Ramen is often bought pre-packaged and dry. Because of this, it is such an easy instant food to make and eat, often just needing hot water to ‘cook’ the ingredients.
This makes it great for students or those who would like to eat something tasty and quick. Eating ramen noodles may even remind you of your trip to Japan.
However, ramen noodles can come in different forms, be that a cup or plastic wrapped, or even fresh. Depending on which type of ramen noodles you buy, depends on if or when they go bad.
The one thing you will notice with something like ramen, is that it is often stored for months in the cupboard. This is another reason ramen is often bought in bulk form, too.
So, you might be wondering ‘can ramen noodles go bad?’. Let’s take a look!
Can Ramen Noodles Actually Go Bad?
Ramen Noodles are meant to last a long time. You will notice that ramen noodles are often packaged separately alongside the flavoring. The noodles themselves are made up of flour and water.
While there are different kinds of ramen noodles, the majority, if not all, have a ‘best before’ date. This is instead of the usual expiration date on food which signifies something should not be eaten once the date passes.
The best before date is much different. It just means that once the date has passed, the product will lose its quality. This could be to do with the flavor or even the quality of the noodles.
As time passes, the ramen noodles will decline even further. Even so, they can still be eaten – unless there are some visible signs to say otherwise.
Having said all this, if the ramen noodles have been opened or are fresh (perhaps homemade), then the rules are different. Always package ramen noodles properly, otherwise they are exposed to the elements.
Fresh noodles on the other hand should be put into the refrigerator.
How Long Can Ramen Noodles Last?
When ramen noodles are stored properly, then they are likely to last a long time. If you leave an opened packet of ramen in your cupboard, then they should be thrown away. This is because it could have been exposed to bacteria and other nasties.
Otherwise, here is a table of how long different ramen noodles may last for:
Ramen Noodles | Cupboard | Refrigerator | Freezer
Instant Ramen | 8 months | 3 months | A year
Cup Ramen | Up to 6 months | 3 months | N/A
Cooked Ramen | N/A | Up to 7 days | 2 months
Fresh Ramen | date on label | 10 days | 2 months
As you can see, you should always refer to the label on fresh noodles. If you made the noodles yourself, then put them into the fridge rather than a pantry or cupboard.
Cooked ramen should never be put into the cupboard. Instead, store them in an airtight container and place them into the refrigerator.
Cup ramen can last up to half a year at its best. After that, you may notice that the flavor and texture declines. Because of the long shelf life, never put them into the freezer.
How Can You Tell If Ramen Noodles Have Gone Bad?
Ramen noodles are safe to eat past the best before date. This makes knowing if they are okay to eat difficult.
If you are unsure whether the ramen noodles you have just found in your cupboard or pantry have gone bad, then take a look at these tell-tale signs:
Appearance
The appearance may be the first sign to tell you that the ramen noodles have gone bad. If the color of the noodles have changed, then it is likely they have gone bad.
Any paleness can be a sign of bacteria being present. You may also see visible signs of furry mold as well. Throw the ramen noodles away, as it is likely to give you food poisoning if eaten.
The same goes if you find the flavor packet has gone oily. It means the noodles and the accompanying flavor sachet have gone rancid.
The flavor bag should be soft like powder too, rather than lumps. You shouldn’t be able to see any bugs crawling about the food too. If the package has been opened, this is something that may happen to the ramen noodles.
Smell
If you know what general ramen noodles smell like, then you will know if there is a strange smelling odor or not. Generally, the ramen noodles themselves shouldn’t smell of much.
The flavor packaging should smell of the flavor it is supposed to be – for example, chicken. If you smell something that doesn’t seem right, then don’t eat it. It will mean that the ramen noodles have gone bad.
Taste
Sometimes you can’t see or smell anything wrong. Once you have made the ramen noodles, give them a quick taste. If they have a bitter or sour taste, then throw them away immediately.
Basically, if there are any strange flavors, then get rid of it, otherwise risk becoming sick.
How Should You Store Ramen Noodles?
When it comes to storing ramen noodles, it always depends on what kind of noodles they are. One of the best ways to store ramen noodles is in a dark and dry place like a cupboard or pantry.
Keeping them inside a cardboard box inside the above areas will help to keep them away from moisture and bugs too.
If you have fresh or cooked noodles, then your best bet is to put them in an airtight container and place them into the refrigerator. You can also put them into the freezer too which will help them last longer.
Never place a cup of ramen in the freezer. The pressure will build up and they may explode when thawing.
Final Thoughts
Ramen noodles have a very long shelf life, so you may be wondering if they go bad. Generally, ramen doesn’t go bad, however the quality of the noodles do decline.
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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