macronutrient, using the standard 4/4/9 kcal per gram factors:
Full nutrition breakdown
Values shown for 75 g.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 11 kcal | – |
| Energy | 47 kJ | – |
| Protein | 0.8 g | 2% |
| Total fat | 0.4 g | <1% |
| Saturated | 0.05 g | <1% |
| Monounsaturated | 0.03 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated | 0.18 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.8 g | <1% |
| Sugars | 0.8 g | – |
| Fibre | 1.2 g | 4% |
| Water | 70.7 g | – |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A | 3.8 µg | <1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.083 mg | <1% |
| Vitamin K | 32.7 µg | 27% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.008 mg | <1% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.158 mg | 12% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.8 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.16 mg | 9% |
| Folate | 39 µg | 10% |
| Choline | 11.6 mg | 2% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 24.8 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% |
| Magnesium | 10.5 mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 18 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 113.3 mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 373.5 mg | 16% |
| Zinc | 0.165 mg | 2% |
| Copper | 0.018 mg | 2% |
| Selenium | 0.375 µg | <1% |
Daily Values are the FDA reference intakes for adults and children aged 4 and over, based on a 2,000 kcal diet. They are a labelling standard, not a personal target.
Common portions
| Portion | Grams | kcal | kJ | Protein g | Carbs g | Fat g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | 75 | 11 | 47 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.4 |
| 1 cup | 150 | 22 | 94 | 1.6 | 3.6 | 0.8 |
Things worth knowing
- Half a cup (75 g) has about 11 kcal (47 kJ) and about 374 mg of sodium, roughly 16% of the Daily Value. A full cup has about 22 kcal (94 kJ).
- Fermentation bacteria turn much of the vegetables' natural sugar into lactic acid, which is why kimchi tastes sour and has only about 1 g of sugar per 100 g.
- Sauerkraut is the closest Western equivalent, at about 19 kcal per 100 g but even saltier, with roughly 661 mg of sodium per 100 g.
- A cup provides about 65 µg of vitamin K and 78 µg of folate, roughly 54% and 20% of the Daily Values. Recipes vary, so sodium and sugar can differ by brand.
Converting these figures
One 1/2 cup of kimchi is 11 kcal, which is 47 kJ. To convert any other figure, divide kilojoules by 4.184 for calories, or use the converter on the home page.
It takes 1,593 g of kimchi to reach 1,000 kJ (239 kcal). See how that compares with other foods on the 1000 kJ to calories page.
Similar foods
Compare all 39 vegetables in one table →
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy 11118. Values are averages; individual samples vary with variety, growing conditions, and preparation.