Joybuy Insights

Buying Instant Noodles: A Guide to Flavour, Portion Size and Stocking Up

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.

Three common buying mistakes when choosing instant noodles

1. Bulk packs are not automatically cheaper

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.

2. “Spicy” does not indicate a standard level of heat

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.

3. A cup of noodles is not always a complete meal

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.

The most important selection criteria

Preparation: cooking, adding water or draining

Instant noodles are usually prepared in one of three ways:

  • Pan preparation: The noodles are cooked in a specified amount of water, then drained and mixed with the seasonings. Indomie Mi Goreng falls into this category.
  • Soup-style preparation: The noodles and seasoning remain in the cooking water, creating a broth, as with many Korean ramen varieties.
  • Cup preparation: Boiling water is poured directly into the cup. After steeping for a few minutes, the noodle box or cup is ready to serve.

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.

Portion size and pack format

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.

Ingredients and allergens

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.

Our selection by shopper profile

Ideal for: Budget-conscious newcomers
Indomie Noodle Mi Goreng 5 x 80g

Indomie Noodle Mi Goreng 5 x 80g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The medium-sized pack reduces the risk of buying too many portions of an unfamiliar flavour.

Main benefit & strengths

Five individual portions, separate seasoning components and a preparation time of around three minutes. Contains wheat and soya.

Ideal for: Shoppers seeking high quality
Hikari Miso Menraku Cup Ramen Miso 90 G

Hikari Miso Menraku Cup Ramen Miso 90 G

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The separate miso paste makes the seasoning component easy to identify and allows you to stir it in after steeping.

Main benefit & strengths

Cup format with a steeping time of around three minutes and separate miso paste. Contains gluten, soya and sesame.

Ideal for: Specific uses & regular shoppers
MAMA Instant Creamy Shrimp Noodles 30 x 60g

MAMA Instant Creamy Shrimp Noodles, 30 × 60g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Main benefit & strengths

30 individual 60-gram portions, prepared with hot water in around three to four minutes. Contains gluten, soya, milk and prawns.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about instant noodles

How should instant noodles be prepared?

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.

How long do instant noodles last?

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.

Are instant noodles suitable for stocking up?

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.