So, Ramen's pretty popular in prison

Good to know.

Ramen noodles are overtaking tobacco as the most popular currency in US prisons, according a new study released on Monday.

A new report by Michael Gibson-Light, a doctoral candidate in the University of Arizona’s school of sociology, found the decline in quality and quantity of food available in prisons due to cost-cutting has made ramen noodles a valuable commodity.

“[Ramen] is easy to get and it’s high in calories,” Gibson-Light said. “A lot of them, they spend their days working and exercising and they don’t have enough energy to do these things. From there it became more a story, why ramen in particular.”

Gibson-Light interviewed close to 60 inmates over the course of a year at one state prison as part of a wider study on prison labor. He did not identify the prison to protect the confidentiality of the inmates.

He found that the instant soup has surpassed tobacco as the most prized currency at the prison. He also analyzed other nationwide investigations that he says found a trend towards using ramen noodles in exchanges.

“One way or another, everything in prison is about money,” one soft-spoken prisoner named Rogers said in the report. “Soup is money in here. It’s sad but true.”

Ramen noodles have long been known to be a popular dish in prisons. Gustavo “Goose” Alvarez, who spent more than a decade incarcerated on a weapons charge, wrote a book on its popularity, Prison Ramen: Recipes and Stories From Behind Bars.

He was inspired to write the book after a race riot in 2009 led to a standoff between a group of Hispanic and African American inmates. An older inmate quelled the dispute and the two groups resolved the tensions by cooking a feast together, largely with ramen noodles.

The book, released last year, includes several recipes such as Ramen Tamale, using Doritos, canned pork and beans, and ramen. It recommends mixing strawberry jelly with soy sauce to make teriyaki, to go with Cheesy Meat Tacos. The book also includes the favorite ramen recipes of celebrities such as Shia LeBeouf and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

Guten Appetit.

Postage stamps trade well too.

College kids love it too! I'm sure safe spaces on campuses are just full of ramen. You can blow some bubbles and play with some play-doh while your noodles cook.

Who knew that, besides tending to have no idea what is going on in the outside world, college kids and prison inmates have the ramen thing in common too?

Is it better or worse to be traded for a Cup O Noodle then a pic of cigs?

YouTube video

Originally posted by Flyattractor
[b]Is it better or worse to be traded for a Cup O Noodle then a pic of cigs?

YouTube video [/B]

He doesn't want a cup of noodles he wants a cup of pee.

What do you think they cook all that ramen in?

Personally for me, similar to fuel..Ramen is for lesser men. I moved on up to the eastside a long time ago when it comes to my soups.

White Privileged Ramen.

Check Your Ramen.

#GreatToBeWhite

I absolutely HATE Ramen! Ate way too much of it in college.

A favorite past time of mine was to make some Ramen and only eat half of it. Then I'd find a homeless man and I'd slowly pour out the other half of it into a dumpster right in front of him. If there were no dumpsters around I'd just pour it right out onto the street or maybe into a sewer. Since well if I just left it on the street he might eat it once I walk away so knowing me..yeah probably the sewer.

You are such a bleeding heart Liberal.

I would have made him earn it. Dance a funny little jig at least.

Originally posted by Surtur
A favorite past time of mine was to make some Ramen and only eat half of it. Then I'd find a homeless man and I'd slowly pour out the other half of it into a dumpster right in front of him. If there were no dumpsters around I'd just pour it right out onto the street or maybe into a sewer. Since well if I just left it on the street he might eat it once I walk away so knowing me..yeah probably the sewer.

I was a prison guard for 5 years and I can tell you that Ramen is definitely used as currency, as well as stamps.

How does Ramen ensure postage?

He who controls the Ramen controls the prison.

Originally posted by Impediment
I was a prison guard for 5 years

And now mercilessly moderating us 🙁

Originally posted by riv6672
Hardcore, Dawg!!!

I knew you'd understand.

Originally posted by Robtard
He who controls the Ramen controls the prison.

I bet a guard that had like..a Sam's Club membership card would probably be worshipped like a God. Or at the very least a demi-god.

Originally posted by Surtur
I knew you'd understand.

Originally posted by Impediment
I was a prison guard for 5 years and I can tell you that Ramen is definitely used as currency, as well as stamps.