Research in 2014 has indicated that consuming instant ramen noodles two or more times a week increases the likelihood of developing heart disease and other conditions including diabetes and stroke, especially in women.

Instant ramen noodles were exported from Japan by Nissin Foods starting in 1971, bearing the name "Oodles of Noodles". One year later, it was re-branded "Nissin Cup Noodles", packaged in a foam food container, and subsequently saw a growth in international sales. Over time, the term "ramen" became used in North America to refer to other instant noodles, even those not technically ramen. Research has indicated that consuming instant ramen two or more times a week increases the likelihood of developing heart disease and other conditions including diabetes and stroke, especially in women.

“Ramen noodles are a highly processed convenience food that contains little nutritional value beyond empty calories, sodium, and saturated fat.”