Homemade Upgrade: Instant Ramen with Recipe

Journey Foods Nutrition Score Breakdown

• Maruchan Chicken Ramen: 48/100
• Homemade Miso-Ginger Noodle Bowl: 85/100

What’s in the Packet?

Maruchan’s instant ramen is famous for its affordability and convenience — but what you gain in speed, you lose in nutrition. Here's what’s inside:

• Fried noodles: Typically flash-fried in palm oil, adding saturated fat
• Flavor packet overload: Contains salt, MSG, artificial chicken flavor, sugar, and preservatives
• Low fiber and protein: Refined wheat noodles offer quick energy but little staying power
• Very high sodium: 800–900mg per serving, often exceeding 35% of the daily recommended limit

All this places Maruchan at a 48/100 Journey Score — easy and nostalgic, but lacking in whole-food ingredients and balance.

The Homemade Swap: Miso-Ginger Noodle Bowl

Homemade ramen may sound intimidating, but it’s easy to make a 15-minute bowl using pantry staples and fresh ingredients — no frying or flavor packets needed.

Why it scores higher:

• Whole wheat or rice noodles: Less processed, higher in fiber
• Flavor from real food: Ginger, garlic, miso, and broth create umami without the additives
• Balanced macros: Add tofu, egg, or chicken for protein; greens for fiber and micronutrients
• No preservatives: Just clean ingredients with better taste

Journey Foods Nutrition Score: 85/100
This higher score reflects whole ingredients, better fat sources, lower sodium, and more nutrient diversity.

Homemade Recipe: Miso-Ginger Ramen Bowl

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 4 oz ramen noodles (fresh, rice, or whole wheat)
• 2 cups low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 1 tbsp white or yellow miso
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
• 1 boiled egg (optional)
• Optional: tofu cubes, scallions, sesame oil, chili flakes

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, bring broth, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to a simmer.
2. Stir in miso (off heat if possible, to preserve probiotics).
3. Add noodles and cook until tender (usually 3–4 minutes).
4. Toss in greens and let wilt. Top with sliced egg, tofu, or scallions.

Time Breakdown:

• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Inactive Time: 5 minutes

Cost Comparison (per serving)

Option

Cost per Serving

Maruchan Ramen

~$0.45

Homemade Ramen Bowl

~$1.20–$1.50

Homemade is pricier — but brings whole ingredients and complete nutrition to the bowl.

Final Take

Maruchan Ramen is quick and comforting, but its ultra-processed ingredients and sodium-heavy flavor packet drag its nutrition score way down. A homemade version takes just 10–15 minutes, uses real miso and broth, and nourishes with fiber, protein, and flavor that’s deep, not dehydrated.