# Fermented Seafood Sticks Kkini-Kkini Turns a Traditional Ferment into an Accessible Umami Booster By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-01-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kkini-kkini References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gomso-1-000-year-jotgal-launches-kkini-kkini-k-umami-sticks-302673861.html) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUCl44OlKj8/)  South Korean fermentation leader GOMSO 1,000-year Jotgal announced the launch of Kkini-Kkini to make a [portable fermented seafood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-bites) more accessible to global consumers. Designed to provide a convenient, well-portioned serving of a Korean traditional fermented seafood (jeotgal,) this product functions as a natural umami booster that boasts a deeply savory flavor profile without the heavy saltiness of traditional products. This new range is debuting in five varieties: [Squid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-squid-snack), Octopus, Pollock Roe, Pollock Tripe, and Nut-mixed, each packaged in a 40-gram stick. "Our goal is to position our products as a versatile K-Superfood that adds healthy depth to any global cuisine," said a spokesperson for GOMSO 1,000-year JOTGAL. "By introducing this portable Korean traditional fermented seafood to the international market, GOMSO 1,000-year JOTGAL aims to bring the essence of Korean fermentation to dinner tables worldwide." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 63% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Portable Fermented Foods:** The rise of portable fermented snacks like Kkini-Kkini signals a shift toward on-the-go consumption of traditional foods with health benefits. - **Umami Flavor Enhancements:** Interest in natural umami enhancers is growing, as products like fermented seafood sticks offer a unique, depth-enhancing flavor without excessive salt. - **K-superfood Globalization:** The introduction of Korean superfoods to international markets opens avenues for cultural culinary fusion and broader acceptance of global taste profiles. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Health-driven Snack Foods:** As consumers seek nutrient-packed snacks, the industry is exploring fermented options that provide natural health benefits with added convenience. - **Specialty Condiment Market:** The demand for unique and naturally fermented condiments is expanding, driven by consumer interest in enhancing meals with bold, diverse flavors. - **Ethnic Foods Importation:** The global importation of ethnic foods is seeing growth as consumers become more adventurous, seeking to incorporate diverse culinary traditions into everyday meals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [K-Pop-Endorsed Ramen Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ottogi-1.md) - [Successful Kimchi Ramen Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nongshim-3.md) - [Mediterranean-Style Kimchis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mediterranean-kimchi.md) - [Red Pepper Cask Whiskys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ki-one-red-pepper-cask.md) - [Snackable Kimchi Crisps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimchi-crisps.md) - [Extra-Spicy Korean Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flaming-korean-fire-chicken.md) - [BIPOC-Owned Korean-Parisian Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gateau-ghost.md) - [Korean Savory Pancake Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/korean-savory-pancake-kit.md) - [Compressed Seasoning Medallions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coin-broth.md)