"Shin Ramyeon produced at the Gumi factory is richer and tastier than that from the Anseong factory," claims a popular YouTuber.
Recently, the debate over taste differences in Shin Ramyeon based on production factories has resurfaced online. A YouTuber with 400,000 subscribers posted a video comparing products from the Anseong and Gumi factories.
In the video, YouTuber Yoon Ho-ji evaluated the Gumi product as having a darker broth color and more noticeable oiliness. He claimed that the Anseong product tasted closer to the familiar Shin Ramyeon flavor, while the Gumi version was richer and oilier.
But is there really a taste difference based on the factory? A representative from Nongshim confirmed that different recipes are not used at each factory. Nongshim explained that the raw materials and formulations for Shin Ramyeon are the same, and they manage production to maintain consistent quality regardless of the factory.
However, they noted that it is impossible for the production equipment to be identical. Since the machines were installed at different times and operate independently, wear and operational conditions can vary. To minimize these differences, Nongshim continuously maintains and repairs the equipment at each factory and production line. Researchers also periodically inspect and test the products to ensure consistent quality.
A Nongshim representative stated, "In a mass production system with multiple factories, we research ways to consistently produce products of the same quality. Our researchers hold PhDs in food engineering, and their core role is to design and control processes to maintain identical quality across factories."
So where does the perceived taste difference come from? Nongshim attributes this to 'psychological factors and subjective sensory influences.' Since taste is evaluated through sensory perception, prior information and personal subjectivity can affect it. If consumers expect a product to be darker or spicier, they are likely to perceive it that way, according to Nongshim.
The representative added, "Since taste evaluation is heavily influenced by personal subjectivity, our lab conducts blind tests where the cook and tasters are separated, and we strictly control tasting intervals and palate cleansing processes. Without precise scientific procedures, it is difficult for the company to respond to subjective perceptions."
This debate over 'taste differences by factory' is not new in the food industry. Similar suspicions have arisen annually for long-standing products.
Earlier this year, Haitai Confectionery's flagship biscuit, Ace, faced controversy over taste and color differences based on production factories. Online posts claimed that the Asan product had a darker color and stronger nuttiness and saltiness, prompting netizens to express their own perceptions of taste differences and intentions to check the manufacturer.
At that time, Haitai Confectionery explained that the raw materials, recipes, and equipment for Ace produced at both factories are the same. They acknowledged that even products from the same production line can have slight color variations due to factors like oven positioning, but they only ship products that meet internal quality standards.
Similarly, Lotte Wellfood's Mongshell faced controversy over differences in chocolate thickness and taste between products from its Pyeongtaek and Yangsan factories. Lotte Wellfood stated, "While the product specifications and raw materials are the same, slight differences in chocolate coating thickness can occur due to physical variables like airflow in the factory, which we have adjusted."
Industry experts agree that even with the same recipe, slight perceptible differences can arise due to the characteristics of mass production processes, such as heat transfer in ovens, humidity, and equipment aging, as well as variations during production and distribution.
An industry insider noted, "Even minor differences within acceptable quality standards can lead to controversy if consumers, who have become sensitive to quality changes in this era of high prices, perceive a disconnect. For manufacturers, managing consistent quality control and reducing misunderstandings through effective consumer communication are becoming increasingly important."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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