Are Instant Ramen Noodles Bad for You, or Good? (2024)

Instant ramen noodles are inexpensive and only require minutes to prepare, but they don’t contain the same amount of nutrients as fresh ramen. They also contain a lot of salt.

Ramen noodles are a type of instant noodle enjoyed by many around the world. Instant ramen noodles particularly appeal to people who are on a budget or short on time.

This article takes an objective look at instant ramen noodles to help you decide whether this convenient dish can fit into a healthy diet.

Are Instant Ramen Noodles Bad for You, or Good? (1)Share on Pinterest

Ramen noodles are a packaged, instant type of noodle made from wheat flour, various vegetable oils and flavorings.

The noodles are pre-cooked, meaning they have been steamed and then air dried or fried to shorten cooking time for consumers.

Instant ramen noodles are sold in packages with a small packet of seasoning or in cups to which water can be added and then microwaved.

Preparing instant ramen noodles involves adding the noodles to a pot of seasoned boiling water. The noodles can also be cooked in a microwave, which is why they’re often a staple food for college students living in dormitories.

There’s no doubt that Ramen noodles are tasty and convenient, but their nutritional value deserves closer examination.

Nutrition

Though nutritional information varies between products, most instant ramen noodles are low in calories but lack key nutrients.

For example, one serving of chicken-flavored instant ramen noodles has (1):

  • Calories: 188
  • Carbs: 27 grams
  • Total fat: 7 grams
  • Protein: 5 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Sodium: 891 mg
  • Thiamine: 16% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
  • Folate: 13% of the RDI
  • Manganese: 10% of the RDI
  • Iron: 9% of the RDI
  • Niacin: 9% of the RDI
  • Riboflavin: 6% of the RDI

Instant ramen noodles are made with wheat flour that’s been fortified with synthetic forms of certain nutrients like iron and B vitamins to make the noodles more nutritious (2).

However, they lack many important nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

What’s more, unlike whole, fresh foods, packaged foods like instant ramen noodles fall short in antioxidants and phytochemicals that positively impact health in many ways (3).

Not to mention, they pack in a good amount of calories without the wide array of nutrients that a more balanced meal consisting of a protein, vegetables and complex carbs would contain.

Though one serving (43 grams) of ramen noodles has only 188 calories, most people consume an entire package, which equates to two servings and 371 calories.

It should be noted that instant ramen noodles are different from fresh ramen noodles, which are traditional Chinese or Japanese noodles typically served in soup form and topped with nutritious ingredients like eggs, duck meat and vegetables.

Summary

While instant ramen noodles provide several nutrients like iron, B vitamins and manganese, they lack fiber, protein and other important vitamins and minerals.

Sodium is a mineral that’s essential for the proper functioning of your body.

However, too much sodium from excess salt in the diet isn’t good for your health.

One of the largest contributors to dietary sodium intake is processed foods, including packaged foods like ramen noodles (4).

Not consuming enough sodium has been linked to adverse effects, but taking in too much can negatively impact health as well.

For example, having a diet high in salt has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, heart disease and stroke (5, 6).

What’s more, in certain people who are considered salt sensitive, a high-sodium diet may raise blood pressure, which can negatively impact heart and kidney health (7).

Though there’s debate over the validity of the current intake recommendation of two grams of sodium per day set forth by the World Health Organization, it’s clear that limiting foods that are extremely high in salt is best (8).

Instant ramen noodles are very high in sodium, with one package containing 1,760 mg of sodium, or 88% of the 2-gram recommendation suggested by the WHO.

Consuming just one package of ramen noodles per day would make it very difficult to keep sodium intake close to the current dietary recommendations.

But since ramen noodles are cheap and quick to prepare, it’s an easy food to rely on for people who are crunched for time.

For this reason, it’s likely that many people consume ramen multiple times per day, which can lead to massive amounts of ingested sodium.

Summary

Ramen noodles are a high-sodium food. Consuming too much sodium can negatively impact your health and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stomach cancer and stroke.

