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Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 1.5 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This instant noodle product contains several ingredients that warrant caution, particularly the sulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150d), which is associated with 4-MEI, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). While the label does not state the concentration of 4-MEI, its presence is a significant concern. The product also contains refined palm oil, which is high in saturated fat and may carry processing contaminants like glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD, as noted by EFSA. Furthermore, the use of flavour enhancers disodium guanylate (INS 627) and disodium inosinate (INS 631) may be relevant for individuals managing gout due to their purine content. The product's high sodium and sugar content are also notable, especially for young children.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
Contains IARC-classified caramel colour, refined palm oil, and flavour enhancers
This instant noodle product includes sulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150d), which is linked to 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also contains refined palm oil, a source of saturated fat and potential processing contaminants. Flavour enhancers disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are present, which are purine sources relevant for individuals with gout. The product's high sodium and sugar content are also a concern, particularly for children.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Refined Palm Oil and Flavour Enhancers are declared.
Declared allergens: Sesame, Soy and Gluten
People with these allergies should avoid it and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for food. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Saturated fat 9.1 g · trans fat 0.1 g per 100 g/ml
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitHigh sodium and added sugar content may not be suitable for regular consumption by young children.
Why the score is capped
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
Flavouring not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is
Rule F-CAP-13
Watch out for
High sodium content from iodised salt.
Added sugar content.
Contains wheat flour, which is a source of gluten and an allergen for some individuals.
Transparency concern regarding the specific compounds in 'Natural Flavouring Substances'.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is about half saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol when eaten regularly in quantity, and the WHO advises keeping saturated fat under 10 percent of energy. Refined palm oil also carries the highest levels of process contaminants among edible oils: glycidyl esters, which the European Food Safety Authority considers genotoxic and carcinogenic with no safe level, and 3-MCPD esters, for which it set a tolerable daily intake of 2 micrograms per kilogram of body weight in 2018. IARC lists glycidol as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) and 3-MCPD as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B). The contaminants form during the high-temperature deodorising step of refining, so unrefined palm oil carries less of them. EU maximum levels now apply to these contaminants in oils and in infant formula.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA CONTAM Panel opinions on glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters in food (2016) and 3-MCPD update (2018); IARC Monographs Volumes 77 and 101; WHO guideline on saturated fat and trans fat intake (2023)
Palm Oil: regulation, sources and other products →Disodium Ribonucleotides (E635)
E635 is a mixture of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). Both are purine nucleotides, which the body breaks down to uric acid. People with gout or hyperuricaemia, or who have been advised to limit purines, may wish to limit foods containing it. The amounts used in foods are small, so the concern applies to people already managing uric acid rather than to the general population.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA; WHO; Arthritis Foundation
Disodium Ribonucleotides: regulation, sources and other products →Added Sugars
Sugars added to food, and the sugars in honey, syrups and fruit juice concentrates, are "free sugars". The WHO guideline recommends that they stay below 10% of total energy intake and suggests below 5% for additional benefit. Where the sugar sits in the ingredient list and how many grams the panel declares is what matters; this is information, because the nutrition score already prices the grams.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO, Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children (2015)
Added Sugars: regulation, sources and other products →Flavouring Substances
Indian rules classify added flavours as natural, nature-identical (chemically synthesised copies of natural compounds) or artificial, and require the class to be declared. The label names the class, not the compounds, so a reader cannot see which substances make up the blend, or whether it carries something they avoid. This is information about transparency, not a finding of harm.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, flavours; FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020
Flavouring Substances: regulation, sources and other products →Wheat Flour
Wheat and wheat-derived ingredients contain gluten, which triggers an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease, causing intestinal damage. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or wheat allergy must also avoid this ingredient. Labelled as a major allergen by FSSAI.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI Food Labelling Regulations; Celiac Disease Foundation
Wheat Flour: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains sulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150d), which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture. IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The concentration of 4-MEI is not stated on the label.
Contains refined palm oil, which is very high in saturated fat and may carry processing contaminants (glycidyl esters, 3-MCPD) as per EFSA.
Contains flavour enhancers disodium guanylate (INS 627) and disodium inosinate (INS 631), which are purine sources and may be relevant for individuals managing gout.
Contains 'Natural Flavouring Substances' where the specific flavouring compounds are not disclosed, limiting transparency.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The term 'SUPER PACK' is a marketing designation that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
This is a subjective marketing slogan that cannot be objectively verified from the provided label information.
The label states 'KICKSTARTER + KOREAN GARNISH INSIDE', but the ingredient list does not specify what 'KICKSTARTER' refers to or explicitly list 'Korean Garnish' as a separate component, making it unverifiable.
