Halal Instant Noodles and Ramen Brands in the USA

Why is instant ramen a halal question?

The noodles are almost always fine: wheat flour, oil and salt. The question is the flavor packet.

Real meat in the powder. Chicken and beef flavors often contain powdered chicken, chicken fat, beef fat or beef extract. That meat comes from animals not stated as slaughtered the halal way. Scholars differ on such meat, and certifiers that require a Muslim slaughterer do not accept it. So we mark these as "depends."

Flavor with no source. Some packets say "chicken flavor" or "natural flavor" without naming any meat. The flavor could be made from plants or from meat, and the label does not say.

Hidden animal fat. Chicken fat or beef fat can sit in the seasoning even when the front of the pack shows vegetables. Read the full ingredient list.

The same brand can be halal in another country

Many noodle brands make halal-certified versions for Muslim-majority countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, with their own halal logo. The US packs of the same brand can use different meat. Indomie's maker, for example, lists halal certification from LPPOM MUI in Indonesia. Look for the halal logo on the pack you are holding.

How can you check a pack yourself?

• Read the soup base, not just the noodles. Look for chicken, beef, chicken fat, beef fat, beef extract or pork.
• Choose meat-free flavors. Soy sauce, chili, kimchi or vegetable flavors often contain no meat. Check the label first.
• Look for a halal logo and the name of the certifier, especially on imported packs.
• Use your own seasoning. Many people cook the noodles and add halal broth or spices instead of the packet.

Frequently asked questions

Is Maruchan ramen halal?

Maruchan does not say its US ramen is halal. The Chicken flavor lists powdered cooked chicken, and the Beef flavor lists beef fat. Neither is stated as halal.

Is Top Ramen halal?

Top Ramen Chicken lists powdered chicken and rendered chicken fat, so it is doubtful. Nissin says Top Ramen Soy Sauce and Top Ramen Chili contain no ingredients of animal origin.

Is Shin Ramyun halal in the USA?

The US Shin Ramyun Original lists beef bone extract, beef extract and beef fat, not stated as halal. Halal versions are sold in some other countries with a halal logo.

Is Buldak halal?

The US Buldak Original lists no meat, but it contains an artificial chicken flavor powder with natural flavor, and Samyang does not explain the source. That makes it doubtful unless the pack has a halal logo.

Is Indomie halal?

Indomie's maker lists halal certification from LPPOM MUI, Indonesia's halal authority, but does not say which products it covers. Packs made for Indonesia carry the MUI halal logo. Check for the logo on the pack you buy.