People who track carbohydrates per portion
You want to match the carbohydrates shown on the pack to the amount of noodles you’ll serve, rather than choosing based only on the ‘of which sugars’ line.
Who are these criteria useful for?
People short on time who are considering instant noodles
You’re looking for a quick meal and want to check what’s in the seasoning sachet too, including the salt, ingredients and declared allergens.
People comparing recipes and fibre content
You’re looking at wholegrain or legume-based noodles, without assuming their carbohydrate content from a claim such as ‘high protein’ or ‘reduced sugar’.
What should you check before buying?
Ameli advises checking the nutrition information per 100 g to compare products. When choosing a portion of noodles, check whether these values refer to the dried or prepared product, then work them out for the amount you’ll serve.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates and portion size | Compare ‘carbohydrates’ and ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, then check the portion weight and the basis used for the nutrition information. | When I prepare a portion of noodles, I want to know the carbohydrates in what I’ll actually serve, not just the sugars listed. Around 42% of consumers prioritise carbohydrates per portion. |
| Recipe and fibre | Check the ingredients for wholegrain cereals or legumes, then compare the carbohydrates and fibre listed. | When choosing a wholegrain or legume-based recipe, I want to check its ingredients before deciding on my portion. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparation and seasoning | For instant noodles, read the ingredients and declared allergens for the sachet, as well as the salt content; decide whether you’ll use all the seasoning. | When I’m short on time, I want a quick meal but also need to know what I’m adding with the sachet. Speed and control over the seasoning come first for around 25% of consumers. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing based only on ‘of which sugars’
For its noodles, Auchan lists 4.5 g of sugars but 70 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. The first figure can’t replace the second when you’re assessing a portion.
Compare both figures on the same basis, then take into account the weight of noodles you’ll actually serve.
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Forgetting the instant noodle sachet
Carrefour’s published ingredients list for its beef-flavoured instant noodles includes salt, maltodextrin and sugar in the seasoning.
Check the ingredients and declared allergens for the whole product. If you use only part of the sachet, don’t assume the nutrition information for the prepared product applies to a different amount.
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Assuming ‘high protein’ or ‘wholegrain’ tells you about carbohydrates
These claims alone don’t tell you the amount of carbohydrates, sugars or fibre in a portion.
Check the recipe and nutrition information for the specific product you’re considering.
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Planning a meal around a time-limited offer
Lidl France’s instant noodle offer was dated 30 September 2026, so you can’t assume that product will still be available later.
Before relying on a particular product, check availability at your local shop or through your online grocery order.
If the offer has ended, planning to buy an alternative can save you a trip just for that one product.
Brands to compare when choosing noodles
Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour offers beef-flavoured instant noodles in a pack of three 65 g sachets.
- The ingredients list separates the noodles from the seasoning sachet, so you can check the seasoning before buying.
- The seasoning ingredients alone don’t tell you the carbohydrates in a prepared portion: check the nutrition information for this product too.
Auchan
Auchan offers dried noodles in a 500 g pack.
- For this product, Auchan lists 70 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, of which 4.5 g are sugars, along with 3 g of fibre, 13 g of protein and 0.02 g of salt.
- These figures relate to this product and a 100 g portion; they don’t describe all Auchan noodles or the portion you’ll serve.
Asia Green Garden
ALDI France offers 72 g instant noodles described as ‘high protein’ and a 249 g noodle bowl described as ‘high protein’ under this brand.
- These two formats give you distinct recipes and product styles to compare.
- The ‘high protein’ claim doesn’t replace checking the ingredients, carbohydrates, fibre, salt and portion size of the product you choose.
Lidl
Lidl France has offered instant noodles in several flavours, including vegetable, beef and chicken.
- The instant format may suit you if you’re looking for a quick meal.
- The offer was dated 30 September 2026: check availability and the label on the product actually being sold before choosing.
Joybuy products related to noodles
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are ‘reduced sugar’ noodles automatically suitable if you have diabetes?
No. This claim alone doesn’t tell you the total carbohydrates or the amount in the portion you eat. Compare the carbohydrates, ‘of which sugars’ and the amount you’ll serve. If you need to follow an individual eating plan, discuss it with the healthcare professional supporting you.
What should you compare on two packs of noodles?
Start by comparing the carbohydrates and sugars per 100 g, then check the portion you’re planning to eat, fibre where listed, salt, ingredients and declared allergens. Also check whether the figures apply to dried or prepared noodles.
Do you need to avoid instant noodles if you have diabetes?
Ameli doesn’t generally describe foods as forbidden, but highlights the importance of choosing appropriate quantities. For instant noodles, check the carbohydrates in your portion as well as the ingredients and salt in the seasoning sachet. Your individual circumstances may call for personalised advice.
How should you store dried noodles after opening?
Follow the instructions on the pack. For its dried noodles, Auchan advises sealing the bag tightly, transferring the contents to an airtight container if you prefer, and keeping them away from heat and moisture.