




There's a certain warmth and comfort that can only be found in a piping hot bowl of instant ramen. It's a known comfort food and even considered soul food. It can be a warm morning meal, a late-night comfort after a round of drinks, or a quick and hearty dinner. It's also incredibly easy to prepare — pour hot water, wait a few minutes, and it's ready to eat!
All of us have our own preferred instant ramen brand already, but there are tons on the market. Each has its own distinct tastes. In this article, we prepared a buying guide with important points to consider when buying instant ramen — fact-checked by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales! We also have a top 10 list of our favorite products!
Quick List - Top Instant Ramen

Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Instant ramen is already one of the most convenient foods out there, but another aspect that will determine a particular ramen's convenience is its packaging. There are two kinds of packaging: cup and packet, and depending on your preferred preparation method, a specific type can be more advantageous.
When you are in a hurry, busy, or cannot be bothered to do the dishes, cup ramen is your best bet. It is an on-the-go staple because you could eat it practically anywhere as long as you have access to boiling or hot water.
To prepare it, you simply have to pour the water in along with the ingredients inside, wait a few minutes, then you are good to go. And after eating, you could just throw away the cup, too—no need to do the dishes!
Although ramen in a pack takes more time to prepare, it gives you more freedom for customizing by giving you the option to add more ingredients like fresh vegetables, cheese, or a whole egg. It usually also has more quantity than cup ramen, and when it comes to storage, it takes up less space.
However, unlike cup ramen that you can consume anywhere, packed ramen is better for home preparation since you'll need a pot or a pan to cook it. Plus, you'll have to plate it, so it'll require you to do the dishes afterward, too!
The dried noodles are a blank canvas for different cultures to put their unique twist on. No wonder when it comes to ramen, you can find a wide range of variations, from the insanely spicy noodles by heat-loving Koreans to rich-flavored Japanese ramen. While it has become a universally-loved comfort food, these two countries have mastered the art of instant ramen.
The most basic but popular base-soup flavors of Japanese ramen you could choose from are shio, shoyu, miso, and tonkotsu. Shio and shoyu are two kinds of plain, clear soups - shio is salt-based while shoyu is soy-sauce based. Miso and tonkotsu-based soups, on the other hand, tend to be more savory.
Just like in ramen shops all over Japan, these soup bases are the foundation for endless possibilities. Japanese instant ramen is best for customization. Add a boiled egg, thinly sliced spring onions, and leftover pork to instant ramen to truly feel like you're in Japan.
South Korean instant ramen or ramyun is typically known to be spicy, so it is a great match for those who enjoy spicy food. However, some brands also offer spiciness levels ranging from mild to extra hot. Ramyun is also great when paired with Korean side dishes like kimchi. The spicy noodles leave you wanting more, while the refreshing side dishes give you variety and satisfaction.
Unfortunately, instant noodles are not the best food for the body because of their calories, high sodium content, preservatives, and other ingredients that can lead to health concerns. Some studies show that people with a high intake of instant noodles are prone to metabolic syndrome, kidney stones, high cholesterol levels, and a lack of essential nutrients in the body.
With that said, reading an instant ramen's list of ingredients and nutrition labels is always beneficial to know what you are consuming. It may be hard for some, but at least try to consume instant noodles moderately to stay healthy!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country | Content and Packaging | Soup Flavor | Sodium | Calories | |||||
1 | Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup Gourmet Spicy | ![]() | Ignite Your Cravings – Fiery Boldness in Every Slurp | Korea | Packet | Spicy Beef Broth | 1530-1840 mg | 424-520 kcal | |
2 | Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen | ![]() | Rich Tradition, Robust Flavor | Japan | Packet | Miso | 2100 mg | 350-470 kcal | |
3 | Nissin Seafood Cup Noodle | ![]() | Authentic Creamy Seafood Delight in Every Cup | Japan | Cup | Seafood | 1490-1830 mg | 323 kcal | |
4 | Nissin Ramen Creamy Seafood | ![]() | Your Taste of the Sea, Now in Ramen | Japan | Packet | Creamy Seafood | 1260 mg | 280 kcal | |
5 | Nissin Ramen Garlic Pork Tonkotsu | ![]() | True Japanese Flavor With a Bold Garlic Punch in Every Bowl | Japan | Packet | Garlic Pork Tonkotsu | 1330 mg | 240-260 kcal | |
6 | Nissin Ramen Spicy Hot Beef | ![]() | Fiery Beef Flavor, Genuine Asian Spice Kick | Japan | Packet | Spicy Hot Beef | 1800 mg | 280 kcal | |
7 | Ottogi Jin Ramen Mild | ![]() | Mildly Savory, Perfectly Balanced Korean Classic | Korea | Packet | Mild Savory, Mild Spicy | 1880-1980 mg | 500 kcal | |
8 | Nissin Ramen Spicy Seafood | ![]() | Bold Waves of Flavor, Ready in Minutes | Japan | Packet | Spicy Seafood | 1376 mg | 321 kcal | |
9 | Nissin Ramen Beef | ![]() | Instantly Delicious, Instantly Satisfying | Japan | Packet | Beef | 1520 mg | 380 kcal | |
10 | Ottogi Cheese Ramen Mild | ![]() | Creamy Noodles, Subtle Spice, Endless Comfort | Korea | Packet | Cheese | 4100 mg | 423 kcal | |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The spicy ramyun is praised for its bold flavors, which develop in a rich, savory broth that coats the chewy noodles for satisfying depth. Vegetables such as green onion rehydrate into crunchy bursts, enhancing each bite with authentic flavor. Quick preparation offers hearty warmth that suits late nights or chilly days. Reviewers note, however, that the spice can linger intensely, requiring caution for those with sensitive palates.
