Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of NISSIN and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi 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 the synthetic antioxidant TBHQ (INS 319) and the purine-based flavour enhancers disodium inosinate (INS 631) and disodium guanylate (INS 627). While the product is a convenient snack, its formulation includes refined ingredients and palm oil, contributing to a high saturated fat content. The presence of hydrolysed vegetable protein (soya) also means potential process contaminants. Individuals managing gout should be particularly mindful of the flavour enhancers.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Turmeric powder
Contains synthetic antioxidant TBHQ and purine-based flavour enhancers.
This instant noodle product contains TBHQ, a synthetic antioxidant linked to health concerns at high doses, and flavour enhancers (disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate) that are purine sources, which may be a concern for individuals with gout. It also features palm oil, contributing to saturated fat intake, and hydrolysed vegetable protein, which can carry process contaminants. The product is primarily made from refined wheat flour and palm oil.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Flavour Enhancers (INS 631 & INS 627) and Edible Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil) are declared.
Declared allergens: Milk, Soy and Gluten
Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.
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 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 8.8 g · trans fat 0.1 g per 100 g/ml
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitHigh sodium and added sugar content may not be suitable for frequent consumption by young children.
Why the score is capped
Very high sodium per serving
Rule F-CAP-02
Flavours not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is
Rule F-CAP-13
Watch out for
High sodium content from iodised salt.
Presence of refined wheat flour as a primary ingredient.
Contribution to saturated fat intake from palm oil and palmolein.
Added sugar content.
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 →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 →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 TBHQ (INS 319), a synthetic antioxidant linked to tumours in animal studies at high doses (21 CFR 172.185).
Contains purine-based flavour enhancers (Disodium Inosinate INS 631 & Disodium Guanylate INS 627), which may be a concern for individuals managing gout.
Contains Palm Oil and Palmolein, which are high in saturated fat. Refined palm oil may also carry processing contaminants like glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD (EFSA CONTAM opinion, 2016).
Contains Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein (Soya), which can carry process contaminants and is an allergen (soya).
Contains Refined Wheat Flour (Maida), which contains gluten and is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
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 label states that seasoning mix and seasoning oil are inside, but the ingredient list does not explicitly differentiate between ingredients for the noodles, seasoning mix, or seasoning oil, so this claim cannot be verified from the provided information.
This is a serving suggestion and not a claim about the product's ingredients or properties, so it cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.
The product name describes the flavor and type of the ramen, which is consistent with the ingredients like red chilli, mixed spices, and kimchi flavor.
The product is described as 'Hot & Spicy' and the ingredients list red chilli rings, red chilli flakes, oleoresin capsicum, and chilli seed oil, which contribute to a spicy flavor.
The product is described as 'Korean Kimchi', and the ingredients list dehydrated pieces of cabbage, which is a primary component of kimchi.
The nutrition information states that the product contains 0.1 mg of cholesterol per 100g.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
37 entries as printed on the label · 35 distinct ingredients (some are declared more than once).
-
1.
Refined Wheat Flour (Maida)
-
2.
Edible Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil)
-
3.
Tapioca Starch
-
4.
Dehydrated Pieces 4.66%
-
Cabbage within Dehydrated Pieces
-
Red Chilli Rings within Dehydrated Pieces
-
Red Chilli Flakes within Dehydrated Pieces
-
Spring Onion within Dehydrated Pieces
-
5.
Iodised Salt
-
6.
ThickenersThickeners (INS 412 & INS 414)
-
7.
Acidity RegulatorsAcidity Regulators [INS 451(i) & INS 500(i)]
-
8.
Turmeric Powder
-
9.
Antioxidant (INS 319)
-
10.
Sugar
-
11.
Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder (Soya)
-
12.
Soya Sauce Powder
-
13.
Garlic Powder
-
14.
Iodised Salt
-
15.
Flavour Enhancers (INS 631 & INS 627)
-
16.
Oleoresin Capsicum
-
17.
Mixed Spices 1.4% trace amount
-
Ginger within Mixed Spices
-
Black Pepper within Mixed Spices
-
Cumin within Mixed Spices
-
Turmeric within Mixed Spices
-
Coriander within Mixed Spices
-
18.
Onion Powder
-
19.
Natural Flavour
-
20.
Colour [INS 160c(i)] synthetic colourPaprika extract (INS 160C)
-
21.
Tomato Powder
-
22.
