We love making our own ramen or ordering it at a favorite restaurant as much as anyone else, but sometimes, nothing beats a bowl of savory noodles that you can whip up at home in just a few minutes. Thankfully, soup season is upon us, so what better excuse to slurp our way through twenty different ramen brands? We’re on a quest to find the best instant noodles of all!
Table of Contents
Products We Tested
We taste tested the following 20 brands and varieties:
- Annie Chun's Japanese Style Shoyu Ramen
- Dr McDougalls Vegan "Chicken" Ramen
- Huy Fong Sriracha Chicken Ramen
- Immi Black Garlic "Chicken" Flavor Ramen Soup
- Lotus Foods Buckwheat Shiitake Rice Ramen
- Lotus Foods Jade Pearl Rice Wakame Miso Ramen
- Lotus Foods Spicy Kimchi Rice Ramen
- Maruchan Chicken Ramen
- Mike's ‘Mighty Good' Fried Garlic Chicken Craft Ramen
- Mike's ‘Mighty Good' Spicy Beef Craft Ramen
- Muso Organic Shoyu Ramen
- Nissin Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Ramen
- Nissin Chicken Top Ramen
- Nissin Hot & Spicy Chicken Ramen
- Nongshim NeoGuri Spicy Seafood Udon Ramen
- Samyang Buldak Spicy Chicken Cheese Ramen
- Sapporo Ichiban Original Japanese Style Ramen
- Snapdragon Tonkotsu Ramen
- Tapatio Original Ramen Noodle Soup
- Thai Kitchen Garlic & Vegetable Instant Ramen
How We Tested
Our aim for this taste test and review was to select a Best Instant Ramen in each of the following categories:
- Best Classic
- Best Beef
- Best Chicken
- Best Tonkotsu
- Best Lower Sodium
- Best Spicy
- Best Gluten Free
We cooked each ramen variety according to pertinent package directions, evaluating for convenience and cook time accuracy along the way.
For our taste test, we grouped the ramen options into categories (i.e., chicken, beef, vegetable, spicy) and compared them against one another before selecting across the board favorites.
After all evaluations were complete, we graded each instant ramen according to the following 4 criteria:
- Taste & Texture: looking at flavor notes and overall consistency of each product.
- Value: price per ounce.
- Ingredients: considering the quantity and quality of ingredients in each product as well as nutrition content.
- Production: taking into account factors of manufacture, distribution, availability, sustainability, and packaging.
Note: we found the serving sizes to vary wildly from one ramen to the next, so in order to render an accurate nutritional comparison, we standardized the makeup of each ramen to a per 100 gram measure.
Best Classic
Sapporo Ichiban Original Japanese Style Ramen Noodles
Overall Rank: 4.3 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.4 / 5.0
This option from Sapporo Ichiban offers an umami-rich, nicely savory flavor profile based on soy sauce. The flavor profile is all classic and super craveable, with bouncy noodles and dried leeks. On the downside, we found the noodle texture to be softer as compared to other noodles and the broth rings in as overly salty.
Value: 4.5 / 5.0
This is one of the most affordable options, costing $1.29 per package which works out to $0.37 per ounce.
Ingredients: 4.2 / 5.0
In addition to the rather lengthy and highly processed ingredients list, this classic ramen is far from the healthiest pick we tried. At 460 calories and 19g fat per 100g, this ramen is the worst offender in both categories. It also is one of saltiest options, with a sky high 1820mg sodium per 100g.
Production: 4.4 / 5.0
We love that this variety is truly ready in just 3 minutes, as advertised on the package. It is also highly versatile and could easily serve as the base for your own semi-homemade ramen bowl or stir fried noodle dish. This pick was widely available in most of the stores we visited, however, the packaging is thin, leaving the edges of our noodle block broken and crumbly.
Why We Picked It:
Our tasting panel ranked this option as the most classic pick, from the taste and appearance of the noodles to the soy sauce-based, super savory broth all the way down to the simple preparation method. It has a low price point, maximum versatility, and is readily available.
