Ramen is a quick and easy meal to prepare. Although not the healthiest, it is one of the most convenient dishes to make. All you need is the block of noodles, hot water, seasoning, and any additional add-ons like egg or seaweed to make it a delicious meal.
Buldak Ramen is a popular brand that is mostly known for its spicy ramen. Many people have been posting videos of ramen challenges as well as ramen recipes using Buldak. So, does Trader Joe’s sell Buldak Ramen? Sad to say, Trader Joe’s does not sell Buldak Ramen.
In this article we are going to take a look at what Trader Joe’s is and has to offer. We will also show you some great alternatives to Buldak Ramen that you can find at your local store.
What to Know About Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s isn’t your typical neighborhood grocery store. If you live in the east or west coast, then you have most likely seen this store around your city. Trader Joe’s is different than most grocery stores as just about all of their products are their own brand.
Trader Joe’s is widely known for selling products under their own brand name to bring lower prices than their competitors. This is also great way for them to keep track of quality control as well as pricing when it comes to their items.
Another thing you will notice in their stores is the amount of shelf space they have. Their stores are substantially smaller than your bigger known grocery store chains such as Walmart, Stater Brothers, Publix, and so on.
Keeping a small store means they have to choose wisely what they put on their shelves to offer their customers.
For the most part, Trader Joe’s will stock items that have quick turnover rate. Many items in their store will be swapped out monthly or seasonally depending on their popularity and sales volume.
Trader Joe’s and What They Offer
So, what is inside Trader Joe’s? You can expect to find many of your household staples like fresh produce, meats, breads, desserts, and frozen entrees.
On top of all that, you can also find other useful household items like toilet paper, laundry detergent, beverages, wine, sweets, desserts, and so much more.
Trader Joe’s selection of noodles and pasta isn’t large, but will be able to satisfy the needs of most consumers. Pasta sauces, noodles, and ramen are popular products amongst consumers which means Trader Joe’s will stock them with their own brand name.
Although You won’t find brand name items like Buldak or Maruchan when it comes to ramen, you will most likely be able to find alternatives under the Trader Joe’s brand name.
Looking at Buldak Ramen
Buldak Ramen is highly known for their super spicy ramen. It is a staple when it comes to Korean ramen. With its growing popularity, it’s well known all around the world.
Buldak ramen is very easy to cook and will satisfy the taste buds of avid hot and spicy food enthusiasts. Making the ramen is quite simple.
Simply boil a pot of water, about 600ml, and add your noodles. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes and drain all but about 8 tablespoons of water.
Add in the seasoning packets and cook it for an additional minute or two. Let it cool, and enjoy your spicy noodles!
To check the current price and availability of Buldak Ramen, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Where to Find Buldak Ramen
Finding Buldak Ramen near you may be a difficult task depending on the store in your area. If you do not live near any of the store listed below, you can always find Buldak Ramen in online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon.
Walmart – Walmart is known for their very low prices and wide selection of products. Although they are not known for the quality of their products, they are known for having a lot of items in all of their stores.
At Walmart you will be able to find a wide selection of ramen brands, including Buldak Ramen.
Costco – Costco is a very well known membership based grocery store that sells items in large and bulk quantities. Do you for some reason need 5 pounds of mayonnaise?
Well Costco has you covered. They also have you covered when it comes to Buldak Ramen. You can find Buldak Ramen in 6 count containers at a reasonable price.
Trader Joe’s Alternatives to Buldak Ramen
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles – The closest thing you will find to ramen at Trader Joe’s is their squiggly knife cut style noodles. Each bag of noodles contains 1 sauce packet that you put on once it is cooked.
Simply boil the noodles for 4 minutes, add the sauce packet, and enjoy! These noodles won’t be spicy like Buldak, but you can always add chili paste, oil, or sriracha sauce to the noodles to give them an extra kick.
Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles – These noodles aren’t your traditional ramen, but they work great when you need something quick. These noodles are already cooked, and shelf stable.
Simply open up the bag, and pour them onto whatever dish you like. That’s it! The texture of these noodles are more like a lo main than a ramen, but delicious nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s, being widely known for their unique products at low prices, is an awesome store to shop at. Even if you’ve already done your grocery shopping at other stores, you can always go to Trader Joe’s and pickup more since they are so unique in their offerings.
Unfortunately they do not offer your favorite brand names like Buldak Ramen. You will however, almost always be able to find an alternative to what you are looking for. They will just be under the Trader Joe’s brand name instead.
If you are looking for ramen at Trader Joe’s, then we highly recommend trying out their squiggly cut style noodles. This is the closest thing you will get to ramen and the taste is great. Simply add some hot chili oil or sriracha to give it that extra kick of spiciness that its missing.
