A ramen subscription box is a fantastic way to try different bowls of your favourite instant meal. Each box will have a perfectly curated selection of noodles, broths, and sometimes even toppings. Whether you're new to ramen or a seasoned pro, we believe that there's a subscription service for you. You're sure to find something to satiate your appetite.
We sacrificed our diets over the past few months to figure out which brand has the best offering of instant noodles. So, get ready for our comprehensive Japanese ramen subscription box review based on our research and our YouTube subscribers' recommendations so that you can find your perfect package.
For us, the best instant ramen subscription boxes will give you great value. They let you experience different noodles that are unavailable internationally or something a bit outside your comfort zone.
We understand the struggle of trying to find certain noodle brands outside of Asia. This issue is especially true for more obscure or regional brands.
Subscription services solve this problem by providing various noodle packs in a single package. For example, a box of a specific noodle brand costs around $20-40 in the US, while it costs around £12-30 in the UK. Meanwhile, a subscription box with an assortment of different brands generally costs around $25-40 per month.
Our knowledge goes beyond noodles as we often review snacks and snack services. Furthermore, given all the options, we know how overwhelming it can be to pick a service.
Japanese Ramen Subscription Box (Our Top 3 Picks)
For us, the best value is Nakama Noodles. This box of ramen noodles offers a wide range of brands and flavours at a reasonable price.
On the other hand, ZenPop delivers the best monthly experience. ZenPop includes a carefully curated assortment of noodles and snacks from across Japan. They also provide unique items and discounts.
Meanwhile, Munch Addict has the most diversity as they offer products from around the world, including uncommon and odd flavours.
Nakama Noodles (Best Value)
Anyone who wants to taste a variety of flavours at a good price will enjoy the Nakama Noodles box by MiauMall. Their packages also make an excellent gift for noodle fans.
Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, curry, kimchi, and vegetarian are some of the most common options in this ramen noodles subscription. Although the brand's main focus is ramen, you'll also get soba and udon. Their distinctive selling point is that it provides the best value for money. Moreover, they offer a wide selection, so you can always experience something new.
The Nakama box offers one-time purchases as well as a monthly instant ramen subscription. However, you would still need to sign up for a one-month package subscription to get a one-time box. Furthermore, they provide worldwide free shipping including The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Zenpop Ramen Subscription (Best Experience)
The Zenpop ramen subscription service offers limited edition, regional, and seasonal variations of Japanese instant noodles. Their ramen box subscription consists of a monthly package that comes with seven full-sized instant flavours. It's great for a quick, instant dinner multiple times a month that will remind you of Japan.
In addition, they ship many noodle varieties straight from Osaka, including udon and yakisoba. This box doesn't get more authentic.
This is a one-of-a-kind ramen monthly box because each package has a different theme. These themes typically change month to month, making the whole experience more exciting. ZenPop offers subscriptions for one, three, six, or twelve months.
You can also make a one-time purchase by selecting a one-month subscription and deselecting automatic subscription renewal at the checkout.
Moreover, ZenPop offers free shipping to the US. However, shipping to other countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, comes with a fee. If you're always seeking new things to try, ZenPop is an excellent choice. You'll get to sample a variety of flavours and styles that you might not find in stores. Check out our in-depth Zenpop review for more information.
Munch Addict Ramen Mystery Box (Best Variety)
The Munch Addict ramen variety box includes instant noodles from countries around the world, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. You receive about eight different types or flavours of noodles in one package.
With multiple positive reviews on Reddit, this box is ideal if you want to taste instant noodles from countries other than Japan. Additionally, this service is perfect if you love a spicy kick to your noodles. From all the different boxes we tried, Munch Addict had the most spicy variety of instant noodles.
The Munch Addict ramen mystery box is a one-off purchase. They ship worldwide, with the US, UK, Australia, and Canada being the most popular countries. So, you can order it as an easy one-time gift for yourself or for a noodle fanatic.
Although the brand doesn't change the contents of the box on a monthly basis, they change it seasonally. Therefore, while you can expect a reliable and curated assortment of spicy noodles, you might repeatedly encounter some of your favourites.
Umai Crate
As of October 2023, Japan Crate is no longer offering this instant noodle box.
Umai Crate includes a range of delectable Japanese instant noodles, providing you with a delightful culinary experience at home. This Japanese ramen box is a subset of the popular Japan Crate, a Japanese snack package that we previously evaluated in depth.
