US snack maker Gimme Seaweed is expanding beyond handheld seaweed snacks with the launch of K-Crisps, an organic, jaban-style seaweed topping aimed at tapping rising demand for global flavours and plant-based pantry staples.

Jaban, a seasoned and shredded seaweed traditionally served over rice, has long been a staple in Korean households but remains underdeveloped in Western retail.

The Northern California-based brand said the new product – debuting in Sea Salt and Chilli Crisp variants – marks what it describes as the first organic jaban offering in the US market. Retail rollout is scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2026.

The move signals a strategic shift from single-serve snacking into the broader condiments and meal-enhancement category, where consumers are increasingly seeking texture, heat and umami-led flavour profiles inspired by Korean cuisine.

For Gimme, which positions itself as the leading organic seaweed snack brand in the US, the format extension offers a route to higher basket value and repeat usage occasions.

Unlike roasted seaweed sheets typically consumed as snacks, K-Crisps are designed to be sprinkled over rice bowls, salads, soups and even popcorn, broadening consumption beyond impulse snacking into everyday cooking.

Seaweed’s sustainability credentials – often cited as one of the lowest-impact crops due to its minimal land and freshwater requirements – also provide a platform for retailers seeking climate-aligned innovation in centre-store categories.

The launch comes as US retailers continue to premiumise the condiments aisle with globally inspired, plant-based and functional products.

By combining organic certification, non-GMO positioning and Korean flavour cues, Gimme is aiming to carve out a new sub-segment within shelf-stable toppings, leveraging the cultural momentum behind K-food while diversifying its revenue base beyond snacks.

Industry watchers will be monitoring whether the brand can translate its success in seaweed snacks into sustained growth in a more competitive, margin-sensitive pantry category.