# Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Chicken 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-chicken-flavor-3-oz - **Slug:** `maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-chicken-flavor-3-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This product is ultraprocessed: it contains refined enriched flours, industrial preservatives (TBHQ), flavor enhancers (MSG, disodium guanylate/inosinate), hydrolyzed proteins, maltodextrin and other additives typical of NOVA group 4. ## Review Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Chicken Flavor (3 oz) is the archetypal instant ramen packet you’ll find stacked on supermarket shelves. You’ll typically spot it in the dry soup/instant noodle aisle near other single-serve ramen packets, cup noodles, college-staple meal kits, and budget-friendly pantry staples. Its audience is broad — college students, busy parents, shift workers and anyone seeking an inexpensive, fast-hot meal. The brand leans on convenience and familiarity: simple, bold packaging and a promise of a 3-minute meal positions it as an affordable, no-fuss dinner or snack. Marketing plays to quick prep and versatility rather than nutrition; there are no organic or certified-natural claims, though the ingredient list includes the phrasing “natural flavors,” which can create a mild health halo for some shoppers. The formulation is highly processed: refined enriched wheat noodles preserved with TBHQ and a soup base built from salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed proteins, flavor enhancers and powdered cooked chicken. Sensory notes: the dry noodle cake yields thin, springy, slightly chewy strands with a soft, brothy mouthfeel after cooking; the chicken powder gives a savory umami hit and a faint meaty aroma but not the depth of fresh stock. Packaging is lightweight single-serve foil/paper with a removable seasoning pouch — a ritual of boiling water, dropping in the cake and seasoning, then slurping directly from a bowl or reheating in a dorm pot. In American grocery culture it sits at the intersection of low-cost comfort food and instant meal convenience. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 190 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3.5g (18% DV) - **Sodium:** 760mg (33% DV) - **Total carbs:** 27g (10% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 4g ## Ingredients Ramen Noodle Ingredients: 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 Carbonate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Monosodium Phosphate. Soup Base Ingredients: Salt, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Contains Less than 1% of: Maltodextrin, Spices (Celery Seed), Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Turmeric, Natural Flavors, Dehydrated Vegetables (Chive, Garlic, Onion), Vegetable Oil (Palm), Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate, Yeast Extract, Lactose, Powdered Cooked Chicken. ## Flagged ingredients - **canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **palm** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **monosodium phosphate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **TBHQ** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, storm-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is the Chicken Ramen healthy? The Chicken Ramen is a quick, comforting meal that packs a punch of flavor, but calling it 'healthy' really depends on your personal dietary goals. With 190 calories per serving and 760 mg of sodium, it’s not exactly a health food, but it can be a satisfying option for a busy day. Think of it as a treat rather than a staple! ### Is the Chicken Ramen vegan? Nope, the Chicken Ramen is not vegan. It contains powdered cooked chicken and other animal-derived ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein, which means it's off the menu for those following a plant-based diet. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, there are plenty of plant-based ramen options out there! ### Is the Chicken Ramen gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Chicken Ramen is not gluten-free. The enriched wheat flour in the noodles contains gluten, so if you’re sensitive or have celiac disease, this one’s a no-go. But don't worry, there are gluten-free ramen choices available that can still satisfy your noodle cravings! ### Does the Chicken Ramen contain seed oils? Yes, the Chicken Ramen includes vegetable oil, which can contain canola, cottonseed, or palm oil — all classified as seed oils. While some folks prefer to limit seed oils due to health concerns, they are commonly used in processed foods for their stability and cost-effectiveness. It’s about context; if you enjoy this ramen occasionally, it’s perfectly fine! ### Does the Chicken Ramen contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in the Chicken Ramen. It does have a bit of added sugar, but that’s more for flavor balance than for sweetness. So, if you're avoiding artificial ingredients, this ramen should fit right into your pantry! ### Is the Chicken Ramen high in sugar? Not at all! The Chicken Ramen has just 1 gram of sugar per serving, making it low in sugar. This makes it a decent option if you’re watching your sugar intake, but keep in mind it’s more about the overall meal balance than just sugar levels. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Chicken Ramen? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider brands that offer whole grain or vegetable-based noodles, or even try making your own ramen from scratch with fresh ingredients. You could also explore options with lower sodium content or added vegetables for extra nutrition. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your body! ### Can kids eat the Chicken Ramen? Absolutely! The Chicken Ramen can be a fun and tasty meal for kids, especially on busy nights. Just keep an eye on the sodium levels and consider pairing it with some veggies for a more balanced meal. Kids love slurping noodles, and this one is sure to be a hit! ### Is the Chicken Ramen good for weight loss? While the Chicken Ramen is relatively low in calories, it’s also low in fiber and protein, which are important for feeling full. If you’re trying to lose weight, you might want to complement it with some protein or veggies to make it more satisfying. It can definitely fit into a weight loss plan, but balance is key! ### Is the Chicken Ramen ultra-processed? Yes, the Chicken Ramen falls into the category of ultra-processed foods, given its long list of ingredients and preservatives like TBHQ. While this may sound scary, ultra-processed doesn't automatically mean 'bad.' It’s all about moderation; enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple! ## Related products - [Tuttorosso Tomato Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tuttorosso-tomato-sauce-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tuttorosso-tomato-sauce-8-oz - [Red Pack Tomatoes, Italian Cruched](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/redpack-red-pack-tomatoes-italian-cruched-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/redpack-red-pack-tomatoes-italian-cruched-28-oz - [Starkist Tuna Solid White Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starkist-tuna-solid-white-water-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/starkist-tuna-solid-white-water-5-oz - [Tuttorosso Tomato Paste w/ Roasted Garlic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tuttorosso-tomato-paste-w-roasted-garlic-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tuttorosso-tomato-paste-w-roasted-garlic-6-oz - [Tuttorosso Tomatoes, Peeled Plum Shaped](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tuttorosso-tomatoes-peeled-plum-shaped-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tuttorosso-tomatoes-peeled-plum-shaped-28-oz - [Chicken of the Sea No Drain Solid White Tuna](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/chicken-of-the-sea-no-drain-solid-white-tuna-4-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/chicken-of-the-sea-no-drain-solid-white-tuna-4-oz - [Lipton Recipe Secrets Soup & Dip Mix, Onion](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lipton-recipe-secrets-soup-dip-mix-onion-2-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lipton-recipe-secrets-soup-dip-mix-onion-2-oz - [Red Pack Crushed Tomatoes In Thick Puree](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/redpack-red-pack-crushed-tomatoes-in-thick-puree-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/redpack-red-pack-crushed-tomatoes-in-thick-puree-28-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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