Ask a person eating a gluten-free diet what they miss the most, and you'll get one of two answers: bread or pasta. If you could go years without a slice of bread but can't say no to a piping hot bowl of ramen, you already understand the importance of the noodle. The best gluten-free ramen perfectly replicates the texture and taste of its gluten-filled counterparts.
If you are just diving into the world of gluten-free ramen, Lotus Foods Millet and Brown Rice Ramen is a good place to start. This pack of 10 comes with 10 individual flavoring pouches but can also be used plain in any ramen noodle dishes you'd like to try.
You don’t need to be a chopsticks pro to enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen, but you do need to decide what type of gluten-free ramen you are looking for.
Primary choices include ingredients such as:
Gluten is sometimes replaced by starches and gums to improve their stretch, but the ingredient list is often simple and clean.
Traditional ramen takes just a few minutes to cook. In fact, most prepackaged versions can be covered with boiling water and left to steep. However, some gluten-free ramen requires longer cooking times and cannot be prepared by pouring boiling water over it. If time is of the essence, check the average cooking times on the package before you buy.
Not all gluten-free ramen works well in both hot and cold dishes. If you need something versatile, look for a combination of flours and experiment with temperatures.
Cooks new to the world of ramen might need a little inspiration. If this sounds like you, look for ramen with a seasoning packet to get you started. This serves as a good base for whatever dishes you'd like to try.
Because many people consuming a gluten-free diet are also avoiding other allergens, it's critical to read the ingredients list to make sure the ramen works for you. The best gluten-free versions are free from:
There are currently three international companies that certify gluten-free facilities.
Look for the seal of one of these organizations on your package of gluten-free ramen.
As with their gluten-filled counterparts, these noodles need to be cooked and eaten fresh.
Because package sizes can differ, it’s best to price out ramen in ounces. Expect to spend 64 cents to $1.75 per ounce.
A. No. Traditional ramen is crumbly when uncooked, and it can be used as a crunchy textural element on things like salad and even as a topping on some other soups and broths. Because it uses nontraditional flour, gluten-free ramen is very hard when uncooked and cannot be eaten raw.
A. No. You can use as much or as little as you like, seasoning to your own taste.
Lotus Foods Millet and Brown Rice Ramen
What you need to know: This is a nutrient-dense, delicious ramen that is ready to eat in five minutes.
What you’ll love: This pack of ten individual cakes of ramen is organic, dairy-free, kosher and vegan. It works well in both hot and cold dishes, and it has a light nutty taste that absorbs whatever sauce or condiments you add. These come with a small red miso flavoring packet for each ramen cake. They are low in sodium and also available in brown rice and jade pearl varieties.
What you should consider: Some reviewers missed the extra sodium.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Gluten Free Meister Japanese Ramen
What you need to know: These noodles are a blank canvas for any flavors you'd like to add.
What you’ll love: In addition to being gluten- and wheat-free, they are also free from the top eight allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts and soy. They are vegan and made from non-GMO Japanese rice flour in a dedicated gluten-free facility. They cook in less than five minutes. This is a pack of ten.
What you should consider: These noodles are soft and best consumed immediately after cooking.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Thai Kitchen Instant Rice Noodle Soup Variety Pack Gluten Free Ramen
What you need to know: You can try three different flavors with this variety pack.
What you’ll love: This variety pack of 12 contains four each of garlic and vegetable, onion and lemongrass and chili instant ramen. The noodles are egg-free and ready in three minutes or less. The ingredients lists are generally shorter and contain cleaner ingredients than traditional ramen.
What you should consider: These contain milk products and are therefore not vegan.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