What We Didn’t Like:
This ramen is rich in calories, fat, and sodium and is made from a ton of highly processed components. Some of our tasting panel felt the noodles were too mushy and also, the packaging is not substantial.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Target, ACME, and more
Best Beef
Mike's ‘Mighty Good' Spicy Beef Craft Ramen
Overall Rank: 4.7 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
With a name like 'Mighty Good’, we had to pick up a container of this ramen and see for ourselves. As it turns out, they aren't kidding! Our tasting panel ranked this spicy beef ramen as their across the board favorite.
The fiery red-orange coloring of the seasoning packet may look a little intimidating, but we found the spice level here to be a reasonable medium and the noodles are chewy in the best way.
Value: 4.1 / 5.0
At $1.55 per ounce, this little cup of ramen wound up being one of the most costly options we tried.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
The deeply savory beef based broth is made even more rich by the addition of mushroom and kombu seaweed, and is rounded out by soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices.
After needing a dictionary to understand the ingredient lists on the ramens from brands like Sapporo Ichiban and Maruchan, we were relieved to see a simple and clean ingredients list here. Also, this is one of the highest protein picks with 13g per 100g and is a good source of iron as well.
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
Mike’s ‘Mighty Good’ is a sustainability minded company, packing their ramen in responsibly sourced materials and using solar power in their operations.
We do love the convenience offered by the microwaveable cup packaging, however, it kept overflowing during cooking. Also, we found the noodles to be tough and clumpy after the instructed cooking time.
Why We Picked It:
We couldn’t get enough of the rich beef broth and hearty organic noodles that make up this cup. It is made from whole food ingredients--uncommon in the world of instant ramen!--and high in nutrients like protein and iron. Plus, it is made using environmentally-minded packaging and renewable energy.
What We Didn’t Like:
This ramen is one of the most expensive options, we had some serious gripes with the cooking instructions and it made a mess in our microwave. This option requires more time and attention than it leads on!
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, Walmart, Thrive Market, Ralphs, and more
Best Chicken
Maruchan Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup
Overall Rank: 4.4 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
We found Maruchan to have a far richer broth that feels creamier as compared to the more hollow, bouillon-like broth of Top Ramen’s version. The flavor profile is well rounded and less overbearingly salty and the bouncy noodles are curlier and tastier.
Value: 4.5 / 5.0
Each 3-ounce packet of Maruchan ramen costs just $0.50, one of the cheapest you’ll find!
Ingredients: 4.4 / 5.0
As with many of the traditional instant ramen options out there, this one has a similarly lengthy ingredients list filled with processed components and multisyllabic words.
For how much we really liked the chicken flavor of this ramen, real chicken is unfortunately the very last ingredient on the list. Also, it contains lactose which is unexpected and not obvious.
Production: 4.4 / 5.0
This ramen is a product of bioengineering, however, with a quick glance to their website we found that they make some sustainably minded efforts such as meeting Roundtable on Sustainable Palm oil standards. Also, this option is perfectly ready in 3 minutes as advertised!
Why We Picked It:
In the battle of chicken ramen, Maruchan’s savory flavor and rich, creamy texture stood tall above the rest. Our tasting panel loved the wavy noodles and at just $0.50 cents each, a packet of this ramen offers the ultimate affordability. The on-package cooking instructions are clear and perfectly accurate too.
What We Didn’t Like:
The ingredients list is long and complicated and, despite the delicious taste, doesn’t even contain very much real chicken. It is made with bioengineering and contains some not very obvious potential problem ingredients like lactose.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Stop & Shop, Fairway, and more
Best Tonkotsu
Snapdragon Tonkotsu Ramen
Overall Rank: 4.6 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
This creamy, pork flavored option from Snapdragon delighted us by cooking up into the rich, meaty broth we were hoping for.
The noodles read a bit more like spaghetti as opposed to ramen, but they are nicely chewy without being tough nor mushy. Bits of corn, carrots, and green onions add some textural interest and a dose of freshness as well and chili oil adds just the right dose of lip-tingling heat.
