Is Ramen Plant Based?

Ramen noodles have experienced a resurgence of popularity in recent years. However, a lot of us still wonder whether we can indulge in these tiny tasty delights without compromising on our health goals.

So, is ramen plant based? Yes, ramen is plant based. Ramen noodles are traditionally made using wheat flour, salt and water. The ingredients are combined to form a dough which is then cut and steamed. Ramen noodles are generally made out of plant-based ingredients. However, it is the flavoring and other ingredients added to the noodles that decide whether it remains suitable for a plant-based diet.

Read on to find out more about ramen and its constituents so that you know if you can really enjoy ramen while following a plant-based diet. 

Why Ramen is Plant Based?

Ramen noodles are made using plant-based ingredients which make the food suitable for these restricted diets in the first place. However, the seasonings packets that accompany the noodles can contain animal products, making them far from being plant-based. 

Exceptions are the Top Ramen Oriental flavor and other animal-free offerings from other brands. It is recommended that you check the ingredients list before buying ramen to make sure it fits your plant-based diet. 

What Are The Main Ingredients in Ramen?

Ramen noodles are traditionally made using wheat flour, salt and water. The ingredients are combined to form a dough which is then cut and steamed. Ramen noodles you buy in stores also include flavoring packets that contain powdered beef, chicken and other animal-derived ingredients. 

There are, however, brands that sell ramen noodles free of any animal-based ingredients. Moreover, you can always make your own plant-based recipe by seasoning the noodles with soy sauce, curry powder, chilly sauce and other ingredients that align with your diet. 

Ramen Nutrition

Ramen noodles often come in instant versions that include soup-flavored seasonings. While they are easy to make and tasty, they are low in nutritional value and contain a lot of fat and salt. Most of these varieties have 190 calories per serving with a carbohydrate content of 27 grams and 7 grams of total fat. 

It is, however, possible to make the food healthier by adding nutrients that are low in calories and high in nutrition. Adding vegetables and other plant-based foods to ramen noodles increases the fiber content and adds a lot of vitamins and minerals. These ingredients will also increase the feeling of satiety and increase the servings from a single packet. 

One packet of ramen noodles without seasoning contains:

• 380 calories
• 52g carbohydrates
• 10g protein
• 14g total fat

You can always add plant-based protein like legumes and tofu to ramen to increase its protein and fiber content. You can also cut down on sodium by reducing the amount of powder and supplementing with your favorite herbs and spices. 

Conclusion

So, should you eat ramen on a plant-based diet? Certainly! There are several brands and varieties of ramen noodles that suit a plant-based diet. It is, however, advisable to check the ingredients list to make sure you don’t ruin your health goals. Moreover, make sure you add a lot of other plant-based ingredients to improve the nutritional value of your ramen when consuming it on a regular basis.