Who is this choice for?

Shoppers comparing salt content

You’re considering noodles as a savoury pancake filling and want to compare the ‘salt’ value shown on similar products, rather than relying on the product name alone.

People making pancakes

You need to decide whether the noodles are intended as a filling. Femme Actuelle’s Pancake Day recipe uses flour, eggs and milk for the batter.

Shoppers looking for convenience

You’re considering instant or seasoned noodles for the filling. Check the product’s salt value and whether it includes a seasoning sachet.

What should you check?

First decide whether you’re making pancake batter or a savoury filling. If you’re using noodles as a filling, compare salt levels in products in the same state and check what’s in the pack.

Criterion What to check Who it matters to
Salt content Compare the ‘salt’ value per 100 g for products in the same state, such as two packs of dried noodles. If salt is my main priority for this filling, I want to compare labels on a like-for-like basis; around 50% of consumers would prioritise this comparison.
Role in the recipe Decide whether the noodles will be used as a filling or whether you’re looking for ingredients to make pancake batter. I’m making pancakes and don’t want to buy noodles when I’m looking for batter ingredients; around 30% of consumers would prioritise finding a product that suits their needs.
Seasoning Check whether the pack includes a seasoning sachet and look at the nutrition information for the way you plan to prepare the noodles. I want to prepare a filling quickly, but I also want to know what the seasoning adds to the dish; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this question.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming ‘reduced salt’ means low in salt

    A reduced-salt claim refers to a comparison; on its own, it doesn’t tell you how much salt is in the pack you’ve chosen.

    Check the ‘salt’ value per 100 g and see which product the noodles are being compared with.

  • Comparing plain noodles with a seasoned product without checking what’s included

    The pack may contain a separate seasoning sachet. Tables du Monde’s caramel soy ramen product listing on E.Leclerc states that salt is present in both the pre-cooked noodles and the seasoning.

    Check the pack contents and the relevant nutrition information for the portion you plan to prepare.

  • Buying noodles to make pancake batter

    Femme Actuelle’s Pancake Day recipe uses flour, eggs and milk for the batter, not noodles.

    Only buy noodles for a savoury filling if that’s the dish you want to make. If you’re looking for reduced-salt tinned foods, compare products in that category instead.

Brands and retailers to know

Blue Dragon

The brand’s UK pages feature products including wholewheat noodles and egg noodles.

  • Blue Dragon lists 0,58 g of salt per 100 g for its Wholewheat Noodle Nests and 1,8 g per 100 g for its Fine Egg Noodles.
  • These values apply to the products featured on the brand’s UK pages. Check the label on the pack you’re considering buying.

Carrefour

The retailer stocks a range of noodles, including rice, egg and instant varieties.

  • This range lets you look separately at plain noodles and flavoured products.
  • To compare salt content, check the nutrition information for each product and see whether it includes seasoning.

Tables du Monde

E.Leclerc features this brand’s products, including rice noodles and seasoned ramen.

  • E.Leclerc lists 1,5 g of salt per 100 g for its 250 g pack of Tables du Monde rice noodles.
  • This value doesn’t mean the product carries a reduced-salt claim. For seasoned ramen, check the seasoning ingredients too.

Joybuy products

Matching products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare the salt in two packs of noodles?

Compare the ‘salt’ value per 100 g for products in the same state, then check whether seasoning is included. The DGCCRF notes that salt is one of the details included in the nutrition declaration for pre-packed foods.

Is the ‘reduced salt’ claim enough to help me choose noodles?

No. A reduced-salt claim doesn’t replace checking the salt content. Look at the value shown, the product used as the basis for comparison and what’s in the pack you plan to prepare.

Do I need noodles to make Pancake Day batter?

Not for the recipe published by Femme Actuelle: its batter is made with flour, eggs and milk. If you want to use noodles, consider them as a filling for a savoury pancake instead.