Ramen noodles. They are either loved or hated, with little in-between. You have to admire them, however, for being so widespread and cheap.
Ramen noodles are available in a variety of flavors and styles to fit any budget or preference.
If you plan to store them long term, we’ll need to find out if the noodles will go bad. So, do ramen noodles ever expire?
Ramen noodles do expire. When stored correctly and sealed, they can last a very long time. You can expect your ramen to last at least two years in good condition.
This is an exceptional result for a processed food. Some types of Ramen Noodles can be stored for up to 5 years with proper care.
It’s a bit crazy when you stop to think about it. The high-priced military MREs and-based survival meals won’t keep you going for long. But a dollar cup of noodles can.We will explain more about how long ramen noodles can be stored.
What is the shelf life of Ramen noodles?
The Ramen Noodles will last for a long time. If you store them in an average pantry, the noodles should be good for at least two years. However, their taste may become stale.
Ramen noodles can last up to 5 years if they are kept in a cool, dark place and packaged with heavy duty packaging. This is quite remarkable!
What Makes Ramen Noodles So Durable?
Why do ramen noodles stay so fresh? Does this pasta have something special? It’s not really special, but a combination of factors contributes to extending the shelf-life.A ramen noodle is produced so that it’s completely and absolutely dry.
In a factory, the noodles are produced, often in large sheets, which are cut into smaller pieces before they are flash-fried, and frozen again in an instant for freeze-drying. The other ingredients are also processed in a similar way.
This packaging is designed to ensure that any microorganisms or contamination cannot survive.
During the entire production process, all germs and their conditions of survival are destroyed.
The packaging also plays a role in extending the shelf-life of Ramen Noodles.
Moisture and air can be effectively kept away from ingredients by using a professional seal inside the styrofoam container or plastic bag with an airtight, or almost airtight lid. Then, the shrink wrap is used to protect it.
Ramen noodles: What ingredients are in them?
As a rule, ramen noodles contain only three ingredients, but they can sometimes have four.
The container will have the pre-cooked, frozen noodles described above. It may also contain freeze-dried vegetables and powdered consomme or broth with seasoning, which may be packaged separately or in a separate package.
Some ramen noodles contain meat that has been precooked, frozen and dried, whether it’s chicken, beef or pork.
It is important to consider the type of packaging.
Consider the packaging and condition of the ramen noodles when determining the shelf-life. You can also use additional containers to extend the shelf-life.
In general, the longer and more durable the shelf-life is, the heavier the packaging at the factory.
The best plastic bowls and trays are those that have an extra-tight lid, which is wrapped in plastic around the entire circumference.
Styrofoam cups or bowls are fine, but they can flex and pop a lid seal, allowing moisture to enter the container.
You can choose these as long as the plastic is completely wrapped around them. I do advise that you handle and store them with care.
I think the packaging that is best for noodles would be the cellophane or heavy duty plastic.If you treat them gently, they are less likely to tear, puncture or break.
You can get even better results by storing your ramen in an airtight container, or even a vacuum-sealed container.
It is not an expiration date if the sell-by date has passed.
The sell-by, or sometimes best-by, date is printed on the package of ramen.Many people mistakenly believe that this is the date of expiration. However, it’s not the case.
Truthfully, it is just a guideline for when to consume food in order to get the best taste or experience. Or if the retailer wants the product sold by a certain date. This is not a reliable indication of the length of time that food can be stored.
This date, in short, is completely arbitrary and the result of government interference with food production and trade.
This date falls well below the expiration dates of most brands of ramen noodle soup.
This is not a guaranteed outcome, so you should always use common sense to make this decision.
All ramen noodle products are packaged and preserved so well at the factory, that they can be stored for up to two years, or even longer if you take care.
Store them in the right place
You may have heard me talk about the shelf-life of ramen noodle, but this is only true if you store them properly.
As with most preserved and packaged foods, the basic rule is to keep them cool, dark, and dry.
It may be best to store them in your pantry, but it could also not be the ideal place if you are looking for maximum shelf life. Many pantries get very warm and some can even become sweltering depending on where you live. It should also go without saying that you want to try and keep them away from direct sunlight.Consider storing ramen noodles in a bulk container.
All ramen containers, despite being fairly reliable in terms of maintaining the seal are easily accessible to insects and rodents. They both love pasta.
You should not rely on the 2-year shelf-life of ramen if you keep them in your vehicle, backpack, or other luggage. They will be subject to bumps, shocks and knocks.
You shouldn’t have any problems as long as it’s rotated regularly. Just don’t let it go to waste and you can count on it in a pinch!