Acidity Regulator (INS 330)
-
23.
Anticaking Agent (INS 551)
-
24.
Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmolein)
-
25.
Soya Bean Oil trace amount
-
26.
Chilli Seed Oil trace amount
-
27.
Colour [INS 160c(i)] synthetic colourPaprika extract (INS 160C)
-
28.
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.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
A blend of refined vegetable oils, judged as a single concern — a high saturated-fat source — rather than one flag per oil. The individual oils are listed below and in "What the label actually shows".
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 | 462.56 kcal |
| Protein | 8.46 g |
| Carbohydrate | 65.24 g |
| Total Sugars | 13.85 g |
| Added Sugars | 13.85 g |
| Total Fat | 17.37 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.84 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 1,595.82 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.
Also on this shelf
More Instant Noodles & Pasta products we've analysed, in name order.
-
Wicked GUD Fiery 2X Spicy Korean Instant Noodles
See the analysis
-
NISSIN Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Ramen
See the analysis
-
NISSIN Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Flavour
See the analysis
-
NISSIN Geki Spicy Chicken
See the analysis
-
NISSIN Geki Spicy Chicken Korean Ramen
See the analysis
-
NISSIN Geki Spicy Veg Korean Ramen
See the analysis
What are the ingredients in Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen?
The label of Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen lists 35 ingredients, in label order: Refined Wheat Flour (Maida), Edible Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil), Tapioca starch, Dehydrated Pieces, Cabbage, Red Chilli Rings, Red chilli flakes, Spring Onion, Thickener, Acidity Regulator, Turmeric powder, Antioxidant (INS 319), Sugar, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder (Soya), Soya Sauce Powder, Garlic powder, Iodised Salt, Flavour Enhancers (INS 631 & INS 627), Oleoresin Capsicum, Mixed Spices, Ginger, Black Pepper, Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander, Onion powder, Natural Flavours, Tomato Powder, Acidity Regulator (INS 330), Anticaking Agent (INS 551), Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmolein), Soya Bean Oil, Chilli Seed Oil, Colour [INS 160c(i)], Oleoresin Rosemary. Flagged by the analysis: Antioxidant (INS 319), Flavour Enhancers (INS 631 & INS 627).
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen safe to eat?
Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen scores 1.5/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This instant noodle product contains TBHQ, a synthetic antioxidant linked to health concerns at high doses, and flavour enhancers (disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate) that are purine sources, which may be a concern for individuals with gout. It also features palm oil, contributing to saturated fat intake, and hydrolysed vegetable protein, which can carry process contaminants. The product is primarily made from refined wheat flour and palm oil.
Why does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen score 1.5/10?
What the analysis notes: High sodium content from iodised salt. Presence of refined wheat flour as a primary ingredient. Contribution to saturated fat intake from palm oil and palmolein.
Who should avoid Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Managing gout (due to purine-based flavour enhancers); Sensitive to synthetic antioxidants like TBHQ; Avoiding highly processed foods; Managing saturated fat intake; Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (the pack’s allergen statement), soy (Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder (Soya), Soya Sauce Powder and Soya Bean Oil) and gluten (Refined Wheat Flour (Maida)). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names the pack’s allergen statement. 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 Kimchi Ramen contain soy?
Yes — the ingredient list names Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Powder (Soya), Soya Sauce Powder and Soya Bean Oil. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Refined Wheat Flour (Maida). 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 Kimchi Ramen?
13.9 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 13.9 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen high in salt?
Yes — 1,596 mg of sodium per 100 g (about 3.99 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 Kimchi Ramen pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 6 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "SEASONING MIX AND SEASONING OIL INSIDE" — can't be verified from the label. "SUGGESTED GARNISHING" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen vegetarian?
Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen is marked 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.
Reader reviews
How the product performed for people who used it — taste, value, everyday experience. Separate from the Decode Label score above, which rates what is on the label.
Sign in to leave a review.
Sign in →No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Help us keep this accurate
Two quick questions about our analysis — not about the product.
Was this analysis helpful?
Tells us whether the breakdown above actually answered your question.
0 of 0 readers found this analysis helpful
Does your pack match this page?
Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.
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.
Report Error
If you believe this score is inaccurate, provide details below. Our team reviews every report and will update the rating if warranted.
Report submitted
Our team will review your report and update the rating if the evidence warrants it. Thank you for helping keep our data accurate.
Share this product
Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!