Why is Ramen Noodle Soup Chicken Flavor classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is made from refined wheat flour, added vegetable oils, flavor enhancers and multiple food‑grade chemicals, all of which are hallmarks of ultra‑processed foods. Its label lists additives such as TBHQ (an antioxidant), monosodium glutamate (E621), sodium carbonate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, disodium guanylate (E627), plus maltodextrin and several phosphates, confirming its NOVA 4 status.

How does the high salt and fat content in this ramen affect people with hypertension or heart disease?

A single 85 g serving provides about 3.8 g of salt, exceeding 60 % of the recommended daily limit, and 14 g of fat with 7 g saturated, which can raise blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. Regular consumption may therefore increase cardiovascular risk for individuals managing hypertension or heart disease, especially if the product is eaten frequently or combined with other salty, fatty foods.

Is the soy sauce in this ramen a concern for people with soy allergy?

Yes. The soy sauce component contains soybeans and wheat, both of which are listed among the product’s allergens. Consumers with soy allergy should avoid this product, and the presence of wheat also makes it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Maruchan • 85 g

Ramen Noodle Soup Chicken Flavor

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Ramen Noodle Soup Chicken Flavor is an instant noodle positioned in the cereals and potatoes PNNS group, offering 378 kcal, 14 g fat (7 g saturated), 8 g protein and 3.8 g salt per 85 g serving. The product falls into NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed food, and its ingredient list includes enriched wheat flour, palm oil, TBHQ, monosodium glutamate (E621), sodium phosphates and soy sauce, making it unsuitable for vegan or gluten‑free diets and a source of common allergens such as gluten, milk, soy and celery. While it provides a modest amount of protein and fiber, the elevated fat, salt and the presence of multiple food additives limit its nutritional profile compared with typical instant noodles.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal224 kcal

Added Sugars1.2 g

Iron1.2 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average instant‑noodle profile, this ramen contains roughly twice the fat (16.5 g vs 6.9 g per 100 g) and 50 % more salt (4.5 g vs 2.9 g), but its sugar (2.7 g) and energy (224 kcal) are lower than the category averages.

Ingredients

ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRAT RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), VEGETABLE OIL (CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: CANOLA PRESERVED BY TBHQ, CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% OF: SALT, POTASSIUM CARBONATE, SOY SAUCE (WATER, WHEAT, SOYBEAN, SALT), SODIUM CARBONATE, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, SOUP BASE INGREDIENTS: SALT, SUGAR, CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% OF: MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, MALTODEXTRIN, SPICES (CELERY SEED), HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED SO NATURAL FLAVORS, DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES (CHIVE, GARLIC, ONION), DISODIUM GUANYLATE, DISOCIUM KNOSINATE YEAST EXTRACT. VEGETABLE OIL (PALM), LACTOSE, POWDERED COCKED CHICKEN CONTAINS WHEAT, SOY AND EILE INGREDIENTS. MANUFACTURED IN A FACILITY THAT AI SO PROCESSES CRUSTACEAN SHELLFISH AND SESAME PRODUCTS. CONTAINS A BIOENGINEERED FOOD INGRED ially

84%

35%

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