Costco has recently started selling frozen kimbap, a popular Korean dish similar to sushi but with unique fillings like fried tofu and vegetables. These kimbap packs come in convenient six-pack bags priced at $18.79, which rounds out to about $3.13 per pack.
What is Costco Kimbap?
Kimbap is a Korean dish made with seasoned rice, vegetables, and sometimes tofu or meat, all rolled in a sheet of seaweed. It’s similar to sushi but typically features different fillings and flavors. Costco’s version, produced by Hanwoomul, includes fried tofu and a variety of vegetables like spinach, carrots, and pickled radish, offering a vegetarian-friendly option that’s both flavorful and nutritious
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
Costco’s Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap stands out for its savory and rich flavor. The key ingredients are:
- Fried tofu
- Seasoned rice (with sesame oil)
- Pickled radish, spinach, and carrots
- Additional seasonings like garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and kelp extract
The rolls are tightly packed, giving them a firm texture that holds together well, making it easy to eat without falling apart
Costco’s Kimbap Comparison with Trader Joe’s Kimbap
This introduction of kimbap at Costco follows a trend seen at Trader Joe’s, where frozen kimbap has become a popular item. The product has been well-received due to its affordability and the convenience of a quick microwaveable meal option. Trader Joe’s offers its version for $3.99 per package.
Convenient and Flavorful Hanwoomul Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap at Costco
Costco’s Hanwoomul Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap include:
- Product Type: Pre-sliced rolls, making them convenient and ready to eat.
- Quantity and Size: Each package contains six rolls, with each roll weighing 8.11 oz.
- Ingredients: The kimbap includes fried tofu and vegetables, offering a vegetarian option.
- Origin: This product is made in South Korea, ensuring authenticity in its preparation and taste.
- Storage: It is a frozen product, which helps in maintaining its freshness until consumption.
- Packaging: Sold in cases of six, suitable for bulk buying or larger households.
- Brand: The product is branded under Hanwoomul, noted for its Korean food products.
These features highlight the product’s convenience, authenticity, and suitability for vegetarian consumers, aligning well with Costco’s range of international and bulk-packaged goods.
Costco’s Affordable Kimbap Pricing
As of now, a bag containing six 8.11-ounce packs of Costco’s Kimbap is priced at $18.79, which breaks down to about $3.13 per kimbap pack. This price is competitive compared to similar offerings at other stores like Trader Joe’s, where kimbap is priced slightly higher at $3.99 per package.
Costco Kimbap Details
- Name: Hanwoomul Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap
- Form: Pre-Sliced Rolls
- Quantity: 6 rolls per package
- Weight: Each pack is 8.11 oz
- Item Number: 1804716
Nutritional Information for Costco’s Kimbap
Each roll of Costco’s Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap weighs about 8.11 ounces (230 grams), making it a good-sized, filling meal. Here’s a simple breakdown of the nutrition:
- Calories: Each roll has about 370 calories, which makes it a moderate-calorie meal.
- Fat: There are about 8 grams of fat, mainly from the tofu and sesame oil.
- Carbohydrates: The kimbap contains 71 grams of carbs, mostly from the rice.
- Protein: You’ll get around 11 grams of protein, thanks to the tofu and vegetables.
This kimbap is vegetarian-friendly, but it does contain gluten, so it’s not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities. It’s a great choice for a balanced meal, offering a good mix of carbs, protein, and fats, all wrapped in delicious Korean flavors
Regional Availability and Pricing
Costco’s rollout of the kimbap has begun in some regions, with reports of availability in stores like Santa Clara, CA, and San Marcos, CA. However, availability varies, and it may not be in stock in all regions, particularly on the East Coast and in the Midwest as of now.
The Hanwoomul Fried Tofu & Vegetable Kimbap is conveniently available at Costco Business Centers. It’s important to note that the pricing for this product is subject to change based on market conditions, and any price adjustments will be clearly communicated in your order confirmation. This ensures that you are always informed of the most current pricing when making a purchase.
Allgot’s U.S. Expansion Plans
Allgot, known for its popular frozen kimbap, is planning to expand in the U.S. by starting to sell its products in Costco stores from early 2024, beginning with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The company has invested in advanced freezing technology and special packaging to keep the kimbap fresh.
They’re also looking to eventually sell at other big retailers like Walmart, aiming to meet the growing demand for their products. This move is part of Allgot’s broader strategy to increase the availability of Korean cuisine in convenient formats internationally.
Shipping & Returns
- Delivery: All listed prices include delivery from the Costco Business Center.
- Return Policy: Items can be returned to any of the over 700 Costco warehouses worldwide.
- Customer Service Contact: For delivery-related inquiries, call 1-800-788-9968 or visit the Business Center Customer Service page.