Instant Ramen and Sodium: What You Should Know

Instant ramen has long been a go-to for quick meals, late-night snacks, and comfort food when you don’t feel like cooking. But there’s one thing many ramen fans notice right away when they flip the package: the sodium content. And in many cases, it's not just a little—it’s a lot.

If you're trying to eat more mindfully, watching your sodium intake is a great place to start. That’s where better ramen options come in.

Let’s break down why sodium is so common in ramen, what too much of it can do, and how to spot a better choice that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

Why Is There So Much Sodium in Ramen?

Some typical instant noodle packs contain around 2,000 mg of sodium—close to or even above what many guidelines suggest for an entire day.

Sodium = cheap flavor: Salt is one of the fastest and least expensive ways to make food taste good. When richer, higher-quality ingredients aren’t used, sodium often takes center stage.

Built-in preservative: High sodium keeps seasoning packets and noodles shelf-stable for months, sometimes years, without refrigeration.

In short, convenience and low cost often win out over a lower-sodium recipe—so salt ends up doing most of the heavy lifting in taste and preservation.

What Happens When You Eat Too Much Sodium?

While sodium is important in small amounts, having it in large amounts regularly can lead to a few unwanted effects:

1. Raised blood pressure – Eating a lot of salty foods over time can put extra strain on your system.
   

2. Bloating and thirst – Too much salt can leave you feeling puffy or unusually thirsty.
   

3. Kidney strain – A steady high-salt diet can be harder on your kidneys.
   

4. Salt-heavy flavor – When most of the taste comes from salt, the rest of the ingredients may not bring much to the table.

So… Is All Ramen Salty?

Not anymore. A new wave of ramen brands is focusing on better balance—using real ingredients, lower sodium levels, and recipes designed to leave you feeling satisfied, not sluggish.

At Mike’s Mighty Good, we’re proud to craft ramen that’s still ridiculously delicious, without going overboard on salt. Our ramen is thoughtfully formulated to avoid the heavy, bloated feeling many associate with traditional instant noodles.

We focus on creating well-rounded flavor with real ingredients, not just dumping in salt to make it taste good.

What to Look For in a More Balanced Bowl of Ramen

If you’re cutting back on sodium but still want a delicious ramen, here’s what matters most:

1. Check sodium per full serving
   Look for a total sodium count between 800–1,200 mg per package. Some labels list "half a package" as a serving—make sure you're doing the math for what you’ll actually eat.
   
2. Look for real ingredients
   Flavor doesn’t have to come from salt alone. Ingredients like bone broth, garlic, mushrooms, miso, and spices can build deep, satisfying flavor naturally.
   
   
3. Avoid artificial fillers
   Some brands reduce salt but replace it with synthetic enhancers. Look for clean labels with ingredients you recognize.
   
   
4. Pay attention to how noodles are made
   Steamed noodles (instead of fried) mean less processing—and less need to rely on salt to make up for it.

How We Keep Flavor First—Without Overdoing Salt

Here’s how we approach balance in every cup:

• Our ramen delivers satisfying flavor without relying on overwhelming sodium levels.
  

• We build our broths using real bone broth, slow-cooked for depth and naturally rich in protein.
  

• We avoid artificial preservatives and our chicken ramen does not contain any seed oils, instead using organic, non-GMO ingredients wherever possible.
  

• Our noodles are steamed, not fried, for a lighter texture and a cleaner eating experience.

Bottom Line: Balance Over Excess

You don’t need 2000+ mg of sodium in one bowl to enjoy ramen that tastes good. And you definitely don’t need to feel bloated or dried out after eating it.

We’re not trying to be the lowest-sodium ramen on the shelf—but we are committed to creating bowls that taste amazing and leave you feeling good afterward. By building flavor the right way—through time, care, and quality ingredients—we offer a better ramen experience, without the sodium overload.

Ready to try ramen that’s thoughtfully balanced? Try Mike’s Mighty Good Ramen!