Like many processed foods, instant ramen noodles contain ingredients like flavor enhancers and preservatives, which can be harmful to your health.

Tertiary butylhydroquinone — more commonly known as TBHQ — is a common ingredient in instant ramen noodles.

It’s a preservative used to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage of processed foods.

While TBHQ is considered safe in very small doses, animal studies have shown that chronic exposure to TBHQ may lead to neurological damage, increase the risk of lymphoma and cause liver enlargement (9).

Plus, some people exposed to TBHQ have experienced vision disturbances, and test-tube studies have shown that this preservative can damage DNA (10).

Another controversial ingredient found in most brands of instant ramen noodles is monosodium glutamate (MSG).

It’s an additive used to enhance the flavor of savory foods and make them more palatable.

Certain people may be more sensitive to MSG than others. Consumption of this preservative has been linked to symptoms like headaches, nausea, high blood pressure, weakness, muscle tightness and flushing of the skin (11, 12).

Though these ingredients have been linked to several adverse health effects in large doses, the small amounts found in food are likely safe in moderation.

However, those who are particularly sensitive to additives like MSG may want to steer clear of instant ramen noodles, as well as other highly processed foods.

Summary

Instant ramen noodles may contain MSG and TBHQ — food additives that may be detrimental to health when consumed in large doses.

Though eating instant ramen noodles occasionally won’t harm your health, regular consumption has been linked to poor overall diet quality and several adverse health effects.

A study in 6,440 Korean adults found that those who regularly ate instant noodles had lower intakes of protein, phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin and vitamins A and C, compared to those who didn’t consume this food.

Plus, those who frequently ate instant noodles consumed significantly fewer vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meat and fish (13).

Regular instant noodle consumption has also been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms including excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal blood lipid levels (14).

As a result, it’s best to limit your intake of instant ramen noodles and not use them as a meal substitute on a regular basis.

How to Make Ramen Noodles Healthier

For those who enjoy eating instant ramen noodles, there are several ways to make this convenient dish healthier.

  • Add vegetables: Adding fresh or cooked vegetables like carrots, broccoli, onions or mushrooms to instant ramen noodles will help add nutrients that plain ramen noodles lack.
  • Pile on protein: Since ramen noodles are low in protein, topping them with eggs, chicken, fish or tofu will provide a source of protein that will keep you fuller longer.
  • Choose low-sodium versions: Instant ramen noodles are available in low-sodium options, which can cut the salt content of the dish drastically.
  • Ditch the flavor packet: Create your own broth by mixing low-sodium chicken stock with fresh herbs and spices for a healthier, lower-sodium version of ramen noodles.

While instant ramen noodles are a cheap carbohydrate source, there are many other healthy, affordable carb options out there.

Brown rice, oats and potatoes are examples of versatile, inexpensive carbs for those looking to save money.

Summary

Diets high in instant noodles have been linked to poor diet quality and an increased risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Adding vegetables and protein to instant ramen is an easy way to boost the nutrition content of the meal.

Though instant ramen noodles provide iron, B vitamins and manganese, they lack fiber, protein and other crucial vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, their MSG, TBHQ and high sodium contents may negatively affect health, such as by increasing your risk of heart disease, stomach cancer and metabolic syndrome.

Limiting consumption of processed foods like instant ramen noodles and eating plenty of whole, unprocessed foods is always the best choice for your health.

Are Instant Ramen Noodles Bad for You, or Good? (2024)

FAQs

Are Instant Ramen Noodles Bad for You, or Good? ›

While instant ramen is not bad for you, it isn't recommended as a single food daily or multiple times per day on its own due to its high-sodium flavoring packet or broth. Adding additional toppings, such as protein and vegetables, to the wheat noodle and broth base can increase its nutrition profile.

How unhealthy is instant ramen? ›

According to USDA.gov, one packet of ramen noodles (81g) contains 14g of total fat and 6.58 g of total saturated fat, which is around 33% of your daily recommended intake. Ramen noodles are low in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Is there such a thing as healthy instant ramen? ›

ONETANG Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen Noodle, Gluten-Free Pasta, No Sodium Ramen, Whole Grain, Non-GMO, Kosher, Vegan 2.47 Oz (Pack Of 12) This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications. Product contains at least 95% organic material.

