Top 13 Air-dried Ramen Noodles in the World 2024

Healthier, tastier instant ramen is on the way

Now, students and noodle-lovers everywhere can delight in a healthy ramen option. Noodles, a foodie-favorite, which are said to have originated in China before gaining traction in Korea and Japan, have grown to become one of the world’s most popular dishes.

Instant noodles, often cheap and easy to prepare, have even become a survival staple in times of crisis. Unfortunately, instant noodles have a reputation for not being the healthiest of foods.

However, that is about to change as more manufacturers produce "healthier" instant noodles to meet customers' demands for fresher and healthier food.

The difference between these "healthy" instant noodles and regular instant noodles is the way the noodles are made and preserved for a longer shelf life.

It is said that the raw noodles are naturally sun-dried or dehydrated using air-drying technology, which are supposed to be "healthier" than those that are made using the traditional method of frying.

Over the past few years, instant noodle manufacturers, particularly those from Taiwan, have found great success in producing and marketing "healthy" instant noodles.

Not only are their instant noodles sold out in Taiwan, but also in neighboring regions like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Now, ramen lovers in Europe and America are also turning to and searching for these air-dried instant noodles!

What are Air Dried Noodles?

When it comes to ramen noodles themselves, they are made from just 4 ingredients–flour, water, salt, and kansui.

As you may know, instant noodles are fried and sun-dried noodles. Usually sold with a seasoning packet. The reason why instant noodles are widely liked by people is that they are a kind of convenience food, which can be enjoyed quickly in a limited time. 

The reason why air dried ramen noodles can stand out among many noodles is because of their unique way of making. Air dried ramen, as the name suggests, are noodles made by steaming and air-drying, without frying on the way. Such a manufacturing process reduces the fat content of the noodles, further providing healthier and more delicious noodles.

Also, air dried ramen noodles are made from wheat, salt, and water without adding any preservatives or artificial flavoring. Each serving of these air dried noodles contains 10 grams of plant-based protein.

What is the best brand of air-dried ramen noodles? What's the best air-dried ramen flavor? 

We've prepared a list of delicious air-dried instant noodles, and you're sure to find one you'll really want to buy and taste! They are mainly from China, Korea, Japan, Singapore in Asia!

Where can I buy authentic air-dried ramen?

• Amazon  – The most convenient way to buy instant ramen noodles. While most of Amazon’s stock is bulk boxes, the boutique sites will even let you order individual packs, most of them priced from $0.50-$3, with exceptions for some of the best. 

• Walmart(Up To 3% Cash Back) – Walmart sells instant ramen online and in the stores.

• Online stores – Air-dried ramen noodles are also readily available in Asian grocery stores these days, and can be easily explored through e-commerce sites like Umamicart, Yami, and Weee (Up To $10 Cash Back) .

• Specialty stores – Even Amazon’s formidable selection is dwarfed by sites specializing in instant noodles, including Ramen Place, 24/7 Japanese Candy and Asian Food Grocer. And though availability can be a little spotty while everybody stocks up, there are literally hundreds of styles out there. 

• Asian Markets – You’re very likely to find instant ramen at your local Asian market.

• Your Local Store – Your local bodega, gas station, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, are known to carry instant ramen noodles.

• Whole Foods – If you stop at Whole Foods, you’ll find instant ramen in the aisle with Asian products.

• Kroger (Up To 2% Cash Back)  – Look in the international aisle for several brands of instant noodles in-store.

• Wegmans – Live near a Wegmans? Look in the international products aisle for instant ramen noodles.

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The most popular & delicious air-dried (non-fried) instant noodles brands and flavors ranking

#1.                                           Asha Healthy Ramen Noodles, Tainan Noodles

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A-Sha Foods, a brand started in 1977, brings only the highest quality ingredients to authentic Taiwanese ramen noodles. Asha Foods presents healthy ramen noodles that will make you fall in love at first bite. 

A-Sha Foods is now available at some of the most wide-reaching retailers, including Amazon, Costco, Walmart, Target, T&T, Sobey’s and H-Mart. 

