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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • Food

Lao Gan Ma

Lao Gan Ma is a Chinese brand of chili sauces and chili crisp condiments.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Lao Gan Ma is a Chinese brand of chili sauces and chili crisp condiments. It was founded in 1997 by Tao Huabi and is credited with popularizing chili crisp outside China.

What it is

Lao Gan Ma originated in Guizhou province, China, from sauces sold by founder Tao Huabi before the company was formally established in 1997. The brand's name translates to "old godmother" or "old grandma." It is now sold in China and more than 30 other countries.

Products and ingredients

Lao Gan Ma is a range of chili sauces and condiments, not a single recipe. Ingredients vary by product but commonly include chili, oil, fried aromatics, peanuts, fermented soybeans, and MSG in some versions. The heat level is generally medium-hot, balanced by oil and umami flavours.

Why it matters

Lao Gan Ma is widely credited with helping popularize Chinese chili oil and chili crisp internationally. It has influenced similar condiments and is a defining example of the style. In Canada, it is commonly found in Asian grocery stores and online retailers.

In short

  • Chinese brand of chili sauces and chili crisp condiments
  • Founded in 1997 by Tao Huabi
  • Sold in China and over 30 countries
  • Credited with popularizing chili crisp internationally
Canadian angle

Lao Gan Ma is relevant to Canadian readers as a widely available imported condiment that can often be found in Asian grocery stores and online retailers serving Canada.

Quick questions

What is Lao Gan Ma?
Lao Gan Ma is a Chinese brand of chili sauces and chili crisp condiments, often sold in jars and known for its spicy, crunchy style.
Who makes Lao Gan Ma?
Lao Gan Ma is made by Laoganma Special Flavour Foodstuffs Company, founded by Tao Huabi in 1997.
Where can I buy Lao Gan Ma in Canada?
It is commonly found in Asian grocery stores and Chinese supermarkets, and also sold through online retailers that ship in Canada.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_Gan_Ma
    Supports: General description as a Chinese chili sauce brand, international availability, and influence on chili crisp popularity.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_Gan_Ma
    Supports: Company name, founding year, and brand origin.
  3. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laoganma
    Supports: Founder Tao Huabi and founding year.
  4. South China Morning Post — https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3120333/lao-gan-ma-or-chilli-crisp-chinese-chilli-oil-thats-hot-stuff
    Supports: Product description, ingredients, sales, and availability in many kitchens and countries.
  5. The Woks of Life — https://thewoksoflife.com/lao-gan-ma-chili-sauce/
    Supports: Founder, origin, and where it can be bought in Chinese ingredient stores and online.
  6. The Mala Market — https://blog.themalamarket.com/sourcing-lao-gan-ma-chinas-best-chili-oils-sauces/
    Supports: Availability in Chinese supermarkets and typical retail pricing in U.S. markets.
  7. El País — https://elpais.com/gastronomia/el-comidista/2021/03/04/articulo/1614878113_015528.html
    Supports: Purchase in Asian food stores and online; regional consumer availability.
  8. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkTQTS2RSCU
    Supports: General chili crisp context and ingredient-style explanation, used only for broad product-style background.