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Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken 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 additives that warrant caution, particularly for children and individuals with certain health conditions. The presence of Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant, is a concern due to its association with tumors in animal studies at high doses, and its total content is capped in fats/oils. Sodium Triphosphate, a phosphate additive, contributes to a high phosphate load, which EFSA has noted can exceed the acceptable daily intake for children and is a concern for kidney and heart health. Additionally, the product includes purine-based flavour enhancers Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, which should be noted by individuals managing gout. The product also contains palm fat, which is high in saturated fat and can carry processing contaminants. While convenient, the combination of these additives and high sodium content makes it less suitable for frequent consumption, especially for vulnerable populations.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
Contains synthetic antioxidant TBHQ, phosphate additives, and purine-based flavour enhancers
This instant noodle product includes Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant with animal study links to tumors at high doses, and phosphate additives like Sodium Triphosphate, which can contribute to dietary phosphate levels exceeding recommended limits for children and those with kidney concerns. It also contains purine-based flavour enhancers, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, which are relevant for individuals managing gout. The presence of palm fat contributes to saturated fat intake, and the overall sodium content is a significant concern.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Disodium inosinate and Disodium guanylate are declared.
Declared allergens: Sesame, Milk, 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.
Personal check · free
Is this right for you or your family?
Just checking whether the product is safe? The analysis above is yours, no account needed. To know if it is safe for you, your father or your child, add a profile and we check this label against them. This one declares Sesame, Milk, Soy and Gluten, so it matters if anyone in your family reacts to that.
- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
- Everyone you buy for. Save a profile for Papa or the kids and switch in one tap.
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 8.1 g · trans fat 0.1 g per 100 g/ml
Infants under 1
LimitContains Sodium Triphosphate, a phosphate additive. EFSA has noted that mean dietary phosphate exposure already exceeds the acceptable daily intake for these age groups, which is a concern for kidney and heart health.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitThe product's overall high sodium and added sugar content is not ideal for young children, whose diets should be carefully managed to avoid excessive intake of these nutrients.
Other audiences
LimitContains Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant. While regulated, high doses have been linked to tumors in animal studies, making it a cautious ingredient for frequent consumption by children.
Why the score is capped
Very high sodium per serving
Rule F-CAP-02
Watch out for
High sodium content from Iodised Salt and Sodium Carbonate.
Presence of added sugar.
Potential process contaminants from Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder.
Allergens: Refined Wheat Flour (gluten), Roasted Sesame Seeds, Milk Solids.
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.
Disodium Inosinate (E631)
Disodium inosinate is a nucleotide flavour enhancer derived from meat or fish. High in purines; individuals with gout or elevated uric acid should avoid products containing this additive.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA INS 631
Disodium Inosinate: regulation, sources and other products →Disodium Guanylate (E627)
Disodium guanylate is a nucleotide flavour enhancer high in purines. Often found alongside MSG or E635. Gout sufferers and those with kidney stones should avoid foods containing E627.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA INS 627
Disodium Guanylate: regulation, sources and other products →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 →TBHQ (E319)
TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant used to extend shelf life of oils and fried foods. Animal studies at high doses showed tumour formation. Acceptable daily intake (ADI) is 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight. Children who consume large amounts of TBHQ-containing snacks may approach or exceed safe limits.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA 2004; FDA 21 CFR 172.185
TBHQ: regulation, sources and other products →Sodium Triphosphate (E451)
High dietary phosphate intake is linked to impaired kidney function, accelerated cardiovascular disease, and increased all-cause mortality in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Individuals with pre-existing kidney or heart conditions should strictly limit consumption of phosphate-rich processed foods.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI INS 451; EFSA Opinion on Phosphates
Sodium Triphosphate: 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 →Sodium Carbonate (E500)
Used as a leavening agent and acidity regulator. Contributes to total dietary sodium. Individuals on sodium-restricted diets (hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure) should account for sodium from all food additive sources, not just table salt.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI INS 500
Sodium Carbonate: regulation, sources and other products →Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein
Hydrolysed vegetable protein is a savoury flavour base made by breaking vegetable protein into amino acids, which gives a concentrated glutamate taste. When it is made with acid, chloropropanols such as 3-MCPD can form as a by-product, and the EU food safety authority has set a tolerable daily intake for 3-MCPD. The label does not say how it was made, so this is information, not a finding about this product.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA Panel on Contaminants, Risks for human health related to the presence of 3- and 2-monochloropropanediol (MCPD) and glycidyl fatty acid esters in food, EFSA Journal 2016;14(5):4426
Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein: 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 →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 Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant (INS 319) linked to tumors in animal studies at high doses. Its total content in the oil/fat fraction of food is capped at 0.02%.
