To prepare a dish to share at a festival, compare the net weight, stated portions and equipment needed rather than relying on the words ‘family size’. A pack of dried noodles is a good choice if you can cook for the group; a multipack provides separate portions, while pre-cooked noodles can make preparation easier without necessarily being a large pack. Check the allergens, storage instructions and availability at your chosen shop, too.
If you’re planning a dish for several people, the pack’s weight alone won’t tell you how many portions it contains. The products listed by Auchan and Carrefour include both individual sachets and packs of noodles to cook. Compare the packaging and stated portions before settling on your recipe.
If you can’t cook a large panful, instant portions or pre-cooked noodles are worth considering. Check the instructions: hot water, a frying pan and serving equipment all come with different requirements.
When serving a group, check the ingredients for each recipe rather than relying on the word ‘noodles’. The product information for Carrefour Sensation egg noodles lists wheat and eggs, for example; check the packaging of each other product for its own ingredients.
Start by deciding how you’ll serve the noodles: as one shared dish, in individual sachets or as pre-cooked noodles to portion out. Then check how much you’ll need and what constraints apply at the venue.
Consider these: if you’re preparing and seasoning a shared dish using a pan and water.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to organise the cooking and portioning on site.
Consider these: if everyone needs their own sachet to prepare separately.
Bear in mind: several sachets don’t automatically make one shared dish.
Consider these: if you want to cut down on preparation and have the equipment specified on the packaging.
Bear in mind: you may need several packs to serve the group.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and portions | Compare the total net weight in g with the stated number of portions or sachets. | To serve a shared dish without confusing the number of packs with the number of guests, you need to be able to portion out the amount you’ve planned; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Preparation | Read the instructions and check whether you’ll have access to hot water, a pan or a frying pan. | When equipment on site is limited, being able to prepare each portion easily matters more than making a shared recipe; around 25% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list and any allergens highlighted on each pack you buy. | Before sharing a meal, some people need to be able to check the ingredients for each product; around 25% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Transport and storage | Check the storage instructions and availability at your chosen shop or collection point. | If your shopping needs to be transported and stored before serving, these considerations will guide the choice for around 17% of consumers. |
A pack of 5 × 60 g comes to 300 g in total, but contains five separate sachets. The formats of this kind listed by Auchan may not be suitable for the same kind of serving as a pack intended for a shared recipe.
Add up the net weight of the sachets, then choose according to how you plan to serve the noodles.
The 250 g Carrefour Sensation recipe lists wheat and eggs. Check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements for each product you serve.
Read the packaging of the product you actually buy and keep it handy while serving, so you can answer guests’ questions.
The range can vary by shop and collection method. ALDI notes, for example, that a multipack of instant noodles shown on its website is no longer available.
Check the product at your chosen shop before finalising the menu, and have another format in mind that will work with your preparation method.
Carrefour Sensation lists egg noodles in a 250 g pack.
Auchan’s range includes several types of packaging, including egg noodles, instant portions and pre-cooked udon.
E.Leclerc DRIVE offers ordering and collection options that can help you organise shopping for the group.
Lidl’s selections of Asian specialities can point you towards formats to consider for your meal.
ALDI France has listed 200 g packs of pre-cooked udon or ramen noodles, as well as multipacks of Asia Green Garden instant noodles.
Blue Dragon features egg noodles on its Canadian website, including options for stir-fried dishes.
Compare the net weight, stated portions and number of sachets with the way you plan to serve the meal. An individual multipack and a pack for cooking together can have the same total weight but require different preparation.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on each pack you actually buy. The DGCCRF says allergens in prepacked foods must be highlighted; the Carrefour Sensation egg noodle product information lists wheat and eggs, but this doesn’t describe every other recipe.
In France, the DGCCRF says the mandatory information on prepacked foods must be written in French at a minimum, and must be visible and legible. Before serving a group, keep the packaging handy so you can check details such as the product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight and date.
Choose your shop or collection point first, then check the specific product before finalising the menu. E.Leclerc DRIVE asks you to select a shop before ordering, while ALDI notes that one of its instant noodle multipacks is no longer available.