The noodle dish ramen is available in two varieties: dry noodles and soup noodles. You can either serve ramen noodles with meat or fish, or you can eat them by themselves. “.
Instant ramen was invented to fill hungry stomachs
Even though instant ramen is not particularly healthy, it will continue to be popular because, in the words of anthropologists like Sidney Mintz, it is a “proletariat hunger killer” that makes it affordable for everyone to eat. In addition to being made with wheat flour, which has a high glycemic index, and being prepared with soup, which prolongs satiety, the noodles are also fried in palm oil, which, according to NutriStrategy, has the second-highest concentration of saturated fat (81) among all vegetable oils. Additionally, similar to soup, the oil can make the noodles filling.
However, there is a hidden environmental cost attached to a diet of instant ramen, just as there is a hidden health cost. Because it is a natural preservative and the world’s most affordable, adaptable, and sought-after vegetable oil (which is one of the main reasons ramen noodles themselves are so inexpensive), palm oil, which is used to make instant ramen, cannot be easily replaced as an ingredient.
Palm oil, though, is also one of the leading causes of deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia, via The Guardian. And thanks to the large hidden cost of instant ramen to your health and the environment, instant ramen doesnt seem worth the 13 cents a packet anymore, especially for those who can afford to make that choice.
What makes ramen noodles very affordable?
It’s not surprising that instant ramen noodles are a mainstay in almost all grocery stores in the country.
Since the preparation doesn’t take much time, it’s convenient for those who are busy. It is usually ready in less than half an hour.
But the low cost of ramen noodles is its main selling point.
Have you ever wondered how manufacturers of noodles can keep the cost at 25 cents or less? The top four explanations are as follows:
Ramen noodles only require a handful of ingredients. You’ll need flour, salt, eggs, MSG, and water to make the noodles. When purchased in bulk, these items are usually affordable and readily available.
Meanwhile, the seasoning only requires a few inexpensive dry ingredients. As for the packaging, the process is done in factories.
Large manufacturers like Nissin typically benefit the most from mass production savings. It is very successful to automate the kneading of dough, cutting and cooking of noodles, and packaging.
These producers operate massive automated factories under human supervision, producing thousands of packs each day.
Many people were unaware of how inexpensive it is to ship instant noodles. Instant noodles can certainly take up a lot of room, but a box of ramen packs is relatively light.
Additionally, because these items are typically shipped in bulk, manufacturers don’t have to worry about incurring exorbitant shipping costs.
Finally, the constant balance of supply and demand is another factor that contributes to the affordability of ramen noodles. Consumers buy these products regardless of their financial status.
Because automated mass production is effective and efficient, ramen noodle factories can meet demand. Because of this win-win scenario, ramen noodles remain affordable.
Why is maruchan bad for you?
Despite having iron, B vitamins, and manganese, instant ramen noodles are deficient in fiber, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the MSG, TBHQ, and high sodium levels in them may have a negative impact on your health by raising your risk of heart disease, stomach cancer, and metabolic syndrome, for example.
FAQ
Why is ramen soup so cheap?
The following are some of the main explanations for why instant ramen is so inexpensive: All of the ingredients—flour, water, salt, eggs, and MSG or sodium—are inexpensive.
What is so special about ramen noodles?
This is as a result of the Chinese noodles used in ramen being made using “lye water (kansui)” in the flour. This distinguishes the noodles from other wheat noodles like pasta and udon and gives them a distinctive chewy and yellow color that is a key component of the dish.
How are ramen noodles different from regular noodles?
Ramen is not pasta primarily because it is not made from durum wheat. Ramen has a softer texture and smoother feel. Additionally, pasta typically comes with a sauce, whereas ramen is served in a broth.
Are real ramen noodles healthy?
Despite having iron, B vitamins, and manganese, instant ramen noodles are deficient in fiber, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the MSG, TBHQ, and high sodium levels in them may have a negative impact on your health by raising your risk of heart disease, stomach cancer, and metabolic syndrome, for example.
