Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste): Wheat, Storage and the Korean Label

Doenjang is Korean fermented soybean paste, the base of doenjang-jjigae, soybean paste stew. Three brands you’ll often see abroad are CJ Haechandle, Chung Jung One (Daesang) and Sempio.[3][5][7] None of the listings we checked gives cooking steps, so the label questions are allergens and storage.

What the labels say

• CJ Haechandle, sold abroad in 500 g (1.1 lb) tubs: the Korean tub says 대두, 밀 함유, contains soy and wheat. It says to store it at room temperature out of direct sunlight, and recommends the fridge after opening.[1][2][3][4]
• Chung Jung One Sunchang Doenjang (Daesang): the UK label says “Contains Soybean and Wheat”, and the US ingredient list starts with water, soybean, wheat flour and salt.[5][6]
• Sempio Doenjang, 460 g: “Contains Soybeans and Wheat.” Refrigerate after opening.[7][8]

The Korean Haechandle tub also says it’s made in a facility that handles crab, shellfish, beef, squid and shrimp.[1][2]

된장 or 한식된장?

Korean tubs print a food type, 식품유형. Korea’s Food Code has two kinds of doenjang. 한식된장 (Korean-style doenjang) is made only from traditional meju, blocks of fermented soybeans, soaked in brine. 된장 covers the rest, including paste made from soybeans or grains fermented with koji mold.[9]

A name on the front can sound more traditional than the type. Haechandle’s tub is called 재래식된장, “traditional-style doenjang”, yet its ingredient list includes a doenjang made with wheat flour and koji starter (종국).[2][1] The 식품유형 line is the one to read.

In 2025 Korea’s food safety ministry floated a draft to regroup its food types, starting with soy sauce, and producer groups pushed back. It was still a draft, so the wording on tubs may change.[10]

Tubs you’ll find abroad

Two shops, Ocado (UK) and Piccantino (EU), give different nutrition figures for the same 460 g Sempio tub (154 vs 174 kcal per 100 g), so we don’t list them.[7][8]

Korean words on this pack

Tap the speaker to hear each word. More in the label words list.

• 된장doenjangsoybean paste
• 한식된장hansik doenjangKorean-style doenjang, made only from traditional meju (a food type)
• 식품유형sikpum yuhyeongfood type (category)
• 재래식jaeraesiktraditional-style (part of a product name, not a food type)
• 메주mejublock of fermented soybeans
• 소맥분somaekbunwheat flour
• 대두daedusoybean
• 밀milwheat
• 함유hamyucontains
• 개봉 후gaebong huafter opening
• 냉장 보관naengjang bogwankeep refrigerated

Ways to serve it

• For doenjang-jjigae, dissolve a spoonful in water or anchovy stock, then add tofu, zucchini and onion.

These are serving ideas, not part of the pack’s directions.