Contains Sodium Triphosphate (INS 451(i)), a phosphate additive. EFSA's re-evaluation found that mean dietary phosphate exposure already exceeds the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for infants, toddlers, and children, and the ADI excludes people with reduced kidney function. High phosphate intake is a concern for kidney and heart health.
Contains Disodium Inosinate (INS 631) and Disodium Guanylate (INS 627), which are purine-based flavour enhancers. These can contribute to uric acid levels and should be noted by individuals managing gout.
Contains Palm fat, which is very high in saturated fat. Refined palm oil can also carry processing contaminants such as glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD.
Contains 'Nature Identical Flavour', which lacks specific disclosure of the flavouring compounds, raising transparency concerns for those wishing to avoid specific flavour chemicals.
Contains Sodium Carbonate (INS 500(i)), a sodium-contributing additive that adds to the overall sodium load in the diet, which is a concern given WHO guidelines for sodium intake.
Claim check
2 claims not supported by label dataFront-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 ingredients list 'Refined Wheat Flour (Maida)' as the first ingredient, directly contradicting the claim.
The nutrition information states 'added sugar g 10.04', and the ingredients list 'Sugar', directly contradicting the claim.
The label declares Edible Vegetable Oil without naming what is in it, so this could be inside an unnamed oil blend. The list cannot confirm the claim — but it cannot contradict it either.
The product name and packaging clearly indicate it is a spicy Korean ramen, and the ingredients list includes red chilli rings, red chilli flakes, mixed spices, and oleoresin capsicum, supporting the 'spicy' and 'Korean' aspects.
The product name and packaging clearly state 'Hot & Spicy', and the ingredients list includes red chilli rings, red chilli flakes, mixed spices, and oleoresin capsicum, which contribute to a hot and spicy flavor.
The product name specifies 'Korean Chicken', and the ingredients list includes chicken, dehydrated chicken powder, and nature identical flavors, supporting the chicken flavor.
The label lists no partially-hydrogenated fat — the source of industrial trans fat — and the panel does not declare any, so the “no trans fat” claim is supported by the label.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
51 entries as printed on the label · 46 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).
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1.
Refined Wheat FlourRefined Wheat Flour (Maida)
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2.
Edible Vegetable Oil listed twiceEdible Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil)
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3.
Tapioca Starch
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4.
Dehydrated Pieces 4.66%Dehydrated Pieces 4.66% (Chicken, Red Chilli Rings, Spring Onion, Red Chilli Flakes)
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Chicken within Dehydrated Pieces
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Red Chilli Rings within Dehydrated Pieces
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Spring Onion within Dehydrated Pieces
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Red Chilli Flakes within Dehydrated Pieces
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5.
Iodised Salt listed twice
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6.
ThickenersThickeners [INS 412 & INS 414]
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Guar Gum within ThickenersINS 412
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Gum Arabic within ThickenersINS 414
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7.
Acidity RegulatorsAcidity Regulators [INS 451(i) & INS 500(i)]
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Sodium Triphosphate within Acidity RegulatorsINS 451(i)
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Sodium Carbonate within Acidity RegulatorsINS 500(i)
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8.
Turmeric Powder
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9.
AntioxidantAntioxidant (INS 319)
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Tertiary Butylhydroquinone within AntioxidantINS 319
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10.
Sugar
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11.
Nature Identical Flavours undisclosed flavouring
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12.
Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein PowderHydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder (Soya)
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13.
Garlic Powder
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14.
Iodised Salt listed twice
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15.
Dehydrated Chicken Powder
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16.
Onion Powder
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17.
Yeast Extract Powder
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18.
