We Tried SpongeBob’s New Instant Ramen to See If It Belongs in the Sea

A-Sha and SpongeBob SquarePants have teamed up to bring you three new “better-for-you” instant noodle flavors. That might be the most ridiculous sentence I’ve ever written. Someone pinch me. Please. Before I have an existential crisis. 

Okay, so SpongeBob makes ramen now? And it’s “better for you”? What does that mean? What does any of this mean? 

Here’s what’s actually happening: A-Sha, the Taiwanese brand known for its air-dried (not deep-fried) noodles, partnered with Nickelodeon to slap SpongeBob and friends on a limited-edition line of instant ramen. This new instant ramen line is vegan, with no MSG and 25% less sodium. The three flavors are called SpongeBob Ready for Ramen, Patrick Miso Hungry (which is, frankly, diabolical), and Squidward Showstopping Shoyu. 

Look, A-sha. I love you guys. I’ve been living off your best noodle packets since you sent us a big box of them months ago. (Thanks for that. This job really does have its perks, existential crises aside.) I would eat them for lunch every day if I didn’t value a little variety in my life. But my devotion to you works to your benefit and detriment, because I already have high expectations going into this review. Hopefully you can meet them? I guess we’re about to find out!

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New Instant Ramen

Patrick Miso Hungry

Walmart

Pros: Before I get into the broth itself, I have to give A-Sha credit where it’s due—because these positives apply to all three flavors. First, the dried veggie packet gives a generous amount of scallions, which is always something I look for in instant ramen. Second, the added oil packet creates a glossy, fatty layer on top that makes the bowl feel more like restaurant ramen. And third: the noodles are genuinely great. They’re thick, springy, and satisfyingly chewy. But, yeah, don’t get too excited just yet…

Cons: The miso broth is very forgettable. It tastes like watered down powdered miso, not the rich miso you can get from a good miso paste. You have to search for flavor. Also, I can’t decide if “Miso Hungry” is a crazy name for a collab with a kid’s cartoon (IYKYK), or if Spongebob has always ridden the line between inappropriate and kid-friendly TV. In which case, maybe it’s perfect? I don’t know. Feels gimmicky to me, either way.

Credit: Ariana Losch / Walmart

Rating:

4/10

Sporks

New Instant Ramen

Squidward Showstopping Shoyu

Walmart

Pros: The shoyu broth here is simple, salty, and fairly rich for something that doesn’t have MSG. And even without a spicy element, it has a decent flavor that reminds me of briny seafood. Add that on top of the good-quality noodles and fatty oil packet, and you’ve got something pretty special for an instant ramen cup. (Also, I love Squidward’s face on the cup; it was the expression I made after trying “Miso Hungry.”) 

Cons: It’s not “showstopping” by any means. Without any heat or MSG in this, the broth doesn’t feel complete. The flavor is more clean than deep and umami-forward. That said, I think it’s good for what it is, and I’d happily eat it for lunch. 

Credit: Ariana Losch / Walmart

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

New Instant Ramen

Spongebob Ready for Ramen

Walmart

Pros: This is the only ramen cup in the line-up that carries a bit of heat, which is nice. (And it’s definitely a mild heat; it’s like A-Sha saved its entire spice budget for their Hot Ones collab.) That, combined with the oil packet, makes the broth taste richer. For a ramen that’s supposed to be vegan, it’s pretty satisfyingly savory. 

Cons: This is supposed to taste like tonkatsu ramen, but the vegan of it all gives it a noticeably different flavor profile, and it’s not very creamy in the way it should be. You won’t taste the pork, is what I’m saying. But honestly, I’m okay with that—I didn’t even realize it was vegan when I first tried it, so it does deliver more on the savory, umami side of things, even sans MSG. 

Credit: Ariana Losch / Walmart

Rating:

8/10

Sporks