Pot Noodle Ingredients
A complete breakdown of Pot Noodle Chicken & Mushroom — the UK's best-known instant noodle pot, including its flavour enhancers and additives.
Quick Facts
~300–350 Calories Per Pot
A prepared Pot Noodle Chicken & Mushroom contains approximately 300–350 calories. Most of the energy comes from the noodle block (wheat flour and palm oil), with the flavour sachet adding relatively few calories.
High Salt Content
A single pot contains around 2.4–3.0g of salt, which is 40–50% of the adult reference intake of 6g per day. The salt comes from both the noodle block and the flavour sachet.
Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Soya, Celery
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, soya, and celery. May also contain egg. Always check the label for the most up-to-date allergen information as formulations vary by flavour.
Full Ingredients List
Here are the ingredients in Pot Noodle Chicken & Mushroom flavour, broken down by component:
Noodle Block
Wheat Flour, Palm Oil, Salt.
The noodle block is made from just three ingredients. The wheat flour provides the carbohydrate base, palm oil is used during the frying process to set the noodle shape (instant noodles are typically flash-fried), and salt adds basic flavour.
Flavour Sachet
Salt, Sugar, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides), Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Spices, Colours (Sulphite Ammonia Caramel, Paprika Extract), Soya Sauce Powder (Soya, Wheat), Milk Powder, Celery Powder, Flavourings.
The flavour sachet is where most of the additives are found. It relies heavily on flavour enhancers (MSG and E635) to create the savoury, umami-rich taste. Maltodextrin acts as a carrier for the powdered flavourings, and various powders (onion, garlic, celery, milk) build up the flavour profile.
Additives Explained
| Additive | E-Number | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) | E621 | Flavour enhancer | The most widely used flavour enhancer in the world. Adds umami (savoury) taste. Naturally present in tomatoes, parmesan, and soy sauce. The FSA considers MSG safe for consumption. |
| Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides | E635 | Flavour enhancer | Works synergistically with MSG to intensify savoury flavour. Often used alongside MSG in processed foods. Generally considered safe. |
| Sulphite Ammonia Caramel | E150d | Colour (brown) | The most common type of caramel colour used in food manufacturing. Gives the broth its brown appearance. Generally considered safe by EFSA at levels found in food. |
| Paprika Extract | E160c | Colour (orange-red) | Natural colour derived from paprika peppers. Adds a warm reddish hue to the broth. Generally considered safe — it is simply concentrated paprika. |
Other Notable Ingredients
- Palm Oil — Used in the noodle block during the flash-frying process. This is why instant noodles have a higher fat content than regular dried noodles.
- Maltodextrin — A starchy powder used as a carrier and bulking agent for the flavour sachet. It dissolves easily in hot water. Generally considered safe.
- Yeast Extract — A natural source of umami flavour, similar to Marmite. Contains naturally occurring glutamate, which enhances the savoury taste alongside the added MSG.
- Soya Sauce Powder — Dehydrated soy sauce that contributes saltiness and umami depth. Contains soya and wheat allergens.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values for Pot Noodle Chicken & Mushroom, per pot as prepared:
| Nutrient | Per Pot (as prepared) | % Reference Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1339kJ / 320kcal | 16% |
| Fat | 13g | 19% |
| - of which saturates | 6.0g | 30% |
| Carbohydrate | 42g | 16% |
| - of which sugars | 3.5g | 4% |
| Fibre | 2.0g | — |
| Protein | 7.5g | 15% |
| Salt | 2.7g | 45% |
Nutritional Context
The most notable nutritional concern with Pot Noodle is the salt content. At 2.7g per pot, it provides 45% of the adult daily reference intake in a single serving. The saturated fat (30% of reference intake) comes largely from the palm oil used to fry the noodle block. On the positive side, the sugar content is relatively low at 3.5g per pot.
Pot Noodle vs Alternatives
How does Pot Noodle compare to other instant noodle products and a homemade alternative?
| Product | Calories | Salt | Fat | Additives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pot Noodle (Chicken & Mushroom) | ~320 kcal | 2.7g | 13g | MSG, E150d, E160c, E635 |
| Batchelors Super Noodles | ~375 kcal | 2.0g | 14g | MSG, flavourings |
| Kabuto Noodles | ~280 kcal | 2.2g | 8g | Fewer additives, some natural flavourings |
| Homemade noodle soup | ~200 kcal | 0.5–1.0g | 3–5g | None (depending on recipe) |
Among instant noodle products, Pot Noodle has a higher salt content than most competitors. Kabuto Noodles, a premium alternative, has fewer calories and less fat. A homemade noodle soup with fresh ingredients will always be significantly lower in salt, fat, and additives, though it takes more time to prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a Pot Noodle?
A standard Pot Noodle (Chicken & Mushroom flavour) contains approximately 320 calories when prepared with boiling water. The exact calorie count varies by flavour — Bombay Bad Boy tends to be slightly higher, while some lighter varieties are lower. Most of the calories come from the noodle block (wheat flour and palm oil).
Does Pot Noodle contain MSG?
Yes, Pot Noodle contains monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621) as a flavour enhancer. MSG is one of the most extensively studied food additives in the world. The FSA, EFSA, and FDA all consider it safe for general consumption. MSG occurs naturally in many foods including tomatoes, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and soy sauce. The amount in a Pot Noodle is within normal dietary levels.
Is Pot Noodle healthy?
Pot Noodle is a convenience food that is high in salt (2.7g per pot, 45% of daily reference intake) and contains multiple additives including flavour enhancers and artificial colours. It provides limited nutritional value beyond carbohydrate energy. While it is not something to worry about as an occasional quick meal, it is best not to rely on it as a regular dietary staple. Adding fresh vegetables or protein can improve the nutritional profile if you do eat it.
Are there vegetarian Pot Noodle flavours?
Yes, several Pot Noodle flavours are suitable for vegetarians. Bombay Bad Boy is one of the more popular vegetarian options. However, formulations can change, so always check the packaging for the most current information. Some flavours that sound meaty (like Chicken & Mushroom) may or may not contain actual meat derivatives — check the label to be sure.
How much salt is in a Pot Noodle?
A standard Pot Noodle contains approximately 2.7g of salt per pot, which is 45% of the adult reference intake of 6g per day. This is one of the highest salt contents among popular convenience foods. The salt comes from both the noodle block and the flavour sachet. If salt intake is a concern, you could use less of the flavour sachet, though this will reduce the flavour.
Scan Any Product Yourself
Use NutraSafe to scan any instant noodles, snack, or grocery item and get a full ingredient breakdown — including E-number explanations and allergen alerts.
Download NutraSafe Free