This is a subjective marketing slogan that cannot be objectively verified from the provided label information.
The claim '2X KOREAN RAMEN' implies a specific quantity or intensity of Korean ramen, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition information.
The claim '100% KOREAN' refers to the origin or style of the product, which cannot be verified from the ingredient list alone.
The claim '200% FIRE' is a subjective marketing statement about the product's spice level that cannot be objectively verified from the provided label information.
This is a suggestion for serving and not a claim about the product's contents or properties that can be verified from the ingredient list.
The product is described as 'Instant Noodles' and the ingredient list includes 'Mixed Spices' and 'Flavour Enhancers', which are components of seasoning.
The product name and description clearly state 'Instant Noodles'.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
19 entries as printed on the label · 18 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).
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1.
Wheat FlourWheat Flour (Maida)
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2.
Refined Palm Oil
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3.
Iodized Salt listed twice
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4.
ThickenerGuar gum (INS 412)Thickener (INS 412)
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5.
MineralsSodium carbonates (INS 500), Potassium carbonates (INS 501)Minerals (INS 500(ii), INS 500(i) & INS 501(i)).
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6.
Sugar
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7.
Mixed SpicesMixed Spices (Garlic, Onion Extracts)
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8.
Flavour EnhancersDisodium guanylate (INS 627), Disodium inosinate (INS 631)Flavour Enhancers (INS 627, INS 631)
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9.
Iodized Salt listed twice
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10.
Soy Sauce Powder
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11.
Dehydrated VegetableDehydrated Vegetable (Beetroot)
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12.
Natural Flavouring Substances
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13.
Colour synthetic colourSulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150D)Colour (INS 150d)
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14.
Yeast Extract trace amount
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15.
Anticaking AgentSilicon dioxide (INS 551)Anticaking Agent (INS 551)
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16.
Acidity RegulatorCitric acid (INS 330)Acidity Regulator (INS 330).
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17.
Roasted Sesame Seeds trace amount
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18.
Seaweed
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19.
Dried VegetableDried Vegetable.
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
Listed twice: an ingredient appears more than once in the same part of the list. This may indicate two separate ingredient blends in the formulation, or a duplication in how the label was recorded.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 462.54 kcal |
| Protein | 9.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 63.52 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g |
| Added Sugars | 0.84 g |
| Total Fat | 18.94 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.14 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.08 g |
| Sodium | 1,368.81 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
Compare with other instant noodles products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
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What are the ingredients in Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen?
The label of Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen lists 18 ingredients, in label order: Wheat Flour, Refined Palm Oil, Thickener, Minerals, Sugar, Mixed Spices, Flavour Enhancers, Iodised Salt, Soy Sauce Powder, Dehydrated Vegetable, Natural Flavouring Substances, Colour, Yeast Extract, Anticaking Agent, Acidity Regulator, Roasted Sesame Seeds, Seaweed, Dried Vegetable. Flagged by the analysis: Refined Palm Oil, Colour, Flavour Enhancers, Natural Flavouring Substances.
Is Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen safe to eat?
Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen scores 1.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This instant noodle product includes sulphite ammonia caramel (INS 150d), which is linked to 4-MEI, a substance classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It also contains refined palm oil, a source of saturated fat and potential processing contaminants. Flavour enhancers disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are present, which are purine sources relevant for individuals with gout. The product's high sodium and sugar content are also a concern, particularly for children.
Why does Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen score 1.5/10?
What the analysis notes: High sodium content from iodised salt. Added sugar content. Contains wheat flour, which is a source of gluten and an allergen for some individuals.
Who should avoid Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding IARC Group 2B caramel-colour additives; Managing gout (due to purine-based flavour enhancers); Sensitive to high sodium intake; Limiting added sugars; Coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains sesame (Roasted Sesame Seeds), soy (Soy Sauce Powder) and gluten (Wheat Flour). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen contain sesame?
Yes — the ingredient list names Roasted Sesame Seeds. People with sesame allergy should treat it as containing sesame, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names Soy Sauce Powder. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Wheat Flour. People with gluten / wheat sensitivity (coeliac disease) should treat it as containing gluten, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
How much sugar is in Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen?
1.9 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 0.8 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Is Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen high in salt?
Yes — 1,369 mg of sodium per 100 g (about 3.42 g of salt), above the 1.5 g of salt per 100 g that UK front-of-pack labelling marks as high.
Are the claims on the Instant Noodles 2X Korean Ramen pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 10 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "SUPER PACK" — can't be verified from the label. "FEEL THE KEEKOO KICK" — can't be verified from the label. "KICKSTARTER + KOREAN GARNISH INSIDE" — can't be verified from the label.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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