Does GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce contain dairy or gluten?

It contains gluten due to the wheat flour and wheat in the hot pepper paste. It does not contain dairy ingredients.

Is GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce good for weight loss?

It is not ideal for weight loss due to the high sugar content from rice syrup, molasses, and added sugar. While low in fat, the calories from sugar can add up quickly.

Where can I buy GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce?

GOTCHU sauce is widely available at major retailers like H Mart, Walmart, and online through Amazon.

Is GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce safe for kids?

While it does not contain caffeine, the high sugar content and the spicy heat level from hot peppers may not be suitable for young children.

Is GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce Gluten Free?

The direct answer is no: GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce is not gluten-free. While it packs a punch of flavor, a close look at the label reveals specific gluten-containing ingredients that make it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always start with the source code of any product: the ingredient label. For GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce, the primary concern for gluten-intolerant individuals lies in the second ingredient listed: Hot Pepper Paste. This isn't just a simple paste of peppers and salt; it is a complex fermented base often referred to as gochujang.

Within that specific paste, the manufacturer lists Wheat Flour and Wheat as distinct ingredients. In traditional Korean cooking, wheat flour or grain powder is often used as a fermenting agent or thickener for gochujang. Because these are added directly to the paste, the entire sauce is contaminated with gluten from the very start. Unlike sauces where gluten is a hidden byproduct, here it is an intentional structural component of the flavor base.

Furthermore, the presence of Distilled Alcohol and Koji (a fermentation mold) usually raises questions about gluten. However, the distilled alcohol in this context is likely derived from non-gluten sources or processed in a way that removes gluten proteins (the standard for distilled vinegars). The real culprit remains the wheat and wheat flour found in the pepper paste. Even though other ingredients like Modified Corn Starch and Xanthan Gum are gluten-free thickeners, they cannot undo the gluten content introduced by the wheat in the paste.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheat

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce, the first thing that stands out is the sugar content. The ingredient list includes Sugar, Rice Syrup, and Molasses. This trifecta of sweeteners contributes to a higher caloric density compared to vinegar-based hot sauces like Tabasco.

Because of this sugar blend, the sauce is relatively high in carbohydrates. For those monitoring their glycemic index or strictly counting carbs, this sauce should be used sparingly. However, it is generally low in fat and protein. The sodium content is moderate for a condiment, largely derived from the salt in the pepper paste and added sodium salts (Sodium Benzoate). It fits within standard diet limits as a flavor enhancer, but it shouldn't be considered a 'free' food if you are strictly managing sugar intake.