Is Maruchan Ramen Vegetarian? Here’s the Real Answer

Is maruchan ramen vegetarian? If you love instant noodles and are following a vegetarian diet, you’ve likely asked yourself this question. Maruchan Ramen ranks among comfort foods great for quick meals and midnight snacks. With flavors such as Chicken, Beef, and Soy Sauce, one can be fair to argue whether any are free of meat. Sadly, many brands use hidden animal-derived ingredients in the seasoning packets. 

In this article, I’ll be deep-diving into the ingredients Maruchan uses, exposing vegetarian-friendly options, and exploring plant-based ramen alternatives.

Also Read More: Is Coca-Cola Vegan?

Understanding What “Vegetarian” Means

A vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, and seafood, focusing on plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. Some vegetarians include dairy (lacto-vegetarian) or eggs (ovo-vegetarian), while others avoid all animal products totally (vegan). 

Many people turn to vegetarianism due to health issues, or ethical, environmental, or religious convictions. It is a flexible lifestyle with variations based on personal beliefs and dietary preferences.

Is Maruchan Ramen Vegetarian?

Generally, Maruchan Ramen is not vegetarian. The base noodles are vegetarian, as these are made of wheat flour and vegetable oil. However, there is a seasoning packet that might be an issue. Some Maruchan flavors, such as chicken flavor and beef flavor, contain animal-derived ingredients, such as chicken fat and beef fat, making such flavors unsuitable for vegetarians. 

Vegetarians can take some flavors depending on the flavor, like vegetable or soy sauce flavor, which usually does not have animal products. The “natural flavors” part in seasoning packets is of animal origin at times. However, you have to check each flavor concerning its ingredients. 

In addition, some Maruchan Ramen noodles are vegetarian, while not all can be considered so. Always verify with the ingredients used, and the seasoning package inside, so the ramen satisfies your diet principles.

Maruchan Ramen Noodles Ingredients

Maruchan Ramen Noodles are popular for fast and tasty meals, but what does it take to make it? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients in a recipe.

Wheat Flour: The Core of the Noodles

At the heart of Maruchan Ramen is enriched wheat flour, fortified with essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron. This plant-based ingredient provides the structure and texture of the noodles, making it a staple component.

Vegetable Oil: The Most Important Textural Ingredient

Vegetable oils could come from soybean, corn, or sunflower and are part of the texturing and preserving processes of noodles. Provided it is purely of plant origin, the oil component remains vegan-friendly.

Salt and Flavor Enhancers: Bringing Out the Taste

Among the distinctive flavorings of Maruchan are monosodium glutamate, salt and other flavor enhancers. Though these items are synthesized in the lab instead of being an actual animal extract, they certainly contribute to augmenting the savoriness associated with ramen dishes.

Autolyzed Yeast Extract: The Umami Enhancer

A common ingredient in processed foods, autolyzed yeast extract adds a deep broth flavor filled with rich umami. Because it is made from yeast, it doesn’t contain any animal products.

Dehydrated Vegetables: Adding a Plant-Based Touch

Some of the Maruchan Ramen features dehydrated vegetables such as carrots, onions, and green onions. These add a bit of texture and color to the food while being plant-friendly.

Natural and Artificial Flavors: The Unpredictable Variable

The term “natural flavors” may include several plant and animal-derived compound combinations. Unless explicitly labelled, one cannot be sure if they are strictly vegan.

Soy Sauce: A Classic Flavor Enhancer

Certain flavors of Maruchan contain soy sauce, classically made up of fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. While regular soy sauce is vegan, some varieties of this product contain additional ingredients that are not derived from plants.

Spices and Colorings: Mostly Vegetable Origin, Few Exceptions

Maruchan Ramen contains spices and colorings, which can be plant-based, mineral-based, or artificial. However, there is few significant exception:

• Beef flavor Maruchan contains beef fat.
• Chicken flavor Maruchan contains powdered cooked chicken.
• These flavors are not vegan because of the direct incorporation of animal products into them.

