Ramen Noodle Showdown – For Those of Us Who Can’t Afford Restaurants

By now you have seen hundreds of online surveys asking you to vote for your favorite local restaurant, or your favorite Pizza joint, or for your town's best fast food burger drive-thru. Isn't it about time for a "Best of the Best" survey for those of us on a budget? Cast your vote in our Ramen Noodle Showdown.

In one corner, we have a popular budget for those on the brink of starvation but with only 50-cents in their pocket: Top Ramen. In the other corner, for those with even less money: Maruchan. For today's exhibition, we will be facing off in the "chicken" flavor category.

Top Ramen boasts 10 grams of protein, which isn't bad. As a matter of fact, it's pretty good. However, it also boasts a lifetime's supply of sodium, 1,522 mg's worth, which is roughly 66% of the daily maximum amount of sodium you should have.

Maruchan contains only 8 grams of protein, and 1,660 mg's of sodium. While the profile isn't quite as impressive as Top Ramen's, Murachan typically can be purchased at close to 50% the cost of its competitor.

Both are easy to make, taking roughly five minutes, and taste great. Cast your vote for the best Ramen Noodle for those living on a "Ramen-budget."