Whole food · Soups, Sauces, and Gravies
Photo: Wikipedia
This is the dehydrated, shelf-stable version of the classic comfort food, requiring only hot water to reconstitute into a savory broth with tender noodles and chicken pieces. The dry mix has a concentrated, salty, umami flavor and a powdery texture that transforms into a light, savory soup. Nutritionally, it's primarily a source of quick-release carbohydrates from the noodles and added starches, with a modest protein boost from the chicken.
People love it for its unmatched convenience and the nostalgic, warming comfort it provides in minutes. It's a versatile base that can be easily customized with extra vegetables, herbs, or spices.
The dry mix is typically very high in sodium, which can contribute to water retention and isn't ideal for those monitoring blood pressure. The refined carbohydrates can cause a quick rise in blood sugar. To counteract, look for low-sodium versions, add fresh vegetables for volume and fiber, and pair it with a side of protein or healthy fat to slow digestion.
The first commercially sold instant noodles, invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, were inspired by the desire to create a food that was cheap, non-perishable, and could be prepared quickly with just hot water.
| Water | 4.9 g |
| Energy | 377 kcal |
| Energy | 1576 kj |
| Protein | 15.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.5 g |
| Ash | 10.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 62.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g |
| Sucrose | 1.1 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.78 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 50.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 55.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 38.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 195 mg |
| Potassium, K | 306 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 3161 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.29 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.47 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 32.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.57 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.38 mg |
| Niacin | 4.9 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.90 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.24 mg |
| Folate, total | 71.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 62.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 115 ug |
| Choline, total | 61.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.75 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 8.0 ug |
| Retinol | 8.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 9.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 4.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 44.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 43.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.33 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.04 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.66 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 13:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.40 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.23 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.3 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 74.0 mg |
| Tryptophan | 0.15 g |
| Threonine | 0.61 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.69 g |
| Leucine | 1.2 g |
| Lysine | 0.81 g |
| Methionine | 0.26 g |
| Cystine | 0.17 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.73 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.47 g |
| Valine | 0.76 g |
| Arginine | 0.88 g |
| Histidine | 0.40 g |
| Alanine | 0.75 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.9 g |
| Glycine | 0.67 g |
| Proline | 1.3 g |
| Serine | 0.74 g |
How does the nutrition change when prepared?
The provided nutrition is for the dry mix. When prepared with water, the calories and nutrients are diluted per volume, but the sodium content per serving remains very high.
Is it a good source of vitamins?
Generally, no. It is primarily a source of macronutrients (carbs, some protein). Any vitamins present are typically from added fortification, not whole ingredients.
Can I make it healthier?
Absolutely. Use only half the seasoning packet to cut sodium, add plenty of fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach, carrots, and peas, and top with a soft-boiled egg or shredded chicken for extra protein.