Mixed Spices 3.09%Mixed Spices 3.09% (Cumin, Ginger, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Coriander, Turmeric)
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Cumin within Mixed Spices
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Ginger within Mixed Spices
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Nutmeg within Mixed Spices
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Black Pepper within Mixed Spices
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Coriander within Mixed Spices
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Turmeric within Mixed Spices
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19.
Roasted Sesame Seeds
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20.
Flavour EnhancersFlavour Enhancers (INS 631 & INS 627)
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Disodium Inosinate within Flavour EnhancersINS 631
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Disodium Guanylate within Flavour EnhancersINS 627
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21.
Oleoresin Capsicum
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22.
Acidity RegulatorAcidity Regulator (INS 330)
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Citric Acid within Acidity RegulatorINS 330
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23.
Colour listed twice synthetic colourPaprika extract (INS 160C)Colour [INS 160c(i)]
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Capsanthin within Colour listed twice synthetic colourPaprika extract (INS 160C)INS 160c(i)
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24.
Palm Fat
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25.
Anticaking AgentAnticaking Agent (INS 551)
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Silicon Dioxide within Anticaking AgentINS 551
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26.
Milk Solids
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27.
Edible Vegetable Oil listed twiceEdible Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil & Coconut Oil)
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28.
Edible Vegetable Oil listed twiceEdible Vegetable Oil (Palmolein, Soya Bean Oil & Chilli Seed Oil)
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29.
Colour listed twice synthetic colourPaprika extract (INS 160C)Colour [INS 160c(i)]
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Capsanthin within Colour listed twice synthetic colourPaprika extract (INS 160C)INS 160c(i)
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30.
Oleoresin Rosemary trace amount
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.
The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.
✓ 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 | 458.63 kcal |
| Protein | 11.13 g |
| Carbohydrate | 62.83 g |
| Total Sugars | 10.04 g |
| Added Sugars | 10.04 g |
| Total Fat | 16.77 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.12 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 1,585.71 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.1 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 Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen?
The label of Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen lists 45 ingredients, in label order: Refined wheat flour, Tapioca starch, Dehydrated Pieces, Chicken, Red Chilli Rings, Spring Onion, Red chilli flakes, Thickener, Guar gum, Gum arabic, Sodium Triphosphate, Sodium carbonate, Turmeric powder, Antioxidant, Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, Sugar, Nature Identical Flavour, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder, Garlic powder, Iodised Salt, Dehydrated Chicken Powder, Onion powder, Yeast Extract Powder, Mixed Spices, Cumin, Ginger, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Coriander, Turmeric, Roasted Sesame Seeds, Flavour Enhancers, Disodium inosinate, Disodium guanylate, Oleoresin Capsicum, Acidity Regulator, Citric Acid, Palm fat, Anticaking Agent, Silicon Dioxide, and 5 more. Flagged by the analysis: Palm fat, Sodium Triphosphate, Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, Flavour Enhancers, Disodium inosinate and 3 more.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen safe to eat?
Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen scores 1.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This instant noodle product includes Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant with animal study links to tumors at high doses, and phosphate additives like Sodium Triphosphate, which can contribute to dietary phosphate levels exceeding recommended limits for children and those with kidney concerns. It also contains purine-based flavour enhancers, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, which are relevant for individuals managing gout. The presence of palm fat contributes to saturated fat intake, and the overall sodium content is a significant concern.
Why does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen score 1.5/10?
Flagged in the score: Potential process contaminants from Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder. Also noted: High sodium content from Iodised Salt and Sodium Carbonate. Presence of added sugar.
Who should avoid Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Avoiding synthetic antioxidants like TBHQ; Kidney or heart health concerns (phosphate additives); Managing gout (purine-based flavour enhancers); Sensitive to food additives; Limiting saturated fat intake.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Limit. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains sesame (Roasted Sesame Seeds), milk (Milk Solids), soy (the pack’s allergen statement) and gluten (Refined wheat flour). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken 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 Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Milk Solids. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names the pack’s allergen statement. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Refined 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 Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen?
10 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 10 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen high in salt?
Yes — 1,586 mg of sodium per 100 g (about 3.96 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 Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 7 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "No Maida" — false. "No Added Sugar" — false. "No Palm Oil" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen vegetarian?
Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen is marked non-vegetarian.
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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