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Why ramen is so valuable in prison

Behind bars, instant ramen noodles can buy you anything.

by Alexandra Cardinale and Aleli May Vuelta

Instant ramen noodles have become like cash among inmates in America. And behind bars, it can buy you anything.

Cash is illegal in prisons. And that means everything from tuna to stamps to cigarettes has its own unique value in a trade and barter market.

But ramen has quickly taken over as the most in-demand product the prison system offers.

Find out why ramen took over prison economies and why it’s the default item for trade among inmates.

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