A-Sha Foods has been recognized as one of the top 500 fastest-growing private companies by Inc. Magazine on its 2020 and 2021 Inc. 5000 list and was selected as one of the Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time for more than five consecutive years.  Recently, A-Sha Foods was ranked #4 on Los Angeles Business Journal’s list of 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.

What makes A-Sha Noodles unique and how did it become a cult favorite?

A-Sha Noodles uses a patented 18-hour air-drying process to create air-dried and “never fried” noodles without a broth. The noodles pack 10 grams of plant-based protein per serving.

A-Sha became a cult favorite by having the credentials of ‘best in class’, at affordable prices, while remaining relevant to pop culture and the latest trends.

The brand frequently collaborates with other well-known brands and characters, ranging from Sanrio to Momofuku's David Chang, and now, BT21. 

Slightly chewy noodles with a delightful hint of Asian flavor. Fresh, hot, flavorful, and aromatic. A tasty, satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish satisfying for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. 

Add these authentic ramen noodles to your pantry today!

Choose your favorite flavored Asian noodles: original, sesame paste, onion, extra-spicy ghost pepper, chili (mala), spicy BBQ, spicy fennel, or sesame oil scallion. 

Bite into a variety of handmade inspired noodle styles: thin Tainan; medium Mandarin; wide, flat Hakka; and extra-wide knife cut. 

But despite all these factors that make A-Sha stand apart, the brand still provides the same quick cooking process and convenience that you expect from ramen. Just boil water, cook the noodles for three minutes, drain, and add the sauce. 

Considering the bevy of other noodle options in Taiwan alone, A-Sha's #1 standing is a pretty ringing endorsement -- and having tried it myself, I definitely see why.

Soft texture with smooth taste.

If that traditional bowl of ramen doesn't entice slurping, these Tainan-style noodles might be a tasty alternative.

A-Sha’s flagship product is its Tainan thin noodle, a dry or brothless noodle dish (gan mian) coated with either a soy sauce–based or sesame paste–based sauce. But today, the brand sells about 40 noodle styles, with and without broth, including a thick and squiggly knife-cut Hakka noodle, collaborations with brands like Hello Kitty and Momofuku, and a tendon noodle soup that’s been on the top ten list at Ramen Rater for years.      

No matter what flavor, the key to A-Sha’s brand—the name of which means “prestige,” according to Chang—is keeping the ingredients pure and simple. A-Sha uses 99.9 percent finely sifted wheat flour with no filler, which yields each noodle serving about 11 grams of protein (compared to the typical 5 grams). Then the noodles are air-dried for 18 hours, rather than deep-fried like most dried instant noodle blocks. Chang says that this focus on the noodle itself leads to better flavor and texture as well as nutritional value. But the price point is low: a pack of five servings of the Tainan thin noodle usually retails for $12.99. And convenience is still the key ingredient—the raison d’être of all instant noodles with a soup or sauce included for one serving, ready to eat as a meal in minutes.

While the brand is committed to retaining many of the same processes that have been in place to craft its noodles since 1977, Chang isn’t afraid to experiment with new styles, too. A-Sha introduced a new blade-cut noodle that it calls “meteor noodle.” It features a uniquely ridged texture that might resemble a star when cut through the middle, thanks to an additional blade applied to the sheet of noodle as it’s cut through a machine.

#2.                                           Prima Taste Wholegrain Laksa La Mian

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Prima Taste’s Singapore Laksa Wholegrain LaMian remains in the no. 1 spot in The Ramen Rater’s “Top 10 Instant Noodles of All Time 2022 Edition”. For seven consecutive years since its debut in 2015, Prima Taste’s Laksa Wholegrain LaMian has managed to defend its title of The Ramen Rater’s Top Instant Noodles Of All Time.

Prima Taste’s Singapore Laksa Wholegrain LaMian has proven to be an all-time favourite for the instant noodle connoisseur, Hans Lienesch. Prima Taste’s Singapore Laksa Wholegrain LaMian is best known for its rich Laksa broth and a multicultural blend of aromatics and spices brought together by smooth coconut milk.

Launched in 1998, Prima Taste is a Singaporean household brand that takes local favourites and turns them global. With a strong reputation for authentic flavours and excellent quality, Prima Taste delivers fuss-free hawker fare to over 40 major markets, worldwide.

