Gluten Free Meister Japanese Ramen - Tonkotsu, Shoyu & Miso Variety Pack (6pk) | Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly | Quick Lunch, College Dorm Meals & Asian Food Lovers

Before I divulge into my review, I would like to preface by saying that I have was diagnosed with an allergy to gluten after seeing multiple cardiac doctors for a rapid heart rate that all started when my primary source of food was starches. In our religion, abstaining from meat and all blood containing seafood or meat derivatives is required when doing our Lenten fast. (Yes, I take supplements in excess during my fasting periods as well as eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in the vitamins needed during this time.) Thus, I was primarily eating pastas and breads in order to keep me full. I noticed that I would have extreme bouts of tachycardia. After purchasing an at home EKG machine, wearing a holter monitor for 48 hours, visiting 4 cardiac doctors and electrophysiologists, one in particular suggested that I may not be a cardiac issue at all and rather from my diet. The gluten allergy was confirmed after bloodwork and further testing.Whats the one thing I missed the most? RAMEN NOODLE SOUP. You know, the Maruchan brand that you could get for .25 cents a package? Yea, thats the one. And when I checked the package? Yep, the noodles had wheat/gluten. I was so upset! Sounds crazy to be upset over such a thing but I grew up on them! How could I never have these again? Well, I wasn’t willing to risk the feeling of my heart beating out of my chest just to cheat for a meal so I started in search of the best rice noodle ramen as an alternative.I have taken advice on the “best alternative to ramen” products from multiple people who are in the same boat and even from members in a gluten free facebook group. I have tried hundreds of dollars worth of mock ramen products (as you know these aren’t cheap either) but none of these appealed to me in the least bit. The noodles would break or stick together and none even came CLOSE to the texture of those found in the .25 cent package. How?! All the money they charge and they STILL can’t get the texture of the noodle down pat. The broth was too salty/not salty enough. Watered down tasting. Portions were too small. I would have to add all sorts of spices/additions for it to be palatable. I could go on forever.In one of my late night searches on amazon the other night, I found this product and thought “what’s the worst that could happen, at least I could check this one off the list as one I’ve tried”. I ordered the mixed variety pack on Saturday and it arrived at my door less than 24 hours later. It was packaged tightly and the noodles were not broken at all when I removed them from the package. I cooked according to package directions. The noodles cooked separately and were not clumped together. I did find that 5 minutes was not long enough to achieve the bite that I liked so I upped it to 7. Turned the heat off and opened the flavor packet. I chose the soy flavor. It was sauce like and thick. Not a powder. When added to the broth it thickened up nicely. I added it to the bowl and tried the broth alone. I was DELICIOUS! Again, a little thicker and not runny (which I like), full of flavor (WAY better flavor than those in the paper package to my disbelief) and not overly salty. Then the noodles. Oh my goodness THE NOODLES! THESE ARE WHAT I HAVE BEEN IN SEARCH OF!!! The texture resembled those delicious bowls of pho in the authentic restaurants that I once loved so much! These are the CLOSEST to real ramen that I have ever had. I am proud to say that while I wish they were cheaper, my search is over. If you’re skeptical like me, give them a try and you’ll definitely be pleased! I am thankful to have found these!