Vegans keeping an eye on salt
You’re looking for a recipe that fits a vegan diet, while paying close attention to the ‘salt’ figure in the nutritional information.
Who are these options for?
Shoppers looking for quick vegan meals
You want a meal ready in minutes and check for a vegan label, the ingredients in the seasoning sachets and the salt per 100 g.
People who make their own sauce
You’d rather start with plain noodles so you can choose the sauce and stock separately, and control how much salt you add to your dish.
What should you check?
Choosing between plain noodles and an instant recipe comes down to factors such as whether you want to prepare the seasoning yourself, the vegan label and how much time you have. In either case, compare the salt per 100 g for products shown in the same state.
Plain noodles
Choose these if : you want to make your own sauce and control how much salt you add. Auchan’s listing for plain noodles states 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to prepare the seasoning and check the ingredients on the pack you buy; this listing doesn’t guarantee that the product is vegan.
Instant noodles with a vegan label
Choose these if : you want a quick meal and a clear vegan label. Auchan states that the Oyakata Yakisoba Classic Soy Sauce recipe takes three minutes to prepare.
Check : the sauce and seasoning are part of the product; the listing for this Oyakata recipe shows 1.4 g of salt per 100 g.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Salt content | The ‘salt’ figure per 100 g, with the product in the same state, and whether seasoning is included. | I want to choose my own seasoning without overlooking the salt already in the noodles; around 40% of shoppers put this check first. |
| Vegan ingredients | The vegan label, where available, as well as the ingredients in the noodles and each sachet. | A vegetable flavour isn’t enough for me: I want to check the exact recipe, including the seasoning. Vegan suitability is the priority for around 40% of shoppers. |
| Preparation time | How to prepare the noodles and whether they come with a ready-made sauce. | When I’m short on time, I look for a quick meal while still checking its label; around 20% of shoppers prioritise convenience. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘vegan’ means ‘low in salt’
Auchan’s listing for Oyakata Yakisoba Classic Soy Sauce describes it as vegan and shows 1.4 g of salt per 100 g. These two details answer different questions.
Check the ingredients and vegan label separately from the ‘salt’ figure in the nutritional information.
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Assuming a product is lower in salt based on one figure alone
Under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘reduced sodium/salt’ requires a reduction of at least 25% compared with a similar product. A figure shown on its own doesn’t prove that comparison.
If this claim is important to your purchase, look for it on the packaging and check the comparison it’s based on. Otherwise, use the salt figure shown without describing the product as ‘low in salt’.
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Relying only on a product listing you checked before buying
Auchan says that the ingredients in its plain noodles may vary depending on the delivery location and date; some versions also mention possible traces of egg.
Check the ingredients list, any trace warnings and the nutritional information on the pack you receive.
Brands to consider
Auchan
Its plain noodles are a good example of a product you can season yourself.
- The listing for Auchan 1 kg noodles states that they contain 100% durum wheat semolina and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.
- Ingredients may vary, so check the pack, especially if you’re looking for a vegan label or need to take any trace warnings into account.
Oyakata
The Yakisoba Classic Soy Sauce recipe is a quick option when you’re short on time.
- Auchan describes this recipe as ‘100% vegan’ and says it takes three minutes to prepare.
- Its listing shows 1.4 g of salt per 100 g, so check this figure if salt content matters to you.
Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour’s search results for this range include 250 g rice noodles.
- This pack size makes it easy to identify a specific product to check before you buy.
- Check the ingredients list, any vegan labelling and the salt content for this product on its listing or packaging.
Plain noodles available on Joybuy
These rice noodles and rice vermicelli are a starting point for adding your own seasoning. For vegan shopping, check the ingredients on the pack. If you’re looking for a ‘reduced salt’ claim, check for it separately rather than assuming it applies because the noodles are plain.
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Rice Sticks 10 mm 400 g
A base of rice noodles for adding your own seasoning; check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack before choosing.
- Stated width: 10 mm; pack size: 400 g.
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MONT ASIE Rice Vermicelli 5 mm 375 g
Rice vermicelli to consider if you’d like to prepare the sauce separately. Check the ingredients on the pack to make sure it suits your vegan diet.
- Stated width: 5 mm; pack size: 375 g.
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Sagiang Rice Vermicelli 400 g
Rice vermicelli for a recipe where you choose the seasoning. Check the ingredients and the ‘salt’ figure on the packaging.
- Pack size: 400 g.
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Bamboo Tree Rice Vermicelli 908 g
A larger pack of rice vermicelli to season as you like. Check the packaging to make sure it meets your vegan and salt requirements.
- Pack size: 908 g.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare the salt content of two packs of noodles?
Compare the ‘salt’ figure per 100 g for products shown in the same state, for example, as sold. As the DGCCRF explains, nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml makes it easier to compare products. Also check whether the figures include a sauce or seasoning.
Are noodles labelled vegan necessarily low in salt?
No. A vegan label doesn’t tell you the salt content on its own. Auchan describes Oyakata Yakisoba Classic Soy Sauce as vegan, while its listing shows 1.4 g of salt per 100 g. So check the ingredients and nutritional information separately.
What does ‘reduced salt’ mean on a pack of noodles?
Under European Union Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, this claim requires a reduction of at least 25% in sodium or salt compared with a similar product. A low figure on its own isn’t enough to show that noodles meet this requirement.
Can you use a potassium-based salt substitute to season noodles?
It’s not a substitute you should use without considering your individual circumstances. Anses highlights risks for some people associated with potassium chloride salt substitutes. If you’re following a prescribed diet, ask a healthcare professional for advice before using one.