Prima Taste's Singapore Laksa Wholegrain LaMian is especially popular among American bloggers and travelers. More and more tourists want to bring home the "flavor" of Singapore, and some of them buy local-flavored instant noodles as souvenirs.

Boasting a firm bite and texture, on top of its nutritional benefits, the premium noodles are steamed and non-fried.

#3.                                           Prima Taste Laksa La Mian

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Premium laksa "instant" noodles are high quality noodles in aromatic creamy coconut and shrimp flavored soup. 

The non-fried whole-grain noodles have a rustic hearty feel and swim in a wonderfully rich and authentic laksa flavored broth made with coconut and a slew of aromatic herbs. With layers of heat and flavor, this is as gourmet as instant noodles get!

Prima Taste aims to create Singapore cuisine that offers great tasting and healthy food. For that, their food products contain no MSG, no artificial colouring or preservatives. On top of that, sugar, salt and fat are kept to a minimum. Other natural ingredients are added to maintain the authentic Singapore hawker food.

#4.                                           Prima Taste Singapore Curry La Mian

Prima Taste Singapore Curry La Mian Instant Noodles is certified Halal.

The curry broth had good body with nice spice aromas and taste. The spice flavour was mild and it wasn't too spicy. This curry la mian differs from Prima Taste's Laksa La Mian which has more hae bee (dried shrimps) in the sambal paste. So, Prima Taste's Curry La Mian is a good alternative for curry lovers who don't like too much robust hae bee taste or flavour.

#5.                                           Momofuku Dried Noodles

If you're not familiar, Momofuku is the restaurant group and brand of celebrity chef David Chang, who introduced his own version of instant ramen noodles back in 2021. 

The noodles have sold out several times over, and garnered a veritable fan following.

Momofuku’s Dried Noodles are upscale packaged ramen noodles for adults. The brand partnered with A-Sha Noodles to create these bangin’ meals-in-a bag smothered in its signature sauces. 

A-Sha’s Noodles are air-dried with an 18-hour drying process, which results in 25 percent fewer calories than most instant noodles, no cholesterol, and 11 grams of protein per serving. 

The complete cook time is only four minutes, which is necessary when you’re drunk and starving. 

Momofuku has three types of dried noodles — Soy & Scallion, Spicy Soy, and Tingly Chili — so you get the full range of flavor.

Soy & Scallion Noodles – a base of soy sauce and sesame oil creates the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors.

Spicy Soy Noodles – a punchy blend of soy sauce, chili, and sesame oil makes a perfect combination of savory and spicy flavors.

Tingly Chili Wavy Noodles – an aromatic blend of chili paste, Sichuan spices and sesame oil builds to a mix of savory, spicy, and tingly flavors.

My favorite is the Spicy Soy, which has just the right amount of spiciness. If you're a real fan of heat, add Sriracha, hot peppers, or the brand's Chili Crunch for extra heat. The accompanying sauce is delicious and very tangy too, so if you're watching your salt intake or want a lighter bowl, use half the sauce packet and add a little water for more broth. I am really satisfied!

#6.                                           Mom's Dry Noodles: Traditional Dan Dan Mian

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Mom's Dry Noodle, an award-winning ramen that's expertly and exquisitely flavoured.

"Mom's Dry Noodle is a promising premium noodle brand originated from Taiwan that uses all-natural ingredients for its products to provide a healthier option for consumers and supports local agriculture. Mom's Dry Noodle's consumers range from children to elders. We want consumers to associate our brand with the taste of home. With a bowl of Taiwanese noodles, we want to remind Taiwanese living abroad of home, and providing the rest of the world with authentic and delicious Taiwanese dishes," says Kyle Kao, co-founder of Mom's Dry Noodle.

The award-winning Mom's Dry Noodle is well-known for its red chili oil flavoring made from pepper and canola oil. It's then mixed with sesame seeds roasted at low temperatures and topped with crispy garlic flakes. These ingredients give the noodles a burst of flavors from sweet, salty, to spicy - all in one.

