So, here are the results:
On the left, we have the current favorite, Maruchan. They have a greater variety of flavors, including "roast chicken" and "creamy chicken" (the latter of which is my favorite).
At $0.17 per package at King Soopers, it's also the cheapest.
On the right, we have the challenger, Top Ramen. They have fewer flavors, though they have one non-standard flavor "picante beef" that sounds interesting (actually that's what a cheesy marketer might call pho...). At $1.00/3 packages at King Soopers, cheap, but not as cheap as the other.
Long story short, the Maruchan is still my favorite. Top Ramen had a peculiar aftertaste (no doubt they both have peculiar tastes, but I'm just used to the Maruchan) and seemed a bit oily (though the nutritional data on the package is the same). The noodles in the Top Ramen seemed a bit better quality, but not enough to offset the difference of flavor.
Long live Maruchan...
Yes, I'm still silly.
10 comments:
I still like Ramen, too, although I haven't had any since I started WW. I would usually cook them, drain the water, slather them in butter and half the seasoning packet and down the hatch.
Which is why I haven't had any since I started WW...
Hmmm... that sounds interesting! (Granted, anything slathered in butter has some appeal.)
Top Ramen noodles also dissolve into mush if you don't eat them fast enough. Thus, Maruchan for me too.
Although, if you can find Sapporo Ichiban anywhere, that's better than Maruchan (IMHO).
Uh, ::raises hand:: I still eat that stuff too. I haven't had any since yesterday. And I just grab whichever one is on the shelf at the store I'm in. They're all fine (including the Sapporo Ichiban).
Top Ramen has a "Spicy Chili" flavor that's kinda GAK, but most of the other flavors are o.k. Actually, other than the color, the flavors are pretty much interchangeable. They're just varying levels of salt as far as I can tell.
And I call them all "Meat Soup". Cut up whatever leftover is in the fridge and chuck some in while it's boiling. Leftover veggies too.
Maruchan is 100% the best, "Top Ramen", while having the advantage in brand recognition (largely based on jokes and comedians I think), but Maruchan is MUCH better.
Also, we usually make a side dish instead of soup. Drain most of the water out (leaving a bit), and put half the season packet in. Mix well, and you have a flavorful pan of noodles that sits on a plate well. :)
Yes, now that I'm dieting, Ramen is no longer on the menu. Someday... Someday...
I put veg (usually sliced mushrooms and green onions) in mine too, Nathan. I feel like the flavors are different, but it could just be my imagination.
I'll keep an eye out for Sapporo Ichiban, MWT!
What is their WW/dieting sin? Carbs?
They don't seem to have a lot of fat. The sodium is probably off the charts though.
Hi...my name is Wendy...I'm an adult and eat Ramen noodles...
Matter of fact I stocked up on the last grocery run!
Yep, just had some the other night as well - Maruchan Creamy Chicken (da bomb). Made a double batch and the other half will go to work with me tomorrow. I too use the drain, butter and season packet method to prepare them, from time to time throw in a handful of frozen veggies like corn or broccoli.
I seem to remember the Campbell's Soup folks trying to enter the ramen market a while back. They claimed their product used less fat/oil in the noodles. It was ok, but they never had many flavors. Don't think it lasted too long, I haven't seen it for years.
So I'll just stick with the 10 or so flavors of Maruchan the local Kroger & Publix stores carry. Yum.
Also try beating an egg, then dribbling that into the pot while stirring. Pseudo egg drop soup. :)
Recently I've discovered that frozen chicken tenders boil up well in it too. (Put them in first so they have time to cook before adding noodles.)
I've actually downgraded to JUST eating Maruchan and etc. Back when I was in college, I was a connoisseur of the imports. The basic rule of thumb there: the more little packets of things it comes with, the better it tastes. Alas, also more expensive...
I still love ramen.
Back in college Cindy and I used to plan episodes of our public access cable TV show "Cooking With Ramen", aimed at students and other destitute people. A year or so ago someone published a ramen cookbook. We feel like our (not that unique) idea was stolen. Or that someone actually did something about it, instead of sit around and just bullshit.
Anyway, I love that you did this. :)
I don't think you're silly at all. They each taste different, no doubt. I used to eat Ramen when I was dirt poor as it was less than .10 a packet. Haven't been able to bring myself to eat that or pot pies (.10 at the exchange at the time).
Janeice, I swear I thought it read WW as in world war, although I haven't thought as WW as anything but weight watchers for over a decade...
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