Is eating instant ramen once a week ok? ›

Answer: Instant noodles provide calories, and totally avoiding eating it for breakfast is not any expert's advice, though it is true that they may be harmful for health if eaten too much. For example, you should not eat them daily. The ideal frequency is between two to three times a week only.

Are ramen noodles bad for you without the packet? ›

You might think that cooking up some instant ramen without the seasoning packet may be healthier for you than the whole package. It turns out, however, that even plain instant ramen noodles sodium levels are quite high. And most of the calories in ramen noodles, in fact, come from carbohydrates and fat.

Is it okay to eat instant ramen everyday? ›

Ramen noodles are a carbohydrate-rich, comforting, budget-friendly and widely available dish that can be enjoyed quickly whenever you'd like. While instant ramen is not bad for you, it isn't recommended as a single food daily or multiple times per day on its own due to its high-sodium flavoring packet or broth.

What is the unhealthiest part of instant ramen? ›

Instant ramen noodles are very high in sodium, with one package containing 1,760 mg of sodium, or 88% of the 2-gram recommendation suggested by the WHO. Consuming just one package of ramen noodles per day would make it very difficult to keep sodium intake close to the current dietary recommendations.

What's the healthiest noodle? ›

Rice noodles are often considered one of the healthiest options available. They are naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and easy to digest. P'Nut Asian Kitchen incorporates rice noodles into many of their dishes, including the popular Pad Thai and Wonton Noodle Soup.

Is it safe to eat instant ramen without cooking it? ›

The good news is that ramen — the shelf-stable kind that's packaged in a sleeve or foam cup — isn't actually raw in the first place (more on that below), so it's 100% safe to eat without the least bit of cooking. It might help to think of instant ramen noodles like jerky.

Why do Koreans eat so much ramen? ›

But recently, a study in Korea proved how unhealthy eating a lot of instant noodles is. 💢That was the first key to its success, it was the ideal dish to feed simple working people, who had little time to stop and eat. They are also very complete recipes, nutritionally speaking, and there are options for all tastes.

Do ramen noodles spike blood sugar? ›

2 minute noodles, or instant noodles, are often high in refined carbohydrates. Also, they have a high glycemic index, which can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels.

Is spaghetti healthy for you? ›

Pasta is made from grain, one of the basic food groups in a healthy diet that also can include vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry. It's a good source of energy and can give you fiber, too, if it's made from whole grain. That can help with stomach problems and may help lower cholesterol.

How unhealthy are instant noodles? ›

What are the side effects of eating instant noodles every day? The study revealed that eating excess instant noodles cannot only cause obesity but also lead to metabolic ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, heart problems, and so on.

Is there a healthy version of ramen noodles? ›

A ramen noodles alternative such as zucchini noodles or shirataki can mimic the texture and provide a similar experience while being more nourishing.

Is instant ramen bad for weight loss? ›

While The acceptance of this product by all age groups is not surprising, its health effects remain a subject of investigation. Although convenient and delicious, instant or processed noodles are generally unhealthy. They are also not the best choice if you are trying to lose weight.

Is dry instant ramen bad for you? ›

In moderation, including instant noodles in your diet likely won't come with any negative health effects. However, they are low in nutrients, so don't use them as a staple in your diet. What's more, frequent consumption is linked to poor diet quality and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

How unhealthy is authentic ramen? ›

Thus, Japanese ramen has high fat, carbohydrate, and sodium content, just like most noodle foods. It poses a major risk of weight gain due to its high-calorie content. However, as long as you are mindful of how many calories you consume each day, you can eat one or two average-sized bowls of each meal.

Is instant ramen bad for kidney? ›

Excess sodium in regular instant noodles can also affect kidney health, increasing the risk of kidney disease. Sodium increases blood pressure in blood vessels, including the vessels that supply the kidneys, which can cause damage over time.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 5473

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.