Are there any keto ramen? Uncovering the low-carb alternatives

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While traditional instant ramen is packed with high-carb, processed ingredients, savvy dieters have created delicious keto versions. In fact, several brands now offer instant, low-carb noodle options that make it easier than ever to enjoy a hearty bowl of keto ramen.

Quick Summary

Authentic ramen noodles are high in carbs, but several keto-friendly alternatives and brands exist for low-carb enthusiasts. These include specialty products like Immi and konjac noodles, as well as homemade vegetable-based options. Delicious keto ramen can be created with the right ingredients and technique.

Key Points

Specialized brands exist: Companies like Immi and Ramen Z offer low-carb, instant ramen options designed for ketogenic diets.
Shirataki noodles are a top choice: Made from the konjac plant, shirataki noodles are high in fiber, very low in carbs, and a popular replacement for traditional wheat noodles.
Vegetable-based alternatives are effective: For a fresh, whole-food option, zucchini, kelp, or spaghetti squash can be used to create noodle-like strands.
Homemade broth is essential: Creating a broth from scratch with low-carb ingredients like bone broth, ginger, and garlic allows for greater control over sodium and carb content.
Flavor is built with toppings: High-protein toppings like pork belly, chicken, and egg, combined with vegetables like bok choy and mushrooms, are key to a delicious and filling keto ramen bowl.
Preparation is important for texture: Techniques like rinsing shirataki noodles and adding zoodles last can prevent unwanted texture issues and enhance the dining experience.

Navigating Traditional vs. Keto-Friendly Ramen

Traditional ramen consists of wheat-based noodles, a savory broth, and various toppings. The noodles are the primary source of carbohydrates, making the classic dish unsuitable for a ketogenic diet, which severely restricts carb intake. Instant ramen packets are even less ideal, often containing unhealthy fats, high levels of sodium, and preservatives like TBHQ.

However, the world of modern nutrition and food science has provided a solution. Dedicated food brands and creative home cooks have developed several ways to enjoy a satisfying bowl of ramen that is compliant with a keto lifestyle. The key lies in finding a suitable noodle substitute and building a flavorful, low-carb broth from scratch.

Leading Keto Ramen Noodle Brands

For those seeking convenience without the high carbs, several brands now offer instant ramen products specifically designed for the keto diet. These products replace traditional wheat noodles with nutrient-dense, fiber-rich alternatives.

Immi

Immi is a prominent player in the keto ramen market, offering instant ramen packets that mimic the texture and taste of traditional ramen noodles.

Noodle Base: Made from a plant-based blend, including pumpkin seed protein and wheat gluten. It is not gluten-free but is specifically formulated to be low-carb.
Flavor Variety: Available in flavors like Roasted "Pork" Tonkotsu, Black Garlic "Chicken," and Spicy "Beef".
Nutritional Profile: A single serving of Immi can contain as little as 5g net carbs while boasting high protein and fiber content.

Ramen Z

Ramen Z offers a gluten-free and keto-friendly instant ramen option that is ready to eat after just heating.

Noodle Base: Uses konjac or shirataki noodles, which are high in fiber and contain very few digestible carbs.
Flavor Profile: Available in vegan-friendly flavors like Tonkotsu and Miso.
Nutritional Profile: Advertised as being very low in calories (45-50 calories) per serving.

Keto Naturals

This brand also provides instant keto ramen noodles that are low in net carbs and high in protein.

Noodle Base: Designed to offer a more al-dente texture than traditional konjac noodles.
Nutritional Profile: Claims as low as 3g net carbs and 15g protein per serving.

Versatile DIY Keto Noodle Options

Beyond store-bought products, numerous low-carb alternatives allow for custom-made, authentic-tasting keto ramen at home.

Shirataki or Konjac Noodles

Made from the root of the konjac plant, these noodles are almost entirely fiber and water, resulting in near-zero net carbs.

Preparation: Rinsing them thoroughly under cold water is crucial to eliminate their distinct, sometimes off-putting odor. Dry-frying them in a hot pan helps improve their rubbery texture by removing excess moisture.

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

Spiralized zucchini offers a fresh, vegetable-based alternative that holds up well in broth.

