How many calories are in 100g of Gochujang sauce?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from various brands, the calorie count in 100g of Gochujang sauce can range significantly, typically falling between 190 and 280 calories. This variation is largely due to differences in ingredients between the more concentrated paste and pre-made sauces, which often contain extra sugars and other additives.

Quick Summary

The calories per 100g of Gochujang sauce differ by brand and recipe, with most products averaging in the low 200s. Macronutrients are predominantly carbohydrates and sugar, with low fat content.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count in 100g of Gochujang varies by brand and recipe, with a typical range of 190-280 kcal.
Paste vs. Sauce: Gochujang paste is more concentrated and may have a different calorie density than a pre-made sauce, which often includes more sugar and liquid.
Primarily Carbs and Sugar: The majority of calories in Gochujang come from carbohydrates and sugars, sourced from ingredients like glutinous rice and sweeteners.
Low in Fat: Most Gochujang varieties contain very little to no fat.
High in Sodium: A significant nutritional factor is the high sodium content, which can be substantial even in small servings.
Portion Size Matters: A small serving, like a tablespoon, has a relatively low number of calories, making moderate use a calorie-friendly option.

Understanding Gochujang: Paste vs. Sauce

Before diving into the calorie specifics, it's essential to distinguish between Gochujang paste and Gochujang sauce. Gochujang paste is the traditional, concentrated Korean chili paste made from fermented chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Gochujang sauce, on the other hand, is a ready-to-use condiment that often uses the paste as a base but includes additional ingredients like sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a thinner, sweeter, or spicier profile. These added ingredients are the primary reason for the calorie differences you'll see between products.

The Calorie Breakdown for 100g

Because there is no single standard for "Gochujang sauce," the calorie and macronutrient profile is best understood as a range. The exact numbers will always be listed on the product's nutrition label.

Here is a general breakdown of what to expect for a 100g serving, based on nutritional data from several brands and food databases:

Calories: Approximately 190 to 280 kcal. Some brands, like Bibigo Hot Sauce, report around 200 kcal, while other generic sauce profiles can be higher.
Carbohydrates: This is the primary source of calories. Expect anywhere from 30g to over 45g of carbohydrates per 100g, mostly from sugars and starches derived from the glutinous rice.
Sugars: A significant portion of the carbohydrates are sugars. Depending on the sauce recipe, sugar content can vary widely, affecting the total calorie count. For example, Bibigo sauce lists 33g of sugar, while other brands show different amounts.
Protein: Typically a low to moderate amount, often between 3g and 6g per 100g.
Fat: Generally very low or non-existent in most Gochujang preparations. Many brands report 0g of fat.
Sodium: A major consideration for any Gochujang product. Sodium levels are extremely high, often exceeding 100% of the daily recommended value per 100g serving.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Recipe: Some recipes add more sweeteners, such as corn syrup, which increases the total carbohydrate and sugar content.
Dilution: The amount of water or vinegar used to thin the paste into a sauce will alter its calorie density.
Other Additives: Ingredients like toasted sesame oil or soy sauce, common in sauces, can impact the final nutritional profile.

Comparison Table: Gochujang Brands per 100g


Brand/Type	Calories (kcal)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)
Korean Gochujang Chili Sauce (Generic)	194	38.9	n/a	5.6	n/a
Bibigo Gochujang Hot Sauce	200	47	33	3	1333
Gochujang Sauce (Eat This Much)	279	32	24	2	621
Annie Chun's Korean Sweet & Spicy Sauce	225	10	5	1	350
Sempio Hot Pepper Paste (Paste)	199	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Sun Kee Hot Chili Paste (Paste)	216	46	21	5.7	6700

Cooking with Gochujang: Calorie Considerations

When incorporating Gochujang into your cooking, remember that a little goes a long way due to its potent flavor. Most recipes call for just a tablespoon or two, which contains a relatively small number of calories. For example, a single tablespoon of Bibigo Gochujang Hot Sauce has only around 45 calories. Being mindful of portion sizes is the most practical approach for managing calorie intake when enjoying this versatile condiment.

Conclusion

While a definitive answer to how many calories are in 100g of Gochujang sauce is elusive due to product variations, a general range of 190-280 kcal is common. The key takeaway is that Gochujang is primarily a carbohydrate-heavy, sugar-rich, and high-sodium condiment, not a source of fat. The concentration (paste vs. sauce) and added ingredients are the biggest determinants of its final nutritional makeup. For precise calorie and nutritional information, always consult the label of the specific product you purchase.

For more detailed nutritional information, you can explore food databases like the one on Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the calorie density per 100g is moderate, Gochujang is typically used in small quantities, so it's not considered a high-calorie sauce when used in moderation in recipes.

The main source of calories in Gochujang is carbohydrates, primarily from fermented glutinous rice and added sugars found in many sauces.

The calorie count differs because Gochujang paste is more concentrated. Gochujang sauce is often thinned with other ingredients, like extra sugar or vinegar, which changes the overall calorie density.

Yes, many Gochujang products, especially pre-made sauces, can be high in sugar. For example, some brands report over 30 grams of sugar per 100g serving.

Yes, Gochujang is a fermented product and can be very high in sodium. For those monitoring salt intake, it is important to check the product's nutrition label.

Gochujang contains a high amount of carbohydrates due to the rice and sugars. While small amounts may be acceptable, it's generally not suitable for strict low-carb or keto diets.

Besides carbohydrates, Gochujang typically contains small amounts of protein and sometimes minor traces of minerals like iron and calcium. Its main value is for flavor rather than significant nutritional content.