Sorry Smokes, Behind Bars It’s Ramen That Rules

You’ve seen the movies and TV shows that depict prison life and you’ve no doubt seen the portrayal of cigarettes as the currency of choice in the prison population.  Turn out that used to be true, but times have changed and there’s a new king of commerce at the greybar hotel!

According to a new study, ramen noodles are overtaking tobacco as the most popular currency in U.S. prisons.

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. After interviewing close to 60 inmates, Gibson-Light discovered that the instant soup has surpassed tobacco as the most prized currency in prison.

According an interview in The Guardian, research shows that ramen is easy to get, high in calories and with many prisoners  spending their days working and working out, the ramen helps provide the energy to get it all done. (The Guardian)