The Most Popular Flavor of Ramen Noodles, Ranked

Choose the flavor you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:37
In a busy college town, it's a common sight to see students bustling in and out of grocery stores, stocking up on their essential supplies. Among these, ramen noodles hold a special place in many dorm rooms for their affordability and quick preparation time. However, with so many varieties on the shelves, choosing the right flavor often leads to a delightful dilemma. By participating in the voting for the most popular ramen noodle flavors, you contribute to a collective effort that guides newcomers and aficionados alike. This ranks the beloved quick meal options, highlighting top picks in real-time based on community votes. So, cast your vote and help shape the guide that aids countless others in making their next flavorful choice.

What Is the Most Popular Flavor of Ramen Noodles?

  1. 1
    56
    votes
    Chicken flavored ramen is the most popular flavor. According to a survey by The Ramen Rater, chicken flavor was the most commonly reviewed flavor among 2,500 different types of ramen noodles. It's a classic flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates.
    Chicken is a widely consumed type of poultry meat that is loved for its tender and flavorful characteristics. It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world and boasts versatility in cooking methods and dishes. Chicken meat is typically light in color, with a mild taste that can be enhanced with different seasonings and marinades. It is a lean source of protein and is known to provide essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, iron, and zinc.
    • Species: Gallus gallus domesticus
    • Average Weight: 2.5-3.5 pounds (1.1-1.6 kg)
    • Average Lifespan (in the wild): 3-7 years
    • Feeding Type: Omnivore
    • Popular Breeds: Broilers, Cornish Cross, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    Shoyu, or soy sauce flavor, is a close second in popularity. It's a savory-sweet flavor that has a rich umami taste. This flavor is commonly used in Japanese cuisine, and its popularity has spread to ramen noodles as well.
    Shoyu is a traditional Japanese ramen flavor characterized by its soy sauce-based broth, which provides a savory and salty taste. The broth is typically clear and aromatic, with a hint of sweetness. Shoyu ramen is often topped with ingredients like sliced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, and a soft-boiled egg.
    • Broth Flavor: Soy sauce-based
    • Broth Clarity: Clear
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, salty, and slightly sweet
    • Noodle Type: Egg or wheat noodles
    • Topping Options: Sliced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, soft-boiled egg
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Miso flavor is a popular choice for ramen lovers who prefer a more complex and salty taste. It's made with fermented soybean paste, which gives it a distinct flavor that pairs well with other ingredients like mushrooms and scallions.
    Miso is a traditional Japanese fermented food paste that is made by fermenting soybeans along with grains like rice or barley. It has a unique savory flavor and is commonly used as a seasoning in many Japanese dishes.
    • Origin: Japan
    • Ingredients: Soybeans, grains (such as rice or barley), salt, and koji (a specific type of mold)
    • Fermentation Process: Miso is made through a fermentation process that can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
    • Color: Miso can vary in color, ranging from light yellow to dark brown, depending on the ingredients and fermentation time.
    • Flavor: Miso has a rich, salty, and umami taste with a complex aroma.
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    Tonkotsu flavor is another popular choice that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It's a rich and creamy flavor that's made by boiling pork bones for hours until the broth becomes creamy and flavorful. This flavor is commonly found in Hakata-style ramen.
    Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and creamy soup made from pork bones that have been simmered for several hours. It is known for its robust and savory flavor, as well as its thick and milky consistency. The soup is typically combined with thin noodles and topped with different ingredients such as chashu (pork belly), soft-boiled eggs, and scallions.
    • Broth: Made from pork bones, simmered for hours
    • Flavor: Robust, savory, and rich
    • Consistency: Thick and milky
    • Noodles: Thin and firm
    • Toppings: Chashu (pork belly), soft-boiled eggs, scallions, etc.
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    Beef flavor is a popular choice for those who prefer a meatier taste. It's often paired with other ingredients like green onions, sliced beef, and bean sprouts to create a hearty and filling meal.
    Beef is a popular meat that comes from cattle. It is highly appreciated for its taste, versatility, and nutritional value. The meat is taken from various cuts of beef, such as ribs, tenderloin, sirloin, and brisket. It can be cooked in various ways, such as grilling, roasting, or braising, making it a favorite choice for many dishes and cuisines around the world.
    • Texture: Tender and succulent
    • Flavor: Rich and savory
    • Color: Ranging from deep red to pink
    • Fat content: Varies depending on the cut
    • Protein content: High
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    Curry flavor is a unique and spicy option that's gaining popularity among ramen lovers. It's made with a blend of spices and vegetables, and it pairs well with chicken or beef.
    Curry is a dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has become popular worldwide. It is a rich and flavorful dish made by combining various spices and herbs with meat, vegetables, or legumes. The dish has a thick and aromatic sauce that can vary in spiciness and complexity depending on regional variations and personal preferences. Curry is often served with rice or bread and is known for its diverse and vibrant flavors.
    • Variations: There are countless variations of curry, including Indian curry, Thai curry, Japanese curry, and many more, each with its unique blend of spices and regional influences.
    • Ingredients: Curry typically includes a combination of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. It can be made with a wide range of ingredients, including meats like chicken, lamb, or beef, as well as vegetarian options like potatoes, lentils, or chickpeas.
    • Flavor Profile: Curry is known for its complex and robust flavors. It can be spicy, tangy, sweet, or savory, depending on the combination of spices and other ingredients used. The flavors are often rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
    • Regional Influences: Different regions have their unique twists on curry. Indian curry, for example, varies significantly from one state to another, with each region having its distinct flavors and cooking techniques. Thai curry is known for its liberal use of coconut milk, while Japanese curry has a thicker and milder sauce.
    • Cultural Significance: Curry holds significant cultural importance in the cuisines of many countries. It is often associated with communal meals, family gatherings, and festive occasions. It has also become a popular international dish, enjoyed by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Seafood flavor is a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter taste. It's often made with a combination of fish and shellfish, and it's commonly paired with other ingredients like seaweed and corn.
    Seafood is a popular alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving, especially for those who prefer a lighter and more diverse meal. Instead of the traditional roasted bird, seafood dishes take center stage, offering a variety of flavors and textures from the ocean. Common choices include fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, and oysters, prepared in various ways such as grilling, baking, frying, or sautéing. Seafood can be served alone or incorporated into different recipes like soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
    • Flavors: Varied flavors from the ocean
    • Varieties: Fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters, etc.
    • Preparation Methods: Grilling, baking, frying, sautéing, etc.
    • Serving Options: Alone, in soups, stews, or pasta dishes
    • Textures: Soft, delicate, or firm, depending on the type
  8. 8
    15
    votes
    Spicy flavor is a popular choice for those who like a bit of heat in their food. It's often made with a combination of chilies and spices, and it pairs well with other ingredients like vegetables and meat.
    Spicy refers to the taste profile of food that is hot, pungent, and flavorful. It is characterized by the presence of heat and intense flavors derived from spices and chili peppers.
    • Heat Level: Varies from mild to extremely hot
    • Flavor Profile: Pungent, zesty, tangy, and intense
    • Ingredients: Spices (such as chili, cayenne, black pepper, paprika), chili peppers, garlic, onion, ginger, and more
    • Cuisine Types: Found in various cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, Indian, Sichuan, Korean, and Cajun
    • Health Benefits: May help boost metabolism, clear sinuses, alleviate pain, provide antioxidants, and promote satiety
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Vegetable flavor is a popular choice for vegetarians or those who prefer a lighter taste. It's often made with a combination of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and broccoli, and it's commonly paired with tofu or other plant-based proteins.
    Vegetable flavor ramen noodles are a delightful combination of savory and aromatic vegetable flavors. The noodles are infused with a rich and hearty vegetable broth which is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. This flavor is a popular choice among vegetarians and health-conscious individuals.
    • Packaging: Comes in individual packages with dried vegetable seasoning included
    • Ingredients: Contains a mix of dried vegetables such as carrots, corn, green onions, and cabbage
    • Noodle Type: Thin and firm wheat noodles
    • Broth Flavor: Savory vegetable-based broth with hints of garlic and soy sauce
    • Preparation Time: Ready to eat in about 3-4 minutes
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    Kimchi flavor is a spicy and tangy option that's gaining popularity among ramen lovers. It's made with fermented cabbage and other vegetables, and it pairs well with other ingredients like pork and scallions.
    Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and radishes. It has a spicy and tangy flavor and is a staple in Korean cuisine.
    • Regional variations: Over 200 types of kimchi, including baechu kimchi (cabbage kimchi), dongchimi (radish water kimchi), kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi)
    • Ingredients: Napa cabbage, radishes, garlic, ginger, scallions, red chili pepper powder (gochugaru), salt, and fermented seafood (optional)
    • Fermentation period: Varies from a few days to several weeks
    • Preparation time: Around 4-6 hours
    • Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, high in fiber, probiotic properties

