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

It contains a long list of processed components such as monosodium glutamate (E621), disodium inosinate (E631), disodium guanylate (E627), dextrin (E1400), paprika colour (E160c), silicon dioxide (E551), artificial chicken flavor, hydrolysed soy protein, various starches and stabilisers; the combination of refined starches, hydrolysed soy proteins, artificial flavours and multiple food‑additive codes places it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and saturated‑fat content of this ramen affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 8.2 g of sugar and 7.2 g of saturated fat per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and raise LDL cholesterol, while its 2.8 g of salt (though slightly below the category average) still contributes to sodium intake; therefore it is generally unsuitable for strict diabetic or hypertensive meal plans.

Is the lactose in this product a concern for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes; the carbonara powder includes whey, non‑fat milk powder, lactose and other dairy ingredients, so anyone who is lactose‑intolerant should avoid this ramen or choose a dairy‑free alternative.

Buldak • 3.7 oz

Samyang carbonara buldak hot chicken flavor ramen

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Samyang Carbonara Buldak Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen is a ready‑to‑eat, one‑dish composite meal that combines rice‑cake noodles with a spicy buldak sauce and a carbonara‑style cheese powder. The product receives a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature and the presence of multiple additives such as monosodium glutamate, disodium inosinate and several food‑coloring agents. While it offers a decent protein content (≈7 g per 100 g) and dietary fiber (≈4 g), it is high in saturated fat (≈7 g), salt (≈2.8 g) and added sugars, and contains common allergens including wheat, soy, milk and tree nuts (coconut).

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal448 kcal

Fat17.1 g

Saturated Fat7.2 g

Carbohydrates61.9 g

Sugars8.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average ramen‑type meals, this product has roughly three times more fat, five times more sugar, and double the saturated fat, while its salt level is slightly below the category average.

Ingredients

Rice Cake: Rice, Salt, Citric Acid, Alcohol (to preserve freshness) Buldak Sauce: Water, Sugar, Dextrin, Salt, Red Pepper Powder, Soybean Oil, Acid Hydrolyzed Soy, Onion, Yeast Extract Powder, Corn Syrup, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Salt, Wheat), Garlic, Monosodium Glutamate, Potato Modified Starch, Red Pepper Seed Oil, Artificial Chicken Flavor, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Corn Oil, Paprika Color, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Capsicum Oleoresin, Wheat Starch, Black Pepper Powder, Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Rice Powder, Habanero Pepper Oleoresin, Spices, Silicon Dioxide, Lactic Acid Bacteria Powder, Palm & Coconut Oil Carbonara Powder: Milk Cream, Whey Powder, Nonfat Milk Powder, Salt, Dextrin, Sugar, Corn Starch, Lactose, Potato Modified Starch, Yeast Extract Powder, Soybean Oil, Garlic, Palm Oil, Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Mozzarella Cheese, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Caseinate, Lecithin, Mono & Diglycerides, Black Pepper Powder, Parsley, Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Basil, Sodium Phosphate, Arabic Gum, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Polyphosphate, Color (Annatto, Paprika), Artificial Flavors CONTAINS WHEAT, SOYBEAN, MILK, TREE NUTS(COCONUT)

84%

35%

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