Samyang

Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup

Barcode 8801073210776

Scanned 13 times by Nomi users

Yes — Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, it includes modified tapioca starch and paprika extract, which have been pre-identified as UPF ingredients, as well as refined palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), soy lecithin (an emulsifier), guar gum (a thickener), artificial chicken flavor powder (artificial flavoring), green tea flavor oil (flavoring), decolorized chilli extract (industrial extract), and other modified starches. These additives and industrial formulations go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is UPF according to NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

wheat flour

Ground wheat used as a basic baking ingredient; simple, minimally processed cereal product.
UPF

modified tapioca starch

A starch derivative used as a thickener and texturizer; a processed ingredient.
OK

refined palm oil
OK

wheat gluten

Gluten from wheat; a protein complex used as a food ingredient to provide elasticity and structure in doughs and meat substitutes (e.g., seitan).
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
OK

soy lecithin e322]
OK

potassium carbonate [e501]
OK

sodium carbonate [e500]
OK

sodium dltsphate dibasic [e339]
OK

citric acid [e330]
UPF

onion extract

A liquid extract derived from onions used as a flavoring agent in foods.
OK

guar gum (e412)
OK

green tea flavor oil
OK

water soy sauce
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

artificial chicken flavor powder
OK

chili pepper powder
OK

soybean oil
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

red pepper powder

Ground dried red peppers used as a spice to add heat and color to dishes; forms part of many chili blends.
OK

red pepper seed oil
OK

yeast powder

Powdered form of active dry yeast used as a leavening agent in baking or fermentation.
OK

garlic

A bulbous aromatic spice used to impart savory flavor in cooking; can be used fresh, sautéed, roasted, or in powder form.
UPF

modified potato starch

Starch derived from potatoes that has been chemically or physically modified for functional properties in processed foods.
OK

decolorized chilli extract
UPF

paprika extract

Concentrated flavor ingredient derived from paprika (capsicum) used to impart paprika flavor without the physical pepper pieces.
OK

black pepper powder
OK

curry powder flake
OK

roasted sesame
OK

roasted laver

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Common questions about Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup

Is Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup ultra-processed?

Yes — Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup by Samyang is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because it contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives. Specifically, it includes modified tapioca starch and paprika extract, which have been pre-identified as UPF ingredients, as well as refined palm oil (a highly processed refined oil), soy lecithin (an emulsifier), guar gum (a thickener), artificial chicken flavor powder (artificial flavoring), green tea flavor oil (flavoring), decolorized chilli extract (industrial extract), and other modified starches. These additives and industrial formulations go beyond basic culinary ingredients, so the product is UPF according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Buldak Original Spicy Ramen Cup as ultra-processed markers: modified tapioca starch, onion extract, modified potato starch, paprika extract. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.