# Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef Flavor > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Maruchan - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 3 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-beef-flavor-3-oz - **Slug:** `maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-beef-flavor-3-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Product contains industrial formulations and additives (TBHQ, maltodextrin, MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, flavor enhancers, caramel color) and is produced as a ready-to-prepare packaged food, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed). ## Review Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef Flavor (3 oz) is the archetypal shelf-stable instant noodle packet found in supermarkets across America. You'd typically spot it in the grocery aisle with other instant soups and dry noodles—often near international/Asian foods, boxed broth mixes, and microwaveable cup noodles. It reads like a budget-friendly pantry staple: single-serving dry noodle block wrapped with a small soup-base sachet promising a beefy broth that cooks in three minutes. The brand is positioned toward price-conscious, time-pressed shoppers—students, young professionals, and families seeking an inexpensive, fast meal. Maruchan leans on familiarity and convenience rather than premium or “natural” claims; labeling highlights include “0 grams trans fat,” “Made in USA,” and a website quality guarantee, but there is no organic certification and the ingredient list contains technical additives (e.g., TBHQ, caramel color, monosodium glutamate, disodium inosinate/guanylate). In plain terms, the product is highly processed: factory-made noodle blocks with a seasoning blend of salt, flavor enhancers, hydrolyzed proteins, and preservatives. Sensory-wise, the noodles hydrate to a soft, slightly springy texture and the broth/stewed seasoning delivers a salty, umami-forward beef flavor with a faint greasy mouthfeel from added oils and beef fat. Packaging is utilitarian: clear printed film around the noodle cake plus one or two seasoning sachets; ritual use is straightforward—boil for three minutes, or drain and stir-fry the noodles into other dishes. Consumers often treat it as comfort food, a quick pantry rescue, or a base for customizing with vegetables, eggs, or leftover proteins. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 190 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3.5g (18% DV) - **Sodium:** 790mg (34% DV) - **Total carbs:** 26g (9% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 4g ## Ingredients Ramen Noodle: Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil (Contains One or More of the Following: Canola, Cottonseed, Palm) Preserved by TBHQ, Contains Less than 1% of: Salt, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Potassium Carbonate, Sodium (Mono, Hexameta, and/or Tripoly) Phosphate, Sodium Carbonate, Turmeric. Soup Base: Salt, Sugar, Contains Less than 1% of: Maltodextrin, Monosodium Glutamate, Lactose, Dehydrated Soy Sauce (Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Caramel Color, Spices, Beef Fat, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn, Wheat and Soy Protein, Dehydrated Vegetables (Onion, Garlic, Chive), Natural Flavor, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate. ## Flagged ingredients - **canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **cottonseed** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **palm** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **sodium phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **TBHQ** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup healthy? Health is a relative term, and it really depends on what you're comparing it to! Maruchan's Beef Ramen has a decent amount of calories for a quick meal, but it’s relatively high in sodium. If you're looking for a quick comfort food fix, it can definitely fit into an occasional indulgence. ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup vegan? Nope, this ramen isn't vegan. It contains beef fat and other animal-derived ingredients, which makes it off-limits for plant-based eaters. So if you’re looking for a vegan option, you might want to explore some of the other flavors or brands that cater to that lifestyle. ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup gluten-free? Unfortunately, this ramen isn’t gluten-free. The noodles are made from enriched wheat flour, which means they contain gluten. If you have a gluten sensitivity, it's best to steer clear of this one and look for gluten-free noodle options instead. ### Does Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically canola and possibly cottonseed or palm oil. While these oils are often criticized, they are commonly used in processed foods for their stability and cost-effectiveness. In moderation, they’re generally considered safe, but if you're avoiding seed oils for health reasons, you might want to think twice. ### Does Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, this ramen doesn't have any artificial sweeteners. The only sweet ingredient is a small amount of sugar in the soup base, which is pretty standard for enhancing flavor without going overboard. So, if you’re concerned about artificial additives, you can breathe a sigh of relief here! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup high in sugar? Not at all! This ramen is low in sugar, containing less than 1 gram per serving. That makes it a good option if you’re trying to keep your sugar intake in check while enjoying a savory meal. ### What are healthier alternatives to Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider brands that offer whole grain noodles or those that are made with less sodium and no preservatives. Some options even feature vegetable-based broths or organic ingredients, which can offer a more nutritious spin on the classic ramen experience. ### Can kids eat Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup? Absolutely! Many kids love the savory beef flavor, and it can be a quick meal option. Just keep in mind the sodium content; it's a good idea to balance it out with some veggies or a side salad to make it a more rounded meal. ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup good for weight loss? It can be part of a weight-loss plan, but moderation is key. With 190 calories per serving and fairly low sugar, it’s not overly caloric, but the high sodium content might not be ideal if you’re watching your salt intake. Pairing it with some fresh ingredients can help make it more filling and nutritious! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup ultra-processed? Yes, this ramen is considered ultra-processed. It contains preservatives and a variety of additives that are common in processed foods. While it’s not the healthiest option on the market, it's all about balance — enjoying it occasionally can fit into a well-rounded diet. ## Related products - [Geisha Solid White Tuna In Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/geisha-solid-white-tuna-in-water-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/geisha-solid-white-tuna-in-water-5-oz - [Hormel Premium Chicken Breast in Water with Rib Meat](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-premium-chicken-breast-in-water-with-rib-meat-5-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-premium-chicken-breast-in-water-with-rib-meat-5-oz - [Contadina® Tomato Paste, 6 Oz. Can](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/contadina-tomato-paste-6-oz-can-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/contadina-tomato-paste-6-oz-can-6-oz - [Progresso Cannellini White Kidney Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/progresso-cannellini-white-kidney-beans-19-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/progresso-cannellini-white-kidney-beans-19-oz - [Genova Tonno Yellowfin Tuna in Pure Olive Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/genova-tonno-yellowfin-tuna-in-pure-olive-oil-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/genova-tonno-yellowfin-tuna-in-pure-olive-oil-5-oz - [Nissin Top Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-top-ramen-noodle-soup-beef-3-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-top-ramen-noodle-soup-beef-3-oz - [Chicken Of The Sea Sardine Smoked in Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chicken-of-the-sea-sardine-smoked-in-oil-375-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chicken-of-the-sea-sardine-smoked-in-oil-375-oz - [Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Oriental Flavor](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-oriental-flavor-3-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-oriental-flavor-3-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md