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- 6102092103094/4/2020
Of the three major brands of instant ramen in the USA (Maruchan, Top Ramen and Sapporo Ichiban), Maruchan tops them all IMO. Why? First and foremost, it's the flavor of the noodles. Maruchan's and Top Ramen's noodles are similar in taste, meaning they have a "clean" and natural taste, almost akin to fresh noodles. Sapporo Ichiban's noodles have an odd flavor nowadays, a mixture of old oil and plastic like they were stored in very old Tupperware, something that wasn't apparent years ago. Broth-wise, I think Maruchan has the best-tasting dashi, Sapporo second (the saltiest of the trio), and Top Ramen third. In terms of serving size, Maruchan and Top Ramen (3 oz.) are a tad smaller than Sapporo (3.5 oz.), though you do get quality over quantity regardless of their cheaper pricing. On Maui, the cheapest package of Sapporo is around 50-cents on sale and over $1 regular-priced.  Maruchan & Top Ramen can be had for 30-cents each, and even cheaper in multi-packs.
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BRIEF HISTORY:
Maruchan was established in 1953 in Japan and expanded to the USA in 1972. The US has a few manufacturing plants in addition to this flagship in Irvine.
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RAMEN:
Beef - The cup offering is my ultimate after-drinking fix. For some reason, the packaged version, while still good, isn't as tasty as the environmentally unfriendly Styrofoam cup.
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Original - I've never seen this flavor in the cup style, only packaged. Â The flavor is similar to Sapporo's Original version, a blend of onion/beef/shoyu flavors.
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Shrimp - I've always loved shrimp-flavored ramen. A bit brine-y but not fishy. Because the sodium content is lower compared to Sapporo, I sometimes use 1 ¾ cup water as opposed to 2 cups for a bolder flavor.
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Chili - I've never seen this flavor before so I was excited to try it. It's a bit misleading as its green packaging with green chilis pictured isn't what you actually get. Yes, it's a bit spicy but the flavor is more chili powder-based so you're treated to a bold, orange-colored broth that tastes similar to Nong Shim's Kim Chee ramen.
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Chicken - Once in a while I like to mix in some poultry. Â Like its competitors, the yellow-hued broth exudes a curry flavor that's supposed to replicate the taste of chicken.
TIPS:
I discard the boiled noodle water, replacing with fresh H2O for the broth to lessen the oil and TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) contents. Â
Mix in a raw egg after adding the powdered seasoning for a different flavor spectrum and extra richness.
OVERALL:
Cheap and satisfying. Â The benchmark for unhealthy, instant ramen. - Kimberly E.San Francisco, CA021/15/2021
In October I was eating a cup of noodles and felt a hard sharp object in my mouth. When I spit it out I spit out a lot if blood. I went to patient first because the blood didn't stop and it was pretty deep.
I contacted the company. They sent me 3 coupons and a box to put the container and item that cut me in. Since I sent it I haven't heard anything from them. I email them back often and nothing. - Jordan W.Los Angeles, CA584663711/9/2019
I love to combine Maruchan ramen with fresh veggies to make ramen at home. There are a lot of different products to choose from depending on what fits your lifestyle best, but I personally prefer to use the pillow packs as a base for at-home ramen recipes!
12/10 would recommend! - 32774359811/4/2015
Nutritionally? Â A disaster - but i grew up eating Maruchan products as an after school snack and I am now a moderately healthy adult so I guess they did not kill me (yet).
Meanwhile - so cheap and filling and quick - no, they are horrible for you - but yes, I still indulge on rare occasion. - B P.Burbank, CA2212/1/2020
Hi um I would just like to know how much msg is in this? It is for a project I am doing and I need to know how much msg there is.
- 20284426109243/22/2010
Instant Ramen noodles galore produced and manufactured in Irvine, CA. Â Comfort food that I've grown up in soothing troubles and despair away. Â For one single package can be found at most supermarkets and often drug stores at a minimual price. Â Who said one cannot get a complete meal under $5.00 in 2010 recession era?
I wish Yakisoba noodle from Maruchan were also sold in supermarkets with the same presence as I've rarely seen. Â Yakisoba and Udon noodles are among my favorite Asian noodle soups as what other American-style noodles cannot do justice to bring me to life of comfort from despair and hardship.
maruchan.com - John H.San Juan Capistrano, CA35214/22/2020
I emailed Maruchan on April 3rd because I was shopping for a senior couple at a nursing home so they don't have to be out and risk catching the Covid19. Her husband has dementia and all he wanted was the pork flavored ramen. I asked in my email can they tell me when the next shipment is and to where so I can go get it. I've been to 31 stores hunting for it for the couple and did I get a simple reply back from #Maruchan ? Nope, Nada!! thanks for caring for your community!!
- Paula V.Santa Ana, CA0523/12/2020
After many concerns brought to my attention I think it's only right for your COMPANY EMPLOYEES to complete a screening to ensure no contamination has been done , you are main markers receiving in and out packages in China ! High possibility are in the air so therefore I will contact cooperate to get this going as a follow up of COVID-19
- Victor O.Henderson, NV5850144/5/2016
So damn slow, I was here 5 hours. And everyone got loaded but me. And how they're set up for truckers is bs, they have to have shuttle drivers bring they're product from a plant far away and have us Wait because they can't manage a time better last time im ever coming here
- Aaron S.Tucson, AZ129998/1/2012
Maruchan ..."America's Stalest Ramen Noodle Soups"
While Maruchan's ramen is more affordable than its competitors, with the lowest retail cost of any ramen available in the US, and the least sodium of any other ramen. Maruchan produces stale tasting ramen, despite the date on the package, all too often the ramen tastes stale.
Maruchan offers many other stale tasting flavors of ramen not available in stores yet still appear in their product lineup, ...why bother?
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