Does Ramen Have Corn Syrup? Unpacking the Ingredients

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2015 Yahoo! Health article, some brands of instant ramen add corn syrup to their products. However, whether any specific package of instant ramen has corn syrup depends on the manufacturer, the flavor, and the ingredients used to make both the noodles and the flavoring packets. While not all instant ramen contains this ingredient, it is common enough to warrant checking nutrition labels for a definitive answer.

Quick Summary

Several brands of instant ramen include corn syrup, which can be found in the seasoning packets and sometimes in the noodles themselves. This additive is often used for texture and as a low-cost sweetener. Consumers must check the ingredient list for specific flavors and brands, as the presence of corn syrup is not universal across all products.

Key Points

Corn Syrup in Some Instant Ramen: Some specific brands and flavors of instant ramen, like certain Nongshim products, list corn syrup in their ingredients.
Not Found in All Ramen: The presence of corn syrup is not universal across all instant ramen brands; it is best to check the ingredient label for each specific product.
Purpose of Corn Syrup: In instant ramen, corn syrup is primarily used as an inexpensive sweetener to balance flavors and as a preservative to enhance shelf life.
Homemade is Corn Syrup-Free: Making ramen from scratch allows you to avoid all forms of corn syrup and other unwanted additives by controlling the ingredients.
Check for Other Sweeteners: Besides corn syrup, other corn-derived ingredients like maltodextrin and dextrose may also be present, impacting the sugar content.
Traditional Ramen is Different: Traditional, authentic Japanese ramen does not use corn syrup, relying on high-quality broths (dashi) and other ingredients for flavor.
HFCS is Less Common: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is less frequently found in instant ramen than regular corn syrup, although some Japanese sauces might contain it.

Corn Syrup in Ramen: Manufacturer Variations

One of the most important things to understand is that the presence of corn syrup in ramen is not a universal truth but rather a brand-specific detail. Unlike a fundamental ingredient like wheat flour or kansui (alkaline salts used for texture), corn syrup is a variable additive, most often found in the flavoring packet. Different manufacturers use different formulations to achieve their desired taste and shelf life, which is why the ingredient list can vary dramatically.

For example, some brands like Nongshim Shin Black list corn syrup explicitly in their ingredients. The Amazon product page for Nongshim Shin Black Noodle Soup shows 'CORN SYRUP' listed among other components. In contrast, a review of ingredients for Maruchan's Chicken Flavor ramen, as listed on the brand's website, shows 'SUGAR' in the soup base but no explicit 'corn syrup'. This highlights the necessity of checking individual product labels rather than making assumptions based on general trends.

The Role of Corn Syrup in Instant Ramen

Why do manufacturers add corn syrup to a savory dish like ramen? The answer is twofold: flavor and preservation. First, corn syrup serves as an inexpensive sweetener that balances out the intense salty and savory flavors found in the seasoning mix. It can also contribute to a richer mouthfeel. Second, it acts as a preservative and texture enhancer, helping to maintain the consistency and longevity of the noodles and powdered ingredients. Its addition allows manufacturers to create a shelf-stable product that remains appealing to consumers.

Potential Health Implications and Alternative Sugars

For those trying to manage sugar intake, the presence of corn syrup is a key consideration. While it is not as villainized as High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), regular corn syrup still contributes to the overall sugar content of a meal. Nutrition labels are the best resource for verifying both the sugar content and the specific type of sweeteners used.

Understanding High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

HFCS is a more highly processed sweetener that some Japanese sauces and prepackaged foods contain, though it is less common in Japanese products than in American ones. While some sauces associated with Japanese cuisine might contain HFCS, a check of instant ramen ingredients from major brands like Maruchan and Nissin often doesn't show this particular ingredient, though other forms of sugar or corn syrup may be present.

List of Ingredients to Watch For

To make an informed decision, scrutinize the ingredient list for these items:

Corn Syrup: A clear indication that this additive is present.
Sugar: A common sweetener used in many flavor packets.
Maltodextrin: A starch-derived carbohydrate used as a thickener and flavor enhancer, often derived from corn.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: An ingredient found in some broader Japanese-style sauces, but less common in ramen.
Dextrose: A simple sugar also derived from corn starch.

A Comparison of Ramen Sweeteners

This table outlines the differences between sweeteners you might find in instant ramen products.


Feature	Corn Syrup	High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	Sugar (Sucrose)	Maltodextrin
Source	Corn starch	Corn starch	Sugar cane or sugar beets	Starch (often corn or tapioca)
Processing	Enzymatic processing of corn starch	Further enzymatic processing to increase fructose content	Simple extraction and refining	Hydrolysis of starch
Composition	Glucose polymers	Mixture of glucose and fructose	Glucose and fructose bound together	Glucose polymers
Taste Profile	Mildly sweet, viscous	Very sweet	Sweet, standard table sugar	Mild to neutral, depending on processing
Usage in Ramen	Texture enhancer, sweetness	Less common, found in some sauces	Sweetness	Thickening, anti-caking

Homemade vs. Instant: A Simple Choice

For those who want to avoid corn syrup entirely, preparing homemade ramen is the most reliable option. A simple homemade broth can be made from kombu, bonito flakes, and a low-sodium soy sauce without any added corn-based sweeteners. This provides complete control over all ingredients. Numerous online recipes provide simple steps to create a flavorful, corn syrup-free ramen broth from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients.

Conclusion: Read Labels, Choose Wisely

The question of whether ramen has corn syrup is not a simple yes or no; it depends heavily on the specific product. While traditional, fresh Japanese ramen does not contain it, many instant ramen varieties, especially certain flavors from American and Korean manufacturers, do include corn syrup and other corn-derived ingredients in their flavoring packets. The best practice is to carefully check the ingredient list on any package of instant ramen. For those seeking absolute control over their food, making ramen from scratch with fresh ingredients is the most reliable method to ensure a corn syrup-free meal. By being an informed consumer, you can make the best choices for your diet and enjoy your ramen worry-free.

Shop high-quality, corn syrup-free ramen options

Frequently Asked Questions

Corn syrup consists mainly of glucose and is used for sweetness, moisture, and texture. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a processed version where some of the glucose is converted to fructose, making it sweeter. In ramen, you are more likely to find regular corn syrup or sugar, but not typically HFCS.

Most often, corn syrup is listed as an ingredient in the seasoning packet or flavoring mix. It's added for sweetness and to help with the powdered components' texture. While the noodles themselves usually consist of wheat flour, oil, and kansui, some formulations may include it for texture.

The presence of corn syrup varies by brand and flavor. For example, some Nongshim products have been noted to contain it. To be certain, you must check the ingredient list on the package of the specific ramen you are considering, as formulas can change and differ by region.

To find instant ramen without corn syrup, carefully read the ingredient labels before purchasing. Some brands may use other sweeteners like plain sugar or no added sweeteners at all. Opting for organic or more health-focused brands might also increase your chances of finding a corn syrup-free option.

Corn syrup is added to instant ramen not just for sweetness but also to enhance other flavor components and improve the product's texture and shelf life. The sweetness balances the savory, salty, and spicy elements in the flavor packet, contributing to a more complex and appealing taste profile.

No, authentic, traditional Japanese ramen does not contain corn syrup. The deep flavors of a true ramen broth come from hours of simmering high-quality ingredients like pork bones (tonkotsu), chicken, and dashi, not from artificial sweeteners.

Yes, you can easily make corn syrup-free ramen at home. Use a base of homemade stock, such as chicken or vegetable broth, and season with soy sauce (shoyu), mirin, and fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic. This method gives you complete control over the ingredients.