Several ramen brands offer MSG-free options, including Koyo, Vi Huong, Gefen, Public Goods, and some varieties of Nissin Top Ramen (like Soy Sauce flavor), while Nongshim (Korean-made) and other specialty brands like Lum Lum, Qetoe, and Pulmuone also focus on natural or reduced-MSG options, but always check labels as ingredient lists can vary by flavor and region.
Delicious as is or tossed with your favorite ingredients, Top Ramen® is always a simple pleasure. With no added MSG, the great taste you love has been stripped down to its essential noodle goodness.
Soup Base Ingredients: Salt, Sugar, Contains Less than 1% of: Monosodium Glutamate, Maltodextrin, Spices (Celery Seed), Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Turmeric, Natural Flavors, Dehydrated Vegetables (Chive, Garlic, Onion), Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate, Yeast ...
Nongshim does not use MSG. From its instant noodles, Nongshim has not used MSG in any of its products manufactured in Korea since February 2007. For your health, Nongshim adds flavors with natural ingredients including mushrooms. Enjoy the safe but savory foods of Nongshim!
Asia-Pacific, particularly China and Japan, has traditionally accounted for the largest consumption and production base for MSG, supported by extensive fermentation capacity and strong demand from snacks, soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat foods.
Ramen is not inherently unhealthy, but the flavor packet provided in instant ramen does contain high amounts of sodium. Diets high in sodium are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Please be assured that MAGGI® Noodles and its Masala Tastemaker do not contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG/E621). Our stringent quality standards and processes ensure that the ingredients and additives used in our products comply with food regulations.
SUNGIVEN Organic Ramen Noodles, Healthy Low Sodium Noodles, Ready in 3 Minutes, Non-Fried Instant Noodles, No Additives or Preservatives, 2.46 OZ (Pack of 20) 49.38 Oz.
Many people are surprised to learn that MSG contains one-third the amount of sodium as table salt. “If a person needs to follow a low sodium diet, they should be limiting their sodium intake, regardless of the source,” says Kerner. “MSG can offer a strategy to decrease sodium intake if used in place of salt.”
Authentic Udon (Microwavable) : Easy-to-Make, All-Natural Japanese Udon Noodles with Soup, No MSG or Preservatives, Ready in 3 Minutes with Room Temperature or Hot Water, Made in Japan (1 pack)
Buldak noodles were temporarily banned in Denmark in June 2024 because the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) deemed their extreme spice levels (capsaicin) a serious health hazard, potentially causing acute poisoning, especially for children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure. The ban targeted the 3x Spicy, 2x Spicy, and Hot Chicken Stew varieties, but was later partially reversed, with some noodles returning to shelves by August 2024, though the health concerns about high spice content remain a talking point.
It's flavor is stronger than what you would be used to if you only ate Japanese ramen. It also comes with a soup packet, which provides the pepper, beef, and onion broth that gives the ramen its unique taste. You can have a spicy bowl of Shin Ramen ready in just 5 minutes.
Healthier Ramen Options
Choose Leaner Broths: Opt for shoyu or shio ramen over the richer tonkotsu or miso bases. Load Up on Vegetables: Adding more veggies increases fiber and nutrient intake.
You shouldn't eat ramen every day, but making healthy ramen at home is possible. Most pre-made ramen isn't considered healthy because it is high in calories and salt. Ramen is a tasty Japanese soup filled with noodles and broth, and it's often topped with some type of meat, green onions, bean sprouts, seaweed and corn.
Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup from ALDI is a classic lunchtime or dinner favorite. Ready within minutes, this delicious meal can be enjoyed alone or with toppings such as protein, broth, hot sauce, veggies, and more.
Slurrp Farm No Maida, No MSG Instant Noodles | Magic Masala | Not Fried, Millet Noodles, 6 X 57 g.
MSG is considered safe and is an authorised food additive in the EU and Australia and New Zealand in line with good manufacturing practice.
It is naturally present in many of the foods we eat daily, such as:
4. Heart Disease. Apart from raising blood pressure and disrupting kidney function due to the high sodium content, the MSG (monosodium glutamate) that instant noodles use to enhance the taste can also heighten the risk of heart disease.
Ramen noodles are often consumed as part of an unhealthy diet. For example, they're often eaten as a late-night snack or as a meal replacement when someone is trying to save money. Eating ramen noodles as a late-night snack can lead to weight gain because it's easy to overeat when you're tired (14).