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Chef’s Cupboard is Aldi‘s store brand and this Chicken Flavored Ramen has 20g of protein per serving. It sits in the same high protein instant noodle lane as Chef Woo. I wanted to see how the two compare.
Produced in the United States.
What’s in the Package
Inside is the noodle brick with seasoning already in it. Underneath the noodles are dried carrot, dried onion, red bell pepper, and corn.
How to Prepare It
Fold back lid halfway. Add boiling water to the fill line. Close lid, let stand for 5-7 minutes. Stir well and enjoy.
How Does It Taste
The broth looked better than I expected going in. There’s a nice oil separation on top and the color reads like an actual chicken soup. The first thing I noticed when I opened the packet was bell pepper floating at the top.
Flavor wise this is a solid chicken noodle soup experience. The broth leans heavily on chicken bouillon but it’s tasty enough that it doesn’t feel like a compromise. One thing worth noting: despite the name, this contains no chicken. The ingredients explicitly state it. It’s fully plant-based, which makes it an option for people who want the chicken protein taste without the meat.
The noodles are where the trade-off shows up. The pea protein blend gives them a slightly different texture than standard wheat noodles. It’s noticeable. That said, compared to Immi Creamy Chicken Ramen and the high protein noodle category overall, these hold up better. They’re not as chalky and they don’t distract from the bowl the way some protein noodles do.
How Does It Compare
The most direct comparison on the site is the Chef Woo Roasted Chicken Flavor Ramen, which also comes in at 20g of protein in a chicken flavored cup. I slightly prefer the Chef Woo on flavor and noodle texture. Both have the same trade-offs that come with high protein noodles.
How to Level it Up
The 20g protein base is already doing work but it responds well to additions. Shredded rotisserie chicken leans into the protein angle and gives the bouillon broth the real chicken flavor it gestures toward. A soft boiled egg adds richness and rounds the bowl out.
If you want to keep it plant based like the broth, tofu is the move. It absorbs the chicken bouillon flavor well and adds substance without changing the character of the bowl. A drizzle of sesame oil and something spicy finish it off.
Final Verdict
For an Aldi store brand high protein instant noodle, this is a pretty solid ramen. The broth is more enjoyable than you’d expect. It runs a little salty so toppings help, but as a base this is a solid option for anyone prioritizing protein on a budget.
Tasting Notes
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Where to buy Chef’s Cupboard Chicken Flavored Ramen
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