Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormFlour/Powder
Industry PositionFood Ingredient
Market
Conventional meju flour (often sold as mejugaru) is a fermented soybean-based powder used as an input for Korean fermented condiments, notably gochujang, where Codex defines “powdered meju” as a fermented soybean (or soybean-and-grain) material. Its commercial trade is typically niche and B2B/B2C specialty-ingredient oriented, rather than a clearly tracked standalone global commodity line. Demand is largely derived from the growing international consumption and export of Korean sauces and fermented foods, while upstream cost and availability are linked to global soybean markets. For international buyers, the most decisive market dynamics are consistent fermentation quality, contamination control (especially mycotoxins and undesirable microbes), and documentation for food safety and labeling compliance.
Market GrowthGrowing (recent years (reported export momentum for Korean sauces))derived demand growth alongside exported Korean sauces/fermented foods
Supply Calendar- Republic of Korea (traditional meju production seasonality):Oct, Nov, DecTraditional meju block-making is commonly described as occurring in late autumn/early winter; meju flour supply is typically buffered because it is a dried, shelf-stable ingredient.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Powdered fermented soybean (or soybean-and-grain) material used as a fermentation input/seasoning component
- Color and aroma can vary by fermentation microflora, drying conditions, and milling fineness
Compositional Metrics- Microbial fermentation drives hydrolysis of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates into lower-molecular-weight compounds (e.g., amino acids and organic acids), influencing flavor intensity and functionality
ProcessingTypically produced by fermenting cooked soybeans as meju (block or mass), drying to reduce water activity, then milling into powder; may be produced via spontaneous fermentation or controlled starter cultures depending on manufacturer
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Soybean sourcing -> washing/soaking -> cooking (boiling/steaming) -> crushing/forming -> fermentation and drying (traditional or starter-culture guided) -> milling to powder -> packaging -> distribution to sauce manufacturers/retail
Demand Drivers- Industrial and artisanal production of gochujang and related fermented Korean sauces/pastes
- Expansion of overseas Korean-cuisine retail and foodservice driving higher throughput of Korean sauces (and associated input ingredients)
Temperature- Dry, cool storage to prevent moisture uptake and quality deterioration; moisture control is important because fermentation-derived products can be vulnerable to mold growth if rehydrated or stored improperly
Risks
Food Safety HighFermentation and drying steps can create food-safety vulnerabilities if process control is weak: studies of meju and related fermented soybean products report concerns about contamination, including mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxins/ochratoxin A) and undesirable microbial loads in traditional/naturally inoculated processes. These hazards can trigger border rejections, recalls, and reputational damage, making food-safety assurance the most critical trade-disrupting risk.Use HACCP/GMP with validated drying and storage controls; implement routine mycotoxin and microbiological testing aligned with Codex principles (contaminants, hygiene) and consider controlled starter cultures to reduce variability.
Sustainability MediumBecause meju flour is soy-derived, it inherits sustainability and traceability risks associated with global soybean supply chains, including deforestation/land conversion concerns that can affect buyer acceptance and regulatory compliance in some markets.Adopt deforestation-free/traceable soybean sourcing where feasible; maintain supplier documentation and lot-level traceability from soy inputs through processing.
Supply Chain MediumUpstream soybean supply is concentrated in a small number of major producing/exporting countries and can be exposed to weather shocks, logistics bottlenecks, and policy shifts, affecting input costs and availability for soy-derived ingredients.Diversify soybean input origins and contract structures; maintain safety stocks for critical fermentation inputs and packaging to smooth disruptions.
Sustainability- Deforestation and land-conversion risk in upstream soybean supply chains (notably conversion of forests/savannahs/grasslands for soy expansion), creating traceability and market-access pressures for soy-derived ingredients
- Regulatory and buyer scrutiny for deforestation-free supply chains may increasingly affect soy-linked products and ingredients
Labor & Social- Land-use change linked to soy expansion can put pressure on local livelihoods; buyers may require stronger traceability and responsible sourcing documentation for soy inputs
FAQ
What is conventional meju flour (mejugaru) used for in food manufacturing?It is primarily used as an input in Korean fermented condiments—especially gochujang. Codex’s regional standard for gochujang lists “powdered meju” as an optional ingredient and defines it as a fermented soybean (or soybean-and-grain) material.
Why is food safety considered a major risk for meju-based ingredients in international trade?Because fermentation and drying can introduce variability and contamination risks if process controls are weak. Research on meju and related fermented soybean products reports concerns including mycotoxins (such as aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) and management challenges linked to naturally occurring microflora, which can lead to compliance issues for buyers and regulators.
How is meju flour generally produced?A common approach is to cook soybeans, ferment them as meju (using natural microflora or starter cultures), dry the fermented material, and then mill it into a powder. The resulting powder is used as a fermentation input or flavor base in products like gochujang.