The differences between Instant Ramen Cups and Instant Ramen Packs

When it comes to satisfying your cravings for a quick and tasty meal, few options can compete with the convenience of instant ramen. Instant ramen is a beloved meal in many households around the world, offering a budget-friendly and lightning-fast meal solution. However, there are two popular formats of instant ramen: instant ramen cups and instant ramen packs. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between these two options to help you make an informed choice next time you're in the mood for a comforting bowl of noodles.

What are we talking about when we talk about ramen?

Ramen is a beloved Japanese dish made with wheat-based noodles, rich and flavorful broth, toppings, and seasonings. The noodles, made from wheat flour, water, and salt, come in various textures and shapes. The heart of ramen lies in its broth, which can be tonkotsu (pork bone), shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), or miso (fermented soybean paste). It is simmered for hours to extract flavors from ingredients. Next, toppings such as pork, eggs, nori seaweed, scallions, and more are added to finish the meal. This harmonious combination creates ramen, with regional variations and personal preferences making each bowl unique.

It's important to keep in mind that Japan has many more noodle types than ramen, and in English, ramen is commonly used to talk about Japanese Noodles without making clear distinctions. However, this is technically wrong, and when we are referring to ramen on this blog, we mean actual ramen!

What are Instant Ramen Noodles?

Instant ramen is basically ramen that is then pre-cooked and dehydrated through a flash-frying process, which not only preserves it but also leaves a pleasing texture. The magic of instant ramen lies in its convenience; it's a meal that can be prepared in mere minutes. Simply add hot water to the noodles, along with the provided seasoning packets, and you have a hot and tasty dish at your fingertips.

Important note: in English, instant ramen is often used to refer to all kinds of instant noodles. However, many different types of noodles can be purchased in an "instant" format, such as Udon, Soba, and more.

What are Instant Ramen Cups?

Instant ramen cups bring the convenience of instant ramen to a whole new level. These portable and self-contained meals consist of pre-cooked noodles, seasonings, and toppings, all nestled inside a cup. Ramen cups are created by layering the dehydrated noodles with various toppings like dried vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. The cup is then sealed with a plastic or foil lid to keep the ingredients fresh. To prepare cup noodles, you simply add hot water directly into the cup, and a few minutes later, you have a piping hot and flavorful meal ready to enjoy.

History of Instant Ramen

Ramen actually originates from China. The word itself comes from the Chinese word “lāmiàn” which means pulled noodles. Historians are not exactly sure of the particular year it was introduced to Japan. While one theory places it on the 1660s, another argues that it could be the late 1800s or early 1900s because, by then, Chinese settlers in Japan had started selling ramen and gyoza dumplings. 

Instant Ramen Packs

Today, we have many inventors starting out from their garages, but Momofuku Ando, created the instant ramen in a small shed behind his home in 1958, which is pretty much the equivalent of a Garage. As the founder of Nissin Foods, he slept for only around 4 hours each night for a year to create a ramen product that could be cooked instantly just by adding hot water. 

His chicken ramen sold as “Chikin ramen” in Japan was an instant hit and was seen as a luxury item sold for 6 times the price of regularly cooked ramen in stores. Momofuku made the ramen using a method he created called flash frying. He would cook and season the ramen, then dry out all the water in hot oil and then package it. In later years, the seasoning packs were sold differently because they tasted better. 

Instant Ramen Cups

In 1971, Momofuku Ando realized that in America, people would break ramen into cups, add hot water, and eat it when he went on a trip. So, he came up with the product CupNoodles because he wanted to make instant ramen a global success. Apparently, he was right because CupNoodles was the push needed to make ramen popular worldwide. 

He kept on improving the CupNoodles product to include different flavors and vegetables over time. Today, Nissin Foods has sold over 50 billion Cup Noodles worldwide. 

Packaging and presentation of instant ramen

One of the most obvious distinctions between instant ramen cups and packs is their packaging and presentation.

Instant Ramen Packs

Instant ramen packs are often sold in rectangular or square-shaped plastic or paper packaging. Inside the packaging, you'll find the dried noodles and individual flavoring packets. Unlike the cups, instant ramen packs require a separate pot or bowl to cook the noodles and mix in the seasonings. This means you'll need a kitchen and hot water to prepare them.

Instant Ramen Cups

Instant ramen cups, on the other hand, come in a pre-packaged, cup-shaped container, as you may have guessed from the name. These cups are typically made of foam or plastic and are sealed with a plastic or foil lid. The noodles and seasonings are pre-portioned and placed inside the cup, making it incredibly convenient for immediate consumption. You simply add hot water and wait a few minutes before enjoying your meal directly from the cup. You don’t need a kitchen, and it takes only minutes to prepare. 

Texture of Instant Ramen

The texture of the noodles can vary between instant ramen cups and packs.

Instant Ramen Packs

Instant ramen packs usually contain dried, uncooked noodles. When you cook them, you have more control over the noodle texture, you can allow it to become very soft or eat it when it is still firm.

Instant Ramen Cups

In contrast, Noodles in instant ramen cups are typically softer and have a slightly different texture compared to those in packs. This is because the noodles in cups are often pre-cooked and then dehydrated before packaging. This way, it is edible after adding only hot water and leaving it to soak for some time. They also tend to be thinner and have a smoother texture.

Customization and toppings of instant ramen

Another significant difference lies in the level of customization you can achieve with each format.

Instant Ramen Packs

With instant ramen packs, you have the flexibility to adjust the seasoning, spice level, and ingredients to your liking. Most people like to add vegetables like ginger, pepper, carrots, seaweed, and garlic to spice up their ramen. With extra protein toppings like bacon, shrimp, beef, or chicken, you will get the perfect bowl of ramen. This flexibility makes packs a great choice for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.

Instant Ramen Cups

Ramen Cups come pre-seasoned and pre-portioned, which means there's less room for customization. While you can add ingredients like vegetables, eggs, or meat to enhance the flavor and nutritional value, you have limited choices if you are nowhere near a kitchen, which is usually the case for people who buy Instant Ramen Cups. some flavors now come with dry vegetables and meat, but it is no match for fresher versions. 

Flavor variety of instant ramen

Both instant ramen cups and packs offer a wide range of flavor options, but there may be some differences in the specific flavors available.

Instant Ramen Packs

Instant ramen packs typically provide a broader selection of flavors and brands to choose from. You can find packs with authentic regional flavors from different Asian cuisines, including miso, soy sauce, tonkotsu, and more. This variety allows you to explore different tastes and find your personal favorites.

Instant Ramen Cups

Instant ramen cups often feature a variety of flavors, including popular choices like chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables. Additionally, some brands offer premium options with more diverse and complex flavors like hot & spicy, teriyaki, soy sauce, and sesame flavors. However, the flavor options may be somewhat limited compared to packs.

In the world of instant ramen, both cups and packs have their unique advantages and are suitable for different situations. Instant ramen cups are convenient and ideal for quick meals on the go or when you're short on time. On the other hand, instant ramen packs offer more versatility, allowing you to customize your ramen experience to suit your taste preferences.

Ultimately, whether you choose instant ramen cups or packs depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Whichever you opt for, one thing is certain: you'll always have a delicious and satisfying meal at your fingertips.

Craving authentic Japanese ramen? Check out our ZenPop ramen packs from Japan today and elevate your culinary experience. Order now to bring the taste of Japan to your kitchen!