What are the main ingredients in Maruchan ramen noodles?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

First created in 1958, instant ramen offers a quick and easy meal option for millions of people. The main ingredients in Maruchan ramen noodles are separated into two distinct components: the fried noodle block and the flavor-packed seasoning sachet.

Quick Summary

Maruchan ramen is composed of two main parts: an instant noodle block and a seasoning packet. The noodles are made from enriched wheat flour, vegetable oil, and salt, while the packets contain a precise mix of flavorings, salt, spices, and preservatives tailored to each specific flavor variety.

Key Points

Noodle Base: Maruchan instant noodles are primarily made from enriched wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, and alkaline agents, which provide a firm and chewy texture.
Pre-Cooked and Dehydrated: The noodles are flash-fried in a blend of vegetable oils (canola, cottonseed, palm) and preserved with TBHQ to ensure a long shelf life and quick cooking time.
Seasoning Varies by Flavor: The seasoning packets contain different ingredients depending on the flavor, such as powdered cooked chicken, beef fat, or natural shrimp and lobster flavors.
Common Additives: Flavor enhancers like Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and hydrolyzed corn, wheat, and soy protein are used across many flavor packets to achieve a strong umami taste.
High Sodium Content: A major health consideration for instant ramen is its exceptionally high sodium level, often comprising a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.
Not all flavors are Vegan/Vegetarian: Most meat-flavored varieties contain animal-derived ingredients like chicken fat or beef fat in their seasoning packets, making them unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.

The Noodles: Foundation of the Meal

The instant noodle block is the core component of Maruchan ramen. The noodles are made primarily from enriched wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, and various leavening agents to achieve their texture and cooking time.

Enriched Wheat Flour: This provides the carbohydrate base and is fortified with essential B vitamins and iron.
Vegetable Oil: A blend including canola, cottonseed, and palm oil is used to fry and dehydrate the noodles, extending their shelf life. TBHQ is used as a preservative in the oil.
Salt and Alkaline Agents: Salt and alkaline agents like potassium carbonate and sodium carbonates contribute to the noodles' chewy texture and slightly yellow color, similar to traditional ramen's kansui.

The Seasoning Packet: The Flavor Source

The flavor of Maruchan ramen comes from the seasoning packet, which contains ingredients that vary by flavor but share common components.

Chicken Flavor Ingredients

The chicken flavor packet includes a mix of spices, dehydrated vegetables, and flavor enhancers. These include MSG and yeast extract for umami, spices like celery seed and turmeric, powdered cooked chicken, hydrolyzed corn, wheat, and soy protein, and dehydrated chive, garlic, and onion.

Beef Flavor Ingredients

For beef flavor, key ingredients include beef fat, hydrolyzed proteins from corn, wheat, and soy, dehydrated soy sauce for a savory depth, and caramel color for appearance.

Shrimp Flavor Ingredients

The shrimp flavor features natural flavors from shrimp and lobster, a touch of citric acid for brightness, and hydrolyzed proteins for savory taste.

Comparison of Core Maruchan Ingredients


Ingredient Category	Noodle Block	Chicken Flavor Packet	Beef Flavor Packet	Shrimp Flavor Packet
Carbohydrate Source	Enriched Wheat Flour	Maltodextrin, Sugar	Maltodextrin, Sugar	Maltodextrin, Sugar
Fat Source	Vegetable Oil (Canola, Cottonseed, Palm)	Palm Oil	Beef Fat, Palm Oil	Palm Oil
Preservative	TBHQ	None listed	None listed	None listed
Flavor Enhancers	Salt, Soy Sauce, Carbonates	Salt, MSG, Yeast Extract	Salt, MSG, Yeast Extract	Salt, MSG, Yeast Extract
Flavoring Agent	N/A	Powdered Cooked Chicken	Beef Fat, Dehydrated Soy Sauce	Natural Shrimp & Lobster Flavor
Hydrolyzed Protein	N/A	Corn, Wheat, Soy	Corn, Wheat, Soy	Corn, Wheat, Soy
Dehydrated Vegetables	N/A	Chive, Garlic, Onion	Onion, Garlic, Chive	Garlic, Onion, Chive
Coloring	Turmeric	Turmeric	Caramel Color	Caramel Color

Nutritional Profile and Additive Concerns

Instant ramen is known for its high sodium content, potentially providing a large percentage of the daily recommended intake in one serving. The preservative TBHQ and the flavor enhancer MSG are present. TBHQ is deemed safe by the FDA in small quantities, while MSG is approved but can affect sensitive individuals. Although enriched with some vitamins and iron, Maruchan ramen is considered an ultra-processed food lacking in fiber, protein, and a variety of essential nutrients. For further details on the nutritional aspects, consult external resources like Healthline.

Are Instant Ramen Noodles Bad for You, or Good? - Healthline

Conclusion: The Sum of its Parts

Maruchan ramen's main ingredients are found in its noodle block and seasoning packet. The noodles consist primarily of enriched flour, vegetable oil, and alkaline agents. The seasoning packets use salt, flavor enhancers like MSG, dehydrated vegetables, and specific flavorings such as chicken or beef. While convenient and affordable, instant ramen is high in sodium and contains preservatives, and is not a nutrient-dense food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most flavors of Maruchan ramen are not vegan because their seasoning packets contain animal-derived ingredients, such as powdered cooked chicken or beef fat. While the plain noodles are typically plant-based, it's necessary to discard the packet and use a vegetable-based broth to make a vegan meal.

Yes, Maruchan ramen products contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). It is used as a flavor enhancer in the seasoning packets to provide a savory, umami taste.

TBHQ is tertiary butylhydroquinone, a petroleum-derived preservative added to the vegetable oil used for frying the noodles. While the FDA considers it safe in small doses, some studies have raised concerns about chronic exposure. It is used to extend the shelf life of the product.

Fresh ramen noodles are typically made with wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui (alkaline water) and are not fried. Maruchan instant ramen noodles are flash-fried and dehydrated for quick rehydration, resulting in a different texture and ingredient profile that includes preservatives.

The easiest way to reduce the sodium intake is by using less of the seasoning packet or by not consuming all of the broth. You can also replace the seasoning packet entirely with your own low-sodium spices and vegetable broth.

Hydrolyzed proteins, derived from sources like corn, wheat, and soy, are a common food additive. The proteins are broken down to release amino acids, creating a savory flavor that boosts the overall taste of the seasoning packet.

Some flavors that may seem vegetarian, like the soy sauce or Oriental flavor, have historically contained animal-derived ingredients such as beef extract. Consumers should always check the specific ingredient list, as formulations can change, but it's best to be cautious.