Red Bean Paste

Red bean paste is a sweet, thick paste made from cooked red adzuki beans that have been mashed and sweetened. It is a staple ingredient in many East Asian cuisines, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. The beans are typically boiled until soft, then mashed and mixed with sugar and sometimes oil to create a smooth or slightly textured paste.

Manufacturers use red bean paste primarily as a filling and flavoring agent. Its sweet, earthy flavor and thick texture make it ideal for pastries, buns, dumplings, and desserts. It is also used as a topping or ingredient in ice cream, puddings, and drinks.

Red bean paste is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber from the beans, and added sugar contributes to its caloric content. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated similar food ingredients, but specific evaluations for red bean paste are not widely published. Typical consumption as part of a balanced diet is not associated with adverse health effects.