Also Read More: Best Ramen Toppings

Non-vegetarian Ingredients Generally Contained in Maruchan Ramen

Some flavors of Maruchan Ramen contain animal-derived ingredients, making them poor choices for vegetarians. These ingredients are most often buried in the seasoning packet, so one needs to read the labels carefully.

Chicken Broth & Chicken Fat

Most of their flavors, like Chicken, Roast Chicken, and Picante Chicken, have chicken broth or chicken fat as an ingredient. This will make it non-vegetarian.

Beef Extract & Beef Fat

Beef and Roast Beef flavors are prepared using beef-derived components and hence vegetarians cannot use them.

Pork-Based Ingredients

For vegetarians, some Maruchan flavors like those with pork or tonkatsu-style broth, are totally off limits because they contain pork extract or fat.

Seafood Additives 

While most mainstream flavors don’t contain them, some variations can have shrimp, fish sauce, or seafood extracts in them, which vegetarians need to avoid.

Flavor Enhancers & Protein Additives

Some Maruchan seasonings contain hydrolyzed proteins or natural flavors that may be sourced from animals. If it’s not labeled vegetarian, it’s best to assume it isn’t.

Is Maruchan Chicken Ramen Vegetarian?

No, Maruchan Chicken Ramen is not vegetarian. While most of the time noodles are prepared from wheat flour, vegetable oil, and seasoning, the chicken flavoring itself contains ingredients sourced from animals. It frequently contains chicken broth, chicken fat, or dried chicken powder that is incompatible with vegetarian requirements.

Is Maruchan Soy Sauce Ramen Vegetarian?

No, Maruchan Soy Sauce Ramen is not vegetarian. While the name “soy sauce” flavor may imply vegetarian friendliness, the seasoning packet contains actual animal-derived ingredients such as beef extract and beef fat. These ingredients make it unsuitable for vegetarians.

Is Maruchan Beef Ramen Vegetarian?

No, Maruchan Beef Ramen is not vegetarian. While the name would lead one to believe that it is beef flavor and not actual beef, the seasoning packet contains some real animal-derived ingredients like beef extract and beef fat.

Also Learn More: Is Chicken Ramen Good For You?

How to Determine if Your Maruchan Ramen is Vegetarian

Determining whether your Maruchan Ramen is vegetarian requires a careful ingredient list since most of the flavors contain animal-derived ingredients. Here’s how you can go about identifying whether a particular Maruchan ramen flavor is vegetarian-friendly.

1. Check the Flavor Name

The quickest way to decide whether your flavor of Maruchan ramen may be vegetarian is by looking at the flavor on the package.

Not Vegetarian: Flavors that contain meat, like chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and other seafood flavors, are not vegetarian.

Possibly Vegetarian Flavor: The soy sauce flavor used synonymously with the Oriental flavor is considered, by most vegetarians, not to directly utilize meat as a major ingredient. However, verification may be needed for full verifiability.

2. Examine the Ingredients List

Check for the presence of any ingredient, such as meat broth, chicken fat, or fish extract.  Ensure the vegetarian label comes across and see that even in flavors it could work in your favor.

3. Look for an Official Vegan Label

Maruchan does not label any of its ramen products as vegetarian or vegan. Normally, if it were fully vegetarian, it would have a certification or a clear statement on the packaging.

Maruchan Alternatives for Vegetarians: Exploring Plant-Based Ramen

For vegetarians or anyone who would want to experience ramen at its plant-based best, here are several Maruchan alternatives that contain a great combination of flavors and ingredients without the use of animal-derived products.

1. Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor

The Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce flavor is a great alternative to Maruchan’s non-vegetarian flavors. This ramen is vegan friendly, and it does not contain any meat-based ingredients.

2. Mike’s Mighty Good Organic Ramen

For organic ramen lovers, Mike’s Mighty Good Organic Ramen is a great vegan-friendly ramen. Focusing on the flavor and richness of broths from organic vegetables and seasonings, this ramen comes in many flavors, like miso and soy sauce.

