Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?How Long Does It Last? (2023)

Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?How Long Does It Last? (1)

Ramen noodles are an instant meal popular among students and those who have a short lunch break or don’t have time to cook. This product is affordable and easy to prepare, so many people buy it in bulk and store it for months.Still, you may wonder do ramen noodles go bad and how long do ramen noodles last. Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?

Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?How Long Does It Last? (2)

This instant meal-type lasts for a very long time. The reason is that it only contains flour and water, while flavorings are separately packaged. There are several kinds of these noodles, and their shelf life depends on the packaging and the way you store them.

If you compare several packs of ramen noodles, you will notice that most of them have a best before date printed instead of an expiration date. Even though this product remains edible for long after a recommended period, its taste quality will decline as time goes on.

How Long Do Ramen Noodles Last?

Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?How Long Does It Last? (3)

As I have already mentioned, ramen noodles can last way after the labeled deadline if you store them properly. However, there is a significant difference in the duration of instant ramen noodles, noodle soup packed in a cup, and fresh noodles.

If you like homemade cooked noodles, you can only store them in the fridge but not in the pantry. Even then, they will keep taste for only a few days. If you have some leftovers, keep them in the freezer for up to two months.

Ramen noodles shelf life

Ramen noodles type

PantryFridgeFreezer
Instant8 months3 months

Up to one year

Fresh

Up to label date10 daysUp to 2 months
Cup3 to 6 months3 months

Unsafe

Wheat

3 to 6 months3 monthsUp to 4 months
CookedUnsafe5 to 7 days

Up to 2 months

On the other hand, you can store ramen noodle packs and cups in a fridge and pantry. Noodle packs can stay in good condition for a maximum of eight months after the date on the label, but don’t store ramen cups for more than six months.

7 Tips to Tell if Ramen Noodles Have Gone Bad

Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?How Long Does It Last? (4)

You can eat ramen noodles even after their expiration date has passed. However, you should check the packaging before preparation, especially the one stored for too long.

Color

Any discoloration on the noodles block shows a change in their composition. Pale noodles can be a result of bacteria presence or mold development. Either way, don’t eat such a product because it can potentially cause food poisoning.

Smell

If you prepare your instant meal and sense a strange odor, you should choose something else to eat. Ramen noodles won’t change their smell as long as they are okay to eat.

Taste

Once you prepare ramen noodles, taste them carefully. Any sour or bitter note is a warning sign, as well as other off-flavors you may notice. If you think your ramen soup tastes unusual, don’t eat it.

Texture

Ramen noodles usually come with some flavor enhancer in powder form. If you notice lumps in the powder bag, you can be sure that the packaging has been exposed to moisture. While there may no visible changes in the product, it is a clear indicator your ramen has gone bad.

Rancid oil

Once the oil in the ramen bag goes rancid, you should throw it away. That is a definite sign that noodles are no longer safe to consume.

Bugs

If you keep ramen noodles in a pantry, bugs can infect any damaged packs and lay eggs between the noodle layers. Although most pantry bugs are no threat to your health, such a product is probably disgusting enough for you to decide to get rid of it.

Mold

Black or green mold spots growing on the noodles block can severely harm your health. If you store ramen packs in a wet environment, the mold will develop and shorten their expiration date.

5 Tips to Store Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are a food with a long shelf life and are not demanding for storing. You can buy them on sale or use coupons and keep them for months in your pantry or kitchen cabinet. Still, there are some storing guidelines you can use to avoid wasting them.

Kitchen and pantry

There are several ramen noodle types, including those packed in Styrofoam cups, bags, and aluminum packaging. The ideal place to store all of them is at room temperature, dark, and dry.

You can keep the packaging in the kitchen cabinet or pantry, depending on the amount you have. The crucial thing is to put it away from a heat source or a direct sun exposure. Keep the packaging safe from temperature fluctuations since this product lasts longer at a stable temperature.

Cardboard box

You can benefit from keeping ramen noodles in a cardboard box, whether you use a pantry or a kitchen cabinet. It is one more level of protection from moisture, external odors, and insects.

Plus, you can put that box with noodle packs on the pantry floor, where the temperature is the lowest. You can save noodles for an extra month or two by storing them this way.

Fridge

Paradoxically, you can store ramen noodles in the fridge shorter than in the pantry. Frequent refrigerator door opening and high humidity level lead to rapid noodles block deterioration, resulting in black and green mold spots on the surface.

Container

If you prefer fresh or homemade noodles, the vital factor in their shelf life is the container for storing them. This food can go bad in a matter of days, so it is an excellent option to keep them in a clean, glass, airtight vessel and place them in a fridge.

Keeping noodles in a plastic container or nylon bag is not a good idea either. They are susceptible to external factors such as moisture, mold, or pantry bugs when kept that way.

Separate flavorings

If you buy ramen noodles in bulk, you can separate powdery additives and separate bags with oils. Place the noodles blocks in an airtight container and keep the oils and flavorings in the fridge. That way, you won’t risk the oil leaking if the packaging is damaged or the powder additives clumping.

