Instant ramen has evolved far beyond the simple college dorm staple of the past. Today’s market offers a world of gourmet flavors, authentic international recipes, and healthier alternatives that can satisfy any palate. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or a deeply comforting bowl of soup, there is an instant ramen brand designed for you.
With so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best instant ramen brands, each with its own unique appeal. From mild and savory broths to intensely spicy challenges, these selections represent the pinnacle of convenience and flavor you can enjoy at home.
The Ultimate Instant Ramen Lineup
- Nongshim Ramen Noodles, Gourmet Instant Ramen, Spicy Shin
- Maruchan Ramen Chicken, Instant Ramen Noodles
- OTTOGI Jin Ramen Spicy Flavor, Authentic Korean Instant Noodles
- A-Sha Healthy Asian Instant Noodles with Sauce Pack
- Samyang Buldak Spicy Ramen, Hot Chicken Ramen
- Nissin RAOH Ramen Noodle Soup, Tonkotsu
- NongShim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup
- Samyang Foods Buldak 2x Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen
Nongshim Ramen Noodles, Gourmet Instant Ramen, Spicy Shin
Nongshim’s Spicy Shin ramen is a benchmark for premium Korean instant noodles. It provides a deep, savory beef-based broth with a notable spicy kick that has made it a household name. The experience is enhanced with a sauce packet that includes dried shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and scallions for added texture and flavor complexity.
Preparation is remarkably simple, making it a great choice for a fast meal. The noodles are designed to be microwaved, offering a quick and effortless solution for busy days without sacrificing the quality of a traditionally prepared bowl of ramen. This family pack ensures you always have a satisfying option on hand.
Maruchan Ramen Chicken
Maruchan Chicken ramen is a classic American pantry staple, known for its reliable flavor and incredible value. It offers a familiar, savory chicken broth that is consistently satisfying. The noodles cook in just three minutes, making it one of the fastest and most accessible meals available.
As a family favorite, this ramen is a versatile base for countless recipes or a simple soup on its own. Its widespread popularity is a testament to its comforting taste and straightforward preparation. The 24-count pack is perfect for stocking up and feeding a household.
OTTOGI Jin Ramen Spicy Flavor
OTTOGI Jin Ramen Spicy offers a more nuanced take on heat, focusing on a rich and savory beef broth that is perfectly balanced. The spice level is present but does not overwhelm the other flavors, allowing the umami notes to shine through. This makes it an excellent introduction to Korean spicy ramen.
The full-bodied broth provides a complexity that stands out from more basic instant noodle soups. It is specifically crafted for those who appreciate a flavorful, spicy bowl that emphasizes taste over sheer intensity. It’s a well-rounded option for a quick and fulfilling meal.
A-Sha Healthy Asian Instant Noodles with Sauce Pack
A-Sha noodles provide a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture. The noodles are air-dried, never fried, resulting in a chewy, restaurant-quality bite. This variety bundle includes four popular flavors, allowing you to sample different sauce profiles from Mandarin Original to Hakka Chili.
With fewer calories, zero cholesterol, and a notable 11 grams of plant-based protein per serving, these noodles are a smart choice for health-conscious consumers. They are also vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. They work wonderfully as ramen or in a stir-fry.
Samyang Buldak Spicy Ramen, Hot Chicken Ramen
Samyang Buldak Original is famous for its intense heat and unique stir-fried noodle style. The flavor profile starts with a slight sweetness that is quickly followed by a persistent and fiery spice. This is a ramen for those who actively seek out a serious heat challenge.
The noodles themselves are a key feature, made from high-gluten Korean wheat for a thick, firm, and exceptionally chewy texture. The sauce is a carefully crafted blend of ingredients, refined through a multi-step process to create its distinctive fiery red color and potent flavor.
Nissin RAOH Ramen Noodle Soup, Tonkotsu
Nissin RAOH represents the gourmet end of the instant ramen spectrum. The Tonkotsu flavor features a rich, creamy, and authentic pork bone broth that rivals what you might find in a specialized ramen shop. It brings an authentic Japanese experience directly to your kitchen.
The premium noodles are crafted using a unique triple-layer process where they are air-dried and steam-cooked, not fried. This technique preserves their texture, allowing them to achieve a perfect bite when prepared. You can have this restaurant-quality meal ready in about four minutes.
NongShim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup
NongShim Shin Ramyun is the original classic that set the standard for spicy instant ramen. It boasts a robust and complex broth that is both hearty and flavorful, with a well-balanced heat that has garnered a global following. The noodles are thick and chewy, designed to hold up in the rich soup.
This is a go-to option for anyone who wants a substantial and warming meal. The large pack of 20 is ideal for dedicated fans who know they will come back to this reliable favorite again and again. It is a staple that consistently delivers on its promise of a satisfying, spicy bowl.