3. Dr. McDougall’s Ramen

Dr. McDougall’s Ramen represents an extremely great choice for vegetarians and health-conscious persons who want a worthy ramen alternative. These ramen cups are low in sodium, vegan, and contain all-natural ingredients, also flavored organically.

4. Koyo Ramen

Another great choice for vegetarians is Koyo Ramen. Famous for natural ingredients, in their ramen noodles, Koyo uses high-quality wheat noodles blended with a line of flavorful plant-based broths, such as miso and soy sauce. Their ramen is organic, gluten-free, and vegan.

5. Nongshim Soon Veggie Ramen

Nongshim Soon Veggie Ramen is a vegan-certified option for those wishing to have more wholesome, plant-based ramen. With a vegetable broth base, it contains lots of yummy and natural flavors that are gluten-free.

How to Make Vegetarian Maruchan Ramen

If you love Maruchan Ramen but follow a vegetarian diet, then you can easily make the ramen vegetarian-friendly by implementing a few simple swaps and adjustments. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to turn your Maruchan Ramen into a vegetarian-friendly meal:

Choose a Vegetarian-friendly Flavor

First, choose a flavor of Maruchan that does not have animal products in the name. Often, the soy sauce flavor is the best option since it does not include any meat-based ingredients in the seasoning packet.

Replace the Broth Base

For traditional Maruchan ramen, the broth can be made with chicken, beef, or pork fat. This is important to replace with a plant-based broth.

• Vegetable Broth

This would be any store-bought vegetable broth or homemade vegetable stock. This will give a rich and hearty base to your ramen.

• Miso Paste

You can also use miso paste, which is both vegan and vegetarian, for the umami broth. Add a spoon of miso to your ramen water.

Add Plant-Based Protein

Traditional Maruchan ramen does contain animal proteins, but you can easily add some vegetarian-friendly protein to your bowl. Here are some ideas:

• Tofu

Silken and firm tofu are great in ramen. Pan-fry or sauté cubes of tofu for added texture.

• Edamame

Garnish with cooked edamame beans for a boost of protein and freshness.

• Tempeh

This is another great plant-based protein that goes very well with ramen.

• Chickpeas

If you’re looking for something different, try adding chickpeas for a hearty protein source.

Load Up on Vegetables

One of the best ways to make your ramen more nutritious and filling is to add a variety of vegetables. Some popular options include:

• Spinach or Kale

Add leafy greens for extra nutrients.

• Mushrooms

Shiitake, button mushrooms, or any mushrooms of your choice add umami flavor to the broth.

• Corn

Sweet corn adds a crunchy, slightly sweet texture.

• Carrots

Adding carrots julienned or as thin slices might add some crispness and sweetness to the otherwise savory broth.

• Bok Choy

Generally, bok choy is used in most ramen dishes and provides freshness and texture.

Season with Vegetarian Seasonings

While Maruchan ramen sometimes contains animal products in seasoning packets, such as chicken fat or fish sauce, you can always add a little something extra to taste. Other ingredients you might want to try:

• Soy Sauce

Add a splash of soy sauce for that intense umami flavor to the broth.

• Garlic

Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder gives a strong, savory flavor.

• Sesame Oil

Add a drizzle of sesame oil to give it that rich, nutty taste.

• Chilli Flakes or Sriracha

You can add chili flakes or a bit of Sriracha sauce for spice if you like it that way.

Final Thoughts 

Is Maruchan Ramen vegetarian? Unfortunately, most of its flavors are prepared with animal-based broth and seasoning, making it indelibly not vegetarian. That should not be a reason to be forego a delicious bowl of ramen. For an outstandingly authentic and delicious vegetarian ramen experience, Negi & Nori serves up dishes with perfectly balanced flavor and freshness. You may also try Lotus Foods or Nissin Top Ramen-Soy Sauce flavor for a quick and vegetarian-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions