Who are these choices useful for?

Holidaymakers with a poorly equipped kitchen

If you’re not sure what utensils or appliances are available in your accommodation, check the preparation instructions before choosing between noodles that need cooking and instant options.

Shoppers comparing sugar content

The French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) says that nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml to make comparisons easier. A claim on the front of the pack is no substitute for checking the nutrition table on the product you choose.

Groups looking to avoid leftovers

If you’re catering for several people or meals, compare the pack weight with the length of your stay and the storage space available.

What should you check before buying?

In a holiday rental, start by checking the cooking facilities and how many meals you’re planning: dried noodles, an instant cup and a chilled product all require different checks. Then compare the sugar content on the label of the exact product you’re considering, rather than making assumptions based on its format.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Sugars Compare the ‘sugars’ line per 100 g on similar products, then check the salt content and portion size. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, check the value for the specific pack you’re buying rather than relying on a claim on the front. Around 45% of consumers prioritise comparing sugar content.
Preparation Read the instructions and check whether the accommodation has the hot water, appliances and utensils you’ll need. If the kitchen is poorly equipped, you’ll need to be able to prepare your meal using what’s actually available; around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Portions and storage Match the pack weight to the meals you’re planning. For a product that needs chilling, check the label’s storage instructions and make sure there’s a fridge. For a short stay or a group, you’ll want to avoid leftovers that are difficult to store. Around 22% of consumers prioritise portion planning and storage.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming all instant noodles are prepared in the same way

    A noodle cup and a packet of noodles may need to be prepared differently; the format alone won’t tell you what equipment you’ll need.

    Before you buy, read the instructions for the product you’ve chosen and check that they match the facilities available in your rental.

  • Buying a chilled product without checking how to store it

    A product that needs to be kept chilled must be stored according to the instructions on its label. The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends maintaining the cold chain and setting the fridge to +4 °C.

    Check that the fridge is working when you arrive. If you can’t follow the storage instructions on the packaging, choose a product that doesn’t need to be kept chilled.

Brands to compare

Carrefour

Carrefour’s French catalogue features several types of noodles, including rice, egg and instant noodles.

  • These formats let you compare different preparation options for your stay.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each product, as they vary across the range.

Auchan

Auchan France’s catalogue includes noodle packs weighing 500 g and 1 kg.

  • You can compare these pack sizes with the number of people and meals you’re catering for.
  • Pack size doesn’t tell you how much sugar the noodles contain, so check the nutritional information for the product you choose.

Suzi Wan

Carrefour France’s catalogue includes Suzi Wan egg noodles that need cooking.

  • You can check whether the cooking method for the product you choose suits the facilities in your rental.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack for the variety you’ve chosen.

Tanoshi

Auchan France’s catalogue includes a single-serving cup of Tanoshi instant noodles.

  • A single serving may be worth considering if you’re preparing just one meal.
  • Check the preparation instructions and nutritional information for the cup you choose; the format alone won’t tell you what you need to know.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare the sugar content of two packs of noodles?

Compare the ‘sugars’ line per 100 g on similar products, then take into account the portion you plan to prepare. The DGCCRF says that displaying nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare products.

Is the ‘reduced sugar’ claim enough to help you choose?

No. This claim doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s nutritional information. The DGCCRF notes that nutrition claims are regulated; you should also check the nutrition table, ingredients and portion size you have in mind.

Do you need a fully equipped kitchen to prepare instant noodles?

Check the preparation instructions for the product you’ve chosen before assuming you can make it with minimal equipment. The cups and other instant formats featured in catalogues don’t, by themselves, tell you whether you’ll need boiling water, a microwave or utensils.

What should you check before buying a chilled product for your rental?

Check that your accommodation will allow you to follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends maintaining the cold chain, following the temperatures specified by the manufacturer and setting the fridge to +4 °C.