What distinguishes Umai Crate is that you receive more than just instant noodles every month. The packages also include culturally significant pieces. For example, you will receive a bonus culinary item, unique recipe cards, and a handbook with directions and translations. This service is perfect if you want variety with a touch of cultural knowledge.
Each ramen noodle subscription box contains eight to ten different noodle packs shipped directly from Japan. Whether you're in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or beyond, this subscription brings a taste of Japan to your table. Although this is a subscription-based service, you can easily purchase a one-off box by subscribing for a month.
As a side note, if you’re craving something sweet, you should check out Japan Crate for an assortment of delectable Japanese treats.
Exotic Noods
Exotic Noods is an amazing subscription service that provides premium, delicious noodle meals with international flavours. For example, past packages have included Tonkotsu, Okinawa Soba, and a spicy Arrabiata spaghetti bowl. There's something for everyone in Exotic Noods' subscription boxes, whether you love udon, yakisoba, or somen.
They also include a brochure that describes everything that is included in your package. Overall, this Japan noodle box subscription ensures various delightful products at a terrific price.
Unfortunately, we could not test this because they only ship within the United States.
This Japanese ramen subscription box is different from other subscription boxes. You can choose between the three-pack, four-pack, or eight luxury packs.
In addition, you can purchase their boxes as a one-off purchase without subscribing. Orders placed online are ready to ship as soon as they are assembled.
Instant Ramen Japan
This service's premium packs will allow you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and its delectable food scene. Instant Ramen Japan is a great option for foodies who want to experience the best of what Japan has to offer in terms of instant noodles.
Whether it's a hot bowl from a Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant or smooth pork bone broth with genuine pork pieces, the diversity and flavour of their products will wow you. Ultimately, this service is perfect if you crave the authentic taste of Japan.
What distinguishes this ramen noodle subscription box is that Tokyo natives curate each item offered. Therefore, this subscription offers customers a selection that is authentic and representative of the best that Tokyo has to offer.
A typical package from them will contain 5-10 noodle packets. Additionally, customers can choose from various authentic brands and flavours. Furthermore, you can gain access to insider knowledge as you will get detailed descriptions of the ingredients used, flavour profiles, and cooking instructions. They also have an instructive video on how to prepare everything.
Moreover, they offer a variety of different subscription plans. Exclusive deals are often granted to subscribers. Alternatively, you can get a one-time purchase of any number of packets. This ramen delivery box ships to many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. However, they do not ship to Brazil and China at the moment.
My Ramen Box
If you want a creative experience with traditional soba, somen and other noodles, check out My Ramen Box. Each ramen noodles subscription package comprises ready-to-eat meals with distinctive and delightful flavours that you won't find anywhere else. You can choose between small and large subscription packages, the largest of which contains 12 full-sized meals.
This service offers both subscriptions and one-off purchases. They offer all these options for a reasonable price. With a one-off purchase, you can easily sample the types of things you'll receive before you decide to commit.
A unique point of this service is that it provides you with the full experience. You not only receive noodles but also other products. Every package would include two packets of freeze-dried vegetables, one bonus snack or topping, and a fresh surprise item. Moreover, each flavourful ingredient has been carefully selected to bring Japan to your home in this fascinating bundle of ingredients.
This was strongly recommended by our readers. However, we have not been able to test this instant ramen subscription box because they only ship in the United States.
Alternatives
With the popularity of Japanese food subscriptions, there are so many other options out there. However, there are always changes in the market regarding different services.
For example, Maruchan Ramen has been facing some detrimental supply chain issues and has yet to be officially phased out. Meanwhile, Ramen Trunk, a once popular Japanese ramen subscription box service delivering a range of Japanese snacks, appears to have ceased operations.
However, Tokyo Treat is an excellent substitute for trying out a new bowl every month and other Japanese snacks. The packages include a pamphlet with information about the choice of flavours and brands within their package.
Tokyo Treat also has a tonne of amazing reviews on Reddit. This service is still in business and popular among noodle fans. To learn more about this service, check our in-depth Tokyo Treat review.
Best Ramen Subscription Box Roundup
| Best Value | Nakama Noodles |
| Best Experience | ZenPop |
| Best Variety | Munch Addict |
| Best for Ramen Topping Lovers | Umai Crate |
| Best for Adventurous | Exotic Noods |
| Best for Authentic Japanese Ramen | Instant Ramen Japan |
| Best for New Ramen Lovers | My Ramen Box |
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