Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Pie Flavor - Taste Test Comparison

I haven't been writing up as many taste tests lately because the kids wanted me to focus more on our travel stories, but this one felt timely and appropriate. 

In the fall season of years past, we've tried quite a few Pumpkin Spice flavored things. Wendy's Frostys and Cold Brews, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Soda and Popcorn, Caramels, Kit Kats and M&Ms, Jelly Bellies, Cheerios, and even Frosted Flakes cereal. But this one... This one seems like the most unique. 

Cup Noodles. But Pumpkin Pie Flavor. 

The two don't really seem like they'd go together, but we'll have to see. 

The packaging. I like the giant pumpkin on the label. And the N in pumpkin looks to be topped with whipped cream. 

The pumpkin is big and bold on the front of the package too. 

Looking over the ingredients for the ramen, I was hoping to get an idea of the spices that were used in it. Normal Pumpkin Pie Spice includes things like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. In this ingredient list I see garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. There is powdered pumpkin in there, but everything else seems to be tied up in the very generic SPICE line. 

Microwaveable for your convenience. 

"For an even more satisfying Pumpkin Pie experience, try topping with whipped cream after microwaving."

Here we go! 

Many were interested in smelling it. Not everyone wanted to taste it though. 

Patrick - I smell graham cracker. Maybe whatever the crust is made from. I smell the crust.

Theresa - I smell something sweet. 

Joe - Do you like how it smells?

Theresa - NO! Well, it reminds me of a sweet bread smell. It does not remind me of a ramen smell. So no, I don't want that as ramen.  

Patrick - Let's eat this before we ruin our expectations with real pumpkin pie. 

Pop Pop loves pumpkin pie normally. 

Joe - I definitely taste noodle. 

Patrick - It's sweet. But not very pumpkiny

Pop Pop - It's definitely subtle. 

Joe - Am I tasting cinnamon? 

None of the other kids came running, but Alli is pretty bold with trying new things. 

Alli - Huh. It's not bad. 

Joe - What are you tasting? 

Alli - I'm not exactly tasting too much pumpkin, but some. It tastes like Fall. It's sweet but savory too. 

Joe - It does have a savory part to it. 

Alli - I know which one is going to be better. The real pumpkin pie. 

The real pumpkin pie obviously tastes like itself. It's not very sweet. The ramen has a stronger flavor. 

Mickey - I like the Pumpkin Pie better, but the ramen isn't bad. 

Patrick - One has a lingering pumpkin flavor. One has a lingering noodle flavor. 

Joe - It's not terrible, but it's something to try. I wouldn't eat it for lunch every day. 

Mickey - Is it dessert? Or is it supposed to be a meal? 

Patrick - I'd eat it again. Maybe a 7 out of 10. 

Joe - I'd give it a 6. 

Mickey - It wasn't disgusting at all. There was nothing unpleasant about it. If you were hungry it'd be something you could eat. I'd give it a 7. 

While we're doing taste tests, might as well add one more that I've got. Salted Caramel Lay's Potato Chips. 

Didn't you already taste these before?

What a good memory you have! Yes, yes we did. Back in 2021 these chips were in stores for a limited time. 

That Colorado altitude really did a number on this bag of chips. 

The back promises Salty, Crispy, and Delicious. Back in 2021 the bag was purple, which was an odd choice for a chip that tastes like caramel. This was a better choice. Then, the back promised Sweet, Salty, Crispy. 

They don't appear to be as coated with powdered flavoring, but they do still smell like caramel. 

In general, everyone thought they were tasty chips which lived up to the promises on the bag. They do taste like caramel and they are salty. 

The kids didn't need much convincing to try these ones. 

They all thought they were delicious and tasty. 

So, two different fall treats. Pumpkin Pie flavored ramen and Salted Caramel flavored potato chips. Which one will you try?