Missing your favorite flavor?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular flavor

  1. Sales data
    Analyze the sales figures of different ramen noodle flavors in various regions and countries to determine their popularity rankings. This will provide an objective measure of people's preferences.
  2. Consumer reviews and ratings
    Analyze user reviews, ratings, and feedback on various online platforms (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, etc.) and social media, considering both the volume of reviews and the average rating for each flavor.
  3. Online presence
    Analyze the popularity of ramen flavors on search engine queries, social media mentions, and hashtags to gauge interest and trending discussions.
  4. Market share
    Look at the percentage of total ramen sales that each flavor represents. A flavor that comprises a larger portion of overall sales is likely more popular.
  5. Taste tests and surveys
    Conduct taste tests or surveys asking people to rank their favorite ramen flavors, which can help identify preferences within specific demographics or regions.
  6. Availability and distribution
    Consider how widely available and accessible each flavor is. A flavor that is only available in specific regions or countries may not be a fair comparison to a globally available flavor.
  7. Cultural and regional preferences
    Account for cultural and regional differences in taste preferences. A flavor that is popular in one region or culture may not necessarily be popular elsewhere, so it is essential to gather data from a diverse array of sources.
  8. Seasonal trends
    Some flavors may be more popular during certain seasons or events, so consider any trends in sales or reviews during specific times of the year.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular flavor of ramen noodles. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or flavor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2058 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each flavor once every 24 hours. The rank of each flavor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular flavor of ramen noodles

Ramen noodles have become a staple in many households worldwide. Originally from Japan, these noodles have gained popularity in various countries, and are now available in a wide range of flavors. One of the most popular flavors of ramen noodles is undoubtedly the classic, savory taste of chicken. However, there are several other flavors that are just as beloved, including beef, shrimp, and vegetable. With so many options available, the choice of the most popular flavor of ramen noodles is subjective and varies from person to person. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the various flavors of ramen noodles and gather data from our polls to determine which flavor reigns supreme.

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