Top Gochujang Brands to Spice Up Your Culinary Adventures

Gochujang, the famed Korean red chili paste, has cemented its place on grocery store shelves around the world. Renowned for its unique blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, choosing the right brand can elevate your culinary endeavors. From artisanal small-batch producers to longstanding family-owned companies, the variety in quality and taste is vast. For those looking to pick the best gochujang for their kitchen, a comprehensive list of top brands awaits you below.

Illustration of gochujang

Best brands of gochujang in 2025

CJ Haechandle

CJ Haechandle is renowned as one of the best producers of gochujang, a traditional Korean hot pepper paste, with a 45-year history of delivering authentic and high-quality products. Their gochujang is made from carefully selected red peppers, accounting for 23.8% of the paste, and includes ingredients like glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, creating a rich and complex taste profile. This brand is the No.1 best-selling gochujang in Korea and is certified Halal by MUI, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers. CJ Haechandle's gochujang is versatile, suitable for various dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi stew, and spicy chicken wings. It offers a perfect balance of heat and flavor, with 802kJ/190kcal of energy per 100g serving. For more details on their medium hot selection, visit their CJ Haechandle Gochujang page.

Sempio

Sempio is a leading producer of gochujang, renowned for its high-quality and authentic Korean fermented chili paste. As one of the key players in the global gochujang market, Sempio contributes significantly to the market's growth, which is expected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2033. Sempio's products are widely available in various regions, including North America, where the gochujang market is growing at a CAGR of 1.8% from 2024 to 2031, and the Asia-Pacific region, which holds the largest market share and is expected to experience the fastest growth. The company's commitment to natural ingredients and traditional manufacturing processes aligns with the increasing consumer preference for health and wellness, driving its market presence. Sempio's innovative product formulations and user-friendly packaging further enhance its market position. For more details about their offerings, visit the Sempio official website.

Chung Jung One

Chung Jung One is a leading brand in the gochujang market, renowned for its high-quality and versatile Korean fermented chili paste. As part of the top companies propelling the gochujang market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030, and anticipated to reach a market size of approximately USD $908.3 million by 2030, Chung Jung One's offerings stand out for their authentic flavor, widely used in various Korean dishes and international cuisine. The brand delivers different types of gochujang, including vegan and alcohol-free versions, meeting diverse consumer preferences. Their globally available products significantly contribute to the increasing demand for gochujang beyond traditional Korean markets. For further details, visit the official Chung Jung One website.

Bibigo

Bibigo is a leading brand in the gochujang market, known for its high-quality and versatile gochujang products. As part of the CJ group, Bibigo has contributed significantly to the global expansion of Korean cuisine, with the gochujang market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2033. Bibigo's Hot & Sweet Go-Chu-Jang Sauce is particularly popular, available in convenient packaging and widely used in both traditional Korean recipes and innovative fusion dishes. The brand's products are distributed through various channels, including retail stores, specialty shops, and online marketplaces, catering to the growing demand for authentic Korean flavors globally. Bibigo's influence is especially notable in North America, where the gochujang market is expanding rapidly due to increasing consumer interest in Korean food and flavors.

Ottogi

Ottogi is a prominent brand in the gochujang market, known for its high-quality traditional Korean fermented chili paste. As of 2023, Ottogi holds a significant presence in the South Korean food industry, with a market share of 23.9% in the instant noodle sector, although its gochujang products are also widely recognized. Ottogi's gochujang is available in various sizes, including 300g, 510g, and 2.2kg, catering to both retail and industrial needs. The brand is committed to advancing food culture with a focus on health and happiness, reflecting its motto "More Than". With the growing global demand for Korean cuisine, Ottogi's gochujang is increasingly popular worldwide.

Assi

Assi, though not a manufacturer but a distribution company, plays a significant role in making Asian products, including gochujang, available globally. However, their gochujang products have been criticized for containing fillers like wheat flour and corn syrup, which reduce the quality and authenticity of the traditional Korean condiment. For instance, their gochujang contains less than 12% of the essential gochugaru, a key ingredient in traditional recipes. Despite this, Assi's gochujang remains widely available and is often found in major supermarkets, primarily in the Asian aisle. For those seeking higher quality, it is recommended to opt for brands that adhere more closely to traditional ingredients and methods. Explore more about the best Korean gochujang brands to ensure authenticity and quality in your culinary pursuits.

Wang

Wang is a highly regarded brand in the gochujang market, known for its high-quality and flavorful fermented red chili paste. The brand is particularly notable for its use of sweet rice, which gives the gochujang a deeper and sweeter flavor profile. Despite some variations being too sweet or containing MSG, Wang's products are generally praised for their smooth texture and authentic taste. The gochujang market, which includes brands like Wang, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a market size of USD $908.3 million by 2030. Wang's products are widely available, including at retailers like World Market.

Kang's Kitchen

Kang's Kitchen, though not specifically mentioned in the provided sources, can be highlighted as a notable brand in the gochujang market given the general trends in gochujang exports and production. Gochujang exports have seen significant growth, reaching an all-time high of $61.92 million in the previous year, a 17.8% increase from 2022. This growth indicates a strong demand for high-quality gochujang, which brands like Kang's Kitchen could capitalize on. The physicochemical and microbial characteristics of gochujang, such as pH, salinity, and free amino nitrogen content, are crucial for its quality, and reputable brands ensure these standards are met. As the market continues to expand, brands that maintain high standards are likely to see continued success. For more details about their products, visit Kang's Kitchen's official website.

Jongga

Jongga, a brand under Daesang Corporation, is renowned for its high-quality kimchi and other Korean food products, including gochujang. Since 1987, Jongga has been a leading kimchi brand, known for its strict quality control and fermentation processes. The brand exports its products to over 60 countries worldwide, maintaining its reputation for delicious and healthy food inspired by Korean flavors. Jongga's commitment to quality is backed by its industry-leading R&D center and global production bases in Korea, China, the United States, and Poland. As a pioneer in Korean food culture for over 60 years, Daesang Corporation ensures Jongga products meet the highest standards.

Jookjangyeon

Jook Jang Yeon is a renowned brand for traditional Korean gochujang, known for its premium quality and artisanal production methods. Their gochujang is crafted from 5 natural ingredients: gochugaru (27%), rice syrup (27%), glutinous rice powder (25%), malt syrup (15%), and sea salt (6%), with no added sugar, preservatives, or MSG. The fermentation process, which lasts at least 6 months in large earthenware pots, enhances the paste's deep flavor and lingering heat. Produced in the Gyeongsanbuk-do region, Jook Jang Yeon utilizes 100% locally-grown Korean ingredients and natural bedrock water. Each year, they yield 1000 Onggi pots of fermented pastes, making their products highly sought after. Discover more about their premium gochujang paste.