Top Ramen has been a staple in dorm rooms for years, primarily due to its affordability and straightforward preparation methods. Now, a healthier recipe has been introduced to appeal to its loyal consumer base. Traditionally, Top Ramen targets individuals aged 20 to 35, including college students, recent graduates living independently, and young families. This demographic often operates on a tight budget and has limited time for cooking while showing a growing interest in fresh and nutritious foods, making this new recipe particularly appealing.
However, the reformulation of Top Ramen isn’t necessarily making it stand out; rather, it helps the brand stay competitive with other products on the market. In 2016, Nissin’s Cup Noodles underwent changes to reduce their sodium content, eliminate added MSG, and remove artificial flavors. Earlier this summer, they launched a new line called Very Veggie, which includes a full serving of vegetables. The updated Top Ramen recipe, which incorporates calcium citrate ingredients, should resonate with its target audience and even attract older consumers reminiscing about their college days.
Nevertheless, those monitoring their sodium intake may still be hesitant to choose instant noodles. The original chicken flavor contained 76% of the recommended daily sodium allowance per package, while the revised version has been reduced to 64.6%. Although this is an improvement, it still falls short of being heart-healthy. Regardless, Top Ramen’s initiative to create a healthier product is a promising step towards clean label reform. When even affordable convenience foods embrace this trend, it encourages other consumer packaged goods manufacturers to follow suit. Reformulating an already popular product is often more cost-effective than investing in research and development for a new one that may not succeed. If the taste remains consistent, there is a strong possibility that this update will generate positive publicity and attract new customers, particularly those interested in the new calcium citrate ingredients.