Cached · 10/5/2026 Share

AI-generated · Not medical advice. This analysis is produced by an AI model and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Ingredients and recipes change — always read the actual product label and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary or medical decisions, especially regarding allergies or health conditions. Read the full disclaimer →

Pot Noodle · other

Pot Noodle

Name: Pot Noodle (Original Curry, typical formulation)
Brand: Pot Noodle

A convenient, very salty, low-fibre ultra-processed snack that is fine as an occasional treat but a poor everyday meal.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreePalm Oil-Free

score

/ 100

Ingredient Breakdown

1 red · 6 amber · 5 green

Calories

Approx. 440-450 kcal per 100g dry (about 380-400 kcal per 90g pot, as sold)

Serving

1 pot (about 90g dry weight, prepared with boiling water)

Sugar

Approx. 4-6g per pot (about 5-7% of daily value)

Sat. Fat

Approx. 6-8g per pot (about 30-40% of daily value)

High in salt: one pot can supply more than half of the recommended 6g daily limit, which matters for people with high blood pressure.

Contains two flavour enhancers (MSG and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides). They are considered safe but make the product very easy to overeat, and people with gout should be cautious.

Contains gluten (wheat), so it is unsuitable for coeliacs and people with wheat allergy.

Low in fibre and protein, so it is not very filling. It is best eaten alongside vegetables and a protein source.

Recipes vary by flavour and by country, so check the label on your specific pot. Some flavours contain artificial colours or milk.

Full Analysis

Ingredients (12)

Noodles (fortified wheat flour)

aka Refined wheat noodles

Refined flour is quickly digested and low in fibre and protein. It is fortified with calcium, iron and B vitamins, which helps a little, but it makes up the bulk of a nutritionally thin meal.

Daily Intake — Provides most of the carbohydrate and calories, with very little fibre

MODERATE

Palm oil

Controversial

aka Vegetable fat (used to fry the noodles)

Palm oil is high in saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol when eaten regularly. Sustainability and deforestation concerns apply unless it is certified (e.g. RSPO).

Daily Intake — Contributes roughly 25-30% of the daily saturated fat limit per pot

MODERATE

Salt (sodium chloride)

aka Table salt

Salt is the main nutritional concern in instant noodles. Regular high intake is linked to raised blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Salt comes from the noodles and the sauce or seasoning.

Daily Intake — A single pot can supply roughly 50-70% of the 6g daily salt limit

HIGH RISK

Potassium carbonate / sodium carbonate

E501 / E500

aka Acidity regulators (give noodles their springy texture)

These are widely used processing aids that are considered safe at normal food levels. They are the same alkaline agents used in traditional ramen noodles.

Daily Intake — No intake concern at food-use levels

SAFE

Guar gum

E412

aka Thickener / stabiliser

Guar gum is a plant-derived soluble fibre. It is considered safe in the small amounts used, though very large amounts can cause bloating in sensitive people.

Daily Intake — No concern at typical levels

SAFE

Monosodium glutamate

E621 Controversial

aka MSG (flavour enhancer)

Regulators such as EFSA and the FDA consider MSG safe at normal intake. It boosts savoury flavour and makes very salty, processed food more palatable, which can encourage overeating. Some people report headaches or flushing.

Daily Intake — Adds to total sodium, and a small number of people report sensitivity

MODERATE

Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides

E635 Controversial

aka Flavour enhancer

It is generally regarded as safe and is used with MSG to amplify flavour. It is metabolised to purines, so people with gout or kidney problems are often advised to limit it.

Daily Intake — Best avoided by people with gout or purine sensitivity

MODERATE

Sugar

aka Table sugar

The amount is modest, but it is a hidden sugar in a savoury product. It adds to the total from the rest of your day.

Daily Intake — Roughly 4-6g per pot, about 5-7% of the daily sugar limit

MODERATE

Maltodextrin

aka Processed starch carrier

It has a high glycaemic index and is a sign of a highly processed seasoning. It is safe in small amounts but adds no nutritional value.

Daily Intake — Small amount per serving; counts as a rapidly absorbed carbohydrate

MODERATE

Yeast extract

aka Savoury flavouring

It is a natural flavouring made from yeast, and it is safe for most people. It contributes natural glutamates and some B vitamins.

Daily Intake — Naturally rich in sodium and glutamates; counts toward salt intake

SAFE

Dried vegetables (carrot, pepper, onion, peas)

aka Veg pieces

These are real vegetables and add a little fibre and flavour. The quantity is tiny, so they don't change the overall nutritional picture.

Daily Intake — Too small an amount to count toward your 5-a-day

SAFE

Citric acid

E330

aka Acid / flavour regulator

It occurs naturally in citrus fruit and is safe at normal food levels. It is used for tang and flavour balance.

Daily Intake — No concern

SAFE

Upgrade Your Pantry

Healthier alternatives

Plain wholegrain or rice noodles with your own seasoning

You control the salt, and the noodles are free from flavour enhancers and added palm oil.

Find on Amazon

Low-sodium instant noodle pots (veg- or miso-based)

They usually contain significantly less salt and often more vegetables or protein.

Find on Amazon

Dried miso soup with soba noodles

It is a quick, microwave-free meal with fewer additives and more fibre and protein.

Find on Amazon

Fun Fact

Pot Noodle launched in the UK in 1977 and has since become one of Britain's best-known 'instant meal' brands, with a long-running cult following and a series of famously cheeky ad campaigns.

Made by Unilever (long-time owner of the Pot Noodle brand; ownership may have changed, so check current packaging)

Check another product