Ramen

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish. It typically consists of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso, and topped with ingredients such as sliced pork, nori (dried seaweed), menma (bamboo shoots), and scallions. The noodles themselves are usually made from wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui, an alkaline mineral water that gives them their characteristic texture and yellow hue.

Ramen noodles are primarily used as the base for the dish of the same name. Manufacturers use them as a carbohydrate source, providing a satisfying texture and acting as a vehicle for the broth and toppings. They are commonly found in packaged noodle kits, instant noodle products, and as a component in ready-to-eat meals.

Ramen noodles are a foodstuff, not a food additive, and are widely available in the UK. As a source of carbohydrates, they contribute to energy intake. The broth can be high in sodium, and dietary advice from the NHS suggests adults should have no more than 6g of salt a day. Some instant ramen products may be classified as high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS), which affects their placement in store and promotional offers in England.