I Finally Tried This Trader Joe's Fan-Favorite Item, and Now I Understand the Hype

Around this time last year, there was a Trader Joe’s frozen food that was taking the internet by storm. And in typical TJ’s fashion, the fan-favorite item disappeared from shelves the second we were interested—until now.

Meet the viral Trader Joe’s Kimbap, a Korean tofu and vegetable rice roll wrapped in seaweed. While perusing the grocery chain’s aisles the other day, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the product fully stocked in the freezer section. Finally, finally, finally, I was mere hours away from trying the veggie roll that I’ve been dreaming about.

Before I go into my review, let’s clarify a few things. If you’re wondering exactly 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.

The listed serving size is 3 pieces of the roll … but let’s be real: 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

Let’s start with the pros. TJ's Kimbap is a great source of plant-based protein thanks to the tofu, so it’ll definitely be a satisfying meal. Plus, 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.

OK, I’ll stop stalling. Here’s 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. It was 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.

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.