Most Processed Instant Noodles Brands
Instant noodles are deep-fried or air-dried noodle blocks paired with seasoning packets containing MSG, sodium, artificial flavors, and dehydrated ingredients. The frying step alone adds processing, and the seasoning packets are concentrated flavor bombs with 15+ ingredients each.
Instant Noodles at a Glance
15 Most Processed Instant Noodles Brands
Brands ranked by highest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nongshim | 34 | 16.4 4.1 | 34 | 0 |
| 2 | Sapporo ichiban | 9 | 15.3 3.3 | 9 | 0 |
| 3 | Nissin | 134 | 13.9 4.4 | 134 | 0 |
| 4 | Francisco | 3 | 13.7 5.3 | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Myojo | 12 | 13.5 4.1 | 12 | 0 |
| 6 | Cup noodles | 6 | 13.3 4.5 | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Maruchan | 52 | 12.9 4.9 | 52 | 0 |
| 8 | Prima | 4 | 12.8 3.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 9 | Paldo | 15 | 12.2 4.5 | 14 | 0 |
| 10 | Dona lisa | 4 | 11.5 8.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 11 | Indomie | 6 | 11.2 4.2 | 6 | 0 |
| 12 | Sun noodle | 6 | 11.1 6.5 | 4 | 0 |
| 13 | Nasoya | 16 | 9.9 5.9 | 10 | 0 |
| 14 | Revolution foods | 3 | 9.9 7.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 15 | Wan hua foods inc | 3 | 9.8 7.5 | 3 | 0 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Most Processed
Least Processed Instant Noodles Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Instant Noodles Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Air-dried noodles are less processed than deep-fried varieties
- 2The seasoning packet is where most additives hide — some contain 20+ ingredients
- 3TBHQ (preservative) is added to the frying oil in many instant noodle brands
- 4Sodium per serving typically exceeds 1000mg — often 40-60% of daily recommended intake
Least Processed Instant Noodles Brands
For comparison — brands with the lowest average processing scores.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanasia | 11 | 1.0 4.6 | 0 | 11 |
| 2 | Big green organic food | 29 | 1.0 6.5 | 0 | 29 |
| 3 | Seasia | 3 | 1.0 8.5 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Freshline | 6 | 1.0 5.7 | 0 | 6 |
| 5 | Brandless | 3 | 1.0 8.5 | 0 | 3 |
| 6 | Ciprianis | 5 | 1.0 9.5 | 0 | 5 |
| 7 | Natures greatest foods | 15 | 1.3 6.3 | 0 | 15 |
| 8 | Bgreen food | 20 | 1.4 6.7 | 0 | 20 |
| 9 | Roland | 26 | 1.7 7.1 | 0 | 26 |
| 10 | Simple truth | 9 | 1.8 8.1 | 0 | 9 |
| 11 | Pasta panarese | 6 | 2.0 8.5 | 0 | 6 |
| 12 | Baiersbronn | 20 | 2.0 6.7 | 0 | 20 |
| 13 | Muhlen | 11 | 2.0 7.5 | 0 | 11 |
| 14 | Central market | 14 | 2.0 5.8 | 0 | 14 |
| 15 | Roundys | 5 | 2.0 7.2 | 0 | 5 |
How We Score Products
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are instant noodles so cheap?
The combination of cheap wheat flour, palm oil (for frying), and industrial flavor packets using MSG and dehydrated ingredients makes production extremely cost-effective.
Is ramen more processed than other noodles?
Instant ramen is significantly more processed than fresh ramen (flour, water, kansui) or dried pasta (semolina, water). The deep-frying and industrial seasoning packet make the difference.
Are cup noodles worse than packet noodles?
Cup noodles typically contain more additives including dehydrated vegetables and meat with additional preservatives, plus the styrofoam cup raises separate health concerns.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.