# Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Oriental 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-oriental-flavor-3-oz - **Slug:** `maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-oriental-flavor-3-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients and additives such as preservatives (TBHQ), flavor enhancers (MSG, disodium inosinate/guanylate), hydrolyzed proteins, partially hydrogenated oil, and other processed components, consistent with NOVA group 4 ultraprocessed foods. ## Review Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Oriental Flavor is a ubiquitous, single-serve instant noodle pack found in the pantry aisle or a dedicated instant noodles/ethnic foods section, often stacked near other budget-friendly convenience meals like cup soups, mac and cheese, and instant rice. Shoppers pick it up on quick grocery runs, back-to-school lists, or late-night convenience trips. It is positioned as an affordable, familiar brand with broad cultural recognition among students, young professionals, and families seeking low-cost, fast meals; marketing leans into convenience and tradition rather than gourmet claims. The label uses a straightforward, slightly playful package design and includes health-forward callouts such as "0 grams trans fat" and a sodium-reduction tip on the wrapper, but it carries no organic or natural certification. In plain terms, it is a highly processed packaged food containing refined wheat noodles, flavoring sachets, preservatives, flavor enhancers, and hydrogenated oils. Sensory notes point to a soft, springy, slightly chewy noodle block after three minutes of boiling, with a thin, savory, salty broth that carries umami depth from monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed proteins; dehydrated vegetable bits add occasional bursts of onion and garlic. Packaging is single-serve foil/plastic-wrapped noodle cake with one or more seasoning packets, making preparation a quick ritual: boil water, add noodles, stir in powder, and enjoy directly from a bowl or drain and pan-fry into a stir-fry. The product’s everyday story is one of fast comfort and utility — an accessible culinary shortcut that fits tight budgets and tight schedules across American grocery culture. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 block - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 190 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3.5g (18% DV) - **Sodium:** 880mg (38% DV) - **Total carbs:** 26g (9% DV) - **Protein:** 5g ## Ingredients Ramen Noodles 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, Salt, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Potassium Carbonate, Sodium (Mono, Hexameta, and/or Tripoly) Phosphate, Sodium Carbonate, Turmeric. Soup Base: Salt, Dehydrated Soy Sauce (Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Monosodium Glutamate, Dehydrated Vegetables (Garlic, Onion, Chive), Sugar, Caramel Color, Spices, Beef Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn, Wheat and Soy Protein, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Cottonseed, Soybean), Lactose, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Natural Flavors. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Cottonseed** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Monosodium Glutamate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Disodium Inosinate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Disodium Guanylate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **TBHQ** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! If you’re looking for a quick meal, it’s got some carbs and a bit of protein, but it’s also on the saltier side with 880mg of sodium per serving. So, it might not be the best choice for daily dining, but as an occasional treat or a late-night snack, it can hit the spot! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup vegan? Nope, this ramen isn't vegan. It contains beef extract, which gives it that savory flavor, but it also means it’s off the table for plant-based eaters. If you're looking for a vegan ramen, there are definitely other brands that cater to that diet! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup gluten-free? Unfortunately, it’s a no for gluten-free folks. The noodles are made with enriched wheat flour, so if gluten is off your menu, you might want to seek out a gluten-free ramen alternative. There are some tasty options out there that won’t leave you missing out! ### Does Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically canola and cottonseed oil. These oils are commonly used in processed foods for their neutral flavor and stability, but they do carry a higher omega-6 fatty acid content compared to other fats. It’s not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of if you're watching your oil intake! ### Does Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in this ramen! It keeps things pretty straightforward with sugar as one of the ingredients, but nothing overly processed in the sweetener department. So, you can enjoy it without that added complexity! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup high in sugar? This ramen is actually low in sugar, with no added sugars listed. It’s not exactly a sweet dish, but it does have a bit of sugar for flavor balance. So, if you’re keeping an eye on sugar intake, you’re in the clear here! ### What are healthier alternatives to Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup? If you’re looking for a healthier spin, consider trying brands that focus on whole ingredients or vegetable-based noodles. Some options are made with brown rice or even zucchini noodles, which can offer more fiber and nutrients. Plus, you can always add your own fresh veggies and proteins to boost the nutritional value of your meal! ### Can kids eat Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup? Sure, kids can enjoy it, but like most things, moderation is key! The flavor is usually a hit with younger palates, but with the sodium content, it’s best served as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal. Pairing it with some veggies can make it a bit more balanced! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup good for weight loss? While it's low in calories at 190 per serving, it’s also not particularly filling due to its low fiber and protein content. If you’re on a weight loss journey, you might want to complement it with protein or veggies to make it more satisfying. It’s more of a quick meal than a weight-loss miracle! ### Is Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup ultra-processed? Yes, it's considered ultra-processed, with a list of ingredients that includes preservatives and flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate. But hey, that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed in moderation! It’s a convenient option for busy days or when you just want something comforting. ## Related products - [Sclafani Tomatoes, Crushed](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sclafani-tomatoes-crushed-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sclafani-tomatoes-crushed-28-oz - [Hormel Breast of Chicken in Water with Rib Meat](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-breast-of-chicken-in-water-with-rib-meat-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-breast-of-chicken-in-water-with-rib-meat-10-oz - [Bumble Bee Clams, Chopped, in Clam Juice](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/snows-bumble-bee-clams-chopped-in-clam-juice-650-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/snows-bumble-bee-clams-chopped-in-clam-juice-650-oz - [Red Pack Tomato Puree](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/redpack-red-pack-tomato-puree-29-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/redpack-red-pack-tomato-puree-29-oz - [Ocean Spray® Whole Cranberry Sauce, Canned Side Dish, 14 Oz Can](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ocean-spray-whole-cranberry-sauce-canned-side-dish-14-oz-can-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ocean-spray-whole-cranberry-sauce-canned-side-dish-14-oz-can-14-oz - [Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Thick 'n Creamy](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-macaroni-cheese-dinner-thick-n-creamy-725-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kraft-macaroni-cheese-dinner-thick-n-creamy-725-oz - [Bumble Bee Tuna Chunk Light, in Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-tuna-chunk-light-in-water-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-tuna-chunk-light-in-water-5-oz - [Red Pack Peeled Tomatoes in Puree, Plum Shaped, Italian Style](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/redpack-red-pack-peeled-tomatoes-in-puree-plum-shaped-italian-style-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/redpack-red-pack-peeled-tomatoes-in-puree-plum-shaped-italian-style-28-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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