Who are these options for?

People keeping an eye on sugar

You’re stocking your cupboard for the first time and want to compare the ‘of which sugars’ line without confusing it with carbohydrates, while checking any claims on the packaging.

People who like to make their own recipes

You’re looking for a noodle base to which you can add your own sauce and other ingredients, rather than a ready-seasoned recipe.

People looking for a quick meal

You want something that takes little time to prepare, while still checking the number of servings, seasoning ingredients and allergens.

What should you look for first?

First decide whether you want a base to season yourself or something quick to prepare. Then compare the nutritional values and ingredients of products shown in the same state.

Criterion What to check Who is it for?
Sugar content The ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g, the state of the product and any claims on the packet. I want to compare the sugar in my first noodle purchases without mistaking all carbohydrates for sugars. Around 45% of consumers would make this a priority.
Ingredients and salt The ingredients in the noodle base and seasoning, as well as the salt content on a comparable basis. If I’m making several recipes, I’d rather decide for myself what to add to the noodles. Around 33% of consumers would make this control a priority.
Quick preparation The instructions, number of servings, and any allergens or traces listed on the packet. When I have little time to cook, I look for something simple to prepare without overlooking what’s in the sachet. Speed would come first for around 22% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing carbohydrates with sugars

    These two figures don’t mean the same thing. According to the French National Consumer Institute, ‘reduced sugar’ and ‘low sugar’ are regulated claims. A figure that seems low to you isn’t enough to justify using either claim for a product.

    Read the ‘of which sugars’ line and look for the exact claim on the packaging, rather than relying on the total carbohydrate figure or wording in the product name.

  • Comparing figures based on different amounts

    Figures per 100 g of dried noodles, prepared product or a portion don’t necessarily describe the same quantity. Including seasoning also changes the composition you need to consider.

    Check the product state and the unit used in the nutrition table before comparing two packets.

  • Assuming you know the allergens from the type of noodle alone

    The noodle base and seasoning may contain different ingredients. The Carrefour Sensation product information we checked specifically lists soya in the seasoning and possible traces of milk, celery and crustaceans.

    If you’re avoiding certain foods, check the ingredients, allergens and trace information on the exact packet, including its seasoning sachet.

  • Assuming a product will always be in stock

    A Lidl offer for instant noodles had a limited date, while Aldi listed its YumYum prawn-flavour option as unavailable on the product page we checked. An old product page doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to buy it on your shopping trip.

    Check your chosen store or online grocery service, and add another product of the same type to your list as a backup.

Brands and retailers to explore

Carrefour

The Carrefour Sensation instant noodle product information lists the noodles and their seasoning separately.

  • Carrefour’s product information lists the ingredients, allergens and possible traces for this product.
  • This information doesn’t automatically apply to other Carrefour noodles, so check the packet you choose.

E.Leclerc

The Turini and Tables du Monde options we checked include dried noodles, rice noodles and seasoned noodles.

  • For every 100 g, E.Leclerc lists 3.6 g of sugars for Turini noodles and 0.6 g for Tables du Monde rice noodles.
  • Tables du Monde curry noodles contain 3.8 g of salt per 100 g of dried product. Bear this basis in mind before comparing them with another prepared option.

Auchan

Auchan’s 500 g dried noodle option is made with durum wheat semolina and can be seasoned to taste.

  • Auchan’s product information lists 4.5 g of sugars and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.
  • Auchan says the composition may vary depending on the online grocery service and purchase date, so check the label on the packet you choose.

Lidl

Lidl has featured several flavours of instant noodles in a time-limited offer.

  • This range could be a good starting point if you’re looking for an instant option.
  • Check the in-store offer and the packet’s nutritional information before adding it to your list.

Aldi

The Aldi product page we checked was for a pack of five 60 g packets of YumYum prawn-flavour noodles.

  • The pack size makes it easy to spot the format you’re looking for if you prefer to buy several portions.
  • Aldi listed this product as unavailable on its product page, so check current availability before relying on it for your shop.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘reduced sugar’ mean ‘low in carbohydrates’?

No. Sugars make up only part of the carbohydrates listed in the nutritional information. The French National Consumer Institute explains that the claim ‘reduced sugar’ means a product must contain at least 30% less sugar than a similar product. For a solid food, ‘low sugar’ means no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the claim actually shown on the packet rather than inferring it from a single figure.

How can you compare the sugar content of dried and instant noodles?

Only compare their figures if they’re based on an equivalent amount. Check whether the table refers to 100 g of dry product, prepared product or a portion, and whether the seasoning is included. Otherwise, the figures aren’t directly comparable.

Are rice noodles always gluten-free?

Don’t assume so from the name ‘rice noodles’ alone. The Tables du Monde option we checked contains rice, water and salt, but the ingredients in one product don’t tell you what’s in every other option. Read the ingredients, allergens and any trace information on the packet you’re buying.

What should you check in instant noodles with seasoning?

Read the ingredients for both the noodles and the sachet, then check the salt, servings and listed allergens. The Carrefour Sensation product information we checked specifically mentions soya in the seasoning and possible traces of milk, celery and crustaceans. Always check the label on the exact product you’re buying.

How should you store dried noodles after opening?

Follow the instructions on the packet you’ve bought. For its 500 g dried noodles, Auchan recommends resealing the bag, keeping it away from heat and moisture and, if possible, transferring the noodles to an airtight container.