Samyang Foods Buldak 2x Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen
For the ultimate spice challenge, Samyang’s 2x Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen doubles down on the heat of the original. This product is designed for true spice enthusiasts who find regular Buldak too mild. It uses an even more potent blend of peppers and seasonings to create an intensely fiery experience.
Despite the extreme heat, the signature sweet and savory chicken flavor profile remains, creating a complex taste that is both painful and pleasurable for those who can handle it. The thick, chewy noodles ensure the sauce coats every bite, making for a memorable meal.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Instant Ramen
Walking down the international aisle at the grocery store can be overwhelming. The wall of instant ramen options is vast, and they are definitely not all created equal. From my many, many bowls of trial and error, I can tell you that finding your perfect noodle match is a personal journey. But there are a few key things I always look for that can help you navigate the sea of choices and find the best instant ramen brands for your pantry.
First, consider the noodle style. This is a huge factor in the final texture. Air-dried noodles are the most common; they are light, cook quickly, and are what you find in classic cup noodles. Then you have fried noodles, which have a distinct oiliness and springy bite—think the kind in most packet ramen. The real game-changer, though, is finding brands that use non-fried or dehydrated noodles. These often have a more authentic, restaurant-style texture and a cleaner mouthfeel. Some premium brands even include noodle “blocks” that are partially cooked and frozen, which rehydrate into an incredible fresh-like noodle.
Next, pay close attention to the soup base. The little flavoring packet is the soul of the dish. Powder packets are standard and convenient, but I get genuinely excited when I find a package that includes a liquid soup base or, even better, a paste. These liquid seasonings tend to dissolve more evenly and create a richer, more complex broth. The flavor profile itself is also crucial. Are you in the mood for a salty, shoyu-style soy sauce broth, a creamy, pork-based tonkotsu, or a spicy, kimchi-laced soup? Reading the package description carefully will save you from a disappointing meal.
Finally, don’t overlook the toppings and extras. A basic packet of dried vegetables is fine, but the best instant ramen brands often include multiple packets. Look for ones that have a separate oil or fragrance packet to add at the end, which locks in aroma. Some include a packet of roasted seaweed (nori), a seasoned egg powder, or even a small pouch of fermented bamboo shoots (menma). These additions might seem small, but they dramatically improve the overall experience, adding different textures and layers of umami that make the bowl feel complete. My best advice is to start with a specific flavor you know you like, then be brave and try something new from a different region or style. The perfect bowl is out there.
FAQ
What makes some instant ramen brands more expensive than others?
The price difference usually comes down to the quality of ingredients and the production process. Cheap packets often use air-dried or fried noodles and a single powder seasoning. More expensive options might use non-fried noodles, multiple soup base packets (including liquid pastes or oils), and higher-quality, real dehydrated ingredients like chunks of meat or actual seafood powder. The packaging for cup noodles also adds to the cost compared to a simple packet.
Are there any healthy instant ramen options?
Yes, but you have to look for them specifically. The main health concerns with instant ramen are high sodium and saturated fat. To find a healthier option, I look for brands that offer “low-sodium” versions. You can also use only half of the seasoning packet to control salt intake. Another great trick is to doctor it up at home by adding fresh vegetables, a soft-boiled egg, or some lean protein to add nutrients and make the meal more balanced. Some brands now also make noodles from alternative ingredients like millet or brown rice.
How can I make my basic instant ramen taste better?
This is my favorite part! Elevating a simple packet is easy. I always start by cooking the noodles in a pot, not just a microwave. While the noodles cook, I like to add an egg—either swirled in for a ribbon effect or cracked in whole for a poached effect. A dash of soy sauce, a spoonful of miso paste, or a splash of sesame oil can work wonders. Right before eating, I top it with fresh chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil. These small additions can completely change the game.
What’s the difference between ramen in a cup versus a packet?
The main difference is convenience and noodle type. Cup noodles are designed to be the easiest possible meal—just add boiling water and wait. The noodles are typically air-dried and smaller, designed to hydrate quickly in the cup. Packet ramen usually requires you to boil the noodles in a pot of water, which often results in a better texture. The noodles in packets can be thicker and chewier. I find that the broth from packet ramen also tends to be more flavorful since you can control the water-to-seasoning ratio more precisely.
Where can I find the best instant ramen brands?
While your local supermarket will have a selection, the real treasures are often found in Asian grocery stores or specialty markets. These stores have a much wider variety, including imported brands from Japan, South Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries that are not available in regular chains. Online retailers also offer huge selections, allowing you to order multi-packs of specific brands. Exploring these 8 best instant ramen brands is a fun adventure that often starts by looking in the right store.