Instant Noodles

Barcode 5997523314804

Yes — Instant Noodles is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including monosodium glutamate (flavour enhancer), maltodextrin, dextrose, stabiliser (tobacco extract), dextrin, yeast extract, flavouring, and processed cheese. These are industrial formulations or additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

3 ultra-processed markers

UPF

noodles

Food made from wheat flour with added flavor enhancer (MSG) and vegetable oil; a ready-to-cook noodle product ingredient.
UPF

seasonings

Mixture of flavoring ingredients including salt, sugar, dextrose, onion powder, garlic, yeast extract and stabilizers; used to season dishes.
OK

soy sauce

Fermented or hydrolyzed sauce made from soybeans and wheat with salt and maltodextrin.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

concentrated vegetable stock (herbs)

A concentrated liquid mix of vegetables and herbs used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. Typically includes vegetables like carrot, celery, onion, and assorted herbs; may be low in fat and sodium depending on product.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

carrot

A root vegetable used widely in cooking for sweetness, texture, and color.
OK

sweetcorn

Sweetcorn (corn on the cob or kernels) is a basic vegetable/protein ingredient used in a wide range of dishes.
OK

celery

A crunchy, fibrous stalk vegetable commonly used fresh in salads, soups, and as a garnish. Rich in water and nutrients like vitamin K and folate.
OK

crustaceans (shellfish)

Group of aquatic arthropods including crabs, shrimp, and lobster; common allergen.
OK

fish

A basic protein ingredient derived from aquatic animals.
OK

milk

A dairy liquid produced by cows; a basic, widely used food ingredient.
OK

cow's milk (processed cheese)

Milk from cows that has been processed or used in the production of processed cheese. In many cases, milk is the base ingredient in cheese, possibly combined with cultures, enzymes, and salt.

Common questions about Instant Noodles

Is Instant Noodles ultra-processed?

Yes — Instant Noodles is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients and additives, including monosodium glutamate (flavour enhancer), maltodextrin, dextrose, stabiliser (tobacco extract), dextrin, yeast extract, flavouring, and processed cheese. These are industrial formulations or additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Instant Noodles are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 3 ingredients in Instant Noodles as ultra-processed markers: noodles, seasonings, flavouring. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.