Ramen Recommendations
When it comes to nearly ready-to-eat ramen noodles, the shelves of your lo-
cal grocery store offer an array of options that are far more delicious—and
nutritious—than those packets that were dorm-room staples. Just choose
wisely when it comes to your DIY night. According to The Fresh 20 Found-
er and CEO Melissa Lanz, you can make a healthy ramen selection by read-
ing labels. Fried noodles have more fat (not usually the healthy kind) so
choose plain dried noodles. Carefully peruse the spices listed; steer clear of
excess sodium and MSG. Some of our team’s favorites include the following
innovative modern health-first brands that don’t skimp on flavor for savory
noodle-based comfort.
Mike’s Mighty Good Craft Ramen • mikesmightygood.com
Founder Mike asked himself the following question, “Why doesn’t the ra-
men I buy in the store taste like the ramen in a ramen bar?” The question
launched a quest that resulted in the development of the noodles in the Craft
Ramen Packs and Ramen Soup Cups. Mike’s sources organically-grown
ingredients and the noodles are steamed (not fried). Palm oils and GMOs
are left out of the mix.
Mike’s also offers Soup Cups that are perfect to have on hand in your
desk at work for an easy and accessible hot snack or meal. Bonus: The pa-
per in the cups is sourced from certified sustainably-managed forests.
Flavors: Fried Garlic, Chicken Flavor Ramen Soup, Vegetarian Kimchi
Ramen Soup, Beef Pho Rice Noodle Soup, Savory Miso Ramen Soup
Ramen Noodle Soup Cups: Chicken, Pork Tonkotsu, Beef Ramen, Veg-
etarian Vegetable
Lotus Foods • shop.lotusfoods.com
Lotus Foods was started by rice lovers who were introduced to black rice
in China and then they began bringing the grains the US under the name
Forbidden Rice. The company collaborates closely with farmers to promote
sustainability and utilize the More Crop Per Drop System of Rice Intensifi-
cation—a low water use method for sustainably growing rice.
Their rice-based noodles are made with organically grown, non-GMO
rice and are vegan and gluten-free. For a modern and nutrient-rich twist on
a traditional recipe, try the varieties that include Purple Potato.
Flavors: Buckwheat & Mushroom Rice Ramen with Vegetable Broth,
Forbidden Rice Ramen with Miso Soup, Jade Pearl Rice Ramen with Miso
Soup, Millet & Brown Rice Ramen with Miso Soup, Purple Potato &
Brown Rice Ramen with Vegetable Broth, Wakame & Brown Rice Ramen
with Vegetable Broth, Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen
Nona Lim • nonalim.com
This Oakland-based company was founded by a former professional ath-
lete searching for foods to support peak performance. Nona Lim developed
nutrient-dense foods and recipes designed to be non-inflammatory, low
in sugar and sodium, with no unwanted additives. They are also GMO-
free. Ready-to-eat noodles (refrigerated) and broth are sold separately. The
grains are whole wheat chosen because they are rich in fiber and nutrients.
Flavors: Tokyo Ramen, Hakata Ramen, Whole Wheat Ramen
Farm box delivery service Farm Fresh to You offers the option to or-
der a DIY Ramen Noodle Bowl Kit when you customize your order. The
kit includes Nona Lim Ramen noodles along wth bok choy, brown beech
mushrooms, veggie broth and more. Try creating a serving a bowl of ramen
at home garnished with cilantro and fresh lemon juice: farmfreshtoyou.comKoyo Noodles • koyonaturalfoods.com
These simple, quick-cooking ramen packages are a hearty pantry staple.
Koyo (they call themselves an umami adventure) uses only clean and organ-
ic ingredients that are Non-GMO Project certified. Made from heirloom
wheats, reduced sodium varieties of all flavors are available.
Flavors: Asian Vegetable, Lemongrass Ginger, Garlic Pepper, Buck-
wheat Shoyu, Shiitake Mushroom, Wakame Seaweed, and Tofu Miso.Dr. McDougall’s Rice Ramen • rightfoods.com
Dr John McDougall MD is an integrative medicine physician who advo-
cates for a plant-based heart-healthy diet as part of a comprehensive pro-
gram of health and wellness.
Flavors: Gluten-Free Rice Ramen Sesame Chicken, Miso with Organic
Ramen Noodles, Hot & Sour with Organic Ramen Noodles, Rice Ramen
and Clear Noodle.