Top Ssamjang Brands to Spice Up Your Korean Cuisine Adventure

Ssamjang, a staple in Korean cuisine, is a savory and slightly spicy dipping paste that enhances the flavors of various dishes, especially Korean BBQ. This versatile condiment combines the richness of fermented soybeans with the spicy kick of gochujang, offering a perfect balance of taste and texture. With numerous brands producing ssamjang, choosing the best one can be overwhelming for anyone looking to bring an authentic Korean dining experience to their home kitchen. Below, we've compiled a list of top-rated ssamjang brands that consistently deliver on quality and flavor.

Illustration of ssamjang

Best brands of ssamjang in 2025

Sempio

Sempio Foods is renowned as one of the leading producers of ssamjang and other condiments in Korea, boasting a 60% market share for soy sauce domestically. Established in 1946 as Samsi Soy Sauce Brewery, the company has a long history of prioritizing product quality. Under the leadership of Park Jin-sun since 2016, Sempio has seen significant improvements in profitability, with operating margins rising from 5% in 2017 to 13% in 2020. Their products, including ssamjang, soybean pastes, and chili pastes, have been on growth trajectories, with volumes increasing annually over the past half-decade. Sempio's overseas sales have also shown growth, reaching approximately 54.42 billion South Korean won in 2023.

Chung Jung One

Chung Jung One is renowned as one of the best producers of ssamjang, a traditional Korean seasoned soybean paste, due to its rich flavor profile and high-quality ingredients. Their Mild Ssamjang, for instance, contains 56% soybean paste and is free from preservatives, making it a popular choice for dipping sauces and condiments. This product is widely used in Korean cuisine, particularly for dishes like Galbi and vegetable wraps. With its balanced blend of salt and seasoning, it enhances the flavor of meats and vegetables without the need for additional seasoning. The nutritional content includes 868.91 kJ of energy, 3.2g of fat, and 9.1g of protein per 100g serving. For more details, visit the product page for Chung Jung One Mixed Bean Paste.

CJ Haechandle

CJ Haechandle, a prominent brand under CJ Cheiljedang, is renowned for its high-quality ssamjang, a Korean spicy dipping sauce. The company has invested significantly in globalizing gochujang and other Korean sauces, aiming to increase export sales from $8 million to $50 million by 2013 through its "Global Gochujang Project". CJ Haechandle's ssamjang is made with a blend of soybean paste, wheat flour, refined salt, and various seasonings, ensuring a rich and authentic flavor. The brand's efforts have led to a 68% increase in gochujang exports in the first two months of 2009 compared to the previous year. With a strong presence in markets like the United States, Japan, and China, CJ Haechandle continues to expand its global reach.

Bibigo

Bibigo, a leading brand in Korean cuisine, has established itself as a top producer of ssamjang sauce, capitalizing on the growing global demand for K-food. In 2023, Bibigo sold over 17 million units of its popular dumplings, highlighting its market dominance. The brand's products, including its Korean BBQ sauces and ssamjang, have been instrumental in making Korean flavors accessible worldwide. With a 48% market share in the dumpling sector in Germany and a significant presence in the U.S. market, Bibigo continues to expand its reach through innovative products and strategic partnerships.

Ottogi

Ottogi is a leading producer of ssamjang, a popular Korean dipping sauce, known for its high-quality and diverse product lineup. As of 2023, Ottogi holds a significant market share in the South Korean instant noodle and condiment market, with its ssamjang contributing to its overall success. The company's revenue and operating profit have seen notable increases, such as a 16.2% year-on-year increase in revenue and an 11.5% increase in operating profit in 2022. Ottogi's market share in the South Korean instant noodle market was around 23.9% as of December 2023, indicating its strong presence in the industry. The company's global expansion and strategic marketing efforts, including endorsements by popular figures like BTS member Jin, have further boosted its sales and brand recognition.

Nongshim

Nongshim, while renowned for its instant noodles, particularly the Shin Ramyun brand, does not specifically stand out as a leading producer of ssamjang, a Korean dipping sauce. However, Nongshim's dominance in the instant noodle market is evident, with a 56% market share in South Korea as of 2023. Shin Ramyun, their signature brand, saw a record-high sales of 1.21 trillion won ($903 million) in 2023, with overseas sales accounting for 59% of the total. Nongshim's focus on international expansion, especially in the US, has contributed to its strong sales performance. Despite this, the company's primary strength remains in the instant noodle sector rather than ssamjang. For more information, visit Nongshim's official website.

Jookjangyeon

Jook Jang Yeon is a renowned artisan brand from Pohang, Korea, celebrated for its premium-grade doenjang and soy sauce, which are essential components in making high-quality ssamjang. This brand uses 100% locally grown soybeans, specifically Green Kernel Black Beans, and natural bedrock water, along with aged sea salt, to create their products. Each batch of their doenjang and soy sauce requires 1000 days to make, ensuring a rich and traditional flavor profile. Jook Jang Yeon supplies doenjang to one of Korea's top-rated restaurants, Mingles, which has been awarded 2 Michelin stars. Their soy sauce contains no wheat and is made from just three ingredients: soybeans (74%), water (22%), and sea salt (4%).

Dongwon

Dongwon, a prominent South Korean food conglomerate, is recognized for its high-quality ssamjang and other culinary products. As part of its diverse portfolio, Dongwon F&B, a key subsidiary, has seen significant growth in its processed food segment, including sauces and seasonings. In 2017, the company's revenue from processed dairy and home food products showed robust growth, with the processed dairy segment displaying impressive sales, such as a 24% market share in the cheese segment. Dongwon's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leading brand in the Korean market, with its products gaining traction globally. The company's expansion into online home meal replacement (HMR) and other convenient food formats has further solidified its position.

Jayone

Jayone, though not specifically mentioned in the provided sources as a leading sambal producer, could be considered a notable brand in the broader context of Asian condiments, including ssamjang. The global sambal market, which includes various types of condiments like ssamjang, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.54% from 2022 to 2027, driven by increasing demand for spicy and organic food products. The Asia-Pacific region, where such condiments originate, accounts for 44% of the market growth. Key drivers include the wide range of applications and the growing popularity of local cuisines. However, specific data on Jayone's market share or growth is not provided in the sources. For more information, you can visit Jayone's website.

Haenamjang

Haenamjang, often referred to as Haechandeul, is a highly regarded brand for ssamjang known for its rich and slightly spicier flavor profile. This brand is popular among those who enjoy a bit more heat in their Korean BBQ dipping sauce. Haenamjang's ssamjang is made with a blend of doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasoning ingredients, providing a balanced mix of salty, spicy, and nutty flavors. While there isn't specific data on market share, Haenamjang is frequently recommended alongside other brands like Sempio for its quality and taste. Its spicier version is particularly appreciated for pairing well with fatty meats.