Wondering whether chicken ramen is vegan-friendly or not? Let’s crack this debate open and find out!
Chicken ramen is not vegan as it contains chicken and sometimes eggs. Both of which are animal products. But some brands make vegan-friendly ramen noodles. And they often use plant-based ingredients to create a similar chicken flavor.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the ingredients and plant-based substitutes for that lip-smacking ramen flavor. Plus, I’ll dish on some savvy label-reading tips to spot whether a chicken ramen pack is vegan-approved.
The Secret Ingredients That Make Chicken Ramen Irresistible
Chicken ramen is like a warm hug in a bowl! Made with thin, wheat-based noodles in a delicious chicken broth. With savory soy sauce, miso paste, or other umami-rich ingredients.
You can get this tasty Japanese treat at a ramen restaurant. Or pick an instant noodle version at your local grocery store. It’s the perfect meal to snuggle up with on chilly days. And you can enhance it with your fav toppings and spices.
But chicken ramen might be a no-go for those of you following a vegan lifestyle. The big question on everyone’s mind is whether chicken ramen is vegan-friendly.
The following ingredients spice up chicken ramen:
- Chicken broth: This forms the backbone of chicken ramen. Made by boiling chicken bones and meat for hours. It’s like the secret sauce that makes everything taste better.
- Chicken meat or chicken-flavored seasoning: At the same time, others opt for a more subtle flavor, with seasoning having just a hint of chicken.
- Wheat noodles: Made from wheat flour and water, these noodles are a staple in ramen and provide a chewy texture to the dish.
- Soy sauce: This salty savior is the protagonist of many Japanese dishes, and ramen is no exception. It’s like a flavor bomb that explodes in your mouth, leaving behind a mark of savory goodness.
- Salt: Used to season the broth and balance the flavors. The OG seasoning that brings out the best in everything!
- Sugar: It’s the Ying to salt’s Yang, balancing out the broth’s flavors.
- Spices and herbs: These are the flavor boosters that take your ramen game to the next level. The aromatic blend of ginger, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Vegetable oil: Used to sauté vegetables and provide a smooth texture to the broth, it makes everything come together.
- Dehydrated vegetables: Veggies include carrots, onions, and garlic. These are rehydrated when the soup is prepared.
So we’ve got some bad news for vegans out there.
If you’re a vegan, then you might wanna steer clear of chicken ramen. Why? Because the main culprits behind its non-vegan status are chicken broth and meat. Or even chicken-flavored seasonings.
But wait, there’s more! Some instant ramen noodles contain eggs, which are also not vegan. So read the label carefully before purchasing chicken ramen to see if it is vegan-friendly.
Vegan Alternatives to Non-Vegan Ingredients
So chicken ramen is NOT vegan! But don’t worry. There are plenty of other tasty options out there for you. Let’s find out some vegan substitutes for its non-vegan ingredients.
1. Vegan Chicken-Flavored Seasoning
If you’re craving the taste of chicken but don’t wanna compromise your vegan values, fear not! There are plant-based chicken-flavored seasonings out there. For instance, soy protein, nutritional yeast, and a sprinkle of spices.
2. Vegan Noodles
Wheat noodles in ramen are often vegan-friendly. After all, they’re made with just wheat flour and water. But let me warn you: some instant noodles contain eggs. Not so vegan-friendly, right? Make sure to read the label or ingredient list before slurping up those noodles!
3. Vegan Broth Alternatives
Are you craving some ramen but wanna steer clear of that chicken broth? You can opt for some awesome alternatives like veggie broth, miso paste, or even kombu (a funky seaweed). These goodies make for a delicious and convenient soup base!
4. Other Vegan Substitutions
Craving some flavor for your broth? Grab some vegan-friendly ingredients to spice things up. Mushrooms bring the meaty and umami goodness. Seaweed is the salty and savory queen. Soy sauce is the salty savior.
Sprinkle some colorful and nutritious veggies. Top with Bok choy, carrots, and onions for a delicious and healthy treat. Soup’s on!
Label Reading Tips
Before you grab that chicken ramen off the shelf, take a moment to read the label. Trust me; it’s worth it! The label tells you everything you need to know. From the ingredients to potential allergens. And most importantly, whether it’s vegan-friendly or not.
Want to know if that chicken ramen is vegan? Look for these clues on the label:
- Chicken-based ingredients: If you spot chicken broth or chicken meat listed on that ramen label, it’s a no-go. Keep searching for that perfect meat-free noodle variant.
- Animal-derived ingredients: Chicken ramen might be sneaky with some non-vegan ingredients. These could be eggs, milk, and fish sauce. Make sure to double-check that label before you slurp it.
- Vegan certifications: When in doubt about if that ramen is vegan, look for the vegan certification logo! Third-party organizations officially certify some eatables as vegan-friendly. If yes, then you can devour it without any ethical guilt.
Here are a few non-vegan ingredients that may be present in chicken ramen:
- Chicken broth or chicken meat
- Eggs (in some instant noodle varieties)
- Milk powder or creamer
- Fish sauce or oyster sauce
- Gelatin (used as a thickener in some soup bases)
- Honey or other animal-derived sweeteners
You wouldn’t wear a dress that doesn’t fit. So why put noodles in your body that don’t fit your dietary needs? Check that chicken ramen label and make an informed decision. Your tummy and taste buds will thank you!
Final Thoughts
So… the answer to the million-dollar question, is chicken ramen vegan or not? It all comes down to the ingredients used. If it has chicken-based ingredients or other animal-derived products like eggs, milk, and fish sauce, then it’s a no-go for vegans.
But fear not; vegan alternatives are available to meet your ramen cravings. Just keep your eyes open for vegan certifications or labels. Or better yet, get creative and make your own vegan ramen using your favorite ingredients.
