People who prepare several meals at home
If you cook several noodle-based meals during the week, consider how much you’ll actually use and the storage instructions for the pack once it’s open.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Households that prefer to open smaller amounts
With several 500 g bags, you can keep the others sealed between cooking sessions. For a large bag, Auchan advises resealing it carefully and, ideally, transferring the remaining noodles to an airtight container.
People who pay close attention to ingredients
Before choosing a large pack, check the label on the product you buy. Carrefour Classic’s 500 g product listing states that it contains durum wheat and may contain traces of egg, soya and mustard. Auchan says that the ingredients in its product may vary depending on the store and purchase date.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether you need dried noodles as a base for several recipes or instant portions. If you choose dried noodles, match the bag size to how often you cook and the storage space you have for an opened pack.
1 kg bag of dried noodles
Choose this: if you’re using the same noodles in several dishes and can store the rest away from heat and moisture.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a suitable place to store the opened bag. Auchan advises resealing it carefully and, ideally, using an airtight container.
Several 500 g bags of dried noodles
Choose this: if you cook in smaller batches or want to keep some of your supply sealed.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to store several packs, and check the ingredients and any may-contain warnings on each product.
Instant noodle multipack
Choose this: if you’re mainly looking for quick portions rather than dried noodles to use across several recipes.
Bear in mind: the number of packs, their weight and whether they include seasonings aren’t directly comparable with a bag of dried noodles.
| What to consider | What to check | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for several recipes | Net weight of 1 kg or 500 g; whether the type of noodles suits the dishes you’re planning. | I want to use the same supply of dried noodles across several meals without opening lots of bags. Around 40% of shoppers would put this first. |
| Storage after opening | Instructions on the pack; whether you can reseal it or transfer the rest to an airtight container. | If I cook several days apart, I’d rather protect the remaining noodles or keep a second bag sealed. This would be a priority for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you actually buy. | Before stocking up, I need to know whether the recipe fits my dietary requirements. Around 20% of shoppers would check this before considering the pack size. |
| Preparation time | Whether the product is dried or instant; preparation instructions. | When I need to put a meal together quickly, I prefer convenient portions to a shared base for several dishes. Around 10% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing an instant multipack with a large bag of dried noodles
A multipack of instant noodles won’t necessarily serve the same purpose as a bag of dried noodles intended for use in several recipes.
Before swapping one for the other, compare the type of product, total weight and whether it includes seasonings.
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Choosing a large pack without checking the ingredients again
Carrefour Classic’ states that its 500 g product contains durum wheat and may contain traces of egg, soya and mustard. Auchan says the ingredients may vary depending on the store and purchase date.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re buying, even if you’re already familiar with the product.
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Leaving a 1 kg bag open without suitable protection
For its 1 kg noodles, Auchan says to store the pack away from heat and moisture and advises resealing it carefully after opening.
Before choosing this size, work out how you’ll protect the remaining noodles, for example by using a large enough airtight container.
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Leaving cooked noodles out for too long
For meals prepared in advance, Anses advises refrigerating food within two hours.
Put cooked noodles in clean containers, cover them and refrigerate them promptly.
Noodle brands to know
Auchan
Auchan offers dried noodles in 500 g and 1 kg bags. Both sizes are worth considering, depending on how much you’ll open at a time.
- The 1 kg product listing states an 8-minute cooking time for al dente noodles and includes storage advice for after opening.
- Auchan says the ingredients and country of manufacture may vary depending on the store and purchase date, so check the label on the pack you choose.
Carrefour Classic’
Carrefour provides detailed information for its 500 g noodles and also lists a 1 kg product in its search results.
- The 500 g size lets you build up a supply while keeping the other bags sealed.
- The 500 g bag’s product listing states that it contains durum wheat semolina and may contain traces of egg, soya and mustard. Check the information for the size you buy.
Turini
The Turini product listed by E.Leclerc is a 500 g bag of noodles, making it a good option if you want to build up a supply in smaller packs.
- The E.Leclerc product listing states that it contains durum wheat semolina.
- The E.Leclerc website doesn’t sell this product directly and advises customers to contact the relevant store.
Alpina Savoie
The Alpina Savoie Savoie-style noodles listed by Auchan come in a 500 g bag.
- Auchan’s product listing states a 4-minute cooking time and that the noodles are made in France.
- If you need more than 500 g, you’ll have to buy several bags.
1 kg noodles on Joybuy
These 1 kg bags are a good option if you want a larger pack of noodles to use across several meals. Compare the varieties to find one that suits your recipes, and make sure you can protect the contents once the bag is open.
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Chen Ke Ming High-Gluten Ribbon Noodles, 1 kg
A 1 kg bag to use across several meals featuring wide noodles. Check the ingredients on the pack if you have any dietary requirements.
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Chen Ke Ming High-Gluten Fine Noodles, 1 kg
A 1 kg pack if you want to use fine noodles in several dishes. Check the ingredients and instructions on the pack before planning your meals.
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Bai Xiang Corn Noodles, 1 kg
A 1 kg bag for several meals. The words “Corn Noodles” don’t confirm that these noodles are wheat-free, so check the ingredients list on the pack.
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Bai Xiang Hand Rolled Noodles, 1 kg
A 1 kg bag to consider if you’re making several dishes with the same variety of noodles. Check the packaging for the ingredients and storage instructions for after opening.
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Bai Xiang Oat Noodles, 1 kg
A 1 kg pack to divide between several meals. The words “Oat Noodles” don’t tell you everything about the ingredients, so check the label if you need to avoid wheat or other grains.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy one 1 kg bag or two 500 g bags?
Choose the 1 kg bag if you use the same noodles in several recipes and can protect the rest properly once the bag is open. With two 500 g bags, you can keep some of your supply sealed when you’re cooking in smaller batches.
Is a large bag suitable if I need to watch out for allergens?
The size of the bag doesn’t guarantee anything about its ingredients, so check the label on the product you buy. Carrefour Classic’s 500 g product listing states that it contains wheat and may contain traces of egg, soya and mustard. Auchan says that the ingredients in its product may vary depending on the store and purchase date.
How should I store dried noodles after opening?
Follow the instructions on the pack. For its noodles, Auchan advises resealing the bag carefully and, ideally, transferring the contents to an airtight container, away from heat and moisture.
How long can I leave cooked noodles out?
For food that’s going to be kept chilled, Anses advises refrigerating it within two hours. Keep prepared noodles covered in clean containers and refrigerate them promptly.
Can an instant noodle multipack replace a family-sized bag of dried noodles?
Not necessarily. The instant noodles sold by Lidl and Aldi are intended for quick meals, while a bag of dried noodles can be used as a base for several recipes. Check the total weight, type of noodles and whether the pack includes seasonings before you choose.