Top 15 Best Noodles Brands in The US
Instant noodles are a staple for many busy people who want a quick and satisfying meal. But with so many brands and varieties to choose from, how do you know ... read more...which ones are worth your time and money? In this article, let's take a look at the 15 best instant noodles in the US based on taste, texture, nutrition, and convenience.
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Nissin is a renowned brand in the instant noodle market, having started the whole ramen on the roam movement with the Nissin Chikin Ramen in 1958. The brand offers a variety of flavors, with some of the popular ones being the Nissin Instant Noodle Miso and Nissin Instant Noodle Tonkotsu.
The Nissin Instant Noodle Miso has received mixed reviews. The noodles are as good as ever, and they do not swamp the flavor. The flavor itself is definitely miso with a reasonable touch of a mildly fermented feel, but something is not quite right. There is a meaty undercurrent that feels incongruous and a vague scent of roast sesame that seems to have come from a different packet.
The Nissin Instant Noodle Tonkotsu has received positive reviews. The noodles are cooked to perfection and the soup flavor is awesome. There is no chilli or pepper heat to speak of, this product is just pure flavor all the way through. Rich pork flavors give way to a pleasant hint of garlic, just enough so that you’d notice its absence in a light stock that is exceptional.
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalCupNoodles/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalcupnoodles/
- Website: https://www.nissinfoods.com/
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Samyang Foods is a South Korean food manufacturer that produces a variety of noodle products, the most popular of which is their line of spicy instant noodles. The brand has gained international recognition and has even sparked a viral internet challenge due to the extreme spiciness of some of its flavors.
The company offers a range of flavors, from the original hot chicken flavor to more unique options like Mala Hot Chicken and Ice Type Hot Chicken. Each flavor offers a different level of heat, with some reaching up to 8000 Scoville units.
Despite the intense heat, many customers enjoy the challenge and have praised the brand for its flavorful and high-quality noodles. In addition to their spicy noodles, Samyang Foods also offers other products such as the vegan Potato Ramen, which has been praised for its springy noodles and savory soup.- Founded: 1961
- Headquarters: Korea
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samyangfoods
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samyangfoods/
- Website: https://www.samyangfoods.com/
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Paldo is a popular brand of instant noodles that originated in South Korea1. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including the Paldo Rabokki Noodle and the Paldo Stir-Fried Noodle with Spicy Soy Sauce. The Paldo Rabokki Noodle is an instant version of Korean rabokki, which is a combination of ramen and dukbokki in a sweet and spicy sauce. It often includes a hard-boiled egg and fish cakes.
The Paldo Stir-Fried Noodle with Spicy Soy Sauce has received positive reviews for its taste and texture. The noodles are described as very thick with a nice chew. The sauce is kind of a sweet and spicy Buldak-esque affair. The heat level isn’t very high, but noticeable.With cute cartoon chickens sweating on the packaging, like on the Volcano Extremely Hot & Spicy Stir Fried Chicken Instant Noodles, you can be sure that eating this spicy Korean ramyeon will trigger the same fiery reaction — this flavor is also without soup, for those who don't like drinking broth. For those who are averse to spicy flavors, the Gomtang Ramen is a solid ramen choice for a hearty yet mild, milky beef broth. It's a satisfying meal all on its own but can also be very easily dressed up with toppings of your choice.
- Founded: 2012
- Headquarters: Korea
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paldofood/
- Website: http://www.paldofood.com/
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Sapporo Ichiban is a brand of instant ramen noodles created by Sanyo Foods. The brand was first known as Fujiseimen, but the president of Sanyo Foods, Takeshi Ida, decided to change the brand name to “Sapporo Ichiban” in 1961. The name literally translates into “Sapporo Number One”.
The original-flavour ramen has a mild soy sauce flavor and debuted in stores outside of Japan in 19661. The noodles are described as your standard curly instant – except better. The gauge is slightly wider and the chew is on point and very nice. The broth is definitely a shoyu – rich and tasty. Despite these reviews, Sapporo Ichiban provides a quick and easy meal solution for those craving Asian flavors.- Founded: 1953
- Headquarters: Japan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sapporoichibanramen
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sapporoichibanramen/
- Website: https://sanyofoodsamerica.com/
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Myojo Ramen is a brand of instant ramen that has gained popularity for its variety of flavors. The brand offers flavors such as Myojo Chukazanmai Instant Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor and Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen.
The Myojo Chukazanmai Instant Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor has received positive reviews for its taste and texture. Customers have praised the texture of the noodles and the delicious soy sauce flavor. However, some customers have noted that there is no expiration date for this noodle, which is unusual for food items made in Japan.
The Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen has also received positive reviews. The noodles are soft and hydrated well in 3 minutes. The broth is a nice tasty shoyu – with a myriad of bits floating among the noodles such as narutomaki and mince.- Founded: 1950
- Headquarters: California, US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myojonoodles/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myojonoodles/?hl=ja
- Website: https://www.myojousa.com/
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Immi is a brand of instant ramen that has gained popularity for Its low-carb (6 grams per serving) and filled with plant-based protein (21 grams per serving) and comes in bright, Instagram-friendly packaging with flavors like Black Garlic "Chicken," Spicy "Beef," and Tom Yum "Shrimp." It's tasty enough for healthy noodles, and filling thanks to the protein, and the website boasts famous fans like Kygo and the former governor of California's son, Patrick Schwarzenegger. But, a 6 variety-pack does cost a pretty penny of $39, and that's without shipping. If you're hoping to get into ketosis, however, it may just be worth the price.
The noodles are described as having a sturdy chew to them and are pretty standard for instant straight noodles. The broth, particularly for the Garlic Chicken flavor, is tasty but not overly flavorful. Some customers have noted that the noodles are fine, but definitely not comparable to what they’ve had in restaurants. Despite these reviews, Immi provides a quick and easy meal solution for those following a plant-based diet. It’s important to note that taste can be subjective, and what one person enjoys, another might not. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to try it out for yourself!- Founded: N/A
- Headquarters: N/A
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/immieats
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immieats/
- Website: https://shop.immieats.com/
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A-Sha Ramen is a brand of instant ramen that originated in Taiwan. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including the popular A-Sha Taiwan Style Noodles. These noodles are described as plain ramen noodles that come with a packet of soy sauce. They are very plain and definitely need something added or else you’re just basically eating soy sauce and noodles. The noodles themselves after cooking are tasty enough, the sauce is great if you love straight-up soy sauce.
The Hakka Thick Cut Noodles with Spicy Mala Chili Sauce has been reviewed as having chewy noodles coated in a really tasty sauce which imparts a salty, spicy, and kind of sweet taste. The noodle and sauce work so well to coat and flavor everything nicely- Founded: 2015
- Headquarters: US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashadrynoodles
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashadrynoodle/
- Website: https://ashadrynoodle.com/
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Daisho began as a company in 1991, and at first, made hot pot soup bases, to help people "intake plenty of vegetables in one meal." Its goal is aligned with vegetarians who like ramen, since the Nagahama Yatai Ramen, Tonkotsu style is pork-flavoured (tonkotsu literally translates to pork bone), but is completely meat-free. The broth has garlic, and sesame oil, and relies heavily on the umami flavor profile of vegetables. This brand of ramen is good for couples or roommates who are too lazy to cook since two servings conveniently come in one package (or inconveniently if you are single).
Daisho's instant noodles have received positive reviews for their taste and texture. The noodles are described as having a sturdy chew to them and are pretty standard for instant straight noodles. The broth, particularly for the Rich Soy Sauce Tonkotsu flavor, is very tasty, although some reviewers noted that it seemed to lack thickness.- Founded: 1991
- Headquarters: Japan
- Website: https://www.daisho.co.jp/english/category/ramen
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Lotus Foods Ramen is a brand of instant ramen that has gained popularity for its organic and gluten-free products. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen. The Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen has received positive reviews for its taste and texture. The noodles are described as hearty and filling, with a texture that is not overly soft, gummy, or mushy. Customers have praised the noodles for their ability to absorb the broth well.
However, some customers have noted that the noodles are high in sodium. Despite this, many customers enjoy the convenience of these noodles, which only take four minutes to cook. Despite these reviews, Lotus Foods Ramen provides a quick and easy meal solution for those following a gluten-free diet. It’s important to note that taste can be subjective, and what one person enjoys, another might not. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to try it out for yourself!- Founded: 1995
- Headquarters: US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LotusFoods/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotusfoods/
- Website: https://www.lotusfoods.com/
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MAMA Ramen is a well-known brand of instant ramen that originated in Thailand. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Shrimp Flavour (Tom Yum) and Pork Flavour. The Shrimp Flavour (Tom Yum) Ramen has been reviewed as having a strong citrus flavor and heat, providing a nice Tom Yum taste. The noodles are thin and kind of crumbly. It has received a rating of 3.75 out of 5.0 stars.
