Sempio Taeyangcho Gochugaru is a Korean-style red pepper powder made from sun-dried red chillies that are coarsely ground. It is quite different from the Spanish paprika powder or cayenne pepper commonly used in Europe. It has a more vivid red colour and a moderate heat level compared to paprika, and is milled to a medium-coarse grind specifically optimised for bringing out the characteristic colour and depth of Kimchi seasoning. Rather than being purely hot, it is notable for its subtle sweetness and rich aroma. The ingredient list is 100% red chilli pepper with no additives — a pure, single-ingredient product.

Yes, this product is suitable for both Vegans and Vegetarians. It is made from 100% red chilli pepper and contains no ingredients of animal origin whatsoever. It also contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for a Gluten-Free diet. However, for allergen information related to cross-contamination, we recommend checking separately with the manufacturer (Sempio) or the EU importer. There is currently no confirmed official Halal certification, so those strictly following a Halal diet are advised to verify before purchasing.

Yes, this is a Korean product manufactured by Sempio Foods Company, one of Korea's leading food companies. However, the raw red chillies used as an ingredient originate from China. In accordance with EU food labelling regulations (Regulation 1169/2011), EU-market packaging states both the country of manufacture (Korea) and the origin of the raw ingredient (chillies from China) separately. This is a common practice seen across many food products distributed within the EU, and the manufacturing process and quality control follow Sempio's Korean standards.

This Gochugaru is widely used in a variety of Korean dishes beyond making Kimchi. Key examples include: ① Tteokbokki sauce — mix Gochugaru with soy sauce, sugar and water to create a sweet and spicy sauce. ② Sundubu-jjigae or Kimchi-jjigae — adding one or two tablespoons to the stew broth gives a deep red colour and a pleasant kick. ③ Gochujang-based marinade — combine Gochugaru with Doenjang, garlic and sesame oil for seasoned vegetable dishes or meat marinades. ④ Soups and stews — adding a small amount to European-style tomato stew or lentil soup introduces a distinctive spicy depth. The reason it is labelled "for Kimchi" is that its grind size (particle size) is optimised for Kimchi seasoning, but it can equally be used for general cooking.

Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After opening, exposure to air and moisture can cause the colour and aroma to deteriorate quickly, so it is strongly recommended to transfer the powder to an airtight container (zip-lock bag or sealed glass jar) and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigerated storage preserves vibrant colour and aroma for approximately 3–6 months; frozen storage maintains quality for up to 12 months. As this is a large 1kg pack, portioning into smaller amounts for freezing is a convenient approach if you do not use it frequently. For the exact shelf life, please check the 'Best Before' date on the product packaging.