Top Ramen Brands: Elevating Your Instant Noodle Experience

Ramen noodles have become a staple comfort food for many, offering both convenience and a burst of flavor. With an ever-growing range of brands available, each bringing their unique twist to this beloved dish, it's no wonder ramen enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. From traditional Japanese flavors to innovative contemporary options, selecting the right brand can make all the difference in your culinary experience. Discover our curated list of the best brands for ramen noodles below.

Illustration of ramen noodles

Best brands of ramen noodles in 2025

Nissin

Nissin Foods, a pioneering brand in the instant ramen industry, holds a significant 40% share of the U.S. instant ramen segment and has reported a 41% year-over-year increase in sales during the final quarter of 2022. The company's growth is attributed to its innovative premium and spicy offerings, such as Cup Noodles Hot & Spicy and Stir Fry flavors, and its strategic investments, including a multi-million dollar expansion of its Lancaster, Pennsylvania distribution center, which increased output by 15%. Nissin has also announced a $228 million investment in a new U.S. plant in Greenville County, South Carolina, set to be operational by August 2025. This expansion will create over 300 new jobs and contribute to the company's sustainability goals, aiming for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Nissin's commitment to innovation and sustainability has solidified its position as a market leader in the U.S. instant ramen category. For more details, visit their official website.

Maruchan

Maruchan, a leading brand in the instant ramen industry, has seen significant growth in consumer consideration, rising from 16.9% in 2019 to 22.3% by 2023, according to YouGov BrandIndex. With an awareness rate of 68.9% among US adults, Maruchan outpaces its competitors, converting 32% of aware consumers into considerers and 18% of considerers into purchase intent. Producing over 3.6 billion packages of ramen noodle soup annually, Maruchan is widely popular in the United States and Mexico. The brand, operated by Toyo Suisan, has established manufacturing facilities in Irvine, California, Richmond, Virginia, and Bexar County, Texas, since its entry into the American market in 1972. Maruchan's success is further underscored by its extensive product range catering to diverse consumer preferences. For more insights about Maruchan, visit their Wikipedia page.

Samyang

Samyang Foods has emerged as a leading producer of ramen noodles, driven by the global popularity of its Buldak brand. In the first half of 2024, Samyang recorded an operating profit of 169.5 billion won, a 149.6% year-on-year increase, with overseas sales accounting for 78% of its total sales, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. The company's market capitalization has surged to over 3.36 trillion won, surpassing its rivals Nongshim and Ottogi. Samyang's U.S. subsidiary saw a 125% jump in sales in the second quarter of 2024, with the Carbonara Buldak leading sales. This robust performance has positioned Samyang as a significant player in the global instant noodle market. Find more about their products and achievements on the official Samyang Foods website.

Nongshim

Nongshim, a leading South Korean instant noodle manufacturer, holds a significant market share both domestically and internationally. In the U.S., Nongshim controls 25.4% of the ramen market as of 2023, trailing only Toyo Suisan's 45.0% share. In South Korea, Nongshim dominates with a market share of 56% in 2023. The company aims to triple its U.S. sales to $1.5 billion by 2030 and is planning to build a new factory in the U.S. by 2025 to meet growing demand. Nongshim's products, such as Shin Ramyun, have gained global recognition and popularity. You can explore more about their offerings on their official website.

Paldo

Paldo, a renowned brand in the ramen noodles market, is celebrated for its high-quality and flavorful products. As part of the global instant noodles and ramen market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% from 2024 to 2031, Paldo contributes significantly to the sector's expansion, particularly in regions like Asia Pacific where the market size was USD 13,372.71 million in 2024. Known for its diverse range of flavors and innovative packaging, Paldo caters to the growing demand for convenient and affordable meal solutions. In countries like South Korea, where Paldo is based, the brand enjoys a strong market presence, contributing to the region's high consumption rates of ramen noodles. With its commitment to quality and flavor, Paldo continues to be a favorite among ramen enthusiasts.

Sapporo Ichiban

Sapporo Ichiban is a renowned brand of instant ramen noodles produced by Sanyo Foods, known for its high-quality and flavorful products. The brand was established in 1961 by Takeshi Ida, who perfected the recipe after tasting various ramen flavors across Japan, particularly inspired by Sapporo's local ramen. Sapporo Ichiban offers a variety of flavors, including Original, Miso, Shio, and others, which have gained popularity globally, especially in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. The brand's noodles are manufactured in Japan and also in Garden Grove, California, for the North American market. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, Sapporo Ichiban remains one of the best producers of ramen noodles. For more detailed information, visit the Sapporo Ichiban Wikipedia page.

Myojo

Myojo is a renowned brand in the ramen noodles market, known for its high-quality and diverse product offerings. As part of the Japanese instant noodle industry, Myojo holds a significant market share, with major players like Nissin and Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (Maruchan) also dominating the sector. Myojo's products, such as the Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen Kit, are popular for their fresh noodles and concentrated soup bases, making them a favorite among consumers seeking a more authentic ramen experience. The brand's presence in the global market is strengthened by its innovative product lines and strong distribution channels, particularly in the Asia Pacific region where ramen demand is high. Myojo's contributions to the ramen boom in the U.S., especially through its retail of fresh noodles, have been instrumental in expanding the market beyond traditional instant noodles. For more details about their products and innovations, visit their official website.

Ottogi

Ottogi has emerged as a significant player in the South Korean instant noodle market, surpassing Nongshim's Shin Ramyun in popularity for several weeks. As of September 2022, Ottogi's Jin Ramen held a 28.9% market share, outpacing Shin Ramyun's 24.6%. In the category of spicy noodles without broth packages, Ottogi's share was 22.2%, three times more than Nongshim's 7.4%. By December 2023, Ottogi's market share in the South Korean instant noodle market was 23.9%. Ottogi's balanced product mix, including instant noodles, sauces, and home meal replacements, has contributed to its success. For more details, visit the Ottogi's market news.

Mama

Mama, produced by Thai President Foods, is the leading brand in the Thai instant noodle market, holding a significant market share of 47.6% as of 2021. The company dominates the market with its widespread distribution and strong brand recognition. In 2021, the Thai market consumed 3.63 billion packets of instant noodles, with Mama being the top choice, reflecting its enduring popularity despite economic fluctuations. The brand's sales have been resilient, growing in line with the 10% market growth in the first four months of 2024, despite global economic challenges. Mama's presence extends beyond Thailand, with notable sales in countries like Myanmar, where per capita consumption is expected to increase. For more insight into Thai President Foods and its iconic brand, Mama, please visit their Wikipedia page.

Indomie

Indomie, a brand owned by Indofood, is one of the leading producers of instant noodles, particularly renowned for its Mi Goreng variety. Established in 1972, Indomie has become synonymous with quality instant noodles in Indonesia and globally. In 2023, Indonesia consumed approximately 14.54 billion servings of instant noodles, with Indomie being the most preferred brand. Indomie's products are widely available in various pack sizes and flavors, contributing to its high brand equity and consumer preference. The brand's success is also reflected in its global recognition, with fans worldwide appreciating its taste and convenience.