[Richmond, CA] – Two years ago, Lotus Foods reinvented the ramen category, using its popular heirloom and specialty rices to create gluten-free Rice Ramen, making this best-loved Asian food, traditionally made with wheat, available to legions of consumers who are gluten intolerant. Organic whole grain ingredients and lower-sodium soup flavorings resulted in a healthier and more adventurous ramen experience.
Now Lotus Foods is revving up the ramen revolution with an extension of its Rice Ramen line, introducing flavor concepts that are truly revolutionary and inspired. To be added to the original Rice Ramen flavors-- Forbidden Rice® Ramen; Jade Pearl Rice™ Ramen; and Millet & Brown Rice Ramen -- are the following new Rice Ramen:
- Purple Potato & Brown Rice Ramen, pairing antioxidant-rich purple-fleshed sweet potato and whole grain brown rice.
- Buckwheat Mushroom Rice Ramen, blending these ingredients together for an earthy aroma and nutty taste.
- Wakame & Brown Rice Ramen, featuring wakame seaweed, a great natural source of potassium and fiber, for an exotic hint of sea vegetable.
Says Caryl Levine, Lotus Foods co-owner, “When we first launched our original Rice Ramen we had no idea how hot ramen was about to become. It is a beloved food for both young and old and we just wanted to make a product that is healthier and can be enjoyed by everyone. We think consumers will really get excited about the direction we’ve taken with our innovative new flavors.”
All Lotus Foods Rice Ramen cakes are 100% organic and each vegetable soup mix has a distinctivetaste and 50% less sodium than regular ramen. They feature favorite Asian and Indian spices not normally found in other ramen like turmeric, ginger, wakame and tamari. With fast-cooking noodles, it’s only 4 minutes to a nourishing and tasty bowl of soup anytime. Rice Ramen is the perfect snack or the start of a complete meal with vegetables or a protein of choice. They will add drama to favorite stir-fries or transform classic cold noodle salads with a simple tamari and sesame oil dressing.
“With so many people coping with gluten intolerance, diabetes, or simply too busy to cook, we feel it is important to give them more options to consume nutritious and delicious rice” says Levine. “Stay tuned for more innovations from the company later this year.”
Since 1995, Lotus Foods has been sourcing fair-trade ingredients from small family farmers around the world who are growing rice sustainably and preserving heirloom and specialty rices. The company’s objective is not only to help rice farmers earn a living wage but to bring healthier rice choices to consumers. Lotus Foods’ product line is unique in delivering consumers healthier, versatile rice and rice-based foods that respect their multiple concerns for the highest standards of taste together with social and environmental ethics.