In Western culture, Ramen is a noodle dish made from a freeze-dried packet that
is high in sodium and budget-friendly. We often slip these into our carts as a
“just in case” meal, and the best thing about them is that they don’t strain your budget.
Typically, it is a purchase of convenience and
not necessarily taste. But the ramen noodle selection at your local grocer has
most likely expanded, especially over the last decade.
Now, dozens of packets and bowls to choose from, containing flavoring, freeze-dried, and fresh ingredients like herbs and produce. Protein is up, sodium count is down, and so many flavors and textures are available.
We’ve curated a list of the best and most affordable ramen noodles on shelves at three accessible retailers.
Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Samyang Buldak Ramen Carbonara, Spicy Chicken
Price: $13.99 (Costco)
This spicy chicken ramen option has 4.5 stars at Costco and is touted for being flavorful, convenient, and delicious.
It is a great snack or meal option with a fun, bright design imported from South Korea. Each serving costs about $2.33.
Nissin Chicken Top Ramen
Price: $16.99 (Costco)
Because Nissin is a trusted brand for reliable, salty, ramen goodness, the 48-pack at Costco deserves an honorable mention.
Customers give it 4.7 stars, and the wholesale price brings each package down to around 35 cents each. This makes any ramen dish incredibly affordable, no matter what you choose to add to it!
Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen Bowl
Price: $13.99 (Costco)
With a 4.6-star rating at Costco, Nongshim’s Tonkotsu Ramen Bowl is $2.33 per serving. This tasty option made of rich pork broth and a spicy sauce packet isn’t often available and doesn’t normally restock.
If you happen upon it, snap it up! If it isn’t your favorite, there’s a real likelihood that someone you know does.
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Tapatio Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen Bowl
Price: $2.99 (Walmart)
Tapatio ramen is a dark, flavorful, vegetable-loaded option with slightly less packaging than other brands.
This chicken ramen blend is known for its unique seasoning and hint of Tapatio’s legendary hot sauce. The bowl is self-contained and ready in three minutes or less.
Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu
Price: $29.99 (Walmart)
Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu has an elevated flavor. It tastes like it was prepared in a restaurant by a chef.
A seven-pack of these delicious black garlic oil ramen noodles, a packet of forks, and chopsticks are (currently) on sale for $26.99, bringing each set to around $3.86.
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Chef Woo Roasted Chicken Flavor Ramen Cup Noodles
Price: $1.68 (Walmart)
Chef Woo packs twenty grams of plant-based protein into their organic roasted chicken-flavored ramen.
This $1.68 cup of noodles can be ready in three to four minutes, and customers enjoy its flavor. As with most prepackaged ramen, the sodium count is a little high.
Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup
Price: $4.16 (Walmart)
A four-pack of Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup at Walmart costs an excellent $1.04 per serving.
Use it as a savory base for your favorite protein, and feel free to add scallions, carrots, and other produce for texture. This soup has a small kick of spice to it that customers enjoy.
Sapporo Ichiban Chicken Ramen
Price: $6.16 (Walmart)
Sapporo’s ramen ranks on most top ramen lists, as it is a flavorful – but not too hot – staple.
But the chicken ramen is truly a fan favorite because of its authentic and bold chicken flavor in the absence of the actual protein. Walmart sells an eight-pack for just $6.16, or about 77 cents each.
Paldo Fun & Yum Kokomen Spicy Chicken Ramen
Price: $6.98 (Walmart)
The noodles in this particular package of ramen are thicker than traditional ramen noodles, so this bowl can make you feel full quickly.
The package—including the red pepper and scallions—is easy to grab with chopsticks. This tasty blend can be purchased at $6.98 for a five-pack or $1.40 each.
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MAMA Creamy Tom Yum
Price: $0.48 (Walmart)
Ramen connoisseurs assert that MAMA Creamy Tom Yum is one of the most flavorful options for making and eating ramen at home.
Lemongrass, lime, and ginger are more than just hinted at in the taste, and there is a bit of spice to balance it all out. This noodle packet is a top contender for the affordable price of 48 cents each.
Nissin Hot & Spicy Chicken Noodles
Price: $1.46 (Walmart)
If you are a heat seeker, Nissin’s hot and spicy chicken noodles may be the next item you stock up on.
The spice from the included chili oil packet slowly builds throughout the meal and bodes well with the scallions and peppers. Ready in just three minutes, you can grab this simple meal for $1.46 at Walmart.
Jin Ramen Mild Korean Style Instant Noodles
Price: $12.97 (Walmart)
If you feel like splurging a little on your ramen, Jin Ramen’s Mild Korean Style noodles are $12.97 for a four-pack, bringing them to around $3.24 each.
When cooked according to the package instructions, these noodles are bouncy and tender, and the broth is flavorful whether you get it in hot or mild.
Momofuku X A-Sha Noodles Tingly Chili
Price: $29.99 (Target)
The storied Momofuku ramen company has partnered with A-Sha Noodles for an at-home line at Target that offers restaurant-level flavors for $10 per bag.
These tingly chili-flavored, air-dried noodles are a fan favorite, with customers raving about how quickly they are ready and the spicy flavor.
Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor
Price: $0.55 (Target)
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than the original. If you grew up with top ramen inin your cupboard or chose it as a stockpile item in early adulthood, then Maruchan might be a familiar brand to you. Their chicken-flavored instant lunch is a tough one to top, and is just 55 cents per serving.
Nongshim Shin Ramyun
Price: $4.49 (Target)
The thin noodles have an endearing chewy texture, holding the right amount of heat alongside the sauce to make Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun one of the internet’s favorites.
If you are not into heat, then try the black packaged version instead of the red. Target sells a four-pack for $4.49, or $1.12 each.
Bottom line
In 2022, consumers ate 121.2 billion servings of instant noodles, and interest in variations on the dish continues to grow.
Luckily, you can save more on everyday essentials like ramen and other meal components at Costco, Target, and Walmart.
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