The Pork Flavour Ramen has been reviewed as having a spicy and slightly smoky flavor with a sweet kind of pork flavor. The noodles don’t gorge themselves on the liquid, rather they get to a certain size and stay put. They have a nice thinness and slight crumble to the chew. It has received a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 stars.- Founded: 1958
- Headquarters: Thailand
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamaglobalofficial/
- Website: https://www.mama.co.th/
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Mike’s Mighty Good Ramen is a brand of instant ramen that has gained popularity for its craft ramen products123. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Spicy Beef and Fried Garlic Chicken. The Spicy Beef Ramen has received mixed reviews on Amazon, with a 59% 5-star rating. Some customers praised the flavor and convenience of the product, while others felt that it was lacking in terms of additional ingredients.
The Fried Garlic Chicken Ramen has also received positive reviews, with customers praising the freshness of the noodles and the delicious broth1. However, some customers have noted that the noodles and broth are the same in the cup and packet versions. Despite these mixed reviews, Mike’s Mighty Good Ramen provides a quick and easy meal solution for those craving Asian flavors.- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: California, US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mikesmightygood/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikesmightygood/
- Website: https://mikesmightygood.com/
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Dr. McDougall’s noodles are a popular choice for those seeking a quick, vegan, and gluten-free meal option. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Pad Thai and Vegan Ramen Chicken Soup. The Pad Thai Noodles have received mixed reviews. Some customers found the noodles hard and the taste slightly spicy but also bland. However, it has an overall rating of 4.28 out of 5 on Influenster, indicating that many customers enjoy this product.
The Vegan Ramen Chicken Soup has been praised for its convenience and flavor. Customers have described it as a "ramen bar experience at home". However, some customers have noted that the soup is high in sodium. Despite these mixed reviews, Dr. McDougall’s noodles provide a quick and easy meal solution for those following a vegan and gluten-free diet.- Founded: 1993
- Headquarters: California, US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightfoods/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightfoods/
- Website: https://rightfoods.com/
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Maruchan is a widely recognized brand known for its instant ramen products. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including the popular Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce instant ramen. This particular flavor has been reviewed as a fairly impressive bowl of ramen, even better than a few ramen shops. However, it’s noted to be a bit pricier than the more popular brands of ramen. Reviews from employees at Maruchan Inc. have been mixed, with some citing long hours and lack of management. However, some employees have also highlighted the pay and holiday lunches as positives.
Despite these mixed reviews, Maruchan’s instant ramen products provide a quick and easy meal solution for those craving Asian flavors. It’s important to note that taste can be subjective, and what one person enjoys, another might not. Please note that this information is based on available online reviews and may not fully represent everyone’s experience with Maruchan.- Founded: 1972
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaruchanInc/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maruchan_inc/
- Website: https://www.maruchan.com/
- Founded: 1972
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Trader Joe’s Ramen is a convenient instant noodle product that has been on the market for a few years. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Chicken and Spicy Miso. The Spicy Miso Ramen was added to their lineup about a year ago.
The original instant Ramen craze started back in the late 1970s when Top Ramen hit the shelves. Trader Joe’s Ramen is seen as a step up from these original instant noodles, offering a quick and easy meal that can be enhanced with the addition of eggs, meat, or vegetables.
However, reviews for Trader Joe’s Ramen have been mixed. Some reviewers found the Chicken Ramen to be mediocre and unsatisfying, while others thought it was tasty and affordable. The Spicy Miso Ramen has been described as better than the original flavors, but still not quite on par with restaurant-quality ramen.
Despite these mixed reviews, Trader Joe’s Ramen provides a quick and easy meal solution for those craving Asian flavors. It’s important to note that taste can be subjective, and what one person enjoys, another might not. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to try it out for yourself!- Founded: 1958
- Headquarters: Monrovia, California, US
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traderjoes/
- Website: https://www.traderjoes.com/
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Annie Chun’s Ramen is a popular instant noodle product. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Soy Ginger and Korean Spicy Ramen. The Soy Ginger Ramen has been reviewed as having decent noodles but a strong soy flavor that might not appeal to everyone. The reviewer mentioned that they would have preferred a different soy sauce flavor.
On the other hand, the Korean Spicy Ramen has received positive reviews on Amazon, with a rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 2,000 global ratings. Customers praised the convenience of these bowls, which only require adding water and microwaving for two minutes. However, some customers found the pre-cooked noodles too tangled and long, and the freeze-dried vegetables seemed more decorative than nutritious.
Despite mixed reviews, Annie Chun’s Ramen provides a quick and easy meal solution for those craving Asian flavors. It’s important to note that taste can be subjective, and what one person enjoys, another might not. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to try it out for yourself!- Founded: 1992
- Headquarters: Korea, US
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieChunsInC
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniechunsinc/
- Website: https://anniechun.com/