Ultimate Guide to Buying Seaweed Salad in The Grocery Store

Seaweed salad, a.k.a. “Goma Wakame” in Japan, has become a popular side dish all over the world. This salad mainly consisted of a certain type of seaweed- wakame. Seaweed salad is green in color and sesame seeds are added for a crunch.

You can order seaweed salad in a restaurant that specializes in Japanese food. But that is expensive compared to the proportion you get. Grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and the online website Amazon sell seaweed salad.

What to look for before buying seaweed salad?

Color: Wakame, which is commonly used in seaweed salad, is bright green. If your wakame is turned brown, it is a sign of decay and improper storage. Brown-colored wakame may contain bacteria which you should avoid.

However, you should be careful of any harmful added color. It’s always better to buy seaweed salad from an authentic store.

Texture: Usually Wakame has a silky and glossy texture. It shouldn’t have a crispy or powdery finish. However, Nori, another type of seaweed, has a powdery finish when dried.

So ask the salesman which type of seaweed is used in your salad.

Ingredient: Seaweed salad has a slightly sweet taste. Naturally, Wakame gives this sweetness to your salad. But sugar is also added by some manufacturers.

Check the nutrition chart before buying.

Allergy: Seaweed salad contains sesame seed, soy sauce, vinegar. Some people may be allergic to sesame. Ensure it first.

Which aisle is seaweed salad in?

Packaged salad is another form of fresh vegetable. You will find seaweed salad commonly in the produce aisle. There is a whole section of packaged salad.

Deli aisle also serves readymade food. So it’s very likely you will find seaweed salad in the deli aisle.

Seaweed salad is Asian food, most popular in Japan and Korea. The international aisle may also have this salad in it.

Where can you buy seaweed salad?

Amazon

Amazon has many options for seaweed salad lovers like us. You can either buy readymade salad in bulk order or make your own with the dried seaweed they sell.

A very good choice would be Far Eastern “Dobroflot” Seaweed Salad. This is imported from Russia.

Yes, Russia and not Japan. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t authentic. Seaweeds are collected worldwide now as the demand is high. I recommend this salad because it comes in a 7.8-ounce pack. So a good starter option for beginners.

But if you regularly enjoy seaweed salad, then Marky’s Caviar ChukaWakame Seasoned Sesame Seaweed Salad is a great option for you.

Another trial option is Assorted Seaweed Salad. It consists of 6 different seaweed mixtures.

Walmart

Walmart also has seaweed salad in their produce aisle. Heiwa seaweed salad is made in China.

You can also try Man Nani Food Seaweed Salad, 8 Oz. 

SeaVegi Seaweed Salad Mix, 0.9 Ounce is a bit pricey if compared to others. But this salad comes in a pack of 12. It has five different sea vegetables – Wakame, Agar, Suginori, Tsunomata, and Maufunori.

This one is a premade mixture, only needs water to activate. You can serve it with your favorite combination of fruit or vegetable.

Kroger

Kroger has a “Kroger Japanese Seaweed Salad” which comes in a 3.5 oz pack. You will find it in the deli aisle’s ‘”grab and go” meals section. When it comes to seaweed salad, Kroger doesn’t offer much choice.

Instacart

Instacart has 1lb of seaweed salad for customers.  You can also buy Hissho Sushi Seaweed Salad, 4 oz.

I would recommend Azuma Seaweed Salad, 28 oz ($13.30). It is much cheaper and comes in a big package. You can enjoy this salad with your family.

Busch’s Seaweed Salad is another one you may try.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods is known for specialized foods that are rarely found in other supermarkets. I have found many seaweed salad options for you in Wholefoods.

Like Kikka Sesame Seaweed Salad, SeaSnax Seaweed Salad Mix, Kikka Green Salad With Seaweed.

But ATLANTIC SEA FARMS Fermented Seaweed Salad is a treat for your taste buds. It has included kimchi and other savory flavors. As this salad is fermented, it gives a more in-depth flavor.  Just be careful of any allergen issue.

FreshDirect

FreshDirect has a seaweed salad of 4 oz. Each container is only $4.99.

ThriveMarket

Thrive Market has SeaVegi Seaweed Salad Mix 0.9 oz pouch ($5.43/oz). You only need hot water to activate this mixture.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s Authentically Korean Seaweed Salad is a spicy one. It is heavenly if you can handle the hot spice. It is an original Korean salad.

Safeway

Seafood Counter Seaweed Salad Frozen is a half lb container. There is also West Bay Seaweed Salad (Frozen) and Wakame Salad in the Safeway store.

Costco

Costco has the best budget-friendly solution for you. They sell Azuma Gourmet Seaweed Salad, 28 oz. Only for $14! This salad is suitable for a large family, or when you’re expecting a guest.

You may not find seaweed salad in every grocery store. But the listed ones above are authentic shops and you will find seaweed salad there. If you’re comfortable online then go for Amazon. But for offline, Whole Foods and Walmart have the most variety available. You can shop from their website too.