Is Gochujang Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Gochujang: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Gochujang

Most gochujang is fermented with wheat or barley and is not gluten free.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

Rated against the stricter of the two standards. Compare AU and US rules

Gochujang, the Korean chilli paste, is most commonly fermented with wheat or barley malt, so standard commercial jars are not gluten free. Gluten free gochujang exists but is less common.

Coeliac Disease

Assume gochujang contains gluten unless it is specifically labelled gluten free.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Gochujang Contain Gluten?

Most commercial gochujang contains wheat or barley malt, which contain gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires wheat and barley to be declared. Most gochujang is not gluten free.

United States (FDA)

The FDA permits a gluten free label below 20 ppm. Most gochujang contains wheat.

What to Watch For

Wheat and barley in the ingredient list. Gluten free gochujang exists but is less common.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Gochujang labelled gluten free, a paste made from gochugaru chilli, rice and miso that is gluten free.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gochujang gluten free?

Gochujang, the Korean chilli paste, is most commonly fermented with wheat or barley malt, so standard commercial jars are not gluten free. Gluten free gochujang exists but is less common.

Can coeliacs eat gochujang?

Assume gochujang contains gluten unless it is specifically labelled gluten free.

Related Foods in Sauces and Condiments

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More from RefDat

Explore more reference data at refdat.com.

How We Verify This

Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.

Sources

Coeliac Australia, FSANZ

Last reviewed: July 2026