The brand's noodles are globally recognized by The Ramen Rater blog, a bellwether for the quality of noodles worldwide, ranking Mom's Chengdu-style dan-dan noodles No. 7 on its 2020 World's Top Ten Noodles list.

Enjoy the complex and satisfying flavors of dan dan mian, or dan dan noodles - a classic from Chinese Sichuan cuisine - in minutes! Instant noodles with a fresh taste, the layered flavors of garlic, Sichuan peppercorn, sesame, chili oil, and soy sauce will dance lovingly on your taste buds with each bite of the soft chewy noodles. 

#7.                                           Kiki Noodles Scallion Oil & Soy Sauce Flavor Noodle (KiKi食品雜貨蔥油拌麵)

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Have you heard of Taiwanese KiKi noodles? It's the latest instant noodle obsession, and it's finally hitting stores in Southeast Asia, North America and more.

While it looks just like a usual pack of instant noodles, KiKi’s noodles are actually handmade and sun-dried instead of frying. They are also made only with flour and water and doesn’t contain any preservatives or additives.

What sets KiKi noodles apart from the competition is also the condiment flavours that come with the noodles, making the chewy noodles extra tasty.

There are a number of flavours to choose from:

• Pepper

• Vinegar

• Onion

• Sesame

• Barbecue Sauce

• Scallion

• Spicy Vinegar

Asians who love spicy food will love it! The delicate aroma instantly brought back the memories of our beloved restaurant dishes!

The Sun-dried noodles come in Sichuan Pepper and Aromatic Scallion. The Scallion oil noodles were light and fragrant, springy and al dente. The Sichuan pepper noodles were more intense, with a strong peppercorn fragrance and the 'numbness' from the pepper adds a dimension of 'shiokness'.

#8.                                           Tseng Noodles Scallion With Sichuan Pepper Flavor (曾拌麵香蔥椒麻口味)

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Tseng Noodles or Zheng Noodles is one of the most famous brand noodles in Taiwan.

Let us introduce you today to the culinary excellence of healthy noodles, Tseng Noodles by Tseng Kuo-Cheng. You may not be familiar with the culinary genius, but in Taiwan, Tseng Kuo-Cheng is a household name. When he gives a dish his approval, few would dare disagree. 

As a veteran host of a variety of cooking shows, he has tried foods from every corner of the world. Through his gastronomic journey of over 30 years and with his personal love of the humble noodle, he has learned to create the perfect bowl of noodles. 

Tseng Kuo-Cheng has poured his heart and soul into Tseng Noodles. He had learned the principles of the Perfect Noodle; handmade and sun-dried noodles coated with several varities of Sichuan peppers fried at low temperature to bring out their fullest flavor. The result is spicy, fragrant, rich and unforgettable flavor that lingers in the mouth.

The noodles are unusual because they have a scalloped, thin edge, while the centerline is thicker, giving it the "mouth feel and texture of a noodle that is both thick and thin at the same time." Sichuan pepper oil and scallion flavor give it a good savory taste that is not too spicy or salty.

Tseng Noodles has successfully distributed and exported its products internationally. It has found its way to Costco, Jason’s Market, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, expanding its market to the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, and Malaysia.

#11.                                           Maruchan - Seimen Japanese Instant Ramen Noodles Pork Bone Soy Sauce Taste 

MARUCHAN Seimen Instant Ramen Noodles Pork Bone Soy Sauce Taste. 

Are you a ramen lover? Miss ramen you had in Japan? Maruchan Seimen series is very close to ‘real’ ramen that you might have enjoyed at ramen restaurants in Japan. 

These noodles are air dried and not deep fried, competing against the Nissin Raoh brand of noodles which are also air dried.  Both are more deluxe brands as they have liquid soup bases rather than powder (but some powdered bases are really good too) and feature higher quality noodles. 

Choose your favorite flavor! Maruchan Seimen Ramen comes in 4 different flavors; Tonkotsu, Shio, Soy Sauce and Miso.

The noodles thickness is different for each flavor. Thick noodles for Miso, thin noodles for Tonkotsu, medium thickness for Salt and Soy Sauce flavors.

MARUCHAN Seimen Instant Ramen Noodles Pork Bone Soy Sauce Taste. 

