15 Ramen Noodles at Costco, Target, and Walmart Better Than a Restaurant’s

In Western culture, Ramen is often seen as a quick, budget-friendly meal, usually the kind of instant noodles packed in a freeze-dried packet that is high in sodium. We often slip these into our carts as "just in case" meals, and the best thing about them is that they don't strain your budget.

Typically, it is a purchase of convenience and not necessarily taste. However, the ramen noodle selection at your local grocer has most likely expanded and now offers more variety, especially over the last decade. 

Now, you'll find ramen with flavorful seasonings, freeze-dried ingredients, and even fresh additions like herbs and produce. Protein is up, sodium count is down, and the range of flavors and textures is vast. We've curated a list of the best and most affordable ramen noodles on shelves at three accessible retailers.

Editor's note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $13.99 (Costco)

This spicy chicken ramen option has 4.6 stars at Costco and is touted for being flavorful, convenient, and delicious.

It is a great snack or meal option with a fun, bright design imported from South Korea. Each serving costs about $2.33.

Price: $16.99 (Costco)

Because Nissin is a trusted brand for reliable, salty ramen goodness, the 48-pack at Costco deserves an honorable mention.

Customers give it 4.7 stars, and the wholesale price brings each package down to around 35 cents each. This makes any ramen dish incredibly affordable, no matter what you choose to add to it!

Price: $13.99 (Costco)

With a 4.6-star rating at Costco, Nongshim's Tonkotsu Ramen Bowl is $2.33 per serving. This tasty option made of rich pork broth and a spicy sauce packet isn't often available and doesn't normally restock.

If you happen upon it, snap it up! If it isn't your favorite, there's a real likelihood that someone you know does.

Price: $1.77 (Walmart)

This ramen is a dark, flavorful, vegetable-loaded option with slightly less packaging than other brands.

The chicken ramen blend is known for its unique seasoning and hint of Tapatio's legendary hot sauce. The bowl is self-contained and ready in three minutes or less.

Price: $29.64 (Walmart)

Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu has an elevated flavor. It tastes like it was prepared in a restaurant by a chef.

A 30-pack of these delicious black garlic oil ramen noodles and chopsticks is $29.64, bringing each serving to around 98 cents. 

Price: $2.37 (Walmart)

Chef Woo packs 20 grams of plant-based protein into their organic braised beef-flavored ramen.

This $2.37 cup of noodles can be ready in three to four minutes, and customers enjoy its flavor. As with most prepackaged ramen, the sodium count is a little high.

Price: $18.02 (Walmart)

An eight-pack of Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup at Walmart costs an excellent $2.25 per serving.

Use it as a savory base for your favorite protein, and feel free to add scallions, carrots, and other produce for texture. This soup has a small kick of spice to it that customers enjoy.

Price: $4.37 (Walmart)

Sapporo's ramen ranks on most top ramen lists, as it is a flavorful – but not too hot – staple.

But the original ramen is truly a fan favorite because of its authentic and bold flavor. Walmart sells a five-pack for just $4.37, or about 87 cents each.

Price: $8.99 (Walmart)

The noodles in this particular package of ramen are thicker than traditional ramen noodles, so this bowl can make you feel full quickly.

The package—including the red pepper and scallions—is easy to grab with chopsticks. This tasty blend can be purchased at $8.99 for a pack of five, or about $1.79 each. 

Price: $1.50 (Walmart)

Ramen connoisseurs assert that MAMA Shrimp Tom Yum is one of the most flavorful options for making and eating ramen at home.

Seafood is more than just hinted at in the taste, and there is a bit of spice to balance it all out. This noodle packet is a top contender for the affordable price of $1.50 each.

Price: $1.27 (Walmart)

If you are a heat seeker, Nissin's hot and spicy chicken noodles may be the next item you stock up on.

The spice from the included chili oil packet slowly builds throughout the meal and bodes well with the scallions and peppers. Ready in just three minutes, you can grab this simple meal for $1.27 at Walmart.

Price: $13.50 (Walmart)

If you feel like splurging a little on your ramen, Jin Ramen's Mild Korean Style noodles are $13.50 for a four-pack, bringing them to around $3.37 each.

When cooked according to the package instructions, these noodles are bouncy and tender, and the broth is flavorful whether you get it in the hot or mild option.

Price: $11.69 (Target)

The storied Momofuku ramen company has partnered with A-Sha Noodles for an at-home line at Target that offers restaurant-level flavors for $11.69 per five-package unit.

These tingly chili-flavored, air-dried noodles are a fan favorite, with customers raving about how quickly they are ready and the spicy flavor.

Price: $0.55 (Target)

Sometimes, there's nothing better than the original. If you grew up with Top Ramen in your cupboard or chose it as a stockpile item in early adulthood, then Maruchan might be a familiar brand to you. Their chicken-flavored instant lunch is a tough one to top and is just 55 cents per serving.

Price: $4.49 (Target)

The thin noodles have an endearing chewy texture, holding the right amount of heat alongside the sauce to make Nongshim's Shin Ramyun one of the internet's favorites. 

If you are not into heat, then try the black packaged version instead of the red. Target sells a four-pack for $4.49, or $1.12 each.

In 2023, consumers ate 120 billion servings of instant noodles, and interest in variations on the dish continues to grow.

Luckily, you can save more on groceries like ramen and other meal components at Costco, Target, and Walmart.