Is High-Protein Ramen Just Hype?

Walk down any grocery aisle today and you’ll see it everywhere: protein bread, protein chips, protein cereal. Brands know people are paying attention to protein, and they’re quick to slap the word on packaging. So when you see “high-protein ramen,” it’s fair to wonder: is this just another marketing gimmick, or does it actually mean something?

The answer comes down to how that protein gets there—and whether it adds anything real to your bowl. At Mike’s Mighty Good, our take is simple: the best way to give you protein is the most natural way—through real, rich bone broth.

Why Protein in Ramen Matters

Traditional instant ramen isn’t exactly known for being filling. A typical serving has about 3–5 grams of protein, which is less than a single egg. That’s why you get a quick carb hit, but you’re hungry again an hour later.

Protein changes that equation. It slows digestion, keeps you satisfied longer, and helps your body repair and recover from everything life throws at you—whether that’s a workout, a workday, or just a long night. So yes, adding more protein to ramen matters. The question is whether brands are doing it right.

Not All Protein Ramen Is Created Equal

Here’s the catch: a lot of “high-protein ramen” on shelves doesn’t actually taste great—or even deliver much protein. That’s because many brands rely on shortcuts.

  • Powdered Protein in Noodles: Some companies add protein powders directly to the noodles. While it bumps up the numbers, it often leaves an off-taste and strange texture that takes away from the ramen experience.

  • Barely-There Bone Broth: Others advertise “bone broth” on the package but bury it at the bottom of their ingredient list. That means there’s hardly any bone broth in the cup at all—so you’re not really getting the flavor or nutrition you think you are.

  • Artificial Flavoring: Some “chicken” ramens don’t even list real chicken in their ingredients. Instead, they rely on artificial flavors to mimic the taste.

That’s where the hype comes in. Slapping “protein” on a label doesn’t guarantee substance. You need to look at the numbers—and the ingredients behind them.

How We Do It Differently

At Mike’s Mighty Good, we didn’t want to play the shortcut game. When we set out to make high-protein ramen, we started with the foundation: broth.

Bone broth is naturally higher in protein than regular meat broth because it’s simmered low and slow to extract collagen, minerals, and flavor from the bones. It’s been a staple in kitchens for centuries, and for good reason: it’s both nourishing and delicious.

That’s why bone broth is our #2 ingredient—not a marketing afterthought. The result is a broth that’s rich and savory, while naturally giving you more protein per serving.

Here’s what that looks like in our cups:

Compare that to the usual 3–5 grams in classic instant ramen, and you’ll see the difference immediately. You’re getting real protein, not just a powder added to the noodles. And you’re getting it in a broth that tastes incredible on its own. Quality Matters as Much as Protein

Protein is only part of the story. For us, quality has always been the focus. That’s why our ramen is:

Other brands may chase trends, but we’re about craft. We believe ramen can be both convenient and made with care—the kind of food you feel good about eating.

Easy Ways to Boost Your Bowl Even More

One of the best things about ramen is how customizable it is. Even though our bone broth cups already deliver a real protein boost, you can easily layer on more at home if you want a heartier meal:

  • Add an egg: Poached, fried, or soft-boiled—ramen and eggs are a classic pairing.

  • Toss in tofu or tempeh: A plant-based option that soaks up broth beautifully.

  • Repurpose leftovers: A little chicken, beef, or pork from the fridge can turn your bowl into a feast.

  • Protein-rich veggies: Edamame, peas, or chickpeas are quick to add and full of nutrition.

These simple additions take just minutes but give you a meal that’s balanced, filling, and still quickt.

So—Is Protein Ramen Just Hype?

It depends. If you’re looking at a brand that only adds a sprinkle of protein powder or barely-there bone broth, then yes, it’s mostly hype. But when protein comes from real bone broth—used generously as a core ingredient—it’s not hype at all. It’s a better, smarter way to enjoy ramen.

At Mike’s Mighty Good, we believe ramen doesn’t have to be just a guilty pleasure. With real bone broth as the base, it can be a meal that fuels you, satisfies you, and still delivers all the comfort you crave from a steaming hot bowl.

Bottom line: High-protein ramen isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about doing ramen better. And when that protein comes from real bone broth, the taste and the nutrition speak for themselves.

"Mike's Mighty Good has permanently changed my lunch game. Never knew an 'instant soup' could be so good."

Charles W. "Chuck" Bryant of the Stuff You Should Know Podcast