Capsaicin Levels and Sodium Content in Frozen Spicy Late-Night Snacks
The Korea Consumer Agency announced test results in March 2026 evaluating 11 popular frozen spicy late-night snack products, including six varieties of chicken feet and five varieties of pork intestines. The evaluation revealed that capsaicin levels differ by up to 2.4 times across brands, while a single package of most tested products exceeds 50 percent of the recommended daily intake for cholesterol and sodium.
To conduct the evaluation, the agency surveyed 1,500 adults aged 20 to 69 who had purchased frozen convenience late-night snacks within the previous six months. The tests examined capsaicinoid content, nutritional components, safety standards, and pricing across the 11 products.
Capsaicin Content and Heat Levels Across Brands
Capsaicinoid content in the tested products ranged from 23 to 56 milligrams per kilogram. When compared against the five standard heat levels established for gochujang under KS H 2120, ten of the eleven products fell into the lowest category of 39 milligrams per kilogram or less. Only one product, Live Pocha Direct Fire Boneless Chicken Feet produced by Nonghyup Mokwoochon, reached the second heat tier.
Content variations remained distinct between product types. Package sizes ranged from 150 to 200 grams for chicken feet and 150 to 160 grams for pork intestines. Prices for chicken feet products spanned from 5,380 to 9,900 won, while pork intestines ranged from 5,500 to 8,980 won per pack.
Cholesterol and Sodium Levels Exceeding Daily Thresholds
Survey data indicated that 69.1 percent of respondents consume these items as alcoholic beverage side dishes, while 53.0 percent eat them as late-night snacks. Because many consumers eat these foods after regular meals, researchers noted a high risk of excessive sodium and cholesterol intake.
Per-package cholesterol levels spanned from 38 to 117 percent of the daily nutritional standard, and sodium ranged from 46 to 84 percent. Lotte Shopping’s Yorizuda Fire Pork Intestines contained 351 milligrams of cholesterol per package, representing 117 percent of the daily reference value. Meanwhile, Dongwon F&B’s Midnight Restaurant Fire Pork Intestines contained 1,682 milligrams of sodium, reaching 84 percent of the daily limit.
All Products Meet Safety Standards While Gomgom Offers Lowest Prices
Laboratory testing confirmed that all 11 products met regulatory standards for heavy metals, microorganisms, benzopyrene, and foreign substances. Preservatives and nitrite ions also complied with food additive safety regulations.
When evaluated by weight, CPLB’s Gomgom Direct Fire Boneless Chicken Feet and Gomgom Fire Pork Intestines cost 3,363 won and 3,438 won per 100 grams respectively, making them the lowest-priced options in their respective categories. The Korea Consumer Agency advises consumers to review capsaicin, cholesterol, and sodium metrics alongside unit pricing before purchase, noting that intense spice levels can irritate the gastrointestinal tract depending on individual sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Spicy Night Snacks
How many products were included in the consumer agency evaluation?
The evaluation tested 11 frozen spicy late-night snack products, which comprised six chicken feet items and five pork intestines items.
Which specific product recorded the highest cholesterol level?
The highest cholesterol level appeared in Yorizuda Fire Pork Intestines by Lotte Shopping, which contained 351 milligrams per package, or 117 percent of the daily nutritional standard.
What were the price ranges for the evaluated snack packs?
Chicken feet products ranged from 5,380 to 9,900 won per pack, while pork intestines products sold for between 5,500 and 8,980 won per pack.
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