I know I'm late on the "omgcheapveggieramenicaneat!!!" train, but I discovered this past night at a local Stater Bros. whilst searching for cheap sustenance for Spring Break!
For those who were in the dark as well, I promise you this is not a lie or a terrible, early April Fool's Day joke. Check out the official Nissin FAQ page here and scroll down to the end of the (relatively) short list:
"Our Top Ramen Oriental and Chili flavors contain no animal products." --Rejoice, vegetarians and vegans alike! We can consume not one, but two Top Ramen flavors!
I had a very good night last night, obviously. Finally, a cheap solution for late night salty junk-food cravings. I was getting sick of the $1 and up vegan insta-noodle options. It just isn't as tasty, substantial, most importantly, financially feasible. I feel like now I can eat more like a normal college student now. Nissin is typically around 50 cents or cheaper (mine were 4 for $1.00 at the Stater Brothers)!
Additionally, nutrition-wise, each container/pack of ramen actually contains 2 servings. And at 7g of fat per serving (and 800mg of sodium...), one pack of ramen can even turn into a decent meal, if you wanted it to! Add in some vegetables and cubes of tofu and you're set for a relatively healthy(?) deluxe dinner that will keep you satiated for the rest of the night.
In celebration, I decided to taste-test the oriental flavor last night. And then I tried the chili flavor this morning.
I remember eating the "oriental" flavor before as a child--and it is very much the same basic, salty flavor as it was before. The chili flavor, however, is most likely a newer Nissin innovation. It packs a bit more of a punch, but is definitely not "spicy" by any means.
Overall, I am thrilled to have finally discovered these two mainstream veggie options for cheap-but-delicious supermarket ramen.
