How Many Calories Are in Instant Noodles? Can You Gain Weight From Eating Them?

Instant noodles are a convenient and beloved food item globally. But how much calorie is in a pack of instant noodles? Are instant noodles fattening? These are questions that often arise when discussing this popular food item.

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Instant noodles are a convenient and tasty option, widely popular in Vietnam and beyond. Some even enjoy eating them raw because it’s quick and fun. However, many wonder if eating instant noodles can lead to weight gain. Let’s explore this question in the following article.

1. Nutritional Value of Instant Noodles

Nutritional Value of Instant Noodles

A 108-gram serving of instant noodles contains approximately 648 calories, with the following nutritional breakdown:

  • Protein: 24.4gr
  • Carbohydrates: 89.4gr
  • Fat: 15gr
  • Daily Value (DV) of nutrients: 1%

2. Calorie Content in Instant Noodles

Calorie Content in Instant Noodles

Typically, a 75-gram packet of instant noodles contains 350 calories. In comparison, the recommended caloric intake for women and men per meal is 300-500 and 400-600 calories, respectively. Since instant noodles are low in fiber and protein but high in carbohydrates and saturated fat, it is advisable to accompany them with eggs, meat, and vegetables to ensure a balanced meal.

3. Calorie Content in Different Brands of Instant Noodles

Calorie Content in Different Brands of Instant Noodles

The Vietnamese market offers a wide variety of instant noodle brands. Here is a list of some popular options and their respective calorie counts:

Popular Instant Noodle Brands Calorie Content
Hảo Hảo Sa Tế Tôm (75g packet) 350 calories
Omachi (80g packet) 345 calories
Koreno (100g packet) 365-590 calories
Gấu Đỏ (75g packet) 284 calories
3 Miền Mì Tôm Hùm (75g packet) 380 calories

4. Do Instant Noodles Cause Weight Gain?

Do Instant Noodles Cause Weight Gain?

Instant noodles are fried and then dried during the manufacturing process, resulting in a high-fat content. The fat in instant noodles is primarily saturated fat, accounting for 15-20% of the packet’s weight.

This saturated fat is the main contributor to weight gain as it provides excess calories without sufficient nutritional value. Regular consumption of saturated fat, especially when eating instant noodles raw, can lead to adverse health consequences, including increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol levels.

5. Health Considerations When Eating Instant Noodles

Health Considerations When Eating Instant Noodles

  • Limit raw instant noodle consumption to once or twice a month to avoid negative health impacts.
  • If you regularly eat instant noodles, cook them in a pot instead of just pouring boiling water to ensure more thorough cooking.
  • Limit instant noodle intake to a maximum of twice a week.
  • Always accompany instant noodles with vegetables, eggs, and meat to create a more nutritionally balanced meal.
  • Avoid eating raw instant noodles in the evening as the unutilized energy from the noodles can turn into fat while you sleep.

We hope this article has provided clarity on the calorie content and potential impact on weight gain from consuming instant noodles. Stay tuned for more informative articles on our website!

Source: Bazaar Vietnam

Frequently asked questions

A cup of instant noodles has around 300-400 calories, depending on the brand and flavor.

Yes, it is possible to gain weight from consuming instant noodles regularly. They are often high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, and low in fiber and protein, which can contribute to weight gain over time if not balanced with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Some healthier alternatives to instant noodles include: whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or bean-based noodles. These options tend to be lower in calories and fat, and higher in fiber and nutrients.

To boost the nutritional value of instant noodles, try adding some vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Examples include: stir-frying some vegetables and adding them to the cooked noodles, topping with a fried egg or some grilled chicken, or adding a teaspoon of peanut butter or olive oil for healthy fats.

While instant noodles can be a convenient and tasty option, excessive consumption may be linked to an increased risk of certain health issues, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It is important to enjoy instant noodles in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.