There’s no need to avoid kimchi during pregnancy, but it would be best to purchase a store-bought version to ensure that the kimchi has been properly prepared and sealed before consumption.

Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish that offers a great hit of tang and spice to bowls, sandwiches, soups, and various other recipes. Although its smell can be a bit off-putting to some, the fermentation offers a natural source of probiotics, which are good bacteria that help promote gut health.

Although making kimchi at home can be a nice Sunday activity, there’s a greater risk of foodborne illness when you make it yourself, especially if you’re new to the fermentation game. So embrace the ease of buying it already made and enjoy.