Another option is to open the bags and pour the powders with the same aroma in a small glass jar you should close tightly. That will allow you to visually inspect the product condition and add smaller or larger doses to the noodles, depending on your preferences.

Freezer

Nowadays, you can buy frozen ramen noodle family packs in better-stocked stores or online. That means you can save money and put a large noodle bag directly in the freezer.

However, a better option is to divide the package into several portions, place them in re-sealable bags and write the date of freezing on each one. Most experts don’t recommend storing noodles in the freezer for more than a few months.

The Risk of Consuming Expired Ramen Noodles

In most cases, you can safely eat expired ramen noodles since they don’t come with any health risks. Still, this product contains only a few nutrients and many additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers.

Plus, ramen noodles contain high values of sodium, which can harm you in the long run. Therefore, many studies show that consuming ramen noodles daily can damage your health, causing heart, liver, and blood diseases.

Remember, you can always use only one noodle block and prepare it with homemade chicken soup, mushrooms, sour cream, or meat. That way, you will avoid the artificial flavorings and enjoy ramen noodles as a part of healthy recipes.

Can You Freeze Ramen Noodles?

You may hear about ramen noodles freezing in extremely cold weather. Since possible, there is no reason to avoid extending their expiration date by placing packaging in the freezer.

If you have ramen noodles leftovers after dinner, you can always freeze them till the next occasion. Most noodle types freeze well, but there are few things to keep in mind:

  • If you want to put an unopened ramen noodle pack in the freezer, you should place it there without additional packaging or transferring it to another container.
  • Never freeze unopened ramen noodle cups because air expansion can lead to cup bursting. As a result, you will get noodles all over the fridge.
  • Once you cook noodles, separate the portion you want to freeze before adding the sauce or flavorings. Place the noodles in an airtight container, put them in the fridge for an hour and then transfer them to the freezer.

Once you decide to take the ramen noodles out of the freezer, you should do that the day before you plan to prepare the meal.

The best option is to leave them overnight in the fridge, but you can also reheat this food in the oven or microwave. Remember to add some water to them in such a case.

Summary

Ramen noodles will eventually go bad if you don’t store them properly. That can happen due to packaging damage and moisture or mold presence. Luckily, expired noodles don’t pose a significant risk to your health, and you can eat them even after the best before date.

Resources

  1. Does Instant Ramen Expire? 7 Burning Questions ANSWERED
  2. So, Do Ramen Noodles Ever Expire?
  3. Do Ramen Noodles Expire or Go Bad?
  4. The Surprising Shelf Life of Ramen Noodles: How Long Do They Last?
  5. Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?

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FAQs

Do Ramen Noodles Go Bad?How Long Does It Last? ›

However, noodles don't go through the same kind of canning process which means they don't receive the same kind of safety benefits. Ramen noodles are safe up until three months past their expiration date. After three months, they may become expired and unsafe for consumption.

How long will ramen noodles last? ›

Most instant ramen, including immi ramen, lasts for eight to 12 months from the moment you buy it, but there are exceptions to this rule we'll explain below. Fresh ramen, on the other hand, lasts up to one or two weeks in the fridge, or a month in the freezer.

Can ramen noodles last 10 years? ›

Around 2 years. Instant Ramen noodles have a shelf life of around 2 years. Don't let this deter you from buying them for your long term food storage though. The package will have a “best by date” or “expiration date” on it, which indicates the date that the product will be at its best.

Is it okay to eat expired instant noodles? ›

If you've checked over your noodles and they look good, and you cook them properly, there's no harm in eating them past the expiration date. The taste may not be as great, but they will still be edible.

How do you know if ramen noodles are still good? ›

The first thing to do is to look for any signs of mold or dark specs on the noodles. The next thing to do is to give it a good whiff to make sure it smells right. If everything seems right, and you don't store the fresh noodles for too long (like over a month), they should be perfectly safe to prepare.

Can you eat 2 year old ramen noodles? ›

Ramen noodles are safe for a period of three months past their expiration date, but after this time it's best to just throw it away because you will begin to see formations of mold appear. The older the ramen gets the more likely you will get an upset stomach after consumption.

Do dry ramen noodles expire? ›

Yes, it expires and they CAN go bad. Here are some facts about the expiration of instant noodles.

Are ramen noodles good for long term storage? ›

Unless the ramen noodles have been stored in wet or humid conditions, then they can often remain safe to eat for months after the expiration date. As long as the package is unopened and the noodles have been stored in a dry location, there shouldn't be too many negative effects caused by eating them.

Is it OK to eat ramen noodles sometimes? ›

In moderation, including instant noodles in your diet likely won't come with any negative health effects. However, they are low in nutrients, so don't use them as a staple in your diet. What's more, frequent consumption is linked to poor diet quality and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

Do maruchan ramen noodles expire? ›

Instant noodles are non-perishable and are made using food preservation technology that extends their shelf life. The best before dates on bagged instant noodles will generally be between eight months to two years.

How long can you use after expiration date? ›

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.

Are maruchan ramen noodles bad for you? ›

Though instant ramen noodles provide iron, B vitamins and manganese, they lack fiber, protein and other crucial vitamins and minerals. Additionally, their MSG, TBHQ and high sodium contents may negatively affect health, such as by increasing your risk of heart disease, stomach cancer and metabolic syndrome.

