Office pantry staple

Instant noodles are a pre-cooked, dehydrated noodle block typically packaged with a flavoring packet, serving as a ubiquitous office pantry staple globally. Originating in post-war Japan, they now come in countless varieties, with the most basic consisting of wheat noodles, palm oil, and salt.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

A standard serving is high in refined carbohydrates and sodium, with a moderate amount of fat from the frying process, and provides minimal protein or fiber. A typical package contains roughly 350-500 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	110 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	210 mg
Iron	7 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 µg
Folate	200 µg
Potassium	100 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Phosphorus	100 mg
Zinc	3 mg

Per 1 packet (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Their unique flash-frying dehydration method, invented in 1958, allows for a shelf life of months and preparation in just minutes with hot water, making them the ultimate symbol of modern convenience food.