Does Mother In Laws Gochujang contain dairy or gluten?

No, Mother In Laws Gochujang is free from dairy and gluten. It uses soybean flour instead of wheat and contains no milk products.

Is Mother In Laws Gochujang good for weight loss?

It is not a 'diet food' due to the sugar and carb content from the malt syrup and rice, but it can be included in a weight loss plan if used in small amounts to flavor vegetables and lean proteins.

Where can I buy Mother In Laws Gochujang?

You can find it at Whole Foods, H Mart, other Asian grocery stores, and online via Amazon.

Is Mother In Laws Gochujang safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids, but be aware that it is spicy. It does not contain caffeine or alcohol.

Is Mother In Laws Gochujang Halal?

Yes, Mother In Laws Gochujang is Halal. After analyzing the ingredient list of their traditional and spicy gochujang varieties, we found no animal-derived products, alcohol, or hidden additives that would violate Halal dietary laws. It is a pure, plant-based fermented chili paste that is safe for consumption.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at gochujang as a beautiful chemical reaction of fermentation. However, for a Halal diet, the focus shifts to the source of those ingredients. Mother In Laws is known for a cleaner, artisanal approach compared to mass-market brands. Let's look at the specific components found in their traditional jar.

First, we have Glutinous Rice Powder. This is simply sweet rice flour. It is entirely plant-based and serves as the carbohydrate source for the fermentation process. It provides the natural sweetness and thick texture without any animal involvement.

The heat comes from Chile Flake Powder. In high-quality brands like this, it is usually just ground sun-dried peppers. There is no risk of cross-contamination with non-Halal items here, as peppers are naturally vegan and Halal.

For the savory depth, the brand uses Non-GMO Soybean Flour and Salt. Traditional soybean fermentation (meju) is the backbone of Korean umami. Unlike some industrial sauces that might use chemical hydrolysis or animal-based flavor enhancers, Mother In Laws relies on natural fermentation. Finally, Malt Syrup is used. This is derived from barley or rice. While malt syrup can sometimes be a gray area regarding alcohol content, in a fermented paste like this, it is used strictly as a sweetener and fermentation substrate. The final product does not contain alcohol.

Nutritional Value

While Halal certification is the primary focus, the nutritional profile is equally important for a balanced diet. Gochujang is a calorie-dense condiment due to its sugar and carbohydrate content. A typical serving (one tablespoon) of Mother In Laws Gochujang contains approximately 35 to 40 calories.

The main macronutrients are carbohydrates (roughly 8-9g) and a small amount of protein from the soybean flour. It is relatively low in fat. However, you must be mindful of the sugar content. The Malt Syrup and fermented Glutinous Rice result in a moderate sugar load (around 5-6g per serving). If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, you will need to use this sparingly. For general weight management, it fits perfectly fine as a flavor enhancer rather than a main dish.