Is Gochujang Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Assi
This page reviews Gochujang by Assi as a sauce condiment. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Corn Syrup, Ethyl Alcohol.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
Gochujang contains corn syrup and ethyl alcohol, which are processed ingredients raising quality concerns. The presence of fermented soybean powder and koji indicates some natural fermentation processes.
Main concern
Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that raises concerns about added sugars in the product.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Fermented soybean powder and koji contribute to the unique flavor profile, indicating some natural fermentation.
- Red pepper seasoning provides a rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the condiment.
Concerns
- Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that raises concerns about added sugars in the product.
- Ethyl alcohol is a synthetic ingredient that may raise quality and safety concerns in food products.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this sauce condiment and why it matters.
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Is Corn Syrup safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener used to enhance sweetness in this condiment. Its presence raises concerns about added sugars.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: corn syrup
-
Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as a base ingredient, providing the necessary liquid content for the sauce. It is essential for the overall consistency.
Role in formula: base
Original: water
-
Is Red Pepper Seasoning safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Red Pepper Seasoning is used here as flavor. Red pepper seasoning, which includes red pepper powder, salt, garlic, and onion, adds flavor complexity but may contain additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: red pepper seasoning (red pepper powder, water. salt, garlic, onion)
-
Is Rice safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Rice is used here as base. Rice is a natural ingredient that contributes to the texture and flavor of the gochujang, enhancing its authenticity.
Role in formula: base
Original: rice
-
Is Rice Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Rice Powder is used here as base. Rice powder is used to improve the texture and consistency of the sauce, providing a smooth mouthfeel.
Role in formula: base
Original: rice powder
-
Is Sea Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Sea Salt is used here as flavor. Sea salt enhances the flavor profile of the gochujang, providing essential seasoning without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sea salt
-
Is Ethyl Alcohol safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Ethyl Alcohol is used here as preservative. Ethyl alcohol is a synthetic ingredient used for preservation. Its presence raises concerns about the overall quality and safety of the product.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: ethyl alcohol
-
Is Red Pepper Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Red Pepper Powder is used here as flavor. Red pepper powder contributes to the spiciness and color of the gochujang, enhancing its flavor profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: red pepper powder
-
Is Fermented Soybean Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Fermented Soybean Powder is used here as flavor. Fermented soybean powder adds depth of flavor and is a result of natural fermentation, indicating a traditional preparation method.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: fermented soybean powder
-
Is Soybean Powder safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Soybean Powder is used here as base. Soybean powder contributes to the protein content and texture of the sauce, enhancing its nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: soybean powder
-
Is Glutinous Rice Flour safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Glutinous Rice Flour is used here as thickener. Glutinous rice flour is used to thicken the sauce, providing a desirable texture and mouthfeel.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: glutinous rice flour
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Is Garlic safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Garlic is used here as flavor. Garlic adds a robust flavor to the gochujang, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: garlic
-
Is Koji safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Koji is used here as natural_extract. Koji (Aspergillus oryzae) is a fermentation agent that contributes to the unique flavor and texture of the sauce, indicating traditional methods.
Role in formula: natural_extract
Original: koji (aspergillus oryzae)
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3326022
More from this brand: Assi products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.