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Frozen Kimbap: Korea's Street Food Takes Over U.S. Aisles
8 Oct
Summary
- Korean street food, like kimbap and mandu, are now common grocery store freezer items.
- A TikTok creator's review of Trader Joe's kimbap caused it to sell out nationally.
- Bibigo's frozen gimbap sales in the U.S. rose 59% in the first seven months of 2026.
Korean street food is rapidly transforming the U.S. grocery freezer landscape. Dishes such as kimbap, mandu, and Korean BBQ bowls are now easily accessible to millions of American shoppers, marking a significant shift in quick meal options.
The surge in popularity was notably amplified in August 2023 when Trader Joe's frozen kimbap became a viral sensation after a TikTok review. This event led to nationwide sell-outs and underscored the growing acceptance and consumption of Korean culture.
Brands like bibigo, alongside major retailers such as Kroger and Target, are instrumental in scaling frozen Korean food into a recognized category. Bibigo's frozen gimbap experienced a 59% sales increase in the U.S. from January to July 2026 compared to the same period the prior year.
This expansion is supported by significant investments, including CJ Foods' completion of an automated frozen gimbap production line in Korea. This strategic move aims to accelerate K-food's global reach and establish bibigo Gimbap as a worldwide brand.
For consumers, this trend translates to a broader and more exciting selection in the freezer aisle. These convenient, quick-to-prepare meals offer a refreshing alternative to traditional frozen entrees, catering to busy students and professionals alike.
