KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN KOREAN CHILI SAUCE, SPICY
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN KOREAN CHILI SAUCE, SPICY receives a FoodScore of 12/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high sodium and added sugar content**.
This product scores 12/100, indicating it is not a recommended daily choice.
A single serving contains 14g of added sugar, contributing significantly to its low score.
With 2600mg of sodium per 100g, it is very high in sodium.
As a NOVA class 4 food, it is ultra-processed and differs substantially from a home-cooked alternative.
Use sparingly to manage intake of added sugars and sodium.
Scores -34 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
6.67g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
14g
28% of Daily Value
Sodium
2600mg
113% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (6.7g)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (14g)-18
Sodium (2600mg)-12
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 12
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN KOREAN CHILI SAUCE, SPICY earns a FoodScore of 12/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by significant penalties for its nutritional profile. The product contains 14g of added sugar per 100g, which results in a substantial penalty of -18 points. Furthermore, its high sodium content of 2600mg per 100g contributes another -12 penalty. The presence of ingredients like sugar and gochujang (which itself contains rice syrup and sugar) are key contributors to the added sugar content. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is classified as ultra-processed, incurring an additional -10 penalty. While it does receive a small bonus of +2 points for its 6.7g of protein per 100g, this is insufficient to offset the considerable penalties. Compared to a home-cooked Korean chili sauce made with whole ingredients, this KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN product contains significantly more added sugar and sodium, and lacks the fiber and micronutrients typically found in less processed foods.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kraft heinz sauces & frozen korean chili sauce, spicy actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This Korean Chili Sauce provides 6.67g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to your daily protein intake. Protein is an essential macronutrient involved in muscle repair and growth, and plays a role in satiety. While not a primary protein source, it can add a small amount to a meal when used as a condiment.
Flavor Enhancement for Meals
For those seeking to add a spicy and savory flavor to their dishes, this sauce offers a convenient option. Its distinct Korean chili profile can make meals more appealing, potentially encouraging consumption of otherwise bland foods like plain vegetables or lean proteins. This can be useful for individuals looking to diversify their culinary experiences.
Convenient Meal Addition
As a pre-made sauce, this product offers culinary convenience for busy individuals. It eliminates the need to source and combine multiple ingredients to create a similar flavor profile from scratch. This can save time in meal preparation, making it easier to incorporate a specific taste into home-cooked meals.
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN KOREAN CHILI SAUCE, SPICY receives a FoodScore of 12/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high sodium and added sugar content.
How to eat it
Korean chili sauce is typically used as a condiment, marinade, or cooking ingredient to add a spicy and umami flavor to dishes. Common portion sizes are around 1 tablespoon. Due to its concentrated flavor and nutritional profile, it's best used in moderation.
Use sparingly as a condiment for grilled meats or vegetables to control sodium and sugar intake.
Dilute with water or a low-sodium broth when using as a marinade to reduce the overall concentration of sodium and added sugar.
Pair with fiber-rich foods like brown rice or a large portion of non-starchy vegetables to balance the meal's nutritional profile.
Consider making your own Korean chili sauce at home using fresh ingredients to reduce processed components and control sugar and salt.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that warrant attention. Individuals with wheat or soy allergies should note the presence of gochujang, soy sauce, miso paste, and defatted soybean powder, all of which contain these common allergens. The high sodium content (2600mg per 100g) is a significant concern, particularly for individuals managing blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet. The added sugar content (14g per 100g) should also be considered, especially for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The inclusion of xanthan gum and natural flavor, while generally recognized as safe, contributes to its ultra-processed classification.
Is KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN KOREAN CHILI SAUCE, SPICY healthy?
With a FoodScore of 12/100, this product is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. Its high levels of added sugar and sodium are the primary reasons for its low score. While it offers some protein, these benefits are outweighed by its less favorable nutritional aspects.
How does KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN KOREAN CHILI SAUCE, SPICY compare to other Korean chili sauces?
Compared to a generic or home-cooked Korean chili sauce, this product is likely to have a similar flavor profile but may contain higher levels of added sugar and sodium due to its formulation as a shelf-stable, branded product. For example, a brand like Bibigo Gochujang might have a different balance of ingredients. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons.
What is 'gochujang' in the ingredient list?
Gochujang is a traditional Korean fermented chili paste that is a key ingredient in this sauce. It typically contains wheat flour, rice syrup, red pepper powder, and salt, contributing to both the flavor and the nutritional profile, including added sugars and sodium, of the overall product.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sauce?
The declared serving size is 1 tablespoon. Given its high sodium and added sugar content, it is advisable to adhere to this small portion size or even use less, especially if you are consuming other foods high in sodium or sugar in the same meal.
Can I use this sauce if I am trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This sauce contains 14g of added sugar per 100g, which is a significant amount. If you are actively trying to reduce your sugar intake, it would be best to use this product very sparingly or seek out alternative sauces with lower or no added sugars. Reading labels for 'sugar' and 'rice syrup' is important.