Why is Buldak Spicy Ramen Original classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is classified as ultra‑processed because it is made from refined wheat flour, contains multiple food‑grade chemicals, and undergoes extensive industrial processing. Its label lists ten additives: colourants E101 and E160c, thickeners E1420 and E412, emulsifiers E322 and E422, acidulants E330, E339 and E500, and an anti‑caking agent E501.

How does the sugar and salt content in Buldak Spicy Ramen Original affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With about 5 g of sugar per 100 g, the ramen contributes moderate carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so people with diabetes should monitor portion size. The salt level of 2.9 g per 100 g is close to the daily recommended maximum, which may aggravate hypertension if consumed frequently.

Based on its ingredients, is Buldak Spicy Ramen Original suitable for vegan, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The product is not vegan because it contains egg, fish, and traces of milk and dairy, and it is not gluten‑free due to wheat flour and wheat gluten. It does carry a halal label, indicating it meets halal certification standards despite the animal‑derived traces.

Samyang • 4.94 oz (140 g)

Buldak Spicy Ramen Original

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Buldak Spicy Ramen Original is a Korean‑style instant noodle made primarily from wheat flour and belongs to the cereals group of the PNNS classification. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product with high total fat (≈13 g per 100 g) and energy (≈393 kcal) but relatively low sugar and salt compared with typical instant noodles. While it provides a decent amount of protein (≈10 g per 100 g) and no added vitamins beyond vitamin E, the low fiber (≈1.4 g) and presence of numerous additives and allergens make it a less wholesome choice for everyday consumption.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal393 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar pasta products, this ramen contains about twice as much fat (12.9 g vs 6.9 g), slightly less sugar (5 g vs 8.9 g), a comparable salt level (2.9 g vs 2.94 g), higher calories (393 kcal vs 353 kcal) and markedly lower fiber (1.4 g vs 5.0 g).

Ingredients

Noedel (76.7%): TARWEbloem, Verdikkingsmiddel: (E1420, E412), Palmolie, TARWEGLUTEN, Zout, Emulgator: [E422, E322 (Bevat: SOJA)], SOJAolie, Zuuregelaars: (E501, E500, E339, E330), Water, Tocoferol poeder (Bevat: SOJA), Extract van groene thee, Kleurstof: E101 / Soep (22.7%): Water, Kunstmatige kipsmaak (Bevat: GLUTEN, SOJA, SELDERIj), SOJAsaus, Suiker, Habanero, Chilipeper, SOJAolie, Ui, Chilipeper zaadolie, Knoflook, Verdikkingsmiddel: E1420, Chilipeper oleohars, Kleurstof: E160c, Zwarte peper, Kerrie kruiden (Bevat: SELDERIJ) Vlok (0.6%): Geroosterde SESAM, Geroosterde zeesla Vervaardigd in een inrichting waar ook schaaldieren, eieren, vis, weekdieren, melk, mosterd, noten, pinda's, sesamzaad worden verwerkt.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.