The most recognizable example of packaged food is probably instant ramen—the beige block of dried noodles with its silver foil companion. Although it is affordable, practical, and tasty, it has never been linked to good health. The leading ramen brand has 1,660 milligrams of sodium in one package, which is more than what the American Heart Association advises most adults consume in a day. It only offers a tiny amount of fiber and few vitamins and minerals in addition to protein.
However, there is a certain satisfaction in dropping the block of noodles into a pot of boiling water, breaking them up with a spoon, and then stirring in the powdered flavoring for a dinner that is prepared very quickly. Can you imagine a meal that would be more satisfying for less than a dollar?
However, it seems virtually impossible that instant ramen could be changed into a healthy food. But hey, other improbable transformations have taken place: just take a look at the cauliflower’s return as a healthier alternative to pizza and gnocchi. These three companies believe that ramen will eventually transform into the best health food.
Size matters… serving size, that is.
Making sure you are comparing “apples to apples” (or, as we would prefer, ramen to ramen) when comparing one product to another is the first step in discovering a healthier substitute for your favorite food or beverage.
A startlingly large number of food companies drastically reduced serving sizes to appeal to consumers trying to cut back on calories, allowing the package to display smaller numbers in the calorie and fat columns, adding a “lower calorie!” label to the package, and calling the job done.
You will have to use some math as a consumer looking for the healthiest ramen to arrive at an equivalent serving size when contrasting the nutrient content of one ramen with another.
Consider comparing a packet of Nongshim Shin Ramyun (NSR) to a packet of Vite Ramen, for instance:
The serving size of Nongshim Shin Ramyun Ramen is 60g, which is roughly 44% smaller than Vite Ramen’s 136g serving. In order to compare the nutritional value of two packets, multiply all of the Nongshim Shin Ramyun values by two. 26 to match the serving size of a packet of Vite Ramen
Comparative calories would be, for example, 565 NSR vs. 500 Vite Ramen.
Comparative saturated fat: 9.04g NSR vs. 4.8g Vite Ramen
Comparative sodium: 2,079.2mg NSR vs. 575mg Vite Ramen
Comparative protein: 11.3g NSR vs. 29g Vite Ramen
Ramen has long been regarded as a comfort food in Japan, and it is now doing the same for Americans, moving far beyond a food trend. Ramen originally hadn’t been the healthiest of options for a home-cooked meal, despite the fact that consumers want to prepare healthy meals, according to Masahiko Isobe, senior manager of marketing and product development at House Foods. Because it is gluten-free, low in calories, and still maintains the traditional Japanese flavors and textures that consumers seek in a ramen, our Tofu Shirataki Ramen appeals to a wide range of customers. ”.
“I’ve always loved instant noodles since I was young. They were delicious and gave me a sense of ownership and independence. One Culture founder and CEO Hansen Shieh recalled, “My first memory of ‘cooking’ on my own was making instant noodles in a small pot and adding leftovers and a raw egg.” “I think a lot of people, whether from childhood, college, or their early adulthood when they were broke, share similar memories and have a sense of nostalgia for [instant noodles],” the author said. ”.
Shieh isn’t the only one selling bone broth-based noodles that are quick to make and delicious to eat. Nona Lim, a Singaporean-raised, Bay Area-based noodle enthusiast, also sells healthier versions of ramen under her namesake label. “I grew up in Singapore, so I love noodles of all kinds,” Lim explained to me over the phone. Upon her arrival to the United States, Lim felt that the noodle options were a bit lackluster—especially when it came to quicker, easier options that contained better-for-you ingredients. “You have umami-forward ramen brands that taste great, but their ingredients aren’t good for you… I want to feel good eating, knowing that I’m not putting crap into my body.”
However, despite being a common meal in colleges and convenient, instant ramen hasn’t always been regarded as the healthiest or most nourishing thing to consume regularly. And it certainly doesnt command a lot of respect. Although they frequently contain ingredients that the average consumer cannot identify, they are shockingly high in sodium and fat. When it came to effectiveness and cost, instant ramen was only ever a means to an end.
Shieh said of his flavorful sampling of noodles, “I drew inspiration from noodle shops—the old-school mom and pops as well as the new generation being opened by first-generation Asian-Americans in the San Gabriel Valley and elsewhere.” Since not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy these traditional dishes in a noodle shop setting, it was important to me to create really strong, overtly patriotic flavors that are inspired by them. ”.
Immi updates our favorite delectable Asian American dishes with additional nutrition. We began by enhancing the cozy, umami-rich, and sentimental bowl of instant ramen. Our one and only aim is to recreate the same, oh-so-satisfying ramen sensation using superior ingredients and carefully crafted flavors for a healthier, equally delicious bowl.
FAQ
What are the healthiest noodles for ramen?
Shirataki noodles have a ridiculously low calorie count and are high in fiber. Additionally, they have few carbohydrates, making them a healthy alternative to Ramen noodles. Shirataki noodles are also suitable for those on a strict ketogenic diet, so they can be used in their meals.
Are there any instant noodles that are healthy?
Several companies, including McDougall’s, Koyo, and Lotus Foods, sell instant noodles in healthier varieties. To create a more complete meal, you can also use your instant noodles as a base and top them with some nutritious ingredients.
Which brand of ramen noodles is best?
- Mama – Creamy Tom Yum. …
- Nongshim – Shin Ramen. …
- Indomie – Mi Goreng. …
- Nissin Cup Noodle – Curry. …
- Paldo – Jjajangmen. …
- A-Sha Momofuku Collab – Soy & Scallion Noodles. …
- Maggi – Masala. …
- Maruchan Gold – Soy Sauce.
How do I make store bought ramen healthier?
- Shrimp + stir-fry veggies.
- Kimchi + tofu.
- Eggs + broccoli.
- Pork + bok choy.
- Carrots + edamame.
- Seaweed + spinach.
