Does Maruchan Ramen Use MSG?

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Maruchan website, many of their ramen soup base ingredients contain monosodium glutamate (MSG). This popular food additive is used to enhance the savory, or umami, flavor of the instant noodles and is also found naturally in many other foods like cheese and tomatoes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the presence of monosodium glutamate in Maruchan ramen, detailing which products contain the additive and listing other ingredients. It provides information on what MSG is, its role as a flavor enhancer, and addresses the safety concerns and common misconceptions surrounding it. The guide also offers suggestions for preparing healthier versions of instant ramen and interpreting ingredient labels.

Key Points

Yes, it contains MSG: Most Maruchan ramen flavors explicitly list monosodium glutamate (MSG) as an ingredient in the seasoning packet, as confirmed by reviewing ingredient lists.
MSG is a flavor enhancer: Monosodium glutamate is a food additive used to create and intensify the savory 'umami' flavor in processed foods, including instant noodles.
FDA deems MSG safe: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies MSG as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS), debunking decades-long myths based on anecdotal evidence.
Ramen is highly processed: Apart from MSG, Maruchan ramen is a highly processed food, with more notable health concerns including high sodium levels and preservatives like TBHQ.
Consume in moderation: Eating instant ramen occasionally is fine, but due to its high sodium and low nutritional content, it should not be a dietary staple.
Can be made healthier: The nutritional value can be boosted by adding fresh vegetables, lean protein, or using less of the seasoning packet.

Does Maruchan Add MSG to Its Ramen?

Yes, a look at the ingredients list on the official Maruchan website confirms that monosodium glutamate is an ingredient in the seasoning packet for many of their ramen varieties, including chicken and pork flavors. The presence of MSG is clearly labeled, as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when it is added to a product. The amount included is typically less than half a gram per serving and is intended to boost the umami taste.

What is MSG and Why is it in Instant Noodles?

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an abundant and naturally occurring amino acid. It is used in processed foods, including instant noodles, as a flavor enhancer to create a savory, rich, and well-rounded taste known as 'umami'. The commercial production of MSG often involves the fermentation of natural products like sugar cane, similar to how vinegar or yogurt is made. Its function is not to add new flavor, but to intensify the savory notes already present in the ingredients.

Common Misconceptions About MSG

For decades, MSG has been unfairly stigmatized and blamed for a variety of health issues, often associated with a letter published in 1968 detailing symptoms dubbed 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome'. However, this claim was based on anecdotal evidence, not scientific fact. Numerous studies have since been conducted, and both the FDA and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize MSG as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). The stigma has also been attributed to xenophobic biases against Chinese cuisine. While a very small percentage of the population may be sensitive and experience mild, temporary reactions to high doses, MSG is largely harmless for the majority of people when consumed in typical amounts.

Other Ingredients and Nutritional Considerations

Beyond MSG, instant ramen is a highly processed food that contains a number of other ingredients. A typical package of Maruchan ramen includes enriched wheat flour, vegetable oil preserved with TBHQ, and high amounts of sodium. While TBHQ is also considered safe in small doses, some studies have raised concerns about chronic exposure. The most significant nutritional concern for most people is the high sodium content, with a single package containing a large percentage of the recommended daily intake. The noodles are also low in fiber and protein, making them an incomplete and nutrient-poor meal on their own.

Comparison Table: Maruchan with and without MSG


Feature	Standard Maruchan Ramen with MSG	Homemade or Modified Ramen (No Added MSG)
Ingredients	Seasoning packet contains monosodium glutamate, spices, hydrolyzed proteins, and yeast extract.	Uses natural flavorings like soy sauce, mushrooms, and nutritional yeast, which naturally contain glutamates.
Flavor Profile	Intense, quick-to-develop umami flavor; uniform taste across servings.	Flavor is more subtle, complex, and customizable; depends on fresh ingredients used.
Sodium Content	Very high sodium levels from both salt and MSG.	Sodium can be controlled by using less salt and low-sodium broth bases.
Overall Health	Highly processed, low in fiber and protein, and high in sodium.	Can be made significantly healthier by adding fresh vegetables, lean protein, and controlling sodium.

How to Make Maruchan Healthier

For those who enjoy instant ramen but want to improve its nutritional profile, several modifications can be made:

Use Less Seasoning: The easiest way to reduce sodium is to use only half of the seasoning packet or a smaller portion. The flavor can be supplemented with other seasonings.
Add Fresh Vegetables: Introduce nutrients and fiber by adding fresh or frozen vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, green onions, and spinach.
Include Lean Protein: To increase the protein content and make the meal more filling, add a hard-boiled egg, shredded chicken, or tofu.
Make Your Own Broth: For a completely homemade and healthier version, use plain instant ramen noodles and prepare your own broth using vegetable stock, soy sauce, and a mix of fresh spices. See more ideas on making a healthier instant ramen on a reputable food blog like this one.
Supplement with Whole Foods: Do not rely on instant ramen as a complete meal. Pair it with other whole, unprocessed foods to ensure you are getting a balanced nutritional intake.

Conclusion

So, does Maruchan ramen use MSG? Yes, the vast majority of Maruchan's instant ramen varieties do contain added MSG in their flavor packets to enhance the savory taste. Despite its historically bad reputation, the additive is widely recognized as safe by major food safety authorities. However, instant ramen is still a highly processed food, and its high sodium content is a more significant health concern for most people. The key for frequent consumers is moderation and supplementing with fresh, whole-food ingredients to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, MSG is not bad for you. Major health authorities like the FDA and WHO have deemed it safe for consumption. Any negative side effects are typically mild, temporary, and associated with a very small percentage of the population who are sensitive to it when consumed in very large amounts.

While the vast majority of Maruchan ramen flavors contain added MSG in their seasoning packets, not every single product may. The only way to be certain is to check the specific ingredient list on the product's packaging.

It is a common misconception that MSG causes headaches. Scientific studies have not found a consistent link between typical MSG consumption and headaches. If you experience symptoms, it could be due to other ingredients, such as the high salt content, or a sensitivity that affects a very small minority of people.

'Umami' is the fifth basic taste, described as savory or meaty. MSG is used to intensify and enhance this natural umami flavor that is already present in foods, making the overall taste more complex and satisfying.

The easiest way to reduce sodium is to use only half of the seasoning packet or even less. You can make up for the reduced flavor by adding other low-sodium seasonings, fresh herbs, or spices.

Yes, aside from MSG, instant ramen typically contains other additives. This includes preservatives like TBHQ, which helps extend shelf-life. The FDA considers TBHQ safe in small doses, but some animal studies suggest potential risks from chronic, high-level exposure.

Instant ramen is low in essential nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also high in sodium and processed carbohydrates. Eating it regularly can lead to poor diet quality and a lack of essential nutrients.