Value: 4.2 / 5.0
At $1.27 per ounce, this price point of this convenient ramen cup is bordering on expensive.
Ingredients: 4.6 / 5.0
As a whole, the ingredients label on this ramen is far longer and more processed than we prefer to see. That said, we do like the inclusion of all kinds of naturally flavorful ingredients such as shallot, garlic, soy sauce powder, white radish, sesame oil, chili oil, and ginger.
On the downside, this ramen has the most major allergens of all we tested: soy, wheat, dairy, sesame, and tree nut ingredients.
Production: 4.6 / 5.0
Unlike most other ramen options we tested which feature powdered seasoning packets, Snapdragon uses a paste-like seasoning mix which blends easily with the hot water.
We found ourselves really digging the outer packaging of this one too, coming in a neat single serve cup with a textured lid. However, we found the cook time to be inaccurate and that the noodles needed about an additional 2 minutes to finish softening.
Why We Picked It:
The spicy broth hits all the right flavor notes: meaty, savory, creamy, with a hint of barbecue flavor! The chewy noodles and crunchy vegetables add a wonderful textural counterpoint and there are lots of complementary flavors at play. The packaging is inviting and we love the liquid seasoning blend.
What We Didn’t Like:
This ramen is more expensive than most others we tested, has a long and complex ingredients list, and does not finish cooking in the provided time frame.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, ACME, Stop & Shop, Safeway, and more
Best Lower Sodium
Annie Chun's Japanese Style Shoyu Ramen Soup Bowl
Overall Rank: 4.6 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
This ramen from Annie Chun’s has an excellent tang thanks to the shoyu soy sauce based broth. Since it uses non-fried noodles, it has a cleaner, less heavy flavor profile too.
As a lower sodium option, the flavor does read a bit bland though, and we can feel ourselves wanting to jazz it up with some spices or an additional dash of soy sauce.
Value: 4.3 / 5.0
This single serve bowl cost us a full $5.00 which is pretty high.
Ingredients: 4.6 / 5.0
This ramen bears a shorter ingredients list and is one of the healthiest picks too. First and foremost, it has the lowest sodium content of just 583mg per 100g. It is also the lowest in calories and fat.
On the downside, it is also one of the least nutrient dense, with just 4g protein per 100g and minimal vitamin/mineral content.
Production: 5.0 / 5.0
We are all about the convenience of this option, as it can be cooked and eaten from the same container. Ingeniously, the noodles are par-cooked and vacuum sealed, which reduces the cooking time to just 2.5 minutes. This ramen is non-GMO project verified, packaged in eco-conscious recyclable materials, and fully vegan.
Why We Picked It:
In a world of instant ramen choices that have absurdly high sodium levels, this version from Annie Chun’s has almost 60% less than average, yet still manages to be quite tasty! The noodles come partially cooked--taking the idea of “instant” ramen to a whole new level--and it is low in calories and fats.
What We Didn’t Like:
Despite the yummy tang of the shoyu sauce packet and sweetness of the generous amount of veggies, we still found the flavor to be a bit bland overall.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, Target, CVS, Stop & Shop, and more
Best Spicy
Huy Fong Sriracha Chicken Ramen
Overall Rank: 4.4 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.7 / 5.0
Now, the actual hottest ramen we tasted was the Samyang Buldak Spicy Chicken Ramen, but it was quite literally too spicy to eat more than a bite of, so it didn’t make our top cut.
This option from Huy Fong still packs a heck of a kick, but also bears the tangy yet sweet flavor notes that their classic Sriracha sauce is known for as well. The noodles are wavy and bouncy and we love the flecks of chili that float around in the broth.
Value: 4.3 / 5.0
At just $0.71 per ounce, the cost of this ramen is lower than average.
Ingredients: 4.4 / 5.0
Yes, this ramen does indeed contain real Huy Fong Sriracha sauce! Unfortunately there are also lots of processed ingredients and additives here. Beware it does contain one of the highest sodium contents, with 1855mg per 100g, but also provides 15% your DV of iron!
