Spicy Gochujang Sauce

Barcode 5010338000431

Yes — Spicy Gochujang Sauce is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including modified tapioca starch, acetic acid, stabiliser (xanthan gum), and preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate). It also contains fructose syrup, an industrially processed sugar. These additives and ingredients place the product in the ultra-processed category according to the NOVA classification.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

gochujang paste (chili salt)
OK

miso (soybean, rice)
OK

soy sauce (water, soybean, wheat, salt)
OK

distilled vinegar

A clear, acidic condiment produced by fermenting ethanol and purifying the resultant acetic acid; commonly used for pickling, flavoring, and preservation.
OK

vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid produced by fermentation, widely used as a condiment and preservative.
OK

spices (chili, garlic, pepper)
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

colour (paprika oleoresin)
OK

fructose syrup
OK

miso (soybean, rice, salt)
UPF

modified tapioca starch

A starch derivative used as a thickener and texturizer; a processed ingredient.
OK

sesame oil

A purely extracted oil from sesame seeds used for cooking and finishing; a common culinary oil.
OK

acetic acid

A simple carboxylic acid used as an acidulant and flavoring additive in foods; a chemical ingredient.
OK

colours (plain caramel, paprika oleoresin)
UPF

stabiliser (xanthan gum)

Xanthan gum, a thickening agent used as a stabiliser.
UPF

potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate (preservatives)

Common food preservatives that inhibit mold, yeast and bacterial growth in a range of foods.

Common questions about Spicy Gochujang Sauce

Is Spicy Gochujang Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Spicy Gochujang Sauce is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list is valid. The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains several industrial additives and processed ingredients, including modified tapioca starch, acetic acid, stabiliser (xanthan gum), and preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate). It also contains fructose syrup, an industrially processed sugar. These additives and ingredients place the product in the ultra-processed category according to the NOVA classification.

Which ingredients in Spicy Gochujang Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Spicy Gochujang Sauce as ultra-processed markers: modified tapioca starch, stabiliser (xanthan gum), potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate (preservatives). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.