Why Eating Organic Wheat Matters More Than You Think (Especially in Your Ramen)

When we think about eating better, we usually focus on the obvious things: more vegetables, less sugar, fewer preservatives. But one ingredient often flies under the radar — wheat.

And that’s surprising, considering how many everyday foods depend on it. Bread. Pasta. Crackers. And yes — ramen.

Wheat is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world, which means even small differences in quality can have a big impact over time. If you eat wheat regularly (and most of us do), how it’s grown, stored, and processed really matters.

It’s Not Just About Farming

Many people assume that choosing organic is only about avoiding pesticides during growing. That’s definitely part of the story — non-organic wheat is commonly treated with chemical pesticides and herbicides while in the field.

But there’s more happening after harvest.

Conventional wheat is often fumigated during storage to prevent insects and spoilage. These fumigation chemicals can linger on the grain long after it leaves the silo and makes its way into flour. That flour then becomes the base for noodles, baked goods, and countless packaged foods.

So even if wheat looks clean and natural on the outside, what happens behind the scenes matters just as much.

Processing Adds Another Layer

Once wheat becomes flour, it usually enters large-scale manufacturing. For noodle production in particular, there are additional steps that can introduce unwanted exposure.

Many factories rely on industrial boilers to generate steam during processing. If those systems use chemical treatments to prevent scale buildup or corrosion (which is common), there’s potential for indirect contact between treated steam and food.

Then comes frying.

Most instant ramen on the market is flash-fried in oil to dehydrate the noodles quickly. While effective for shelf life, frying adds extra fat and changes the structure of the noodle — not to mention introducing another processing step that distances food further from its original form.

All of this adds up.

Wheat already goes through a long journey from field to bowl. Every extra chemical treatment or heavy processing step is one more reason to pay attention to what you’re eating.

Why Organic Wheat Makes a Difference

Organic wheat standards don’t just limit pesticide use during farming — they also restrict post-harvest chemical treatments like fumigation. That means organic flour typically avoids many of the compounds used to preserve conventional grain during storage.

Choosing organic wheat helps reduce overall chemical exposure across the entire supply chain, not just at the farm level.

And when wheat is a daily staple, those choices matter.

Why the Source Matters Too

Not all wheat is created equal.

Climate, soil quality, and farming practices all influence protein content, texture, and flavor. North American wheat is especially known for its consistency and strength — qualities that matter when making noodles that hold their shape, have a satisfying bite, and don’t turn mushy.

Starting with high-quality wheat means less manipulation later. When the base ingredient is strong, you don’t need to rely on heavy processing to make it work.

A Better Way to Make Ramen

At Mike’s Mighty Good, we believe real food starts with real ingredients.

That’s why we use organic North American wheat in our ramen. It’s grown without synthetic pesticides, avoids chemical fumigation during storage, and delivers the structure and taste we’re looking for — naturally.

But we didn’t stop there.

Instead of frying our noodles like most instant ramen brands, we steam them.

Steaming gently cooks and dries the noodles without submerging them in oil. The result? A lighter noodle with less fat and a cleaner texture — one that lets the broth and toppings shine.

It’s a slower process. It takes more care. But it keeps our ramen closer to real food.

Real Ingredients, Real Choices

We know convenience matters. Life is busy, and ramen is supposed to be easy. But easy doesn’t have to mean ultra-processed.

By choosing organic wheat, sourcing responsibly, and steaming instead of frying, we’re rethinking what instant ramen can be. Every step is designed to respect the ingredient — not cover it up.

Because when something is as fundamental as wheat, it deserves attention.

So the next time you’re enjoying a bowl of Mike’s Mighty Good, remember: it starts with organic North American wheat, thoughtfully processed, gently steamed, and crafted to be as close to real food as possible.

That’s Mighty Good — and it’s how ramen should be.

 

"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