Do instant ramen flavor packets expire? ›

The flavorings and seasonings in instant ramen may start breaking down over time, leading them to taste less flavorful than when they were first purchased. Also, the texture may become more soggy and mushy as time goes on.

Where is the expiration date on Nissin ramen noodles? ›

Cup Noodles Stir Fry: On the bottom of the cup or the side of the carton. Top Ramen: On the back of the package or the side of the carton.

How long do ramen noodles take to digest? ›

How long does it take to digest a bowl of ramen? After consuming noodles, you may anticipate it to take anywhere between 4 and 12 hours for the noodles to pass through your stomach. In all, it will take around one day for noodles to travel from your mouth to your stomach, depending on their size.

Can you give a 1 year old ramen noodles? ›

This dish can be served as soon as your baby starts solids (though for babies 6-12 months we would recommend you chop the noodles or cut them with shears so it's easier to handle and swallow), and for babies older than 12 months, a sprinkle of Parmesan will really bring the dish to life. Enjoy.

Can I eat ramen once a year? ›

In short, eating ramen once in a while won't wreck your health—as is true with most processed foods. In fact, “if you still want to enjoy instant ramen soup, use half the amount of the flavor packet provided, or don't use it at all,” says Bannan.

Is week old ramen safe to eat? ›

Expired ramen noodles may have a stale or rancid taste, and the texture may be mushy or brittle. Consuming expired noodles can cause food poisoning or other health problems, so it is best to avoid eating them.

What happens when dry noodles expire? ›

Dry Pasta. Pasta won't spoil easily because it's a dry product. You can use it well past the expiration date, so long as it doesn't smell funny (egg pasta can produce a rancid odour). Generally, dry pasta has a shelf life of two years, but you can typically push it to three.

Does oatmeal expire? ›

Shelf life of oatmeal

Similarly to dried rice or pasta, commercially processed and uncooked rolled, quick, or steel cut oats will typically last at least 12 months — and up to 2 years if the package remains unopened or the oats are stored in an air-tight container (2).

Are ramen noodles dehydrated or freeze dried? ›

Instant noodles, or instant ramen, is a type of food consisting of noodles sold in a precooked and dried block with flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil.

Do dry noodles have a long storage life when not properly packed? ›

Unopened dry pasta is good in the pantry for two years from the time of purchase, while opened dry pasta is good for about one year. There's no need to refrigerate or freeze dry pasta, since it won't extend its shelf-life.

How do you store rice long term? ›

The best temperature to store grains, including rice, is 40°F or below; however, rice stored at a constant 70° F with oxygen absorbers will store well for up to 10 years. In cooler storage areas rice sealed in oxygen-free containers can be stored for up to 30 years.

Is it true that ramen noodles don t digest? ›

Ramen stresses your digestive tract.

Even after two hours, your stomach cannot break down highly processed noodles, interrupting normal digestion. Ramen is preserved with Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), a hard to digest petroleum-based product also found in lacquers and pesticide products.

What are real ramen noodles made of? ›

Ramen noodles are made from a combination of wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui; alkaline water that contains sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate (usually) and a little phosphoric acid (sometimes).

Which instant noodles are healthiest? ›

To learn all about some of the best instant noodles for healthy diets, read the list below.
  • Vite Ramen. The main selling point of Vite Ramen is that these instant noodles have all the nutrition necessary for a human. ...
  • One Culture Foods. ...
  • Immi. ...
  • Noma Lim. ...
  • Mike's Mighty Good. ...
  • Nissin All-In Instant Noodles. ...
  • House Foods. ...
  • Oh So Tasty.

Does mac and cheese expire? ›

An unopened Kraft Mac and Cheese will last for up to two years. However, it is safe indefinitely since it is shelf stable. You can be certain that your unopened box will still be good to eat long after the expiry date as long as it is stored properly. But it won't taste good as before it's due.

How do you read food expiry dates? ›

The standard format is MMDDYY, where “MM” refers to the month, “DD” refers to the date, and “YY” refers to the year. So if a product says 101525, it means that the product expires on October 15, 2025.

Can you eat out of date vacuum packed noodles? ›

No, if food is past its use-by date, it is not safe to eat even if it is vacuum-sealed. Vacuum-sealing can help preserve food for a longer period of time by removing air and slowing down the growth of bacteria, but it does not guarantee the safety of the food beyond its use-by date.

How long is ramen good for not refrigerated? ›

TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal.

Can you save ramen for leftovers? ›

Storing your leftover ramen properly can play a big role in how good it is when it is reheated. We recommend removing the noodles from the broth and storing the two in separate, air tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.

Can you microwave ramen? ›

So, how long to microwave ramen? Cook ramen noodles on high power for 2 minutes. Then, remove the lid, and stir or flip the noodles over. Cook the ramen for 30 seconds longer or until noodles are done to your liking.

Can you reheat ramen in the microwave? ›

Microwaving is one of the good alternatives to warm up ramen. All you have to do is separate the broth and the solids so the dish won't turn out soggy.

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