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

The ramen is deemed ultra‑processed because it is a pre‑made, dried noodle mix that requires only the addition of hot water, and its ingredient list includes multiple additives such as citric acid (E330), sodium carbonate (E500), potassium carbonate (E501), sodium polyphosphate (E452), guar gum (E412), riboflavin for colour (E101) and emulsifiers like lecithin, all of which are characteristic of NOVA 4 foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this ramen affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 7.6 g of sugar and 2.3 g of salt per 100 g, the ramen adds a modest amount of sugar but a relatively high sodium level; the sugar may cause a modest rise in blood glucose for diabetics, while the salt can contribute to elevated blood pressure, making it less suitable for strict diabetic or hypertensive meal plans.

Based on its ingredients, is this ramen suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The product is halal‑certified, but it is not vegan or gluten‑free because it contains wheat flour and wheat gluten, and it is not keto‑friendly due to its high carbohydrate content of about 61 g per 100 g.

Buldak • 105 g

Original Spicy Ramen

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen is an instant noodle soup that belongs to the cereals and potatoes group, specifically cereals. It is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and carries no official Nutri‑Score, while its per‑100 g profile delivers 419 kcal, 15 g fat (including 7.6 g saturated), 8.6 g protein, 61 g carbohydrates and 2.3 g salt, indicating a high energy density and notable sodium and saturated‑fat content. The product is Halal‑certified and offers a spicy chicken taste, but it contains gluten, soy and sesame allergens and several food additives such as citric acid, guar gum and riboflavin, which may be a concern for sensitive diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal419 kcal

Fat15.2 g

Saturated Fat7.6 g

Carbohydrates61 g

Sugars7.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average instant‑noodle product, this ramen contains less sugar and salt but considerably more fat, while its saturated‑fat level is far below the unusually high category average.

Ingredients

Wheat Flour, Food Starch-Modified, Palm Oil, Wheat Gluten, Salt, Glyceryl Acetate, Onion Extract, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Disodium Phosphate, Water, Artificial Chicken Flavor Powder (Artificial Flavor, Dextrin, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Maltodextrin, Salt, Corn Starch, Glycine), Soy Sauce Seasoning (Soybeans, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotide, Garlic, Steviol Glycoside, Maltodextrin, Red Pepper, Dextrin, Salt, Sugar, Onion Powder, Monosodium Glutamate), Soy Sauce (Defatted Soybeans, Water, Salt), Capsicum Oleoresin, Disodium Inosinate, Soybean Oil, Onion, Red Pepper Seed Oil, Garlic, Paprika Oleoresin, Black Pepper Powder, Natural and Artificial Curry Flavor (Cumin, Sesame Seeds), Dried Seaweed.

84%

35%

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