Thick and succulent pork bone stock and soy sauce soup with a spicy touch and medium thick non-fried noodles are the authentic tonkotsu taste of this instant ramen pack from Maruchan. 

Boil the noodles for 2 minutes in 500ml of water, add the soup sachet and mix well. Add some vegetables and sliced or minced meat for fully enjoy the tonkotsu flavour. 

#12.                                           Nissin Raoh Ramen, Umami Tonkotsu Flavor

The name "Raoh" is short for  "Ramen Oh," which means "Ramen King" in Japanese. As the name suggests, Nissin's Raoh line is a "fancier" instant ramen. 

What’s so great about this instant ramen is that it is made with fresh, chewy, and triple-layered, air-dried noodles. Not only that but the instant noodles are not fried, but rather steam cooked. When you get this ramen, you will feel like you’re in a Japanese restaurant.

There are three flavors to choose from: soy sauce, miso, and tonkotsu. If you want to stay away from white cups. You will be pleasantly surprised that Nissin has taken instant tonkotsu pork flavor ramen to another level. The soup tastes tangy, salty and slightly porky.

The thick, slippery noodles are about as wide as bucatini, and are chewier than most other noodles. It also comes closer to fresh ramen noodles. 

The Raoh line is slightly more expensive than other Nissin noodle products but is well worth the try.

#13.                                           Samyang Buldak Ramen, Light Hot Chicken Flavored

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Samyang Foods was South Korea’s first instant ramen noodle maker.

Samyang's delicious Buldak Stir-Fried Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen is considered one of the spiciest instant noodles in Korea. If you're a fan of spicy food, it's definitely a must-try. 

Notoriously known for their spicy noodles, the Korean brand became a household sensation when the ‘Fire Noodle Challenge’ whipped up a storm across the net, leaving many drenched in sweat and tears as they attempt to finish packets of the incredibly potent instant noodles. 

Haven't we already eaten all the Buldak Ramen? No, because according to Samyang, they now also need a lighter version of their popular Buldak series.

The version not only has 40% less spiciness, but the noodles are also considered to be healthier as they are not fried—resulting in fewer calories per serving (375kcal) as compared to the original version (530kcal). 

The “light” version was indeed milder and friendlier to the stomach. Despite the reduced spiciness, the noodles retained its addictiveness, which left fans wanting more. 

How to eat instant noodles healthier?

Air-dried Ramen noodles are most healthy when combined with other ingredients to create a nutritious meal. Air-dried ramen is great to use as a base for a variety of healthy dishes and it is easy to prepare quickly. 

Is eating instant noodles harmful to health?

Occasionally eating instant noodles is safe, but if you eat instant noodles for multiple meals, you may be malnourished. This is because instant noodles are mainly carbohydrates, with limited protein and vitamins or minerals, and seasonings can be high in sodium, and seasoned oils or fried noodles also contain fat.

We share the following tips so that everyone can eat instant noodles healthier.

1. ·Don't choose fried instant noodles, choose air-dried or whole wheat instant noodles.

2. · Reduce the seasoning of instant noodles. If the instant noodles come with palm oil-based seasoning oil, you can use your own garlic oil or sesame oil instead.

3. ·When cooking instant noodles, add vegetables. You can create a healthier, affordable meal by adding inexpensive, rinsed canned beans and frozen veggies to it. Other options could be fresh or frozen veggies like cauliflower, spiralized zucchini, seaweed, kimchi, carrots, or spinach to inject your meal with nutrients. These will add nutritious fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals to the meal and reduce the amount of sodium and saturated fat. 

4. If adding meat, choose fish, lean meat or skinless chicken instead of processed meats such as lunch meat, ham or sausage.

5. ·Tofu or eggs can be added as a healthier protein choice.

6. · Some instant noodles come in larger portions, ranging from 65 grams of noodles with 43 grams of carbohydrates, to 112 grams of noodles with 75 grams of carbohydrates. People with diabetes or those who are on a diet should pay more attention.

7. ·The ingredient label of some large packages of instant noodles is based on two servings. If you calculate the calories of the whole package of instant noodles, you should pay attention to multiplying the calories listed on the package by two.

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