Preparation: Zoodles should be added to the broth just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft and soggy.

Kelp Noodles

Made from seaweed, water, and sodium alginate, kelp noodles are a gluten-free and very low-carb option.

Preparation: Soaking them in a bath of lemon juice and baking soda can help soften their crunchy texture.

Spaghetti Squash

This vegetable naturally forms noodle-like strands when cooked and scraped.

Preparation: Baking the squash and then shredding the flesh can create a flavorful, noodle-like base for your ramen bowl.

Building a Complete Keto Ramen Bowl

With the right low-carb noodles selected, the remaining components of a rich and flavorful keto ramen are simple to assemble.

Rich, Low-Carb Broth

Discarding the seasoning packet from instant ramen is the first step. A flavorful homemade broth is easy to prepare and can be based on chicken, beef, or vegetable stock. Seasonings like garlic, ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sesame oil, and miso paste can create a complex flavor profile. High-quality, unsalted bone broth is an excellent choice for added nutrients and collagen.

Essential Keto Toppings

Toppings add texture, flavor, and nutrients to your keto ramen. Many traditional options are already low-carb.

Protein: Sliced pork belly (chashu), beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Vegetables: Bok choy, mushrooms (like shiitake), bean sprouts, spinach, and sliced green onions.
Other Toppings: A soft-boiled egg, toasted sesame seeds, shredded nori seaweed, and a sprinkle of chili flakes or sriracha.

Comparison of Keto Ramen Noodle Options


Feature	Immi Ramen	Shirataki/Konjac Noodles	Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)	Kelp Noodles
Carb Count	Low net carbs (typically 3-6g)	Zero to very low net carbs	Very low net carbs	Very low net carbs (approx. 3g)
Texture	Chewiness similar to traditional ramen	Can be rubbery; requires proper preparation	Soft; can become soggy if overcooked	Crunchy; needs preparation to soften
Flavor	Comes with authentic flavor packets	Absorbs the flavor of the broth	Mild, vegetable flavor	Mild, neutral taste
Availability	Available online and in specialty stores	Widely available in most grocery stores	Can be homemade or store-bought	Available in specialty and health food stores
Cooking Time	Quick, instant preparation	Quick preparation after rinsing and drying	Quick cooking; added at the end	Quick preparation after soaking

Conclusion: Savoring Keto Ramen

The question, "Are there any keto ramen?", is met with a resounding "yes," thanks to an array of innovative and healthy solutions. From the convenience of ready-made, low-carb instant ramen from brands like Immi and Ramen Z to the versatility of DIY vegetable-based noodles such as shirataki, zoodles, and kelp noodles, there are many paths to enjoying this comforting dish without breaking a ketogenic diet. By focusing on a savory, homemade broth and loading up on keto-friendly toppings, you can create a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal that not only meets your dietary needs but also rivals the flavor of its traditional counterpart.

For more in-depth nutritional information on these alternatives, consult a resource like Virta Health on keto-friendly pasta options.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional instant ramen is not keto-friendly because it is made with high-carb wheat flour and often contains excessive sodium and preservatives.

Brands like Immi and Ramen Z offer some of the most popular instant keto ramen options. Immi is known for mimicking the classic ramen texture, while Ramen Z provides a convenient, gluten-free, ready-to-eat konjac noodle base.

To prepare shirataki noodles, first drain the liquid from the package and rinse them thoroughly under cool water for several minutes to remove the odor. For a better texture, dry-fry them in a pan to evaporate excess moisture before adding them to your bowl.

Yes, spiralized zucchini (zoodles) are a good, low-carb substitute for ramen noodles. It is best to add them to your broth at the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.

You can use various keto-friendly toppings, including soft-boiled eggs, cooked pork belly, chicken or beef, sliced mushrooms, bok choy, green onions, and shredded nori seaweed.

A homemade broth using unsalted chicken, beef, or bone broth is keto-friendly. You can flavor it with seasonings like ginger, garlic, soy sauce or coconut aminos, sesame oil, and chili flakes, while avoiding high-sugar ingredients.

Konjac noodles are almost zero-carb, high in fiber, and low in calories. The fiber helps slow digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and can support digestive health.