Production: 4.4 / 5.0
This option seems to be rather limited in terms of availability, as we only found it in one local store and online. We also have to take a moment to complain about the packaging! The paper cup is gigantic--bordering on bucket territory--yet is not even half full with noodles. The size is misleading and they could certainly save some resources by cutting things down a bit.
Why We Picked It:
This ramen features excellent twirly noodles and a very spicy--but still enjoyable!--broth made from real Sriracha sauce and savory chicken flavor. It is reasonably priced and is a good source of iron.
What We Didn’t Like:
The sodium content is one of the highest and though the portion size is satisfying, the bowl it comes packaged in is ridiculously oversize for the amount of food. Also, this brand doesn’t seem to be available in as many stores.
Where to Buy: Amazon, World Market, Stop & Shop, Albertsons, and other select stores
Best Gluten Free
Lotus Foods Buckwheat Shiitake Rice Ramen Mushroom Soup
Overall Rank: 4.6 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.1 / 5.0
We tried a few different ramen varieties from Lotus Foods and found them each to offer fresh take on instant ramen. This version, with buckwheat based noodles swimming in a savory mushroom broth, was among our favorites. The noodles are hearty and filling and we love the addition of interesting veggies like red and green bell pepper, carrot, and scallion.
The noodles definitely have a more earthy flavor and texture as compared to traditional ramen though, which may not be suited to everyone’s tastes.
Value: 4.8 / 5.0
We ranked this brand as one of the highest quality, yet it still manages to be comfortably below average in terms of price! The package cost us just $1.90, which works out to $0.68 per ounce.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
This whole-food based ramen has the most limited ingredient list of all we tried, with noodles made from whole grain brown rice and buckwheat flours mixed with shiitake powder and a simple broth made with tamari, mushroom, vegetables, and seasonings. With 925mg per 100g, this pick is also far lower in sodium as compared to other ramens.
Nutrition-wise, you also get 8g of dietary fiber per 100g plus 10g protein and good quantities of both iron and potassium!
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
In addition to being certified gluten free, this ramen is also non-GMO, vegan, and made using several organic ingredients. Lotus Foods is a certified B corp, meaning they go the extra mile to ensure their operations are socially and environmentally responsible.
On the downside, the packet is quite small and they claim there are 2 servings inside! Also, our noodles were far from cooked after the suggested 4 minute timeframe. Our batch needed almost twice that long.
Why We Picked It:
The gluten-free combo of buckwheat, brown rice, and mushroom makes for a unique and hearty ramen experience that offers excellent nutrition as well. This pick is high quality for a low price and we love that Lotus Foods has B Corp status.
What We Didn’t Like:
With an earthy taste and unique texture, this ramen may be too different to hit the spot that a ramen craving calls for. Also, the suggested serving size is tiny and unrealistic, and the noodles take extra long to cook.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Thrive Market, and more
FAQs
Which is Better, Top Ramen or Maruchan?
We knew it was important to pit these two iconic orange packets against each other in a head to head comparison. Our tasting panel voted for Top Ramen over Maruchan, citing that the broth was more flavorful, less salty, and that the noodles had a better texture.
Which is the Healthiest Instant Ramen?
Out of all of the instant noodle options we tested, Annie Chun’s and Lotus Foods were the brands that stood above the rest in terms of health. Annie Chun’s is lowest in sodium, fats, and calories while Lotus Foods’ noodles are more nutrient dense in terms of fiber, protein, and minerals.
How Do You Make Instant Ramen Better?
Flavorful additions like sesame oil, chili crisp, fried garlic, or fresh herbs like sliced scallion and chopped cilantro are punchy picks for waking up a plain bowl of ramen. We also recommend trying the simple addition of another ingredient like leftover steamed spinach, boiled eggs, or cooked meat to give your instant ramen a more homemade appeal.
Leave a Reply