| Country | Korea |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Spicy Beef Broth |
| Sodium | 1530-1840 mg |
| Calories | 424-520 kcal |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
This ramen is well-loved for its rich, flavorful miso taste, which is balanced and soothing. The chewy texture of the noodles complements the soup, creating an authentic ramen experience. Customers appreciate the included spice packet that adds a pleasant heat and enhances the overall flavor. Some reviewers note that the noodles can become too soft if overcooked.
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Miso |
| Sodium | 2100 mg |
| Calories | 350-470 kcal |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
This noodle cup features a light, buttery seafood broth that is both flavorful and satisfying. The noodles have a pleasant texture, complemented by cabbage, scrambled egg, crab-flavored kamaboko, and clams, which enhance the overall taste. It provides a hearty, filling meal that does not overwhelm the palate. However, some reviewers note that the broth may taste salty for those sensitive to sodium.
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Cup |
| Soup Flavor | Seafood |
| Sodium | 1490-1830 mg |
| Calories | 323 kcal |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Creamy Seafood |
| Sodium | 1260 mg |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Garlic Pork Tonkotsu |
| Sodium | 1330 mg |
| Calories | 240-260 kcal |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Spicy Hot Beef |
| Sodium | 1800 mg |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The product is noted for its moderate level of spiciness, making it palatable for a broad range of consumers. The noodles are consistently praised for their pleasant texture and substantial mouthfeel. The broth features a savory, umami profile complemented by vegetable flakes, contributing to an authentic and soothing culinary experience. However, individuals who prefer more intense heat may find this milder option insufficiently spicy.
| Country | Korea |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Mild Savory, Mild Spicy |
| Sodium | 1880-1980 mg |
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Spicy Seafood |
| Sodium | 1376 mg |
| Calories | 321 kcal |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Beef |
| Sodium | 1520 mg |
| Calories | 380 kcal |
Reviews mention:
The cheese powder transforms the bowl into a creamy, satisfying dish with perfectly chewy noodles. The flavor is rich and savory without being overly spicy, and the noodles absorb the broth well, enhancing each bite. Reviewers appreciate the bold cheese kick and authentic Korean taste, ready in just minutes. However, the high sodium content - 4.1 g per serving - may be a concern for health-conscious consumers despite the product’s zero cholesterol.| Country | Korea |
|---|---|
| Content and Packaging | Packet |
| Soup Flavor | Cheese |
| Sodium | 4100 mg |
| Calories | 423 kcal |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Instant ramen is high in sodium content. With that said, it's best just to enjoy it occasionally and not make it a staple in your diet. Consuming it one or two times a week at most is most optimal for your health.
Like other processed food, instant ramen contains preservatives and is often high in fat, making it more difficult to digest. While not enough conclusive studies mention an exact length, many indicate that it indeed takes extra effort for our digestive system to break down instant noodles.
Wheat flour, starch, water, salt, and kansui are kneaded together to create a dough. Afterward, the dough is rolled and cut into thin slices to make noodles. The noodles are then steamed, dehydrated, then packed.
To help you welcome the rainy days ahead, we've compiled more articles featuring various kitchen essentials and products that will help you create meals that can keep you warm and fuzzy during sweater weather.
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Nongshim|Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup Gourmet Spicy
No. 2: Sapporo Ichiban |Miso Ramen
No. 3: Nissin|Seafood Cup Noodle
No. 4: Nissin |Ramen Creamy Seafood
No. 5: Nissin |Ramen Garlic Pork Tonkotsu
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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