Instant noodles are a convenient choice for students, working professionals, families and anyone looking for a quick meal without lengthy preparation. However, Asian instant noodles, Korean ramen, Japanese cup noodles and Indonesian noodles can differ considerably in preparation method, portion size, heat level and ingredients.
If you focus only on eye-catching packaging or a particularly low price per pack, you can easily end up buying something that does not suit your needs. As Joybuy Product Recommendation Officers, we therefore focus on clear, practical details such as pack size, preparation method, declared allergens and flavour profile.
A box containing 20 or 30 portions can reduce the price per serving. However, this is only worthwhile if you genuinely enjoy the flavour and level of heat regularly. With imported products, you should also check the best-before date on the packaging. For occasional meals, a 5-pack is often easier to manage.
The heat may come from chilli powder, chilli paste, chilli oil or concentrated sauce. With Buldak Ramen, Shin Ramyun and other spicy ramen varieties, the sauce is often the main source of heat. If you are more sensitive to spicy food, look for products with a separate chilli sachet. This makes it easier to adjust the amount to your preference.
A noodle box or cup saves time and washing-up. However, portion sizes and nutritional information can vary considerably. Toppings such as egg, tofu, vegetables or meat can also make a significant difference to the meal. For a single serving, it is therefore worth checking the net quantity, energy content and salt information.
Instant noodles are usually prepared in one of three ways:
Preparation times vary from around three to five minutes, depending on the product. Always follow the instructions on the individual pack. With cup noodles, take care as the container may become hot.
For occasional consumption, 5-packs such as Mi Goreng, MAMA Chicken or Samyang Ramen are easy to plan. If you regularly include Asian convenience foods in your meals, a bulk pack of instant noodles may be more suitable. Examples include MAMA Creamy Shrimp Noodles with 30 units, HaoHao with 30 cups or Nongshim Shin Ramyun with 20 packs.
When comparing prices, look at more than just the total cost. Compare the price per 100 grams or per portion as well. A 127-gram cup cannot be directly compared with a 60-gram portion.
Many instant noodles contain wheat or gluten. Depending on the recipe, they may also contain soya, sesame, celery, milk, fish or prawns. With imported products in particular, seasoning sauces and toppings may contain additional allergens.
Before buying, allergy sufferers should check the full ingredients list on the product page and also verify the current packaging. Terms such as “Shrimp”, “Fish Sauce”, “Miso” or “Cheese” may indicate potentially relevant ingredients. Precautionary allergen statements may also be important.
Why this product suits this profile: The 5-pack contains five individual 80-gram portions and offers simple drain-and-mix preparation. According to the product description, the flavour combines sweet, salty and mildly spicy notes.
The medium-sized pack reduces the risk of buying too many portions of an unfamiliar flavour.
Five individual portions, separate seasoning components and a preparation time of around three minutes. Contains wheat and soya.
Why this product suits this profile: This Japanese cup ramen contains a separate liquid miso sachet, along with vegetable ingredients such as sweetcorn, cabbage and carrot.
The separate miso paste makes the seasoning component easy to identify and allows you to stir it in after steeping.
Cup format with a steeping time of around three minutes and separate miso paste. Contains gluten, soya and sesame.
Why this product suits this profile: The bulk box with 30 portions is ideal for stocking up at home, in shared accommodation, in office kitchens or for regular quick meals.
The fixed quantity makes it easier to plan your supplies. Consider the creamy prawn Tom Yum profile in terms of both flavour and allergens before buying.
30 individual 60-gram portions, prepared with hot water in around three to four minutes. Contains gluten, soya, milk and prawns.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
Depending on the product, the noodles are cooked for three to five minutes or covered with boiling water. With Mi Goreng, the water is then drained and the seasoning is mixed in. With cup noodles, the water remains in the cup as broth. Always check the packaging for the recommended quantity of water and steeping time.
Unopened instant noodles can remain suitable for consumption for an extended period when stored in a dry, cool place away from light. The best-before date on the individual pack is the key reference. Once opened, the seasoning sachets and noodles should be used promptly. Prepared noodles should be eaten immediately.
Yes, 5-packs and bulk boxes are particularly suitable for keeping a planned supply. Before buying, however, compare the quantity, weight per portion, storage space required, best-before date and allergens. If you prefer variety, you can combine different flavours such as curry, miso, Tom Yum, Mi Goreng and Korean ramen instead of ordering a complete box containing just one flavour.