# Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Picante 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-picante-chicken-flavor-3-oz - **Slug:** `maruchan-ramen-noodle-soup-picante-chicken-flavor-3-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This instant ramen contains industrial ingredients and additives (TBHQ, MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, disodium inosinate/guanylate, maltodextrin and powdered fats) and is a ready-to-prepare product, consistent with NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed foods. ## Review Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, Picante Chicken Flavor is a familiar instant-noodle staple you’ll typically find in the supermarket’s international/Asian foods aisle or on endcap displays near other budget instant noodles, cup soups, and college-dorm pantry basics. Packaged as a 3 oz foil-wrapped noodle cake with a separate powdered seasoning packet, it positions itself as an inexpensive, bold-flavored convenience item — marketed for quick, spicy comfort rather than culinary authenticity. The brand leans on accessibility and nostalgia: inexpensive, widely distributed, and associated with late-night study sessions, quick weeknight dinners, and economy-minded shoppers. Labeling leans pragmatic rather than “natural” — claims you’ll notice include “Hot & Spicy,” “0 g trans fat,” and a short tip about reducing sodium by using less seasoning; there are no organic or natural-certification claims and the ingredient list shows multiple additives and processed protein extracts. In plain terms this is a highly processed instant noodle product: pre-fried dough, antioxidant-preserved oil, and a highly formulated seasoning blend built for shelf life and immediate flavor impact. Sensory notes: the noodles are soft, slightly springy with a lightly oily surface from vegetable oil and TBHQ-preserved fats; the soup base delivers an immediate savory-spicy aroma dominated by MSG, chili spices, powdered chicken notes, and umami-packed hydrolyzed proteins; the ritual is quick — boil, steep three minutes, and either eat as a brothy bowl or drain and toss into a pan with extras. It’s a pantry workhorse for quick single-serving meals or as a flavor base to be dressed up with veggies, eggs, or leftover meat. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 190 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3.5g (18% DV) - **Sodium:** 770mg (33% DV) - **Total carbs:** 26g (9% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Protein:** 5g ## Ingredients Ramen Noodle: Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil, (Contains One or More of the Following: Canola, Cottonseed, Palm) Preserved by TBHQ, Salt, Potassium Carbonate, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Carbonate, Turmeric. Soup Base Ingredients: Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Corn, Wheat and Soy Protein, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cooked Chicken, Dehydrated Vegetables (Onions, Garlic, Celery, Chive), Chili and Other Spices, Sugar, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Dehydrated Soy Sauce (Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Maltodextrin), Turmeric, Lactose, 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 - **soy lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **TBHQ** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, storm-prep, road-trip - **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is the Picante Chicken ramen healthy? Calling the Picante Chicken ramen 'healthy' depends on your perspective! It’s not exactly a superfood, but it can be a satisfying and quick meal option. With 190 calories and 5 grams of protein per serving, it’s definitely not the worst choice for a late-night snack or a busy day. ### Is the Picante Chicken ramen vegan? Nope, this ramen is not vegan. It contains chicken fat and powdered cooked chicken, so it’s best to steer clear if you’re avoiding animal products. But hey, if you’re a meat lover, this flavor packs a nice punch! ### Is the Picante Chicken ramen gluten-free? Sadly, this ramen is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour and soy sauce, both of which have gluten. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you might want to explore some specialty brands that cater to that need. ### Does the Picante Chicken ramen contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically canola, cottonseed, or palm oil. These oils are often used for their stability and cost-effectiveness in processing. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils, they’re generally recognized as safe for consumption and can be part of a balanced diet. ### Does the Picante Chicken ramen contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, this ramen doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners. It’s sweetened naturally with a bit of sugar, which is pretty common in savory products to balance flavors without going overboard. So you can enjoy it without worrying about those sneaky additives! ### Is the Picante Chicken ramen high in sugar? Not at all! This ramen is low in sugar, with no added sugars listed. So if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, this ramen won’t be adding any unnecessary sweetness to your day. ### What are healthier alternatives to the Picante Chicken ramen? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider whole grain or vegetable-based noodles, or even homemade ramen with fresh ingredients. Brands that focus on organic or low-sodium options might also be worth checking out. It really depends on what your health goals are! ### Can kids eat the Picante Chicken ramen? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy the Picante Chicken ramen, but you might want to keep an eye on the sodium content, which is about 770 mg per serving. It can be a fun and quick meal for them, especially if you toss in some extra veggies! ### Is the Picante Chicken ramen good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation! With 190 calories per serving, it can be a convenient option, but be mindful of the sodium and portion sizes. Pairing it with some greens or protein can help make it more satisfying. ### Is the Picante Chicken ramen ultra-processed? Yes, this ramen falls into the ultra-processed category. It contains preservatives and a variety of additives to enhance flavor and shelf life. While it’s not the same as a fresh homemade meal, we all enjoy a little convenience now and then! ## Related products - [Mott's Apple Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/motts-apple-sauce-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/motts-apple-sauce-24-oz - [Bumble Bee Tuna, Premium, Solid White Albacore, In Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bumble-bee-tuna-premium-solid-white-albacore-in-water-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bumble-bee-tuna-premium-solid-white-albacore-in-water-7-oz - [Cento Tomato Paste](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cento-tomato-paste-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cento-tomato-paste-6-oz - [Kraft The Cheesiest Macaroni And Cheese Dinner](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-the-cheesiest-macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-725-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kraft-the-cheesiest-macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-725-oz - [Mott's Applesauce, Natural](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/motts-applesauce-natural-2340-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/motts-applesauce-natural-2340-oz - [Hunt's Tomato Paste](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hunts-tomato-paste-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hunts-tomato-paste-6-oz - [Cento Tomatoes, Crushed, All Purpose](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cento-tomatoes-crushed-all-purpose-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cento-tomatoes-crushed-all-purpose-28-oz - [Tuttorosso Tomatoes No Salt Added, Peeled Plum, Italian Style](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tuttorosso-tomatoes-no-salt-added-peeled-plum-italian-style-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tuttorosso-tomatoes-no-salt-added-peeled-plum-italian-style-28-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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